Riga in winter

Christmas markets

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 29th until January 2nd 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!

Working time:

Monday-Thursday: 11:00 - 21:00,

Friday-Saturday: 10:00 - 22:00,

Sundays: 10:00 - 20:00

Āgenskalns Market Christmas Fair

From November 30 to December 29, experience the magic of Christmas at Āgenskalns Market. Savor the tastes, enjoy live jazz, sip on warm drinks, and meet local artisans during special weekend gift stations. Pick up gingerbread, Christmas trees, and unique handmade treasures!

Opening Hours:

Saturdays: 9:00 AM–7:00 PM
Sundays: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Kalnciema Quarter Christmas Fair

For the 16th year, Kalnciema Quarter is the place to be every Saturday in December! From November 30 to December 28, visit the Christmas Fair from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM for warm, heartfelt holiday cheer. And don’t miss the 5th Latvian Contemporary Ceramics Pop-Up Fair from December 7 to December 30, showcasing the work of over 15 talented ceramic artists.

This is more than a market—it’s a living Christmas postcard! Discover the most original, heartfelt, and delicious gifts, like dog wool mittens, jars of kimchi, lamps crafted from old fishing rods, black garlic soap, the world’s spiciest chili sauce, fruit bread, or a resonating copper singing bowl.

Opening Hours:
Christmas Fair: Saturdays from November 30 to December 28, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Ceramics Pop-Up Fair: Weekdays from December 7 to December 30, 12:00 PM–7:00 PM; Saturdays 10:00 AM–4:00 PM

New Year's Celebrations in Riga

A crazy party in a Riga bar, a gala dinner in an elegant restaurant, an unforgettable tango on the floor of the venue hall or a family celebration under the starry sky in the Riga city centre - the opportunities to properly say goodbye to 2024 and welcome the New 2025 in Riga this season will be impressive and suitable for every taste! 

There will be celebrations in Old Riga, masquerade balls and events with a dress code in venues, cosy gatherings in hotels and hotel restaurants as well as crazy parties in Riga's bars! More info HERE

Light trails

Light trails in city Centre

From December to February, it will be a fantastic time to take a stroll through Riga's parks, where you'll be able to admire glowing light installations that will brighten and warm the seemingly dark winter evenings and nights. These displays will offer every visitor a chance to find their own special Christmas spirit. The city will light up to the delight of both locals and visitors, creating a peaceful and joyful atmosphere filled with wonder. You’ll find various light displays and radiant trees in several of Riga’s parks, which will not only please the eye but also warm the heart. Last year, Riga's light trails made it into the top rankings of Europe’s most beautiful light paths.

Keep in mind, these walking trails and city parks will undoubtedly be the perfect spots to snap some of your most stunning Instagram photos!

Garden of Lights

The “Garden of Lights” unique multimedia exhibition offers an unforgettable visual experience, combining light installations, projections, and sound effects. Last year, the first exhibition captured the hearts and loyalty of Riga’s residents, and this year’s main theme is Alice in Wonderland. Both children and adults will immerse themselves in a magical atmosphere, embarking on a journey through the storyline of the fairy tale alongside the White Rabbit, the Mad Hatter, the Cheshire Cat, the Queen, and other characters.

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.

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. There are several free ski trails right in the city. Riga is ready to see you show off your winter sports skills! Don’t worry about gear – every trail offers equipment rentals.

Ice Skating in the City

This winter season and until March 1, a public ice rink will be open in Esplanāde Park. Use of the rink will be free of charge for those with their own equipment, but skate and accessory rentals will also be available for a fee. Please note that the rink's operating schedule will depend on weather conditions.

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.

Taste of winter in a restaurant

It's no secret that love goes through the stomach. Use the opportunity to visit the best restaurants in Riga this year to experience their unique festive and winter special offers. Traditional Latvian dishes, classic European cuisine, or other world culinary masterpieces can help you better overcome the cold outside and will warm up even the biggest winter sceptics. When you enter the snowy Vērmanes Garden, go to the Whitehouse restaurant to warm up, but in the small and cosy streets of Vecrīga, the masterpiece of modern Latvian cuisine, the 3 Pavāru restorāns, the excellent seafood restaurant Barents and the cosy Kaļķu Vārti are hidden. Entresol, Chef's Corner and FERMA restaurants are definitely worth a visit in the city centre. Of course, these are not all the restaurants to enjoy this winter, so visit our Eat and 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.

Instagrammable places

Old Riga, with its historic buildings, narrow streets, and cozy cafes, already feels like stepping into an 18th-century postcard on any given day. But when the city is dusted with snow like powdered sugar and festive decorations and lights appear overhead and in shop windows, you'll feel like you've wandered into a winter fairytale from your childhood. If you're planning to add a new and vibrant gallery to your Instagram profile, these picture-perfect spots in Riga won’t disappoint:

The canal promenade and city parks will be decked out for the holidays, with hundreds of twinkling light strings above, making every walk magical and providing the perfect backdrop for stunning Christmas photos.

Can you really say you’ve experienced Christmas in Riga if you don’t have a photo with the city’s main Christmas tree? The beautifully decorated tree, with the iconic House of the Blackheads in the background, is sure to become one of the most elegant photos you’ll take this holiday season. Something to think about...

Grab your Google Maps, find Jauniela in Old Riga, and you might just discover that it’s the most Instagram-worthy spot in the city! How could it not be? The pastel tones of the buildings on Jauniela are made for capturing unforgettable memories in photos.

Enjoy live music events

In winter, life in Riga is bubbling in the indoor spaces of bars, restaurants and hotels, where those gathered can enjoy charming evenings of live music and who knows, maybe even show off their moves on the dance floor! Jazz lovers are invited to go to the concert venue M/Darbnīca, where talented artists perform several times a week, while free jazz concerts are held in the Radisson Blu Latvija Conference & Spa Hotel, Riga lobby bar every Thursday from 20:00 to 22:00. Fun and Latvian-inspired dance and live music evenings are regularly held in the "Ala Pagrabs" Folk Club, while in the bars "St.Black" and "Blues House" you can enjoy various concerts - from romantic acoustic to rock music concerts. Find out about other current events by going to the our Events section.

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.

Winter architecture

During the Christmas season, Riga turns into a magical place to explore. The heart of the city, Riga Old Town, lights up with dazzling decorations and festive markets. You can't miss the stunning architecture, like the tall spires of St. Peter's Church and the grand Dome Cathedral. Walk through the streets to admire the beautiful Art Nouveau buildings. Cross the river to Ķīpsala to see charming wooden architecture that provides a lovely contrast. And to cap off your day, visit the modern and striking National Library of Latvia, where the holiday spirit fills the air.