Raekoja Plats: Tallinn's Historic Christmas Market Heart

Raekoja plats, or Town Hall Square, has been the bustling heart of Tallinn's Old Town since at least the 11th century. For centuries, this central marketplace has been the focal point for significant civic events, concerts, and festivals, reflecting Tallinn's power as a Hanseatic trading city and its enduring identity as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A Medieval Hub of Commerce

Since medieval times, Raekoja plats has served as the primary marketplace and administrative center of Tallinn's Lower Town. The square is dominated by the Tallinn Town Hall, a magnificent Gothic structure and the only surviving Gothic town hall in Northern Europe. First mentioned in records in 1322, the building was completed in its current form in 1404. Its 64-meter-high tower is famously topped by the "Old Thomas" weather vane, a symbol of the city since 1530.

Another historic landmark on the square's edge is the Raeapteek, or Town Hall Pharmacy. Established around 1422, it is one of Europe's oldest continuously operating pharmacies. For over ten generations, from 1582 to 1911, it was managed by the Burchart family, who dispensed remedies that included burnt bees and snakeskin potion. Today, it continues to operate as a pharmacy while also housing a museum.

The World's First Christmas Tree

Raekoja plats holds the claim of being the site of the world's first public Christmas tree, erected in 1441 by the Brotherhood of Blackheads, a guild of unmarried merchants. This early tradition was quite different from modern celebrations; it involved dancing around the decorated tree before ceremonially setting it ablaze.

The Modern Tallinn Christmas Market

The festive tradition continues today with the modern Tallinn Christmas Market, founded in 2001. From November to January, the square transforms into a winter wonderland that draws approximately 200,000 visitors annually. The air fills with the aromas of roasted almonds, gingerbread, and various flavors of mulled wine (glögg). Stalls sell traditional Estonian handicrafts and woollen goods, while a Santa Claus and a children's carousel add to the festive atmosphere.

Life in the Square Today

Throughout the year, Raekoja plats remains a vibrant public space, hosting events like the Tallinn Old Town Days and Medieval Days. The square is surrounded by active bars and restaurants, with outdoor seating popular in warmer months. The Town Hall now serves as a museum and a ceremonial venue for the city, while the Raeapteek continues its dual function as a working pharmacy and historical exhibit. A circular stone in the center of the square offers a unique vantage point from which five of Tallinn's historic church spires can be seen.