Winter in Latvia can be unpredictable, with cold Baltic winds one day and clear blue skies the next. Despite the weather, the wonderful people and festive Christmas markets make Latvia appealing.
Enjoy traditional Latvian folk dances, choir performances and the blend of pagan and Christian holiday traditions.
Christmas Markets in Latvia
This guide, updated in 2024, highlights the best Christmas markets in Latvia. While Riga has the largest market, smaller cities can be worth visiting. Use this list to inspire your trip and start planning.
2024 Dates – Partially confirmed
Latvia Christmas market dates: 29th November 2024 to 2nd January 2025 (specific dates vary by market – see below).
Expected Update: Dates will be updated here as they are finalised. Want to know when they are confirmed? Sign up for our newsletter to get notified as soon as they become available.
Riga – Confirmed
Riga’s winter markets are a festive highlight. The main event is located in Doma Laukums, the central square, with the other nearby in Livu Laukums. Another smaller market is at Esplanade Park in front of the Orthodox Cathedral.
Riga dates: 29th November 2024 to 2nd January 2025 (confirmed).
On Saturdays, visit the Christmas Fair in Kalnciems Quarter across the Daugava River. This year-round market features goods from Latvian farmers, artisans, designers, and music and Baltic region plants. The area is also known for its cultural events and unique timber architecture.
Read my full Riga Christmas Market Guide to find the latest information including dates, opening times regional specialties.
For somewhere to stay, these well-reviewed hotels in Riga are conveniently located.
Daugavpils
Daugavpils is Latvia’s second-largest city in the southeast, near the Lithuanian and Belarusian borders.
Daugavpils dates: 6th December 2024 to 7th January 2025 (unconfirmed).
It’s off the beaten path for most foreign tourists but is interesting, especially if you are heading to Lithuania after Latvia.
The Daugavpils Christmas Market is on Rigas Street, where you’ll find many beautiful lights and decorations around the streets and parks.
Historically, Daugavpils was part of Poland and later the Russian Empire. It retains cultural influences from these periods, making it one of Latvia’s more interesting destinations.
Today, the city features beautiful East Orthodox religious buildings, Art Nouveau architecture and celebrated red brick buildings.
Liepāja
As the third largest city in Latvia, with a coastal location, Liepāja is primarily popular with local tourists. It’s well-known for its Art Nouveau architecture, a common feature in most Latvian cities.
Liepaja dates: 3rd to 24th December 2024 (unconfirmed).
Although quite far from Riga, Liepāja is a great stop if you’re travelling towards Klaipeda, a very popular holiday destination in Lithuania.
If you’re looking to extend your winter holiday or are simply curious, read my guide to the Best Christmas Markets in Europe.
Jelgava Ice Sculpture Festival
Conveniently close to Riga, about 41 kilometres to the southwest, Jelgava is easy to visit if you have time to explore beyond the capital. It’s notable for its palaces, parks, historic churches, and wild horses (apparently, I haven’t seen them).
Jelgava dates: 3rd to 24th December 2024 (unconfirmed).
Jelgava hosts the annual Ice Sculpture Festival every winter, one of Latvia’s most popular winter events. Talented ice sculptors from around the world create stunning works of art from blocks of ice displayed throughout the city. The festival also features live music, ice skating, and winter sports.
The city has a small Christmas market in the city centre, with market stalls selling traditional Latvian foods, drinks and crafts.
Cēsis
If you’re heading to northern Latvia, Cēsis is known for its medieval castle and scenic winter landscapes.
Cēsis dates: 3rd to 24th December 2024 (unconfirmed).
Enjoy live music, performances and traditional Latvian folk dances during Christmas that enhance the festive atmosphere.
Explore Cēsis Castle, one of Latvia’s best-preserved medieval fortresses, and visit the nearby Cesis History and Art Museum for additional activities.
Valmiera
Similarly, Valmiera generally hosts a Christmas market in its city centre, surrounded by historic buildings such as St Simon’s Church and Valmiera Castle ruins.
At Valmiera Culture Centre, you can sample traditional festive treats, like smoked sausages and hot cranberry juice, and enjoy concerts.
Christmas in Latvia
Christmas in Latvia is a family-centred celebration focused on the Winter Solstice. Homes are decorated with natural items like pine cones, branches and festive greenery, along with a decorated tree.
Food is key, with families preparing traditional dishes, sometimes with modern twists. They spend the day cooking and enjoy the feast together in the evening.
Presents are typically open on Christmas Eve for family gatherings and celebrations.
Sustainability Tips
- Shop mindfully and buy only what you need to reduce waste and support local businesses.
- Walk, cycle, or use public transport to reduce your carbon footprint.
- Stay in a sustainable hotel powered by renewable energy.
- Avoid short-stay apartments to help maintain affordable housing for locals.
- Choose eco-friendly products and avoid plastic when shopping.
- Eat locally sourced organic food and limit meat and dairy consumption.
- Embrace diverse cultures and explore beyond main tourist areas.
- Attend local events and support the arts to help local communities.
Comment below if you want to leave a review, have any questions or would like to report any inaccuracies.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.
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