1. Don’t miss the market

Tallinn’s Christmas Market is world-famous for a reason. The medieval buildings surrounding the Town Hall Square make for a stunning setting, with or without snow. The towering Christmas tree at the center is an attraction in and of itself – this year’s 16-meter-high tree came from a village just south of Tallinn, where it grew precariously close to a summer cottage.

2. Check out the view from above

Hike up to Upper Old Town for splendid views of the city from the observation platforms. The scene is particularly picturesque at sunset and on into evening as you’ll get to see the lights shimmering and shining across the city. If you’d rather enjoy the view from indoors, check out the observation decks at Niguliste Museum or have dinner at the aptly named Horisont.

3. Eat all the gingerbread

This is the Christmas sweet in Estonia. Once the temperatures drop, gingerbread begins to show up at grocery stores, coffee shops, and restaurants. Gingerbread spices flavor everything from coffee drinks to yogurt and kohuke, the classic chocolate-covered sweet treat. There is even an entire exhibition, Gingerbread Mania, dedicated to this festive food; this year’s theme is “Fairytale”.

4. Shop ’til you drop

Estonia is known for its high-quality handicrafts. Look for a perfect pair of hand-knit mittens, a warm wool hat, fine linen tablecloths, and handmade ornaments. The wooden stalls at the Christmas Market are a good place to start your shopping spree. From there, head to the Telliskivi area outside Old Town, where many independent artists and designers have studios – stop by Stella Soomlais for fine leather goods or Reet Aus for upcycled clothing.

5. Wander in the woods

You might be able to get your fix of the Great Outdoors at one of Tallinn’s many green spaces, like Kadriorg Park, but for a true Estonian experience, go to the forest. As winter days are short, you can wake up late, make it in time for sunrise, and hike until sunset. More adventurous types can strap on a pair of snowshoes. Hire a guide to take you off-piste through the woods and over the frozen bogs.

6. Nourish your skin naturally at the spa

Estonia has a long spa tradition; seaside towns such as Narva-Jõesuu, Pärnu, and Haapsalu once attracted Russian nobility looking for fresh air and the healing powers of nature. Spa centers began using medicinal mud to exfoliate the skin, improve circulation, and relax sore muscles. This time-tested tradition is still in use today, and many spas even offer additional nature-based treatments featuring ingredients such as peat, honey, wild rose, and cornflower.

7. Taste tradition

Christmas is the perfect time to try traditional Estonian foods: blood sausage, roast pork, potatoes, cabbage, lingonberry jam, and pickled pumpkin. Wash it all down with a mug of glögg, Estonia’s version of hot, spiced wine. You can try these specialities en plein air at the Christmas market, though many local restaurants put them on the menu during the holiday season. Some of the city’s more innovative chefs are taking these traditional flavors and preparing them with a twist, so check out the seasonal specials at one of Tallinn’s many MICHELIN-recommended restaurants.

8. Try Tartu for a day

Though Tallinn may get all the attention, Tartu’s Christmas City is a beloved holiday tradition. Glass huts and a beautiful tree go up on Tartu’s Town Hall Square every winter. Each hut has a different theme; kids especially love playing in the straw-filled one. There’s often live music on weekends, and the Winter Folk Dance Day on December 14th attracts hundreds of participants in colorful traditional clothes to dance the cold away. One of Tartu’s main attractions, though, is the ice rink around the iconic Kissing Students statue, where you can skate every day from 10am to 10pm.

9. Skate your stress away

Not all winter sports require snow. Numerous outdoor skating rinks around Tallinn are already open by the end of November and remain open all winter. The ice rink in Old Town is the perfect spot for a romantic spin on the ice, and little skaters (or the not-so-confident) can use an ice skating aid to stay balanced. Weather permitting, you can even try skating on sea ice or frozen bogs, though we recommend going with a guide who can ensure the conditions are safe.

10. Slow down

This last tip may be easier said than done. However, following this one suggestion will make your entire holiday more enjoyable. Give yourself time to marvel at the magic of the season rather than rushing through a to-do list. Luckily, Tallinn (and Estonia’s) compact size means you can spend more time marveling and less time traveling; the airport is only 15 minutes from the city center and the nearest national park is less than an hour away.

Rekindle your Christmas spirit this year. Visit Estonia. It’s about time.