Did you know that many Estonian Christmas traditions are part of a much broader cultural heritage? Just as people from many different countries have come together in Estonia, the Christmas traditions here are also a kind of mosaic, combining local customs, international influences, and a shared desire to find a little light and warmth during the darkest time of the year.
Päkapikud (elves) – short creatures, long traditions
Children in Estonia know that from the beginning of December, elves will start appearing on windowsills – tiny helpers of Father Christmas who put little gifts or treats inside Christmas stockings.
Elves are also found in many other cultures: the Finns have tonttu, in Germany, Christmas elves are called Weihnachtswichtel, but in France they are called Père Fouettard, helpers of Père Noël.
In Estonia, päkapikud are a symbol of the entire month of December – they are mysterious, playful, and joyful characters who bring joy to children until the start of Christmas on 24 December.
Songs that resonate across borders
In December, Christmas music can be heard in many Estonian homes and churches, some of which you may already be familiar with – just in a different language. For example, the song ‘Püha öö’ (‘Silent Night’ in English) was written in Austria in 1818 and has become one of the most sung and recorded Christmas songs in the world. However, the popular Christmas song ‘Jõulud on käes’ actually originates from Ukraine, where it is called ‘Shchedryk’ – known worldwide as ‘Carol of the Bells’.
Estonian Christmas music is an exciting mix of local compositions and world-famous folk songs – French, English, German, Russian, American, and many other cultures have found a place in the hearts of the Estonian audience.
If you are looking for songs to sing or listen to with your family during Christmas in Estonia, you may want to start with the following songs:
● ‘Tiliseb, tiliseb aisakell’ (‘Jingle Bells’ in English)
● ‘Oh kuusepuu’ (‘O Tannenbaum’ in German)
● ‘Me soovime rõõmsaid jõule’ (‘We Wish You A Merry Christmas’ in English)
Cookies that connect generations
An important part of Estonian Christmas culture is piparkoogid (gingerbread cookies) – spicy, lovely brown cookies that are cut into different shapes. Gingerbread cookies can be stars, hearts, animals, or Christmas trees. Making them and then decorating them with icing is fun for both children and adults alike.
But did you know that Christmas cookies are an important tradition in many other countries as well? In Germany, they are called Lebkuchen, in Sweden pepparkakor, and in the United States gingerbread. If you want to try classic recipes from Estonia and elsewhere, take a look at the recommendations in the cookie selection of Nami-Nami, for example.
‘Häid pühi!’
In Estonia, it is customary to exchange brief but heartfelt good wishes during the Christmas season. The most common Christmas greeting is ‘Häid pühi!’ (Happy Holidays!), which is used in both written and spoken communication – this universal greeting covers Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and the holiday season in general.
If you want to emphasise Christmas, you can also say ‘Häid jõule’ (Merry Christmas!), ‘Kauneid jõule’ (Wishing you a beautiful Christmas!) or ‘Rahulikku jõuluaega!’ (Wishing you a peaceful Christmas!). Around the turn of the year, greetings such as ‘Head vana aasta lõppu!’ (Wishing you a lovely end of the year!) and ‘Head uut aastat!’ (Happy New Year!) are added.
Estonians tend to be modest but sincere in their verbal communication, Christmas cards, and social media posts. When it comes to wishes, it is the tone and the moment that matter most, not the length or formality. A brief ‘Happy holidays!’ accompanied by a smile is often more meaningful than a hastily purchased gift.
Recommendations:
● Try to recall a Christmas carol in your native language and find its Estonian equivalent.
● Give someone a homemade gingerbread cookie.
● Learn a new Estonian holiday greeting and say it to an Estonian acquaintance.
Happy holidays!
May the holiday season be filled with all the activities and experiences you desire!
With the support of the Integration Foundation and in cooperation with the NGO Estonian Refugee Council (Pagulasabi), a day dedicated to learning about Christmas traditions and everyday life in Estonia will take place on 11 December. The event offers newcomers and beneficiaries of international protection in the region an opportunity to discover local customs and strengthen their coping skills.
The programme includes a visit to Swedbank’s interactive financial literacy centre, a marzipan workshop at Café Maiasmokk, and a guided Christmas tour of Tallinn’s Old Town with mulled wine. The event helps participants better understand both Estonian culture and practical everyday skills – which is precisely why the Integration Foundation organises such activities, supporting people’s adaptation and active participation in Estonian society.
The project is co-funded under project No. AMIF.1.02.23-0005, supported by the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund.