About this experience
To learn about Estonian traditions and customs, ancient and modern, games, dances, treats, and secrets, I invite everyone to listen to twelve Christmas stories and make just as many wishes. You will take a walk through festive Tallinn - a city where Christmas is celebrated 2 times, hear the story of essential holiday attributes, and discover the world of sweets, souvenirs, and fun on the fairytale-decorated streets of the Estonian capital.
What to Expect
Celebrating Christmas in Estonia
You will embark on a walk through an unusual city where Christmas is celebrated 2 times. It all starts with anticipation - Advent, and continues until January 19 with the celebration of Twelfth Night. Perhaps this is where the East and West meet, and the residents love holidays. On the tour through the ornate city center, you will learn about the traditions of celebrating Christmas in Estonia and visit the most atmospheric places in Tallinn. I will tell you what this holiday is called in Estonia, where the first Christmas tree in Europe was installed, and which king carried it to the Town Hall Square. When did the preparations for Christmas begin and for whom did the lovely queen proclaim "Christmas World". In addition, you will learn what to hang on the tree if there are no cookies, candies, and apples; what weight Santa Claus should be for gifts to appear in sacks by the fireplace of every child; how riddles and puzzles usually help you discover twelve secrets of Christmas and believe that miracles are close!
Holiday Atmosphere and Secrets of Christmas Attributes
You will visit the "old market" - a place where all roads meet - and find out why people from all over the city gather here. You will dance to the tune of the flute and drum, learn about the holiday and Christmas chores near the house of the rich merchant "Peeperzak", near the Town Hall, I will tell you about the "Christmas World" and the day of "Saint Thomas", and also about the drink that is brewed in the neighboring house and which should last until the end of Twelfth Night, but not everyone can participate. You will also be greeted by nimble gnomes climbing in windows to leave children sweets. Explore a craftsman's house and learn what it looked like before. We will talk about the history of the Christmas tree, the town hall pharmacy will reveal the secrets of holiday sweets, and then you will go to the Bakery Passage to make wishes, to the guild houses where feasts and celebrations took place. You will visit the street of craftsmen and maybe see or even make some souvenir (optional). By the Russian church, we will discuss the differences between Russian, Catholic, and Protestant traditions. At the house of the Chernogolovy family, you will hear the story of a Russian tsar who participated in New Year's celebrations with them. In the end, all that remains is to climb to Gerda's house and check if there is anyone among us with a cold heart:)
