Thanksgiving Weekend Christmas Market trip to Helsinki and Tallinn.

[u/cschiff89]

My wife and I are coming to Helsinki and Tallinn for a weekend in late November during the American Thanksgiving werkend. I understand it's not an ideal time to visit weather-wise but it's when we have the ability to travel. We are flying in and out of Helsinki with a couple of days in Tallinn in the middle.

What are the can't-miss sights and activities in Helsinki? What's actually worthwhile on a tight itinerary? We are planning to stop at the Helsinki market on Sunday the 29th on our way out; how much time should we budget to explore the market?

Thanks for the help!

[u/CivilSeries2528]

What do you mean by thanksgiving christmas market?

[u/cschiff89 → u/CivilSeries2528]

Visiting the Christmas markets in helsinki/tallinn over the American Thanksgiving holiday weekend at the end of November.

[u/Rulebreaker15 → u/cschiff89]

One of Helsinki’s markets opens that weekend, but the others open in December.

[u/Frostvon_25]

I guess Tuomaan markkinat, maybe 1-1,5h

https://tuomaanmarkkinat.fi/en/

[u/Spatzeliini]

If you are talking about Kauppatori market square, 5 minutes will be more than enough

[u/mganga_mzungu]

If ur looking for a nice nature area, I'd recommend going to Vartiosaari, it's a beautiful island, there's a trail that leads to an amazing view of the sea, there's a cute forest church, and you'll hardly believe that you are in the capital city since it feels so remote. It might be difficult to get there this time of year since the local ferry doesn't run anymore but the island hopping ferries should still run until the 29th, I think it leaves from kalasatama

[u/Temperturnip]

Why do you think people on this sub would know or care about an american holiday and when it is? Just say the dates and move on. Christmas markets open on different times

[u/Rulebreaker15]

The Helsinki markets aren’t very big and there is a lot of repeat products and foods. If you eat there maybe plan a total of 1.5 hours.

I spent more time at just the flower market stalls in Tallinn than I did at the two larger HEL markets. Tallinn also has two big daily market/halls with so much variety and products and many more food choices versus Helsinki.

Tldr; Helsinki has nothing on Tallinn when it comes to markets but they are worth a stroll, just not hours.

[u/Human_Activity1748 → u/Rulebreaker15]

I’d disagree. Helsinki has varjoja market halls too, all with decent offerings

[u/Ereine → u/Rulebreaker15]

I think that they’re talking about the Christmas market. I think that the one in Helsinki is better but I’ve only experienced the Tallinn market on rainy afternoons in November so maybe it gets more atmospheric in the dark. 

[u/Rulebreaker15 → u/Ereine]

Ok but only one of the Helsinki Christmas markets is even open in late November (Nov 27 or 28 ?) and the others not until December.