Christmas in Riga

Christmas events and concerts

During Advent and the Christmas season, Riga invites visitors to enjoy a diverse festive programme featuring concerts in concert halls and churches, winter solstice traditions in the Old Town, creative workshops, exhibitions, and family-friendly events in the city centre.

Winter Solstice Traditions and Festive Events

19 December, 18:30-20:00 | Town Hall Square (Rātslaukums)
Blukis (Yule Log) Evening and Masked Procession offers the opportunity to experience ancient Latvian winter solstice traditions in the heart of Riga Old Town. The programme includes the lighting of a bonfire, ritual activities, traditional dances and singing, as well as a masked procession through the streets of Old Riga together with folklore groups from Riga and across Latvia.

21 December, 12:00-20:00 | M/Darbnīca, Aristida Briāna iela 9
Budēļi Carnival is a full-day event celebrating traditional Latvian mumming customs. Visitors can take part in an authentic Budēļi mask-making workshop led by textile artist Emma Sofija, enjoy a solstice feast, traditional games, dances, and a festive bonfire. The programme also features a concert by the vocal ensemble Kalmes, a Yule log pulling ritual, and a community masked procession organised together with the craft beer bar Labietis and the Miera Street Republic community. The evening concludes with a concert by the band Zāle. Free admission, participation in the mask workshop costs 5 EUR.

Christmas Concerts

Ave Sol Concert Hall, Citadeles iela 7
During the Christmas season, the concert hall hosts several choir and chamber music concerts. On 17 December at 19:00 the concert “Satikšanās” will feature the mixed choir Sonante. On 20 December at 16:00 the concert “Ziema zaigo” will take place. On 21 December at 16:00 audiences are invited to the concert “Šī jausma savādā”. On 22 December at 19:00 the concert “Pirms Ziemassvētkiem” will be held. On 25 December at 14:00 and 17:00 the Christmas concert “Ziemassvētku noskaņa” will conclude the festive programme.

Small Guild Hall (Mazā ģilde), Amatu iela 5
On 21 December at 19:00 the Fourth Advent concert will take place, featuring singer Annika Lanka in a historic Old Town concert venue.

Anglican Church of St Saviour
Concerts by the group Sigma and the youth choir Balsis will take place on 22 and 23 December at 20:00, and on 25 December at 23:00. The programme offers a meditative and contemporary musical experience in a sacred setting.

Family-Friendly Events

Riga Art Nouveau Centre, Alberta iela 12
On 20 December at 11:00 and 14:00 the event “A Christmas Fairy Tale” introduces children to Christmas traditions through games, songs, and storytelling. The event is suitable for families with children aged 3 to 10.

Bastejkalns Park and Livu Square
On 21 December from 15:00 to 15:45 in Bastejkalns Park and on 24 December from 12:00 to 12:45 in Livu Square, the dixieland band Sunny Groove Dixie presents the Christmas concert programme “Čiekurs Čikijs”, including special surprises for young audiences.

Exhibitions and Creative Workshops

Riga Porcelain Museum, Konventa Sēta, Kalēju iela 9-11
On 19 December from 12:00 to 13:30 and from 15:00 to 16:30 the creative workshop “Christmas Tree Ornament” offers visitors the opportunity to create their own porcelain Christmas decoration. The exhibition “Christmas Tree Ornaments”, on view until 6 January, showcases Christmas decorations created by Latvian artists.

Riga Art Nouveau Centre, Alberta iela 12
The exhibition “A Christmas Fairy Tale”, on view until 11 January, explores early 20th-century Christmas traditions, historic interiors, and festive decorations.

Christmas Decorations in the City

When Advent begins in Riga, the city transforms into a sparkling winter fairytale. From the historic boulevards to quiet neighbourhood streets, festive lights appear everywhere, illuminating dark winter evenings and filling the city with a sense of joyful anticipation.

This year, special attention is given to the façade of Riga Cathedral, which will be illuminated with festive decorations. With the lighting of the first Advent candles, the city’s main Christmas trees in Town Hall Square and Dome Square will also be lit, turning both squares into some of the most beautiful festive meeting places in Riga.

Throughout the Advent season, many more Christmas trees will gradually appear across the city, each with its own character and design, creating the feeling that Riga is adorned by an entire festive forest.

New light installations have also been created this year, delighting both residents and visitors.

“Riga’s Light Trees” on Kaļķu Street in the Old Town form a special route of light installations leading visitors through the festive atmosphere of Old Riga.

“Christmas Light Trees” in Bastejkalns Park and near the Opera House, along the City Canal on both sides of Freedom Square, create a peaceful walking area where reflections of the city meet playful displays of light.

During the Christmas season, Riga becomes a city of light and quiet wonder, a place where winter walks, the aroma of mulled wine, and glowing installations come together in a unique festive story.

Riga's restaurant working hours - Christmas and New Years

Each restaurant that will be open on New Year’s Eve (31.12.2025) kindly asks guests to book in advance to secure a table for their special New Year’s dinner.
Please note that this announcement does not apply to the “Burzma” and “Lido” restaurants.

Traditional Christmas market

Weeks before Christmas are a particularly lovely time to be in Riga. In a traditional Christmas market, which will be open from November 28th until January 4th at Dome Square, mulled wine becomes the drink of choice as the aromas of cinnamon, ginger, and roasted almonds fill the air. This year, the Riga Christmas market will be even more amazing than ever. Here you can find vendors from whom you can purchase one-of-a-kind gifts, as well as a variety of mouthwatering traditional and street foods and specialty cocktails. Folklore ensembles, musical groups, and DJs will also be performing here, and there will also be workshops with Santa's little helpers. We would also like to proudly note that the Riga Christmas Market has entered the top of Europe's best Christmas markets and is recommended as a fabulous destination for winter holidays!

Opening hours:

Monday-Thursday: 11:00 - 21:00,
Friday-Saturday: 10:00 - 22:00,
Sunday: 10:00 - 20:00

Holiday opening hours:

December 24-26 10:00 - 20:00
December 31 10:00 - 02:00
January 1 12:00 - 20:00

Address:

Doma laukums

Āgenskalns Christmas market

Looking for the magic of Christmas and the best date spots in Riga this December? Head to the liveliest meeting point in Pārdaugava – the Āgenskalns Market! Every Saturday and Sunday from 29 November to 29 December, 10:00–18:00, the Christmas Market invites visitors to discover something magical, surprising, and delicious at every step.

In the first-floor pop-up stalls, the outdoor Greenhouse, and the courtyard, vendors from all over Latvia will bring original gifts ready to be wrapped, steaming seasonal drinks, gingerbread dough, fragrant Christmas trees that smell like a pine forest, elegant and classic Advent wreaths, and everything else that brings joy and inspiration during the holiday season. In the outdoor market area, you’ll also find the winter Krāminieks – the perfect place to hunt for unique vintage treasures: from walnut-shaped cookie moulds to charming tableware and unexpected gift finds.

On Wednesday evenings, you are warmly welcome to enjoy jazz concerts on the second floor, a cosy way to meet with loved ones accompanied by live music. Beginning 10 November, the second floor will also host the wonderfully fragrant shop of Gardenia Eco Candles from Vecpiebalga, offering their handcrafted candles and works by Latvian designers.

Address:

Nometņu iela 64

The Kalnciema Quarter Christmas Market

The Kalnciema Quarter Christmas Market has become an essential part of Riga’s winter postcard charm. Everyone is invited to visit the beloved annual market every Saturday from 29 November to 27 December, with a special festive edition also taking place on Sunday, 21 December.

You are also warmly welcomed to explore the Contemporary Ceramics Pop-Up Market, held in the Quarter’s gallery from 6 December to 3 January, bringing together around 20 talented ceramic artists from across Latvia.

At the Christmas Market, visitors can discover truly unique gifts – original creations by Latvian artisans and designers, wood-fired bread, authentic Alsunga sklandrauši, and a wide range of local “super products”: from hemp chocolate to pine cone syrups and viburnum juices. Here you can also choose the greenest Christmas tree and enjoy a steaming cup of your favourite seasonal drink. Meanwhile, in the cosy café of a 19th-century wooden house, guests are invited to taste mulled wine made from Marche region wines using our own special recipe – perfect for long, warm conversations.

This year, alongside the market, we have prepared a festive cultural programme featuring wonderful concerts on the open-air stage, playful elves, surprises for families, and creative workshops for children.

Address:

Kalnciema Iela 35

Christmas Gift Market at Vērmanes Garden

Experience the true holiday spirit in the heart of Riga at the Christmas Gift Market in Vērmanes Garden – a vibrant and diverse festive fair featuring Latvian artisans, designers, and local producers. Visitors will discover a wide range of beautiful, handcrafted gifts made with creativity and care.

The market will offer an exceptional selection of:
– Christmas gifts and handmade souvenirs
– Designer clothing, jewellery, accessories, bags, and wallets
– Apparel decorated with traditional Latvian symbols – T-shirts, dresses, and hats
– Home décor items and soy wax candles
– Textiles and handcrafted toys for children
– Natural cosmetics and artisan soaps
– Wooden crafts and wickerwork
– Ceramics, clay and porcelain creations
– Homemade smoked meats, cheeses, and honey products
– Freshly baked rye bread, pickles, and sauces
– Locally produced wines from small Latvian wineries

The festive atmosphere will be enriched with street food, live music, and a wonderful holiday mood in one of Riga’s most charming parks.

Dates: 19–20 December 2025
Time: 10:00–19:00

Address:

Tērbatas iela 2D

Cristmas Bar

Until January 4, the café-bar “This Place Doesn’t Need A Name” in Riga Old Town transforms into a vibrant Christmas bar, inviting visitors into a magical festive world. Each year, the interior is completely redesigned - hundreds of Christmas ornaments, twinkling lights, ribbons, gift boxes, and themed holiday decorations cover the walls and ceilings, creating a rich and slightly surreal Christmas atmosphere.

The festive experience is enhanced by a special Christmas menu, created exclusively for the season, featuring hot and cold drinks, themed cocktails, and winter-inspired dishes that are not available at any other time of the year. The bar has become a popular meeting spot for groups of friends, families, and holiday-minded locals and visitors to Riga alike.

Located in Riga Old Town at Šķūņu iela 10, just a few minutes’ walk from the Dome Square Christmas Market, this Christmas bar is an especially attractive stop during festive strolls - a cozy place to warm up, smile, and enjoy the Christmas spirit regardless of the weather.

Address:

Šķūņu iela 10

LIDO Recreation Centre - The Winter Fairy Tale Kingdom

Experience LIDO’s glowing winter traditions and warm seasonal flavours.

Each year, as Riga settles into winter, the LIDO Recreation Centre lights up and becomes one of the city’s most inviting festive spots. Families, couples, and visitors stroll through illuminated arches, castles, swans and angel wings — a bright outdoor trail that brings a touch of magic to the season.

Inside, the atmosphere shifts to cozy warmth. The scent of roasted meats, fresh pastries and hearty soups fills the air, offering a true taste of Latvian comfort food. With its wooden interiors and open kitchen, LIDO feels welcoming and familiar — a place where people linger, relax and enjoy good food in good company.

A children’s attraction park is also available, and until 4 January, young visitors will have the chance to meet Santa Claus in the Recreation Centre’s Elf House.

Elf House opening hours:

December
06.12 — 13:00–19:00
07.12 — 13:00–19:00
13.12 — 13:00–19:00
14.12 — 13:00–19:00
19.12 — 13:00–19:00
20.12 — 13:00–19:00
21.12 — 13:00–19:00
24.12 — 11:00–16:00
25.12 — 13:00–19:00
26.12 — 13:00–19:00
27.12 — 13:00–19:00
28.12 — 13:00–19:00
29.12 — 13:00–19:00
30.12 — 13:00–19:00
31.12 — 11:00–16:00

January
02.01 — 13:00–19:00
03.01 — 13:00–19:00
04.01 — 13:00–19:00

Address:

Krasta iela 76

Tallinas Street Quarter Advent concerts

During Advent 2025, the Tallinas Street Quarter will host a heartfelt and inclusive four-concert series titled “Silent Transmission.”

The concerts will take place on 30 November, 7 December, 14 December, and 21 December at 15:00 in the Hangar Concert Hall at Tallinas Street Quarter. The aim of the series is to create a peaceful, emotionally rich, and spiritually fulfilling cultural experience during the Christmas season. Each concert will offer a unique musical atmosphere, performed by five outstanding Latvian choirs: the AVE SOL Chamber Choir “Konvents”, the youth choir “Balsis” together with the Latvian Association of the Deaf Choir, the AVE SOL Senior Choir “Amadeus”, and the “Nāc līdzās” Foundation Choir for people with special needs.

Visitors will be able to enjoy both traditional Christmas music and contemporary arrangements, creating a warm sense of togetherness and festive spirit. The event is free of charge and designed as an inclusive cultural experience suitable for a broad audience — families with children, young people, seniors, people with special needs, and all lovers of choral music. The concert hall is fully accessible for visitors with mobility impairments, and one of the concerts will include sign-language interpretation.

Address:

Tallinas iela 10-3

Winter Solstice celebration “Winter Sunplay”

On 20 December 2025, from 16:00 to 18:30, the Tallinas Street Quarter will host the Winter Solstice celebration “Winter Sunplay”.
The event aims to revive and promote the values of Latvian traditional culture, with a special focus on young people and families. The festivities will be led by “Brička”, a folklore group and musical collective from Ķekava Municipality.

The programme includes a variety of traditional Solstice traditions — mask-wearing symbolising fertility and protection, hobby-horse races, traditional games and playful activities, as well as learning folk dances together with the folklore group. The festive atmosphere will be enriched by group singing and one of the most important Solstice rituals, log dragging, symbolising the farewell to the old year and welcoming the new one with a clean, fresh start.

The event is free of charge and suitable for all generations, especially families with children.
The Winter Solstice celebration “Winter Sunplay” offers everyone a chance to take part in living traditions, experience a strong sense of togetherness, and celebrate the darkest night of the year with songs, dances, and unifying rituals.

Address:

Tallinas iela 10