Tallinn, Estonia
For an up-and-coming (многообещающий) travel destination (read: affordable) with one of the best preserved medieval towns (один из наиболее сохранившихся средневековых городов) in the world, head to this Baltic capital across the sea from Finland. It also just so happens to be gorgeous at Christmastime, with an authentic Christmas market, festival, concerts, and Christmas tree—thought to be the oldest public display of a Christmas tree in the world.
The world famous Tallinn Christmas Market is an absolute must-see during a holiday visit, spreading out in the Town Hall Square around a towering, glowing Christmas tree. Santa and his reindeer (северный олень) greet children and handmade goods and refreshments can be bought from small huts. Gingerbread Mania (Пряничная Мания) is a quirky event showcasing the art and sculptures of hundreds of designers made exclusively from gingerbread cookies. Christmas Jazz is a multi week collection of concerts by international artists in intimate venues across Tallinn.
