Riga in winter

Valentines Day events in Riga

This year, Valentine’s Day in Riga promises a rich and multi-layered experience – from sensual fashion history and cinema to chocolate art, jazz, and romantic walks with animals. Here is some inspiration for those who want to celebrate love a little differently.

For fashion and nightlife enthusiasts, the Valentine’s Day mood begins at the Riga Fashion Museum with the exhibition “Boudoir”, dedicated to garments that were once meant to be seen only in the bedroom or by a very limited audience. Erotic aesthetics, intimacy, and fashion history come together in an elegant and insightful experience. The evening can be continued at the Walters & Grapa Valentine’s Day event BOUDOIR, featuring a special atmosphere, DJ sets, performances, and a touch of mystery.

Warm and creative emotions await at Āgenskalns Market, where a chocolate painting workshop takes place on February 14 – a perfect idea for a romantic date or a fun gathering with friends. Music lovers, meanwhile, are invited to M/Darbnīca for Romance & Jazz, where gentle jazz sounds meet an intimate and cozy atmosphere.

Film lovers can spend Valentine’s Day evening at Splendid Palace, enjoying BEST EROTIC SHORTS – 5, a bold and aesthetically refined selection of short films for adult audiences.

Those looking for a lighter and more playful way to celebrate Valentine’s Day can take advantage of special couple offers at the Latvian National Museum of Natural History and Riga Zoo – ideal for a relaxed stroll and shared discoveries.

Whether you celebrate Valentine’s Day as a couple, with friends, or on your own, Riga offers events that let everyone experience romance at their own pace.

“PASAULE. METEŅI” light trail at the Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum

“PASAULE. METEŅI” is the final (third) part of the light trilogy “Gaismas gadskārtas” (Light Seasonal Cycle), completing a three-part light trail experience dedicated to the ancient Latvian yearly cycle - Autumn Veļi, Winter Solstice, and Spring Meteņi.
The event takes place at the Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum and brings together immersive light installations, live music, movement, and traditional Latvian flavours.

Visitors are invited to enjoy a Shrovetide-inspired light trail featuring music by AUĻI and MM ORĶESTRIS, performances by the folk dance ensemble LĪGO, and seasonal Latvian food tastings, including barley–hemp flatbreads (slokātņi), traditional porridges, and other local dishes.

Dates: 6–15 February
Time: daily from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM (last entry at 9:00 PM)

Tickets:
– €15 standard
– €8 for children and youth under 18, seniors, and visitors with Group I or II disabilities
Tickets are available via Biļešu paradīze and at the museum entrance.

The event is created by the Gaismas stāstu creative team in collaboration with UNTITLED originals and the Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum.
An ideal evening experience for families, couples, and anyone interested in discovering Latvian seasonal traditions through a contemporary light art experience.

Address:

Brīvdabas iela 21

Meteņi Celebration in Riga Old Town

On 21 February, Riga Old Town invites visitors to celebrate Meteņi, one of Latvia’s most joyful traditional seasonal festivals, marking the farewell to winter and the welcoming of spring.

The celebration will begin at Town Hall Square (Rātslaukums) with the lighting of a bonfire and a lively masked parade through the streets of Old Town. Visitors are encouraged to come wearing a mask or create one on site – traditional or contemporary.

Throughout the day, Town Hall Square will host traditional masked performances, strength competitions, creative workshops, a Shrovetide market, sled rides, food stalls and festive activities for all ages. The stage programme includes performances by popular Latvian music groups JUUK and Tautumeitas, followed by a concert by hip-hop artist Fiņķis in the evening.

New this year: from 12:00 to 15:00, Līvu Square (Līvu laukums) will transform into a Latgalian Farmstead, offering a unique experience of Aizgavēnis, the Latgalian version of Meteņi, with folk dances, games and singing.

Programme

12:00 Opening of the celebration, bonfire lighting, masked parade
Route: Town Hall Square – Kaļķu iela – Skārņu iela – Audēju iela – Vaļņu iela – Kaļķu iela – Livs Square – Town Hall Square

13:00 Masked performance “Meteņi Gypsies”, boasting competitions
13:50 Concert by JUUK
14:30 Strength competition
15:00 Concert by Tautumeitas
15:40 Masked performance “Ķekatas”, mask competition awards
16:10 Masked performance “Budēļi”, folk dances
17:00 Fire ritual and concert by Fiņķis
18:00 End of the celebration

12:00–15:00 | Līvu Square
Latgalian Farmstead – Aizgavēnis
Folk dances, games and singing with Latgalian folklore groups

INTERLUDE light and sound experience

INTERLUDE is a multimedia light and sound experience in the Old Town of Riga, based on a contemporary interpretation of the Mass. It invites audiences to discover one of Latvia’s core cultural values - the choral music tradition - in a modern and emotionally engaging form.

The performance takes place in the historic Riga Reformed Church, in the heart of the Old Town. It offers 30 minutes just for yourself - an unforgettable world of sound and light.

INTERLUDE was created through the collaboration of leading Latvian artists and creative professionals. At the centre of the performance is the rich, immersive sound of the Latvian State Choir LATVIJA, combined with Kaspars Zemītis’ guitar music and Māris Kalve’s large-scale light and visual art projections, revealing the structure of the Mass as a fully immersive audiovisual experience. The blend of choral and guitar music, together with expansive multimedia projections, unfolds as a powerful journey that feels both vast and deeply personal.

Duration: approximately 30 minutes

Schedule: performances take place almost daily (performance times available at www.interlude.lv/en)

Tickets: tickets can be purchased online or on site. On-site payments are accepted by card and in cash.

Address:

Rīgas Reformātu baznīca, Mārstaļu iela 10

Active leisure

Refreshing dip

Embracing the exhilarating trend of the season, winter swimming in Riga energizes with the thrill of icy waters. Despite the initial shock, enthusiasts swear by its refreshing effects on both body and mind. The icy plunge is said to awaken the senses, boost circulation, and strengthen resilience. With more people taking the plunge, the tradition gathers a community of adventurous spirits seeking the ultimate winter thrill. As the icy waters embrace them, a sense of euphoria sets in, reinforcing the belief that this chilly ritual holds the key to a revitalized spirit and an unwavering zest for life.

Go swimming to: Vecāķi, Vakarbuļļi, “Lucavsalas līcis”, Ķīpsala un Bābelītis

Cross-Country Skiing

Although Latvia is mostly flat, during the winter months, the landscape is often covered with a significant layer of snow, making it perfect for cross-country skiing. Riga is ready to see you show off your winter sports skills! Don’t worry about gear – every trail offers equipment rentals. Currently, the tracks are open in Uzvaras Park and Biķernieki track.

Ice Skating in the City

In Esplanade Park, next to the Jānis Rainis Monument and surrounding the rose garden, a winter ice skating rink in Riga will be open, inviting both adults and children to test their skating skills or simply enjoy the magical winter atmosphere in the very heart of the city. If you bring your own skates, you can go on the ice free of charge. If not, on-site skate and equipment rental is available, ensuring no one leaves without enjoying a glide on the ice.

Use of the rink is free of charge for visitors with their own skates, and skate and equipment rental is available for an additional fee. The ice rink offers skates intended for public skating sessions. Rental prices are €2.49 per hour for adults and €2.00 per hour for children.

The public ice rink also provides heated changing rooms and restroom facilities, ensuring a comfortable visit even on colder days.

The Esplanade Ice Rink near the Rainis Monument will be open until 1 March.

Opening hours:

Weekdays: 11:00–22:00

Weekends: 9:00–22:00

Please note that maintenance breaks are scheduled at the following times:
13:00–14:00, 16:00–17:00, and 19:00–20:00. During these periods, the ice rink will be temporarily closed to visitors.

The rink’s operation depends on weather conditions, which may affect availability.

Scavenger hunt games

Embrace the winter wonderland of Riga with a thrilling scavenger hunt by Roadgames. Explore hidden treasures in the historical heart of the city, and uncover the charm of remote districts such as Sarkandaugava, Bolderāja, Mangaļsala, and Āgenskalns. Sharpen your tactical and topographical skills as you solve mysteries, and capture the most picturesque moments for your Instagram feed. Gather a friend and embark on an exciting journey through Riga's wintry landscapes, where every twist and turn promises an adventure to remember.

Discover the Best Restaurants in Riga This Winter

It’s no secret that love goes through the stomach — and this winter, Riga is the perfect place to fall in love with food all over again. From refined fine dining experiences to cozy bistro vibes, the city’s culinary scene offers endless ways to warm up and indulge. Traditional Latvian dishes, classic European cuisine, and global flavors come together to make every meal a reason to celebrate the season.

Riga’s restaurant scene has never been more exciting. Visit Māsa, featured in the Michelin Guide for its contemporary take on seasonal local flavors, or The Catch, where elegant Japanese cuisine meets a distinctive Riga character. Don’t miss SMOR bistro, recognized with a Bib Gourmand for its outstanding balance of quality and value.

If you’re looking for new taste adventures, try Lowine, a natural wine bar with an inventive seasonal menu, or B7, where a relaxed atmosphere meets carefully sourced local ingredients.

These are just a few of the best restaurants in Riga to enjoy winter flavors and festive moods. Explore more Michelin Guide recommendations and other exciting dining spots in our Eat & Drink section.

Cosy cafes

On a chilly winter day, there's nothing quite as delightful as sinking your teeth into a freshly baked, warm bun, a delectable cake that practically melts in your mouth, or savouring a steaming cup of tea. Take a well-deserved break and get cosy at one of Riga's charming cafes. You'll discover delightful pastries and other culinary gems at Mulberry Cafe. If you're exploring Old Riga, don't miss out on the scrumptious delights at the Cruffins patisserie, which has quickly become a local favourite. For a hidden gem in the old town, look no further than Parunāsim. Kafe'teeka! Craving both classic and unique flavours? Kūkotava is a go-to spot for the locals. And when it comes to sweets, Riga residents rave about the heavenly almond croissants at Mīkla Bakery.

Pampering spa treatments

During the dark, cold months of the year, self-care is doubly important. Warm up your body for the remaining winter months in one of Riga SPA centres. Relaxing rest will be provided by "Wellton SPA Riverside" spa, exclusive treatments can be enjoyed at "Hedonic SPA", as well as "Taka SPA", "Kempinski Spa" and "ESPA Riga".

Culture events

Riga's winter event lineup will be truly impressive, offering something for everyone! Music enthusiasts can look forward to an array of delightful holiday concerts, while art lovers will be treated to a diverse selection of exhibitions throughout the city. Even the opera and ballet scenes stay vibrant, adding a touch of warmth and grandeur to the holiday season. For more details on Riga's cultural happenings, be sure to explore our Events section.