I’m not sure if there’ll be snow, but during Christmas in Riga, you can definitely count on plenty of beautiful decorations and fun activities. Winters in Latvia are quite cold and dark, so during December in Riga, we do our best to fill the city with light and festive cheer to warm everyone’s heart. Whether it’s a magical evening at a Christmas market or a frosty quest to find the most beautiful Christmas lights, there’s always something special to brighten the season.
So let’s enjoy Christmas vibes in Riga together!
What shall we do first?
Location: Riga, Latvia
Cost: Mix of free and paid activities. See details for each Christmas activity in Riga below
How to get there: Everything listed is in walking distance from city center
Vintage Christmas Magic in Riga Art Nouveau Center
Prices, opening hours & news on when the Christmas decorations are up
What if you had a time machine?
Well, you sort of do. Step into Riga’s Art Nouveau Center, and you’re transported back to a 1920s middle-class apartment, frozen in time.
Exploring the great-grandparents of cooking appliances in the kitchen and diving into the Art Nouveau through the interactive exhibit in the basement is delightful any time of year. But during the Christmas season in Riga, the glamorous interiors truly shine in their festive finest. A ribbon draped here, a sprig of evergreen tucked there—that’s what Christmas dreams are made of. The crown jewel of it all is the magnificent Christmas tree, its branches adorned with whimsical ornaments from days gone by. Tiny ballet shoes, sugared apples, and little violins hang from its branches, each more charming than the last. You might find yourself standing there for a while, picking your favourite.
Riga Art Nouveau Center is a unique blend of history and holiday magic, making Christmas in Riga truly unforgettable. Hopefully, you’ve warmed up while exploring the cozy interiors, because next up are some of the best outdoor activities Riga in December has to offer.
What to do in the Riga Christmas Market?
Soak Up the Magical Atmosphere at the Riga Christmas Market
The setting of the Riga Christmas Market feels like stepping into a holiday fairytale. Nestled in the heart of Old Town, in a charming cobblestone square beside the magnificent Doma Cathedral, it’s as if you’ve stumbled upon a hidden elf village.
Each little wooden booth is strung with green garlands and twinkling fairy lights, casting a warm, golden glow against the winter chill. On frosty days, steam rises from bubbling pots of hot drinks, wrapping the market in a cosy, spiced aroma. The stalls are filled with handcrafted treasures and trinkets—beautifully made ornaments, cozy knits, and quirky gifts—all waiting to be discovered as you wander through.
At the heart of it all stands a grand Christmas tree, its branches adorned with simple baubles and soft lights. It’s a picture of timeless beauty, bringing back memories of childhood Christmases—the kind where magic felt just within reach.
Savour Heartwarming Treats at the Riga Christmas Market
One of the highlights of the Riga Christmas Market is indulging in festive treats while browsing the stalls. If your hands and nose are a bit cold, start with a steaming cup of spiced apple juice, sweet cocoa, traditional mulled wine or a fun winter cocktail. Any of them are sure to warm you up.
For snacks, don’t miss the gingerbread cookies, covered in sweet icing and shaped into everything from hearts to kittens. If you’re hungry for more, you’ll find hearty options ranging from traditional Latvian dishes like cabbage stew to more “exotic” Georgian khachapuri.
Feel the Magic of Live Music and Festive Fun at Riga Christmas Market
If the food and drink haven’t sold you yet, how about some carolling and live Christmas music? Every year, the market hosts concerts and festive events doubling and tripling the Christmas cheer.
I’ll update this section with more details when the 2024 program is announced.
The Legend of the First Christmas Tree in Riga
True or False: The First Decorated Christmas Tree Was in Riga?
The answer remains a mystery, as instead of conclusive proof, we have only legends shared over cups of hot chocolate on cold winter evenings. One such tale, proudly told by Latvians, dates back to 1510. It’s said that the Brotherhood of Blackheads, a guild of local merchants, decorated a Christmas tree in Riga’s Town Hall Square as part of their winter celebrations. Then they sang and danced around it, adding to the merriment. A jolly story indeed—until you reach the part where they burned the tree down. I don’t think Santa would approve of that.
To commemorate this event, a memorial plaque and asculpture now marks the spot where the world’s first decorated Christmas tree is believed to have stood. Whether or not you choose to believe the story, if you’re visiting Riga during the Christmas season, it’s a fun little quest to find the plaque and snap a photo. And if you happen to be in Riga in December, don’t miss the stunning Christmas tree that graces the square each year. With the beautiful Brotherhood of the Blackheads building as a backdrop, its whimsical, rustic decorations and twinkling lights it creates a Christmas Card worthy scene.
Twinkling Lights and Festive Cheer: Riga’s Christmas Lights and Decorations
Each December, when the days grow darkest, Riga brings out its most cheerful Christmas decorations. So when the sun dips below the horizon, it’s time to bundle up in something warm and cozy, grab a steaming hot drink, and set out for a magical (and free) stroll through the beautifully illuminated city.
Where to find the most beautiful Christmas lights in Riga?
There are some places in Riga where you can find Christmas Lights every year. For as long as I can remember, the branches of the trees in Bastejkalns Park have been draped with sparkling stars, creating a magical atmosphere every year.
But Riga is always looking to add something new and special to its festive charm. What exactly will that be this year? Well, I’ll let you know as soon as the season kicks off, but rest assured, the city always delivers something enchanting to light up the holiday spirit.
For those who seek it, Christmas magic can be found everywhere. While Riga may not have the grandeur of Christmas metropolises like Berlin, London, or Vienna, it offers its own unique and charming way of making the season special. So bundle up, grab a warm drink, and let the charm of Christmas in Riga fill your heart with joy. With its rich traditions, stunning decorations, and cozy atmosphere, Riga is the perfect place to create holiday memories that will last a lifetime.
FAQs about visiting Riga in December
What’s the weather like in Riga in December?
There is a chance you’ll be greeted with snow which can make Christmas in Riga magical. But there is also a chance that it will be just chilly and rainy. It’s always a bit of gamble. The temperature typically ranges somewhere between +5 and -5 Celsius, so I would highly recommend to bundle up.
Are things to do in Riga in December affordable?
Prices are always relative. But I believe you can enjoy Christmas in Riga on a budget as you can explore the old town, and enjoy the Christmas lights for free. The most pricy part is typically the food in the Christmas market, but if you don’t want to spend much you can still go for the vibes and maybe grab a cup of a non alcoholic hot drink as those tend to be more affordable.
If your looking for more ideas what to do in Latvia and Riga in December