For a small city, Riga is busy with Christmas markets and celebrations in December. The main Riga Christmas market is on Doma Laukums, the main square, while the other is not far away on Livu Laukums. There is even another smaller Christmas market on Esplenade Park in front of the Orthodox Cathedral.
Along with having multiple markets, Riga is one of the most affordable winter break destinations in Europe with many things to do around the city including in the historic Art Nouveau neighbourhood. Christmas in Latvia will be a great experience for a short break in the Baltic States.
While Riga might not be one of the first destinations that come to mind when thinking about Christmas, it’s worth noting that Riga is believed to be the first city in the world to put up a decorated Christmas tree. So Riga definitely has the Christmas spirit and seasonal traditions.
Riga Christmas Market 2019
Riga Christmas Market dates: 1st December 2019 to 6th January 2020.
Opening times: 10am to 10pm every day.
Location: Doma Laukums (Dome Square), Livu Laukums and Esplenade Park.
Reason to visit: Great value for money and interesting Latvian traditions.
Specialties: Grey peas and bacon and hand carved kitchen utensils.
Travel tip: Riga has one of the largest Art Nouveau neighbourhoods in the world. Well worth a visit!
Recommended tour: Riga Culture and Food Tour
Where to stay in Riga: Sherlock Art Hotel or search our list of verified hotels.
Riga weather in winter: Temperatures average 1°C / -4°C (high / low) in December.
Riga Christmas Market Specialities
Riga is famous for artisanal gifts and decorations. You can find hand carved homewares and kitchen utensils, hand knitted scarves, gloves and socks, locally made candles and Christmas decorations. The market is less commercial than Christmas markets in Europe’s larger cities making it more authentic in that respect.
As far as food specialties go, the Riga market uses seasonal produce to make delicious food including hearty soups, gingerbread and the traditional Latvian dish of grey peas and bacon.
Discover Latvia is the country’s official tourism website where you can find loads of information on travel to Riga and the latest dates and location of the Riga Christmas markets and other Christmas markets in Latvia.
Map of Riga
If you have visited Riga in December or Christmas in Latvia and would like to share your experience, leave a comment below.
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