Why & how to visit the Baltic Christmas markets!
Wednesday, 15 October 2025
As the festive season approaches and Europe lights up with the magic of Christmas, there's one corner of the continent that often flies under the radar. Nestled between Scandinavia and Eastern Europe - Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are each home to enchanting and underrated Christmas markets. If you're looking to experience a fairy tale winter somewhere a little more unusual, here's why the Baltic Christmas markets of Tallinn, Riga and Vilnius are worth visiting this year.
Tallinn Christmas Market
Described as one of the prettiest in Europe, Tallinn Christmas Market featured in Forbes magazine as one of the top 10 European Christmas markets to visit in 2024. Tallinn's Christmas market is worth visiting for its charming medieval setting, festive atmosphere, and unique offerings. Festivities will begin in November for those wanting to get in the Christmas spirit that little bit earlier with the Christmas market stage filled with dance and song every weekend.
Tallinn Christmas Market shopping
Tallinn Old Town market square is filled with festive stalls of unique crafts and tasty goodies.
Festive vibes in Tallinn
The cosy bars, cafes and restaurants are the perfect base in which to eat, drink and be merry!
Riga
Riga is known for its wooden buildings, art nouveau architecture, and buzzing Old Town - at Christmas each area is filled with festive cheer from decorations, markets and cultural events. The main market is in Dome Square, surrounded by historic buildings and Riga Cathedral, here you will find a colourful array of handcrafted items and unique Christmas presents not typically found elsewhere. With its Christmas Lights Trail and award for Best Christmas Lights in Europe, Riga feels even more magical at this time of year.
Riga at Christmas
Take a walking tour on your first morning to discover the best places for Christmas cheer and shopping in Riga.
Riga Christmas shopping
Not only will the Christmas markets offer curious gifts, Riga also has wonderful boutique craft and gift shops to discover.
Vilnius
Vilnius has been named the European Christmas Capital in 2025 for good reason. The two main Christmas market areas, in Cathedral Square and Town Hall Square, are relatively close to each other, making it easy to explore both. They are linked by the Old Town streets, where many of the shops go to awesome efforts to decorate their facades - making Vilnius a showcase of festive shop front design and indulgence. Vilnius also has a reputation for its creative and unique Christmas trees, with previous designs being named the most beautiful in Europe. Perfect if you are looking for a less crowded and more intimate Christmas market break.
Vilnius Christmas decorations
Wandering the streets of Vilnius at Christmas is truly magical.
Vilnius Christmas Tree
Vilnius is famous for creative and quirky Christmas trees.
1. Three Christmas Markets in One Trip!
Why not make it a longer tour? With a bit of planning and some local help, it is easy to combine all three Baltic capitals and their Christmas markets. You will see more than just the cities too; as you travel through the Baltic winter landscapes you will stop off at the iconic Trakai island castle in Lithuania and Estonia's coastal resort of Parnu.
2. Small and friendly
The Baltic Christmas markets are compact and not overly crowed, making them easily walkable. Get to know the people, food, music, and traditions and explore cosy and festive places most tourists miss.
3. Authentic and locally produced gifts
Support local artisans and buy gifts that are hand made and locally produced instead of mass produced. Choose from woollen items such as mittens, hats and socks or jewellery, ornaments and wooden toys. There is something for everyone. Talk to locals whilst enjoying a cosy mug of mulled wine with freshly made waffles or biscuits. What better way to soak in the festive atmosphere whilst ticking those presents off your list!
4. Great value for money
Compared with many other European countries, the Baltics still offer value for money if you know where to go. When your budget stretches further it means fewer compromises, more gifts and more treats! There is an excellent selection of quality 4 and 5 star hotels, central to the old towns at affordable prices. You can choose to dine out on a memorable Michelin meal, or sample traditional food and drink in the local cafes, bars and restaurants at reasonable prices.
5. Choose from a private or group tour
Choose to visit the Baltic Christmas markets on a fixed date small group tour, departing 5th to 11th of December 2025, or 7th to 13th December 2025.
Or take a private tour of the Baltic Christmas markets that can depart any date (perfect for groups of friends!) and add winter activities or experiences.
Contact Sarah for more info
We have our very own Mrs Christmas - Sarah is here to help, so start planning your Baltic Christmas break!
Email Sarah