The T1 Center in Tallinn hosted the International Christmas Bazaar, organized by the International Women’s Club of Tallinn (IWCT). The event’s 20th edition featured embassies and representatives from more than 20 countries, several international schools in Tallinn, and local charitable organizations. Entertainment program included musical performances and a cheese-holding competition. The stalls showcased flavors from around the world, handicrafts, and souvenirs, which attracted great interest from visitors.

The IWCT President Ayşe Akin and Signe Riisalo, the former Estonian Minister of Social Protection and current member of the city council of Tallinn, opened the Christmas Bazaar.

The International Christmas Bazaar is a traditional event that brings together embassies, Estonia’s international communities, and charitable organizations every year before Christmas. This year, the embassies of Brazil, China, Czechia, France, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Lithuania, Moldova, Poland, Portugal, Turkey, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and the United States, as well as representatives from Germany, participated.

This year’s event featured around 30 stalls, offering an array of culinary delights, beverages, handicraft, and unique gifts from around the world. This year’s edition attracted the highest number of partners since the pandemic. The proceeds from the Christmas Bazaar will go to charitable organizations that help women and children in Estonia.

The lineup included the International School of Tallinn, International School of Estonia, Tallinn European School, and the English College Tallinn. Local charities, e.g. Warmth of Hearts, the Projects Peeteli, and SOS Lasteküla attended the event as well.

The event’s cultural program featured choirs from Tallinn European School and a soloist from International School of Tallinn, as well as Irish choir Let´s Sing, supported by the Irish Duo O`Reel. A highlight was the Fijian Choir of the NATO Battlegroup as well as Pipes & Drums of the Royal Tank Regiment. Ukulele music was played by Joosep Sang and the Latvian group Lasolla, and Robert Hütti entertained attendees with saxophone music. Amrita Dance Studio performed classic Indian dances. Children from the MTÜ Peeteli Kiriku Sotsiaalkeskus and Tähetorn Children´s Center made a dance performance, as well as Irish Dance soloist Vikkamaeve from Solas Irish Dance.

The IWCT, founded in 1993, has been actively contributing to the community through its annual International Christmas Bazaars. The focus is on supporting Estonian charities that aid women and children. In 2024, the International Christmas Bazaar raised over 32,000 euros, with embassies contributing more than half.