A Guide to Estonian Holidays and Traditions

Moving to a new country is a whirlwind of logistics—visas, apartments, bank accounts. But the real moment it hits you that you're not just visiting is often much quieter. It might be when you walk to the grocery store on a random Tuesday, only to find it closed, with the entire city feeling eerily silent. You’ve just stumbled upon a public holiday you knew nothing about.

Here in Estonia, those moments are windows into the country's soul. Understanding Estonian holidays and traditions is about more than just knowing when to expect a day off. It’s about connecting with the deep-seated pagan roots, the fierce national pride, and the quiet, resilient spirit of the Estonian people. From bonfires that burn through the white nights of summer to the candlelit stillness of a winter cemetery, these celebrations are your invitation to truly live like a local.

So, grab a coffee (or a cheeky Vana Tallinn), and let’s dive into the calendar that shapes life in this beautiful Baltic nation.

The Official Calendar: Public Holidays in Estonia

First, let's get the practical stuff out of the way. Estonia has a number of official, bank-is-closed, don't-expect-to-get-anything-done public holidays. It's wise to plug these into your calendar from the get-go.

Here is a quick overview of the public holidays you can expect in 2025:

Now, a list is one thing. Experiencing these days is something else entirely. Let's explore the ones that truly define the Estonian year.

The Pillars of the Estonian Year: Jaanipäev and Jõulud

If you only learn about two Estonian celebrations, make them these two. They are the twin flames of the calendar—one burning bright in the endless summer light, the other glowing warmly in the deep winter dark.

Jaanipäev (Midsummer's Eve & Day): The White Night's Magic

Forget everything you think you know about a "midsummer party." Jaanipäev, celebrated on the night of June 23rd leading into the 24th, is the most cherished of all Estonian holidays. It’s a primal, joyous celebration of summer, light, and fertility that makes the entire country feel like one big, beautiful festival.

What to Expect:

• The Great Escape: Cities like Tallinn and Tartu empty out. Seriously. It’s a mass exodus to the countryside, summer cottages (suvilad), or islands like Saaremaa and Hiiumaa. If you stay in the city, it will be peacefully post-apocalyptic.
• The Bonfire (Jaanituli): This is the heart of the celebration. Every village, every group of friends, will have a massive bonfire. The tradition is to jump over the embers for good luck, health, and a bountiful harvest (though maybe watch the locals a few times before you try!).
• Folklore and Magic: The night is steeped in legend. It’s said that if you’re lucky, you can find a mythical fern blossom (sõnajalaõis) that grants the finder great fortune and the ability to understand the language of animals. Young lovers often wander into the forests in search of it.
• Food and Drink: This is the unofficial start of grilling season. Šašlõkk (marinated meat skewers) sizzles on every grill, accompanied by fresh potatoes, salads, and plenty of local beer (õlu) and cider.
• The Never-Ending Day: This is the time of the "White Nights." In Tallinn, the sun barely dips below the horizon, creating a mystical, lingering twilight that lasts all night long. There is no real darkness, just a magical blue glow.

Expat Tip: Get an invitation to a friend's country home. This is the absolute best way to experience an authentic Jaanipäev. If you can't, look for public bonfires organized by local municipalities, often held at open-air museums or community grounds. And remember, shops will be closed on the 24th and have limited hours on the 23rd, so stock up!

Jõulud (Christmas): A Quiet, Traditional Glow

Estonian Christmas, or Jõulud, feels like stepping back in time. It’s less about frantic consumerism and more about quiet reflection, family, and ancient traditions that blend pagan and Christian beliefs. The season officially begins on the first Sunday of Advent, when the first candle is lit and Christmas markets, like Tallinn’s world-famous one in the Town Hall Square, open up.

What to Expect:

• Christmas Eve is Key: Unlike in many Western countries, the main event is December 24th (Jõululaupäev). This is when families gather for the big Christmas meal.
• The Christmas Feast: Prepare your stomach for a hearty, traditional meal. The star of the show is often verivorst (blood sausage), served with lingonberry jam, roasted pork (seapraad), sauerkraut (hapukapsas), and baked potatoes. For dessert, it's all about spiced gingerbread cookies (piparkoogid).
• The Christmas Sauna (Jõulusaun): The sauna is a sacred place in Estonian culture, and never more so than on Christmas Eve. A pre-feast sauna is a tradition for cleansing the body and spirit.
• Visiting Cemeteries: This might sound somber, but it's one of the most beautiful Estonian traditions. On Christmas Eve, families visit the graves of loved ones, lighting thousands of candles. The sight of a cemetery blanketed in snow and flickering with candlelight is breathtakingly peaceful and poignant.
• The Arrival of Jõuluvana: The Estonian Santa Claus, Jõuluvana, visits homes on Christmas Eve. Children must sing a song or recite a poem to receive their gifts.

Expat Tip: Embrace the calm. Go for a walk through Tallinn’s Old Town to soak in the festive atmosphere of the Christmas market, often voted one of the best in Europe. Try making your own piparkoogid and glögi (mulled wine). And if you get a chance, experience the tradition of visiting a cemetery—it’s a deeply moving cultural insight.

National Pride and the Singing Revolution

Estonia’s turbulent 20th-century history has forged an incredibly strong sense of national identity. This is most palpable during its patriotic holidays.

Vabariigi Aastapäev (Independence Day - February 24)

This day celebrates the birth of the Republic of Estonia in 1918. It's a formal, proud, and deeply patriotic affair.

You’ll see the blue-black-white Estonian flag flying from every building. The day starts with a flag-raising ceremony at Toompea Castle in Tallinn. The main event is the military parade, which takes place in a different city each year. In the evening, everyone tunes in to watch the President’s reception and speech, a glamorous event akin to a state dinner. A classic snack for the day is a kiluvõileib – a sprat sandwich on dark rye bread with a boiled egg.

Taasiseseisvumispäev (Restoration of Independence Day - August 20)

This holiday feels different—it's more modern and celebrates the day in 1991 when Estonia broke free from Soviet rule. It commemorates the "Singing Revolution," a powerful testament to the Estonian spirit, where the nation literally sang its way to freedom. This day is less about military parades and more about concerts, family gatherings, and celebrating the freedom that many Estonians today remember fighting for.

Folk Traditions and Fun

Beyond the major holidays, the calendar is dotted with smaller, charming folk traditions that reveal the playful, nature-connected side of Estonian culture.

• Vastlapäev (Shrove Tuesday): This is a day for outdoor fun! The tradition is to go sledding—the longer your slide, the better your flax harvest will be in the coming year. The essential culinary treat is the vastlakukkel, a sweet bun filled with whipped cream.
• Mardipäev & Kadripäev (St. Martin's & St. Catherine's Day): These are Estonia's answer to Halloween. In early November (Mardipäev) and on November 25th (Kadripäev), children dress up in costumes (dark and "masculine" for Mardipäev, light and "feminine" for Kadripäev), go door-to-door, sing songs, and are rewarded with candy.
• Laulupidu ja Tantsupidu (The Song and Dance Festival): This isn't an annual holiday, but it is arguably the single most important cultural event in Estonia. Held every five years in Tallinn, it's a colossal festival where a choir of over 30,000 singers and 10,000 dancers, all in traditional folk costumes, perform for an audience of nearly 100,000. It’s a UNESCO Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, and seeing it live is a profoundly moving experience that explains everything you need to know about Estonian identity and resilience. The next one is scheduled for 2025.

Your Takeaway as an Expat

Living in Estonia means embracing the rhythm of its seasons and its celebrations. These holidays are more than just days off; they are the cultural pillars of the nation. They tell the story of a people deeply connected to nature, fiercely proud of their independence, and committed to preserving their unique traditions.

So, my advice is simple: participate. Go to a Jaanipäev bonfire, even if you don't know anyone. Try the verivorst at a Christmas market. Wave a flag during the Independence Day parade. By embracing these moments, you’re not just observing Estonian culture—you’re becoming a part of it. And that, after all, is what being an expat is all about.