{"id":24322,"date":"2020-12-04T01:36:00","date_gmt":"2020-12-04T00:36:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/?p=24322"},"modified":"2025-06-23T09:42:53","modified_gmt":"2025-06-23T08:42:53","slug":"christmas-riga-christmas-charm","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/christmas-riga-christmas-charm\/","title":{"rendered":"How Latvia’s capital, Riga, turns on the Christmas charm"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Imagine fresh snow dusted over medieval streets, twinkling markets filled with mulled wine and handmade treasures, and cosy bars stocked with traditional food. Sounds magical right? You can find all of this and more when you spend Christmas in Riga, the beautiful capital of Latvia<\/a>. From choir concerts and authentic Christmas markets, to unique Christmas traditions, here are all the best things to see and do during the festive season in Riga<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Winter wonderland scenery<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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A post shared by Latvia Travel (@enjoylatvia) (@latviatravel)<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/blockquote> \/\/www.instagram.com\/embed.js<\/a>\n\n\n\n

There are few things more dreamy than Riga at Christmas time. Imagine gorgeous snowy scenery, fresh frosty air, houses dotted with icicles and frozen lakes that are perfect for ice skating. Then throw in Riga\u2019s UNESCO-listed Old Town, where cobbled lanes, stunning Gothic architecture and church spires are illuminated in twinkling lights and Christmas ornaments. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

With nearly every street, park and square covered in fairy lights, decorations and snow, you can\u2019t help but get into the festive spirit in Riga.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

EXPERIENCE IT FOR YOURSELF:<\/strong> Best of Finland, Russia and The Baltic States<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A post shared by Visit Latvia (@visit_latvia)<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/blockquote> \/\/www.instagram.com\/embed.js<\/a>\n\n\n\n

2. Magical Christmas markets<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When you\u2019re thinking of the best Christmas markets in Europe, you probably picture Germany, France or even the UK. But what about little Riga? This gorgeous city certainly steps up to the plate, with its Christmas markets offering all the charm of Germany\u2019s traditional fairs, but without the crowds. You\u2019ll find all kinds of traditional gifts, delicious food and fun activities for both kids and adults, and there\u2019s more than a few markets to explore! Here are some of our favourites:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A post shared by Latvia Travel (@enjoylatvia) (@latviatravel)<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/blockquote> \/\/www.instagram.com\/embed.js<\/a>\n\n\n\n

Doma Laukums Riga Christmas Market<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Held in Doma Laukums, or \u2018Dome Square\u2019, the largest square in Riga\u2019s Old Town, this market is filled with traditional Christmas magic. You\u2019ll instantly fall in love with the wooden chalets, huge pine tree and crackling fire pit. Plus there’s all the warm food and drinks like sausages, sauerkraut, gingerbread, karstv\u012bns (mulled wine) and hot chocolate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A post shared by Visit Latvia (@visit_latvia)<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/blockquote> \/\/www.instagram.com\/embed.js<\/a>\n\n\n\n

Stock up on handmade woollen scarves, sweaters and mittens, or browse the wooden toys, candles, jewellery and ceramics. You can even visit Santa Claus in the market each day, meet some barnyard animals at the farm display, and watch live bands performing each evening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Livu Laukums Christmas Market<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll stumble upon the Livu Laukums Christmas Market near the entrance of Riga\u2019s Old Town, just a few minutes\u2019 walk away from Doma Laukums. This market is another great place to immerse yourself in an authentic Christmas experience, shop for local handicrafts in the wooden stalls and see the giant Christmas tree made out of thick wooden planks! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A post shared by Latvia Travel (@enjoylatvia) (@latviatravel)<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/blockquote> \/\/www.instagram.com\/embed.js<\/a>\n\n\n\n

Esplanade Park Christmas Market<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Located just outside the Old Town, the Esplanade Park Christmas Market has all the usual suspects – wooden chalets, local crafts, mulled wine, a Ferris wheel\u2026 and a rabbit village. Kids and adults alike will love exploring this curious attraction, complete with fluffy bunnies hopping around their tiny rabbit houses and a little rabbit church. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A post shared by Visit Riga, Latvia (@visitriga)<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/blockquote> \/\/www.instagram.com\/embed.js<\/a>\n\n\n\n

To get to the Esplanade Park Christmas Market from the Old Town, you have to walk through another park, and you\u2019ll get to see all the gorgeous Christmas lights, plus the nearby Riga Nativity Of Christ Cathedral. There\u2019s really no better way to see all the Christmas sights of Riga than by wandering around. Just make sure you dress for the chilly weather!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

RELATED CONTENT: <\/strong>Why you\u2019ll love Riga, Latvia\u2019s \u2018Paris of the North\u2019<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A post shared by Visit Latvia (@visit_latvia)<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/blockquote> \/\/www.instagram.com\/embed.js<\/a>\n\n\n\n

3. Traditional Latvian food<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One of the very best things about spending Christmas in Riga is getting to try out the local food. Latvian cuisine is full of rich flavours and hearty dishes, and the locals really turn it up a notch during the holiday season. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A post shared by Latvia Travel (@enjoylatvia) (@latviatravel)<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/blockquote> \/\/www.instagram.com\/embed.js<\/a>\n\n\n\n

The traditional Latvian Christmas dinner is held on 24th December and there is supposed to be at least nine different dishes on the table. These include pork, fish, poultry, sausage rolls (spe\u0137a p\u012br\u0101gi), stewed sauerkraut with caraway seeds, carrots, grey peas, beetroot and gingerbread cookies. The feast must also include bread, salt and fire, as this is said to bring blessings for the year ahead. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A post shared by Latvia Travel (@enjoylatvia) (@latviatravel)<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/blockquote> \/\/www.instagram.com\/embed.js<\/a>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019d like to try some of these tasty dishes like sausage rolls and gingerbread cookies, you can find them in many restaurants and bakeries throughout Riga. And there\u2019s nothing better than getting cosy by the fireplace with a mug of mulled wine, or the traditional shot of Black Balsam mixed with hot blackcurrant juice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

RELATED CONTENT:<\/strong> Where to go in Riga for the best local Latvian cuisine<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A post shared by Latvia Travel (@enjoylatvia) (@latviatravel)<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/blockquote> \/\/www.instagram.com\/embed.js<\/a>\n\n\n\n

4. Fortune telling<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Fortune telling is an ancient tradition in Latvia, and there\u2019s no better time to have your fortune told than during the Yuletide season. Many Latvians believe that New Year\u2019s Eve is an auspicious time to look into the future, and it’s a fun thing to do in Riga that most locals look forward to. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A post shared by Visit Latvia (@visit_latvia)<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/blockquote> \/\/www.instagram.com\/embed.js<\/a>\n\n\n\n

One of the most common methods of fortune-telling involves putting molten lead into a bucket of icy water. The fortune teller then reads the curious shapes using candlelight. Have a go and see what your future looks like for the year ahead! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

RELATED CONTENT: <\/strong>How to sauna like a local in Latvia<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. The story of the first Christmas tree<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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A post shared by Visit Latvia (@visit_latvia)<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/blockquote> \/\/www.instagram.com\/embed.js<\/a>\n\n\n\n

Riga claims the honour of hosting the world\u2019s first public Christmas tree<\/a>. According to local legend, the first Christmas tree was decorated in the Town Hall Square over 500 years ago. They say that in 1510, the Brotherhood of Blackheads, a guild for unmarried merchants, decorated a pine tree on Christmas Eve, danced around it, then set it on fire. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you visit Riga in December today, you\u2019ll see a similar Christmas tree standing in front of the stunning House of Blackheads. While they don\u2019t burn it down anymore, it is a great chance to learn all about Riga\u2019s medieval past. This fascinating piece of history also spreads throughout the rest of this Christmas tree capital city, and you\u2019ll find creative Christmas trees throughout Riga.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A post shared by Visit Latvia (@visit_latvia)<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/blockquote> \/\/www.instagram.com\/embed.js<\/a>\n\n\n\n

6. Masque Processions<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Latvia is home to many pagan winter solstice traditions, like decorating fir trees, rolling the Yule log and masque processions. Also known as bud\u0113\u013ci, ka\u013cadas or \u0137ekatas, masque processions are a very old tradition in Latvia. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The locals will dress up so they can\u2019t be recognised, then go from door to door while dancing and singing. The most common masks are bears, fortune tellers, or the devil, and the procession is said to scare away evil spirits. It’s also said to bring good luck for the houses they visit, where they\u2019re welcomed with small gifts and treats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A post shared by Latvia Travel (@enjoylatvia) (@latviatravel)<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/blockquote> \/\/www.instagram.com\/embed.js<\/a>\n\n\n\n

7. The First Advent Concert<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Each year on 1st December, the Riga Cathedral holds the First Advent Concert. You can head to the cathedral to watch the Orchestra Riga performing Christmas music by the likes of Bach, Vivaldi and Schubert. You\u2019ll also hear many soloists perform including some of Latvia\u2019s greatest musicians. It\u2019s a magical way to ring in the festive season and not to be missed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Would you like to spend Christmas in Riga? Let us know in the comments below!<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Imagine fresh snow dusted over medieval streets, twinkling markets filled with mulled wine and handmade treasures, and cosy bars stocked with traditional food. Sounds magical right? You can find all of this and more when you spend Christmas in Riga, the beautiful capital of Latvia. From choir concerts and authentic Christmas markets, to unique Christmas […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":43,"featured_media":24324,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[4905],"tags":[20689,20690,12979,13026,13452],"class_list":["post-24322","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-destination-guides","tag-christmas-in-riga","tag-riga-christmas-markets","tag-riga-sightseeing","tag-things-to-do-in-latvia","tag-things-to-do-in-riga"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n7 ways Riga, Latvia's capital, turns on the Christmas charm<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Christmas markets, choir concerts, and unique festive traditions... 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