Christmas in Estonia is unlike any other I have ever seen or experienced before.
Being from a tropical country and having never experienced temperatures below 10 degrees, the winter in Estonia, the town squares, Christmas markets, and festivities and gatherings everywhere add up to create the ultimate Christmas experience.
The long nights are lit up by lights and decorations and watching the snow fall over the small but graceful city of Tartu has become one of my favorite things to do these days.
Couple this with a cup of hot cocoa and the company of a few friends, and the winter and the Christmas feeling could not be more perfect.
But the Christmas season is also about going back to your families and reuniting with them, and for some of us going home for Christmas may not be an option because of studies, work, or other commitments.
Being away from home for the first time this Christmas, here’s some stuff to do, to keep yourself from missing home.
1) Tartu City has a lot of Christmas events, participate!
It may not be the people you know and love, but being around people and celebrating the joys of Christmas together has a certain soothing and comforting vibe to it.
Also, the City of Tartu has several public events that you can join for free, or for a small price.
The Tartu City Center Christmas market has a lot of activities you can easily be a part of and join the Christmas cheer, for example, watching the Advent Candle Lighting ceremonies every Sunday, Ice skating around the iconic kissing students’ statue, gathering around fireplaces to roast your marshmallows, or to simply get warm and getting cute pictures in front of the magnificent Christmas trees are some of the most popular Christmas activities in Tartu.
Also, you have the unique opportunity to go Pony sleigh riding under the starry city sky of Tartu’s old town and enjoy seasonal cuisines at local restaurants, and shop for confectioneries and Christmas goodies after. Such fun to mix with the local crowds and breathe in the crisp breeze! Make sure to layer up though! 🙂
Apart from the festivities at the city center, did you know that the Museums of Tartu also have seasonal events?
The Estonian Sports and Olympic Museum in Tartu has Indoor snowball fights and a magical land of elves. Inside the magical land of elves, there is a light village, and you can participate in an adventurous search for elves!
Another famous museum in Tartu, The Tartu Toy Museum also has its own seasonal exhibition, for those who wish to see “Barbie’s Perfect Christmas.”
Grabbing a few friends and being a part of these events might help a lot to keep yourself engrossed in Tartu Christmas fun and you might not feel that lonely after all! The key is to get outdoors, explore the possibilities, and build yourself a close family of friends!
2) Send greeting cards, postcards, and souvenirs to your friends and family at home!
Sometimes the best cure for missing home is finding creative ways to connect with them!
The “Eesti post” offices and other local shops have a wide collection of beautiful Christmas cards and postcards.
You can take some time to write a hearty wish and let everyone at home know that you are thinking about them!
Also, there is the option to send packages too, so if you are interested in sending souvenirs from Estonia or any other goodies to your friends and family, you can make a fun day out of shopping for things and send them in a package wrapped safely in bubble wrap and with some of your love to your friends, and families back home.
You can even track the package, while it is on its way! (for tracking and according to the weight a charge will be applicable)
3) Be festive!
Join in the Christmas fun! Get a few decorations and light up your room!
Anything and everything including the University’s main building has taken up a festive look.
Even certain common areas in some other university buildings have taken on a jolly look with decorated Christmas trees and wreaths.
Likewise, it is a very common thing to decorate your own living space, and why not bring a few festivities to your room too?
As long as they are not disrupting the day-to-day life of your roommate, bring in some keep-sake elves, and hang some holly wines and lights to brighten your space!
4) Travel outside Tartu
If you have free time on your hands, enjoying the scenery and events outside Tartu with friends is also a great way to spend time on Christmas. Tallinn Christmas Market is one of the most famous seasonal attractions in Europe, and there are other Christmas cities that you could visit.
The Narva Castle Christmas Village, Põltsamaa Castle Snow Kingdom, the Pärnu Christmas Village and The Winter Wonderland in Lotte Village theme park are some of the most prominently known attractions in Estonia. (Be sure to check out their websites before you set off though, for Ticket prices and more information – as they may not be open at all times and every day of the week!)
If you do not have the time to travel too far, even short planned walks around Tartu covering all its magnificent viewpoints might be a better option. Taking in the merry sights of Tartu Winter Wonderland might just be the thing you need to lift your spirits!
Tartu is a small city, but a City of Good Thoughts!
This means that you can find a lot of good things, and great people from all around the world in this city. So, even though you might miss being with your family this Christmas, Enjoy Christmas in Tartu this year, by creating memories and sharing your experiences, travels, and joy with your families overseas.
Hope you have a relaxed and peaceful holiday season!
