Stay in Estonia for the holidays!

As the number of Covid-19 cases around the world is rising, the university strongly advises students to stay in Estonia for the holiday season and not travel internationally. This recommendation is given to keep students and their loved ones safe and make sure everyone is able to continue their studies once the spring semester begins.

As reducing contacts is crucial at the moment, we have compiled a list of fun contactless activities you might enjoy while spending the holidays in Tallinn. The city is full of light installations to discover and we have found some amazing events that you can attend outdoors and that can help you get into a holiday spirit.

Things to do over the holidays:

• Old Town Ice Rink Uisupark

Skating on the Ice Rink Uisupark in the Old Town gives you a real feeling of winter spirit. The Ice Rink Uisupark is in a romantic setting, on Harju street next to St. Nicholas' Church (ticket price for students is 6 €). More information is available here. 

• Christmas tree on Town Hall Square and Christmas Market

Did you know that the world's first public Christmas tree was erected on Town Hall Square in Tallinn in 1441? An amazing Christmas tree can be seen on the Town Hall Square this year as well and while you’re there you can also attend the traditional Christmas Market on the Town Hall Square - the best way to get into a holiday spirit in Tallinn. 

• Windows come to life on Viru street

On December weekends you will have a chance to see magical concerts and dance performances on the windows of Viru street. Have a nice warm holiday tea from a café and take a walk in the crisp winter weather, enjoying the wonderful experiences of the fabulous old town full of brilliance. Information about the event is available here and here (unfortunately, the event pages are only in Estonian). 

• Lighting installations in the Old Town and city centre

Tallinn is filled with almost a hundred special lighting solutions. The most heartfelt of these are four giant lanterns, one of which will open every Advent. You can go into the lantern and feel the Christmas lights around and inside. A little hint - it’s worth looking for the lanterns from the Townhall Square, Musumäe and Toompark areas. 

You can also find life-sized picture frames in the Old Town for the most instagrammable moments. 

One of the most magnificent and imaginative installations is the huge light-emitting fountain on the Freedom Square, which will be formed from different parts by the fourth Advent.

There’s plenty more to discover and wouldn’t it be amazing to see all the lighting installations!

• Pikk Street Christmas Gallery

The work of different Estonian artists will be showcased in a number of display windows on Pikk street. A great chance to spend time in the Old Town and appreciate art in the open air! More information here. 

• Christmas at St Nicholas Church (Niguliste Museum)

Tallinn’s possibly most elaborate Christmas tree can be seen in St Nicholas’ Church (ticket price for students is 6 €) 

• ‘Invisible Christmas tree’ at Saint Catherine’s Church

Stop by Saint Catherine’s Church for a look and feel of an invisible Christmas tree. Guests can decorate the tree with tealights. Information about the event here. 

• Attend Virtual Tours of museums around the world

This year has brought an incredible chance to enjoy virtual tours from galleries and museums around the world. Have a cup of tea and take a virtual trip to one or all the museums and galleries listed here.    

• Take a walk/hike

You can find different trails for walking and hiking (and skiing if there's snow) on Terviserajad’s website. Some of these trails are located in the city so be sure to see what they have to offer!

• "Sundown" light installation at Noblessner Marina

If you are feeling nostalgic for sunsets in the summer, go to Noblessner Marina where a light installation "Sundown" by the artist duo Spectra & Space (Mariliis Kundla and Mihkel Pajuste) has been set up. Read more here. 

• Põhjakonna Stairs

Take a short trip to Viimsi to see the Põhjakonna Stairs - constructed at a height of 50 meters on the limestone shore terrace, the stairs have lights which are turned on during dark hours and offer an incredible view.

• Christmas City Tartu

Take a trip to Tartu to enjoy their magical ice rink and Village of Light on the Town Hall Square. See more here. 

If you do decide to travel internationally, here’s what you need to know: 

• Inform your study counsellor of your plans. 

• To make sure you do not have the virus, we recommend that you take a Covid-19 test before your travel. You can find testing sites here.

• Currently, the mandatory self-isolation period is 10 days. You can move freely from the 11th day onward in case your second Covid-19 test is negative. Please refer to the information published on the website of the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs as it may be subject to change. Please make sure you understand the rules of self-isolation and have made all necessary arrangements.  

• If you are unable to return before the start of the semester then please keep in mind that the university is not responsible for any impact this might have on your studies e.g. in case your academic unit does not offer online studies. 

• Students who are residing at the dormitory need to keep in mind that it is not possible to self-isolate there. You will have to book alternative accommodation for the duration of your self-isolation period.