Christmas City Tartu awaits you from 30 November to 4 January
Tartu Christmas City
Every winter, Tartu Town Hall Square transforms into a magical Christmas city, where the festive spirit meets culture. Over five weeks, visitors can explore fascinating exhibitions by the Tartu Art Museum, Aparaaditehas, and TYPA Print and Paper Art Centre, take part in workshops, and enjoy live music performances.
Children will love the straw house, swings, carousel, and the engaging climbing pavilion by the Architecture School.
Tartu city centre ice rink
The Christmas City is adorned with a shining chandelier and a beautiful Christmas tree. Cafés offer warm festive drinks, local delicacies, and sweet treats — a perfect break during a winter stroll.
In addition to the Christmas cheer, visitors can enjoy the ice rink around the Kissing Students fountain, open until 1 March. Come and practice your skating tricks, glide joyfully with friends, or join skating lessons every Wednesday and Sunday — there’s winter fun for everyone!
See you at Tartu Town Hall Square!
Small city,
big experiences.
Tartu Christmas charms.
Tartu’s hotels offer winter holiday options for every taste.
Boutique hotels, spa retreats or a trendy city break – choose your favourite and enjoy Tartu to the fullest!
Hotel Lydia
Hotel Lydia combines the historic heart of Tartu with modern luxury – an ideal place for a romantic getaway or moments just for yourself.
By booking with the keyword Visit Tartu, you’ll receive 10% off the Luxurious romantic getaway and the Memorable Moments.
Package bookings can be made through the hotel reception using the keyword: reception@lydia.ee
V Spa & Conference Hotel
V Spa Hotel invites you to enjoy warmth and relaxation in the heart of Tartu. Use the promo code VISITTARTU10 and get 10% off all accommodation packages from Sunday to Thursday (incl.) until 20 February 2026.
See the offer terms and conditions here.
Hotel Sophia
Hotel Sophia offers comfortable accommodation for active families and explorers of Tartu. By booking on the hotel’s website with the code VISITTARTU, you’ll receive 10% off the Astri Arena & Aura family package as well as hotel accommodation.
Booking period until 31 January 2026, stay period 17 November 2025 – 1 March 2026.
Book via the hotel’s website.
Dorpat Hotel
Dorpat Hotel is located in the heart of Tartu, on the banks of the Emajõgi River – a comfortable and family-friendly place to stay, perfectly situated for discovering the whole city.
By booking with the keyword Visit Tartu, you’ll get 10% off the following packages:
Family adventure time – The AHHAA Science Centre and Upside Down House bring joy to both children and adults.
Children’s favourite: Ahhaa and Aura! – An active family getaway filled with science, water, and joy.
Mini vacation with a memorable dinner– A relaxing city break with a delicious dinner included.
Herb Spa vacation package “Balm Mint and Forget-Me-Not” – What’s a true holiday without a massage?
Take a moment for yourself and come enjoy Herb Spa’s wonderful treatments that will take you and your companion on a real journey of relaxation.
Package bookings through the hotel reception with the keyword: info@dorpat.ee
The discount code is valid until the end of March.
Art Hotel Pallas
Art Hotel Pallas welcomes you to the heart of Tartu – a modern and cozy place to stay, with the entire city within easy reach. By booking with the keyword VISITTARTU, you’ll receive 10% off the Aura & AHHAA family package as well as hotel accommodation.
Booking available on the hotel’s website until 31 January 2026.
Stay period: 17 November 2025 – 1 March 2026.
Antonius Hotel
Hotel Antonius is an elegant and historic boutique hotel in Tartu’s Old Town – the perfect place for a peaceful and romantic winter getaway in the very heart of the city. The hotel also features a first-class restaurant.
Book a beautiful two-night winter holiday at Hotel Antonius at a special price – with the Visit Tartu code you’ll receive 10% off.
Come and enjoy Tartu’s unforgettable culinary experiences in restaurants recognized by the Michelin Guide, Falstaff, and White Guide Nordic.
Estonia’s Culinary Region 2025 invites you to discover new favourites!
Restaurant Pompei
Pompei Restaurant in Tartu’s Old Town offers Italian flavours created with love, freshly made pasta and local cheeses crafted from South Estonian milk. Enjoy seasonal taste experiences and an excellent selection of wines.
Restaurant Kolm Tilli
Kolm Tilli is one of Tartu’s most beloved eateries, where flavours of world street food meet a pleasant, relaxed atmosphere. Here you can enjoy juicy pasta, fresh salads and crispy handmade pizzas that delight food lovers both big and small.
The menu includes options for vegans, vegetarians and children, and the restaurant has a friendly, family-oriented environment – an ideal place for a shared meal and quality time together with kids.
Vint Wine Bar & Tapas
Vint Wine Bar & Tapas offers a cozy atmosphere, delicious tapas and a rich selection of wines. It’s the perfect place to slow down, enjoy good company and savour great flavours.
Restaurant Hõlm
Restaurant Hõlm is a renowned fine dining gem in the heart of Tartu, highlighted by the MICHELIN Guide, White Guide and Falstaff. Its menu, inspired by history, and its open kitchen create a unique culinary journey where elegance meets authentic Estonian flavours.
Restaurant Joyce
Restaurant Joyce, located in the heart of Tartu, has been awarded the title of Tartu’s Best Restaurant by Tripadvisor users. It has also been highlighted by the MICHELIN Guide, White Guide Nordic and Silverspoon Awards.
Its creative cuisine, high-quality local ingredients and cozy atmosphere offer an experience where both flavour and sustainability are valued. The restaurant follows a zero-waste philosophy and proudly carries the Green Key eco-label for responsible practices.
Restaurant Fii
Restaurant Fii is located in Tartu’s Lõunakeskus and has been recognized by the MICHELIN Guide, White Guide Nordic and Falstaff. Its dishes are built on pure, high-quality ingredients, bringing together Scandinavian influences and the creativity of its chefs. For its commitment to sustainability, the restaurant proudly carries the Green Key eco-label.
Tartu’s cultural life never sleeps! Concerts, theatre performances and art exhibitions fill the city with energy and create a special atmosphere for a Christmas holiday.
Tartu St Peter’s Church of the Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church
Wintertime Tartu offers activities for the whole family. Ski tracks, sledding hills and snow tubing, plus the city’s most magical ice rink – come and experience how an active holiday makes your eyes shine!
Christmas markets bring warmth and the joy of discovery to Tartu!
Local flavours, handicrafts, design and unique gift ideas await you across the city. Experience the magic of Christmas and find gifts made from the heart.
Christmas Fair at the Estonian National Museum
The Estonian National Museum’s Christmas market brings together around 170 vendors, more than half of whom offer authentic local food.
Estonian National Museum
13–14 December 2025
Christmas Fair at the Fair Centre
At the beginning of December, vendors from various fields gather at the Tartu Fair Centre, offering plenty of great gift ideas.
Tartu Fair Centre, Friedrich Reinhold Kreutzwaldi 60
05–07 December 2025
Tartu Christmas market
The beautifully decorated Town Hall Square, Küüni Street, the area around the Tartu Market Hall and the Open Market fill with the warm bustle and cozy atmosphere of the Christmas fair. The delightful aromas of mulled wine, gingerbread and smoked meat in the air create a true winter wonderland.
Town Hall Square, Küüni Street
13 December 2025
Easy to come,
hard to leave
How to come?
You can comfortably reach the largest city in Southern Estonia by car, train, bus, or plane. The connection with Tallinn offers the most options, with numerous buses and trains departing for Tartu. Tartu also has bus and train connections to many other places in Estonia. If you’re coming from Riga, you can take a direct bus to Tartu, or opt for a train with a transfer in Valga.
