Wondering Why Riga's Christmas Market is NOT high on the list like Tallinns'

Is it the location? Is Tallinn closer to the North Pole and the home of Santa Claus - or is Tallinn's ability to organize and market it's product - what makes the Tallinn market appear to come out on top?

Take a look for yourself:  (click link below for more information)

Tallinn:  http://www.FirstChristmasTree.eu/estonia/

Riga:       http://www.liveriga.com/en/4680-christmas-fair-in-rigas-old-town

Tallinn Christmas market praised as one of the best in Europe

from The Baltic Course Juhan Tere, BC, Tallinn, 08.12.2011.

The Examiner magazine named Tallinn-located Christmas market as one of five most prominent festive markets in Europe.

This market is relatively new – founded in 1991, the article says.

"Tallinn Christmas Market has made a name for itself in Europe as one of the most charming and romantic festivals on the continent. Held in the Estonian capital's beautifully medieval Town Hall Square, its 200,000 visitors a year can't be lying," noted Thorin Engeseth, Portland Europe Travel Examiner, in a review of the best Christmas markets, reports LETA.

The Christmas market in Tallinn's Old Town has a zoo as well, marks the Examiner.

The Tallinn-based market was included in the list along with Nuremberg, Germany, known as the Christkindlesmarkt, Vienna, Austria, for its lively atmosphere and spectacular market, Copenhagen, Denmark, which was titled "unique on this list" due to multiple Christmas markets in different parts of the city, as well as Prague, Czech Republic, for variety of goods on the counter and lots of local specialities.

Tallinn Christmas Market Scheduled to open 24 November 2012

The Tallinn Christmas Market is expected to open on 24 November and run through 8 January 2013

Tallinna Jõuluturg from vanalinnaturud on Vimeo.

for more information click here

All the information and links on Christmas in Tallinn and Estonia click here

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Uk's Lincoln Castle Christmas Market expects High Interest

RECORD numbers of businesses have applied for a place at this year's Lincoln Christmas Market.

Located in historic Lincoln Castle, Lincolnshire County, a RECORD numbers of businesses have applied for a place at this year's Lincoln Christmas Market.

Photo courtesy of: Free Time guide to the UK Midlands 

Staff at the City of Lincoln Council say they have sifted through more than 400 stall applications from all over Europe before selecting the final 250.

The authority says it has put an emphasis on all things local and hand-made products.

In addition to layout changes at Lincoln Castle and an expanded Lincolnshire Larder, there will also be stalls inside the County Assembly Rooms.

Following a Dickensian theme and with a specially scripted performance of the Twelve Days of Christmas, street entertainment will be brought to the event by Lincoln's Chapter House Theatre Company.

Father Christmas will return to hear children's wishes by the fireside at the Judges Lodgings.

Council events assistant Sammy Pengelly said: "We have been overwhelmed by the enthusiasm shown for the Christmas Market by businesses from all over the country and, indeed, from Europe."


The Lincoln Christmas Market brings over 100,000 visitors to Lincoln each year and has been running since 1982. With now over 300 stalls, the event takes over most of the old city in its four-day opening.

The festive atmosphere is worth the trip alone. Smells of roasting chestnuts, festive music and, once the sun has set, the twinkle of the Christmas lights can ease you into the festive swing.

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Home of the First Christmas Tree (R) Project to Celebrate 500 Year Anniversary at Tallinn Christmas Market

Home of the First Christmas Tree (R) Project to Celebrate 500 Year Anniversary at Tallinn Christmas Market:

"According to Mike Johnson, General Manager of the First Christmas Tree project, 'The Christmas Tree is a symbol of hope and happiness and stems from pagan traditions that the Evergreen tree is a symbol of the celebration of the renewal of life. Throughout the world, the celebration of Christmas with the display of a decorated Christmas Tree has large significance well beyond the economic shopping sprees made famous throughout the United States and other wealthy countries.'"

read complete Press Release

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