Sunday's opening of Tallinn's traditional Christmas market drew hundreds to Town Hall Square. Photo by Kai Joost.

TALLINN — People bustle around market stands, trying to find that one perfect gift for their grandmother or father, or little sister. Their eyes glow, and smiles crease their red cold-bitten faces. A small boy hugs his mother strongly, refusing to let go. There’s talking, laughing, joking and sighing — it all seems too unaffordable! And there’s a strong smell of gingerbread coming from one side of the town hall square, and the mix of sauerkraut and blood pudding from another.

Well, when ginger bread, black sausages and sauerkraut waft as one, that means Tallinn’s Christmas market has officially arrived.

Hundreds of Tallinn residents and visitors enjoyed a warm winter day Sunday at Town Hall Square in Tallinn when the 8th Christmas Market opening took place. An annual event since 2000 in the heart of Tallinn’s Old Town, the Christmas Market is full of shopping options, entertainment and cultural events throughout December.

Merchandise sold there includes this, that and the other thing, so it doesn’t matter if you’re a youngster or an old chap. One thing the market specializes in is handmade goods, which have a special appeal. That’s exactly the attitude during the Christmas season. Me, I’m trying on those cream yellow knitted gloves with a red flower pattern, they’re warm and soft.

Stuffed animals: the fail-safe present for small children. Photo by Kai Joost.

While passing by each little wooden stand I can find knitwear such as cardigans, sweaters, scarves, hats and soft wool to keep warm during the cold winter nights. Oh, and there are so many decorated triangle-shaped candles and heart capturing dolls and stuffed animals.

A handmade Estonian specialty available at the market are knifes, forks, beer tankards and other cutlery made of juniper wood. Juniper is known to have antiseptic effect, it is soft material, easy to work with, but it’s also water-proof. There is up to 100 sq km of juniper pine in Lahemaa and Saaremaa.

If you’re tired of shopping or have a thin wallet from the crisis, then the Christmas Market’s free concerts and performances are another way to enjoy the fesitivities. More information can be found on the website www.christmas.ee.