As the festive season approaches, I find myself caught in a whirlwind of anticipation, my heart echoing the joyous rhythm of Christmas carols. Having bid farewell to the familiar festivities of my home in Nigeria, I eagerly await the enchanting transformation of Tartu, Estonia, into a winter wonderland. Here, in this picturesque city, I envision a Christmas steeped in serenity and tradition, a stark contrast to the vibrant celebrations that have defined my past Christmases. In Nigeria, Christmas is a symphony of sights, sounds, and flavours. The streets pulsate with the energy of carol services, carnival parades, and street parties. Homes ignite with the warm glow of twinkling lights and festive decorations, while the air vibrates with the infectious beats of traditional music and the aroma of traditional food shared among communities. It is a time when families from various cities come together, for that one time of the year, to celebrate the festivities.
Yet, amidst this vibrant spectacle, I yearn for a Christmas that evokes a sense of tranquillity, a season that allows the spirit of the holiday to gently seep into my soul. And it is here, in the enchanting city of Tartu, that I hope to find this peaceful respite. Talking to a couple of locals, I was informed that Christmas in Estonia is very traditional and family centric. It brings the mellow to the season, ranging from an array of activities to quiet time with family. So, here is a list of 7 things I look forward to in spending my first Christmas in Tartu Estonia.
1 – Exploring the enchanting Christmas city in Tartu.
Step into the magical city, explore and enjoy the dazzling lights and decorations that illuminate the Town Square creating mesmerising ambiance. Take a stroll through the festive markets, lined with charming wooden cabins offering varieties of traditional Estonian goodies.
2 – Discover and explore the enthralling Christmas fair!
Speaking of wooden cabins offering an array of Estonian goodies, I envision myself strolling through the charming Christmas market, its wooden stalls overflowing with handcrafted treasures, each whispering tales of Estonian craftsmanship. I picture myself indulging in the rich flavours of traditional Estonian delicacies, each bite a symphony of flavours that warms the soul. If you are anything like me, the traditional edibles should be enough to lure you!
3 – Glide across the Ice rink!
Taking a graceful (or not so graceful) glide across the ice rink in Town Hall Square, the crisp winter air invigorating my senses. I come from the tropics where at its coldest, it is about 9℃. I envision probably falling a couple of times but most importantly, enjoying skating for the first time, watching other people gracefully skate whilst enjoying the joyous festivities in the atmosphere. It is something to look forward to (especially when Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be skating with you).
4 – Savor the festive culinary delights!
Did I mention food earlier? Tartu’s culinary scene is a wonder to behold! A steaming cup of mulled wine and gingerbread cookies adorned in festive designs and savouring the customary Estonian Christmas dishes! There would be stalls and stalls of this festive goodness, telling stories of culture and history with every bite and sip. This is the most important thing on my list.
5 – Embark on a fairytale sleigh ride!
The thought of going on a sleigh ride with Santa or anyone else awakens my childhood wishes. Again, this is not something I have ever experienced, given the climate disparities between Nigeria and Estonia. A sleigh ride in the cold winter in Estonia with horses (well, Santa did not lend us his reindeer this year) would be a dream come true. What would you give to experience of a dash of fairytale? Apparently, you do not have to give anything, only pay a visit to Tartu at Christmas, and experience the time of your life.
6 – Experience magical performances and other activities.
One similarity that both Estonian and Nigerian Christmas share is the performances. While Nigerian performances range from our afrobeat concert performances to traditional masquerade performances (I assure you, it is not what you think, it is vastly different from the European masquerade ball), Tartu presents you with activities ranging from wintry folk dance to fortune-telling, Santa’s winter games, to a variation of theatrical productions, music, book readings, poetry. I am interested in learning my fortunes for the year 2024 (another first in my list of ‘firsts’). There would be a procession for the Declaration of Christmas Peace, a tradition that dates to the 17th Century. Also, look forward to the ceremony to light the 4th Advent candle in preparation for the birth of the Son. There would be an assortment of activities that one should experience at least once in one lifetime, this would be my Christmas in a couple of days.
7 – Enjoy a quiet service at a small local cathedral.
And then, there is the promise of Christmas Eve, a night of hushed anticipation, when the city cloaks itself in a mantle of tranquillity. Take a walk through the snow-dusted streets, the twinkling lights casting an ethereal glow over the cityscape. The serene silence, broken only by the distant peal of church bells, would be a balm to your soul.
As I eagerly anticipate my first Christmas in Tartu, Estonia, I find myself on the brink of a unique and enchanting experience. From the dazzling lights of the Town Square to the serenity of a quiet service at a local cathedral, each anticipated activity weaves into the fabric of a tapestry that promises tranquillity, tradition, and cultural richness. This Christmas, I am not merely exchanging one set of traditions for another; I am embarking on a journey of contrasts and discoveries. The vibrant rhythms of Nigeria’s celebrations, so deeply ingrained in my memories, are set to harmonize with the tranquil charm of Tartu, creating a symphony of experiences that will resonate in my heart for years to come. As I navigate the wooden stalls of the Christmas market, glide across the ice rink, and partake in the festive culinary delights, I am not just a spectator; I am an active participant in the unfolding narrative of Tartu’s Christmas magic. In the quietude of Christmas Eve, under the ethereal glow of twinkling lights, I anticipate a profound sense of peace—a respite from the bustling energy of the season. The city, wrapped in snow, will hush its streets, and the distant peal of church bells will underscore the timeless beauty of the occasion. This Christmas in Tartu is not merely a collection of activities; it is a celebration of simplicity, a reminder of the simple joys that make the season truly magical. I am eager to tell a story that would unravel the threads of tranquillity, tradition, and cultural richness that weave together to form the essence of this extraordinary holiday in Estonia. In the days to come, as I immerse myself in the festivities and embrace the traditions of Tartu, I am confident that this Christmas will be more than a mere celebration; it will be a cherished memory, etched into the tapestry of my experiences—a tale of two Christmases, each unique and irreplaceable.
