Midsummer in Estonia – A Truly Special Summer Holiday

If you’re visiting Estonia in late June, don’t miss Midsummer (Jaanipäev). It’s one of the most important holidays here — only Christmas is bigger. Many shops and offices close, and people take time off to relax and celebrate.

Midsummer is all about the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. It lasts for two days, and Midsummer Eve (the day before) is usually a short workday too. I’m not going to write about the origin of this holiday, since you can find this info on Wikipedia or other resources.

Most Estonians leave the cities and go to the countryside. They gather with family and friends, make big bonfires, grill food, listen to music, and enjoy the bright summer night. The bonfire is the main part of the celebration — it’s a tradition that goes back hundreds of years.

In Tallinn, I suggest you join a traditional celebration at the Rocca al Mare Open Air Museum.
🔥Midsummer’s Eve at the Estonian Open Air Museum (Tallinn)
📅 Date: June 23, 2025, from 19:00 to 00:00
📍 Location: Estonian Open Air Museum, Rocca al Mare, Tallinn
🎟️ Tickets: Adults €30 (early bird €25), Discounts €25 (early bird €20), Families €60 (early bird €50). Children under 8 enter free.
🎉 Highlights: Experience traditional Estonian Midsummer celebrations with bonfires, folk music, dancing, sauna rituals, fortune-telling, and children’s games.

Throughout the country, local communities host their own Midsummer festivities. These often include communal bonfires, live music, dancing, and traditional foods. It’s a time when villages come alive with celebration, and visitors are warmly welcomed to join in. It’s still a bit early to list them all, but we’ll update this post soon with details.

If you’re in Estonia during Midsummer, it’s a great chance to see local traditions and enjoy a warm, festive night. Just remember: many places might be closed, so plan ahead!