The most wonderful time of the year has arrived in Tallinn, Estonia. The official Tallinn Christmas Market has opened, and it’s as magical as ever. Old Town’s medieval streets are glowing with festive lights, and the air is filled with the warm scent of glögi and gingerbread. With snow arriving early this year, the entire city is covered in soft, fluffy white.

When most people think of Christmas markets, they imagine Germany or Switzerland. But I highly recommend visiting Estonia’s award-winning Christmas market—it truly looks like a real-life Hallmark Christmas movie.

The market is located in Tallinn’s Old Town Square, just a 20-minute drive from the airport, and impossible to miss. The Christmas tree stands right in the heart of the square. This year is especially special—580 years ago, in 1441, the first Christmas tree in Europe was erected right here in Tallinn’s Town Hall Square.

Be sure to pick up some authentic Estonian goods at the market. Handmade hats, scarves, mittens, and Christmas ornaments are just a few of the beautiful crafts sold in the stalls. And as you wander through the winding cobblestone streets of Old Town, keep an eye out for the charming little Christmas trees decorated throughout the area.

There are plenty of hotels, restaurants, and cozy cafés nearby—perfect spots to warm up and enjoy the holiday atmosphere.

            Here are a few pictures of our time in Tallinn.