Baltic Christmas Markets

Labas! Welcome to Lithuania. Your adventure begins in the capital city of Vilnius, and you’ve arrived at the city's most magical time of year. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed city has previously been named Europe’s Christmas capital – it even celebrates a ‘second Christmas day’ a couple of weeks before the big day itself. Needless to say, you’re in for a jolly start to your festive adventure. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm to meet your local leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, maybe seek out one of the Christmas mailboxes dotted around the Old Town and post a festive postcard to a loved one, or head to Cathedral Square for your first glimpse of Vilnius’ iconic Christmas tree, known for being decorated in a new, creative theme each year. After the meeting, why not gather your group and head out in search of some traditional festive fare like virtinukai su grybais (mushroom dumplings), silke (herring) or, for something sweet, kuciukai (biscuits served soaked in poppyseed milk).

Join your leader for an orientation walk to get to know Vilnius’ Old Town this morning. You’ll see plenty of examples of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Classical architecture, and you might pass Gediminas’ tower – one of the best vantage points to look out over Vilnius – or the Glass Quarter, a historic Jewish neighbourhood filled with boutiques and cafes. This afternoon, take part in a gingerbread workshop. Vilnius gingerbread is traditionally made with honey, butter and warm spices, and you’ll get to decorate these festive treats with icing and sweets. Spend the evening experiencing all the Vilnius Christmas market has to offer. Sip on drinks like mulled wine, spiked with orange liqueur, and kissel (a cranberry drink with a jelly-like texture). The market is spread over two main squares – in Cathedral Square, you'll find little wooden houses (chalets) decorated with lights and garlands, selling seasonal treats like chocolate-covered fruit and sweets, as well as handmade gifts like knitwear and wooden carvings. In Town Hall Square, cups of steaming hot chocolate and mulled wine are served inside glass igloos where you can get some respite from the cold while still watching the action unfold around you.

Take a bus from Vilnius to Riga – the capital of Latvia, where your Christmas adventure continues. Founded as a port town in the early 13th century, Riga was an important trade hub until the 15th century. Some examples of medieval architecture still survive in Riga’s historic centre, however the city is more famous for having the highest concentration of Art Nouveau architecture of any European city (more than 350 buildings in total!). You’ll get to see these well-preserved buildings yourself on an orientation walk with your leader this afternoon. Later tonight, you’ll head to the Christmas market. Breathe in the aroma of cinnamon as you sip on some mulled wine and maybe pick up a bag of roasted, candied almonds for a snack. Listen to the sounds of choirs or folk music floating through air as you pass stalls selling beeswax candles and festive wreaths. There are plenty of opportunities to try Latvian street food, too – how about some piragi (small buns filled with bacon) or potato pancakes.

This morning, you'll visit Riga's Central Market for a tasting. This is one of the largest open-air markets in Europe. Built in 1930, it has five pavilions – dairy, meat, vegetables, fish and gastronomy. Sample some fresh local produce, browse the stalls and see locals going about their daily shopping. Next, take part in a candle-making workshop. Pour natural wax into moulds, then customise and decorate your candle with essential oils and dried herbs. The rest of your day is free. You could head to Riga Cathedral to watch an organ concert – the Riga Cathedral organ is a prized example of late Romantic organ design. It was built in the early 1880s and features just over 6700 pipes made of pine, fir, oak, maple, beech and pear woods. Tonight, maybe ask your leader for some recommendations on the best places to eat. You might like to try some traditional smoked meat and sauerkraut broth soup, typically served with dark rye bread. For dessert, try piparkukas – the local take on gingerbread, with an added kick from the addition of black pepper.

Say farewell to Riga and continue to Tallinn by bus this morning. Estonia’s historic capital dates back to the 13th century and is one of the most well-preserved examples of a medieval northern European trading city. This afternoon, you’ll go on an orientation walk with your leader. You’ll likely pass many of the city’s medieval and neo-Gothic churches and cathedrals. Tonight, it’s time to explore the Christmas market at Town Hall Square. Sample some mulled wine as you walk the cobblestone streets strung with festive garlands and lights. The Christmas tree at the centre of the square has been put up on display each year since 1441, making it the longest-running Christmas tree display in Europe. You might like to try some festive Estonian delicacies like verivorst (blood sausage), hapukapsas (sauerkraut) or roast pork. Look for the perfect souvenir at the many stalls selling hand-knitted mittens, hats, scarves and socks or sweets like truffles or hand-decorated cookies.

Get hands-on with a marzipan-making workshop today. You’ll get to shape and paint your own creations out of this classic almond sweet and learn about this traditional craft that dates back centuries. Then, take your tastebuds on another journey with a Christmas tea workshop, where you’ll create your own tea blend and learn about the various qualities of different plants and herbs used in your blend. The rest of your day is free. Ask your leader for recommendations for how to spend your final full day soaking up the festive atmosphere. You might like to return to the Christmas markets for another mug of mulled wine and a toast with your newfound travel friends – here’s to a Christmas holiday like no other!

With no further activities planned, your trip comes to an end today. If you’d like to extend your stay in Tallinn, and it’s highly recommended you do, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.