A Winter Wonderland Escape: My Magical Christmas in Estonia with the Family
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Remember how I raved about my trip to Estonia a while back? Well, this year, I took the whole family for a Christmas adventure in the beautiful winter wonderland that is Tallinn! We were all craving a snowy escape, and Estonia delivered in spades.
In this post, I'll be sharing all about our magical Christmas experience in Tallinn. I’ll share with you the logistics of getting there, explore our unique accommodation choices (from city apartments to cosy seaside houses!), and uncover the exciting activities that keep the whole family entertained – from husky hikes and enchanting museums to indoor playgrounds and Tallinn's Christmas market.
So, grab a cup of hot cocoa, settle in, and prepare to be swept away by the festive charm of Christmas in Tallinn!
Getting There
Flying directly from Dublin to Tallinn used to be a breeze, but unfortunately, those days seem to be over. We ended up traveling with Lufthansa, with a layover in Frankfurt.
Pro tip for savvy travellers: Beware of short layovers in massive airports!
1.5 hours in Frankfurt with a family in tow was an adrenaline rush, to say the least. Thankfully, we made it to Tallinn in one piece, and the kids surprised us with how well they handled the journey (bonus points for them!). As soon as we landed, the magic began – snowflakes swirled around us, setting the scene for a perfect Christmas experience.
Accommodation Adventures
We decided to mix things up a bit and try out two different types of accommodation during our stay. First, we explored city life with an apartment near the Tallinn city center and Old Town.
It was a quick 15-20 minute walk from the action, nestled in a charming residential area filled with cosy local cafes. Getting around was a breeze – we used Bolt, the Estonian equivalent of Uber, which was super affordable and convenient. They even offer a car rental option through their app, with vehicles parked on almost every street corner.
For the second part of our trip, we opted for a house near the sea. Picture this: a spacious, traditional Baltic-style house with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and the pièce de résistance – a private sauna! Yes, saunas seem to be practically mandatory in Estonia, and I have to say, it was an absolute delight.
Activities for All Ages
Estonia kept the whole family entertained with a variety of activities. Here are some highlights:
Lottemaa Amusement Park: Language barrier? No problem! Lottemaa, a beloved Estonian cartoon character, comes to life in this giant city designed especially for kids. Most staff members spoke English, and the kids had a blast exploring the park and attending the various shows throughout the day.
Husky Farm Adventure: We learned all about these magnificent dogs and even got to go on a hike with them! Each participant was paired with their own husky, making for a memorable and fun-filled day (and a great workout in the snow!).
Indoor Playgrounds: When the Estonian weather wasn't cooperating, these massive indoor playgrounds became our saving grace. Think trampolines, slides, climbing walls – all catering to kids of all ages. We spent a few happy hours here during our stay.
Museum Adventures:
Estonian Maritime Museum: This interactive museum offered a fascinating glimpse into Estonian maritime history, complete with games for the kids. The rooftop boasts stunning panoramic views of Tallinn's Old Town. (Adult tickets start at around €14)
Energy Discovery Centre: Here, we learned all about different energy generation methods in a fun and interactive way. Perfect for curious minds of all ages!
PROTO Invention Factory: This place stole my heart! Spend an hour or two here exploring a variety of VR games suitable for both adults and kids. You can even take a trip down memory lane with classic video games, board games, and other nostalgic entertainment options. They even have a cafeteria serving delicious and affordable food – I highly recommend the hearty portion of harčõ soup (soup) for just €5!
Exploring Tallinn
No trip to Tallinn during Christmas would be complete without experiencing the Christmas market. While the food prices were a bit on the steep side, it was still a lovely experience to wander through the stalls and discover unique Estonian products like handcrafted ornaments, woollen scarves, and local delicacies.
For some outdoor fun, we ventured to the ice skating rink in the Old Town, just a short walk from the main square. It was a great way to soak up the festive atmosphere and burn off some energy!
A Taste of Estonian Christmas
Beyond the Christmas market, we also tried to immerse ourselves in some more traditional Estonian Christmas experiences. One evening, we enjoyed a delicious Christmas dinner at a local restaurant. Think roasted goose, gingerbread cookies, and mulled wine – a feast fit for a Yuletide celebration! We also learned about some interesting Estonian Christmas traditions, like attending a church service on Christmas Eve or leaving a lit candle in the window to welcome home good spirits.
Overall Impressions
Our Estonian Christmas escape was an unforgettable experience for the whole family. The kids were mesmerized by the snow, a first-time experience for them, and Tallinn's festive atmosphere captured our hearts. Getting around the city was easy and affordable with Bolt, and the delicious food, with hints of our previous Latvian adventure, kept us well-fueled for our explorations.
Estonia has undoubtedly earned a spot on our "dream places to live" list. Even if that doesn't happen in the future, Tallinn will forever hold a special place in our hearts. This charming city, with its rich history, vibrant culture, and winter wonderland beauty, is a must-visit for anyone seeking a magical Christmas getaway.
Planning Your Own Estonian Christmas Adventure
Inspired to create your own Estonian Christmas memories? Here are some quick tips to get you started:
Consider purchasing a Tallinn Card for free entry to many museums and public transportation discounts.
Be prepared for potential layovers when flying – give yourselves ample time between connecting flights.
Pack warm clothes, sturdy winter boots, and waterproof gear to embrace the snowy Estonian winter.
Do you have any questions about planning a Christmas trip to Tallinn? Feel free to leave a comment below and I'd be happy to share more details about our experiences!
I hope this article has given you a glimpse into the magic of Christmas in Tallinn. Now, it's your turn to start planning your own unforgettable Estonian adventure!
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