Public Holidays in Estonia
Estonia has 12 official public holidays. Banks, government offices, and many businesses close on these days.
The Official List
| Date | Holiday (Estonian) | English | |------|-------------------|---------| | January 1 | Uusaasta | New Year's Day | | February 24 | Iseseisvuspäev | Independence Day | | Varies | Suur Reede | Good Friday | | Varies | Ülestõusmispühade 1. püha | Easter Sunday | | May 1 | Kevadpüha | Spring Day | | Varies | Nelipühade 1. püha | Whit Sunday | | June 23 | Võidupüha | Victory Day | | June 24 | Jaanipäev | Midsummer Day (St. John's Day) | | August 20 | Taasiseseisvumispäev | Day of Restoration of Independence | | December 24 | Jõululaupäev | Christmas Eve | | December 25 | Esimene jõulupüha | Christmas Day | | December 26 | Teine jõulupüha | Second Christmas Day |
Jaanipäev (Midsummer) — The Most Estonian Holiday
June 23-24
This is arguably the most important celebration in Estonian culture. The whole country essentially shuts down as Estonians head to the countryside.
What happens:
- Bonfires (jaanituli) — Massive fires lit at sunset, often on beaches or in fields
- Countryside exodus — Almost everyone leaves cities
- Singing and dancing — Traditional songs around the fire
- No sleep — The sun barely sets; celebrations go all night
- Jumping over fire — Traditional for courage and fertility
- Flower wreaths — Young women wear them
- Beer and grilled meat — Essential accompaniments
Why it matters: Midsummer is the peak of Estonian summer, when the sun sets for just a few hours. It's a celebration of light, nature, and Estonian identity.
Expat tip: Get invited to a countryside celebration if possible. It's the most authentic Estonian experience you can have. Many Estonians rent countryside houses specifically for this weekend.
Independence Day — February 24
A Day of National Pride
Estonia declared independence on February 24, 1918. After decades of Soviet occupation, this day carries deep meaning.
Celebrations include:
- Flag raising at sunrise (Toompea, Tallinn)
- President's reception — Televised event, everyone watches
- Military parade — In Tallinn's Freedom Square
- Concerts and events — Throughout the day
- Wearing blue, black, and white — National colors
The President's Reception is a uniquely Estonian tradition. It's broadcast live and Estonians watch to see who attends and what they wear. It's like the Oscars red carpet, Estonian style.
Restoration of Independence — August 20
1991: Freedom Regained
On August 20, 1991, Estonia restored its independence from the Soviet Union during the Singing Revolution. This day commemorates peaceful resistance.
How it's celebrated:
- Ceremonies and concerts
- Estonian flags everywhere
- Reflective rather than festive — acknowledging the Soviet period and celebrating freedom
Christmas — December 24-26
Estonian Christmas Traditions
Christmas in Estonia centers on December 24 (Christmas Eve), not December 25.
Traditions:
- Sauna before dinner — Cleansing before celebration
- Christmas dinner — Blood sausage (verivorst), sauerkraut (hapukapsas), potatoes
- President's speech — Broadcast at noon on the 24th
- Visiting graves — Many go to cemeteries with candles
- Gifts — Opened on Christmas Eve after dinner
- Jõuluvana — Estonian Santa Claus (similar to Finnish)
Food traditions:
- Blood sausage with lingonberry jam
- Pork roast
- Sauerkraut with pork
- Gingerbread cookies (piparkoogid)
- Mulled wine (hõõgvein)
Why cemeteries? Visiting deceased family members with candles is a touching Estonian tradition. Cemeteries glow with thousands of candles on Christmas Eve.
Easter — Varies (Spring)
A Quieter Celebration
Easter is less prominent than Christmas or Midsummer but still observed.
Traditions:
- Colored eggs — Not as elaborate as some countries
- Spring cleaning — Literal and symbolic
- Church services — For religious Estonians
- Nature walks — Celebrating spring's arrival
Victory Day — June 23
Commemorating the 1919 Battle
Victory Day honors the Estonian victory over German forces in the Battle of Võnnu (Cēsis) in 1919 during the Independence War.
How it's observed:
- Military ceremonies
- Wreath laying at war memorials
- Leads directly into Jaanipäev celebrations
Lesser Holidays & Observances
Not Public Holidays But Celebrated
| Date | Occasion | What Happens | |------|----------|--------------| | February 14 | Sõbrapäev | "Friend Day" (not just romantic) | | March 14 | Emakeelepäev | Mother Tongue Day | | May (2nd Sun) | Emadepäev | Mother's Day | | November (2nd Sun) | Isadepäev | Father's Day | | November 2 | Hingedepäev | All Souls' Day (candles on graves) |
Seasonal Traditions
Spring (Kevad)
- First warm day — Estonians flood outdoor cafes
- May 1 — Traditional spring celebration, often with birch branches
- Graduation season — School leaving celebrations in June
Summer (Suvi)
- White nights — Barely gets dark in June
- Cottage season — Weekends at the countryside house
- Berry and mushroom picking — National pastimes
- Beach weather — Estonians embrace every sunny day
Autumn (Sügis)
- Mushroom foraging — Serious business
- Harvest season — Markets full of local produce
- Darkness returns — Candles and cozy indoor time begins
Winter (Talv)
- Christmas markets — Throughout December
- Ice roads — When cold enough, roads open across frozen sea
- Sauna season — Year-round, but especially appreciated in winter
- Cross-country skiing — Popular weekend activity
Cultural Events Calendar
Must-Experience Events
Tallinn Music Week (March/April) International music industry festival and showcase
Viru Folk (July) One of Europe's largest folk music festivals
Pärnu Film Festival (July) Summer film festival in the beach town
Song Festival (Every 5 years, next 2024) Massive choir gathering — 100,000+ singers. UNESCO heritage event.
Christmas Market (November-December) Tallinn's medieval Old Town transforms
Working During Holidays
What's Open
- 24/7 shops — Some stay open
- Restaurants/cafes — Tourist areas usually open
- Public transport — Reduced schedule
- Emergency services — Always operational
What's Closed
- Government offices — All public holidays
- Banks — All public holidays
- Most shops — Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Midsummer
- Everything — June 23-24 (Midsummer is sacred)
Tips for Expats
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Plan ahead for Jaanipäev — If you want to experience it properly, arrange invitations or countryside accommodation months in advance
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Stock up before Christmas — Shops close early on the 24th and stay closed through the 26th
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Don't schedule meetings — Around major holidays, especially Jaanipäev
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Join in — Estonians appreciate when foreigners participate in traditions
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Learn the songs — At Jaanipäev bonfires, knowing even a few Estonian songs earns huge respect