Enjoy a Festive Break at Riga Christmas Markets

Riga’s fairytale Old Town (Vecrīga) transforms into party central at Christmas, filled with twinkling lights, the aroma of mulled wine rich with cinnamon and cloves, and the beguiling sounds of carol singing. It’s claimed that the world’s first decorated Christmas tree was displayed in Riga Old Town during the 15th century, so the city has good form when it comes to kicking off the festive season in style. If you’re staying in central Riga hotels at this special time of year, enjoy its enchanting markets and go home with thoughtful and inspiring gifts for all the family.

The three biggest Christmas markets in Riga are centred on the Old Town. There are also two lesser-known markets to the west of the Daugava River in the modern city.

Set in the heart of the Old Town, the city's atmospheric central Christmas market sits in a medieval piazza overlooked by Riga Cathedral, itself an intriguing mish-mash of architecture from Gothic to Baroque. Here you’ll find a Christmas tree culled from Latvian forests and festooned in garlands and lights, scores of gaily decorated stalls and food shacks manned by jolly vendors attired in Santa hats, and seasonal live music.

• Centra rajons, Rīga LV-1050
• Open 28 Nov–4 Jan Mon–Thur 11am–9pm, Fri–Sat 10am–10pm, Sun 10am–8pm

Just northeast of the Old Town in manicured gardens, this festive market has a wonderfully inviting, family-friendly ambience, with lots for kids to do and see. They can take pony rides and there’s also a petting farm where they can feed fluffy bunny rabbits!

• Reimersa iela 1, Centra rajons, Rīga LV-1050
• Open 28 Nov–4 Jan Mon–Thur 11am–9pm, Fri–Sat 10am–10pm, Sun 10am–8pm

A short walk from Dome Square, this pretty plaza is surrounded by Baroque townhouses in a riot of colours. It has a mix of stalls selling woolly mitts and handmade jewellery, and is famous for its Christmas tree made from recycled wooden planks.

• Centra rajons, Riga LV-1050
• Open 28 Nov–4 Jan Mon–Thur 11am–9pm, Fri–Sat 10am–10pm, Sun 10am–8pm

For an authentic experience with fewer tourists, pop into the Christmas market in this charming district across the Daugava River. Amongst its draws are ceramics artists from across Latvia, tree decoration-making workshops for kids and open-air carol concerts.

• Kalnciema Iela 35, Zemgales priekšpilsēta, Rīga LV-1046
• Open Saturdays throughout December 10am–4pm
• Walkable from the Old Town

This handsome red-brick food market hosts a weekly Christmas extravaganza, with pop-up shops selling brightly painted models of the Old Town, crib scenes, scented soaps and cosy knitwear alongside Latvian speciality gingerbread Santas and fragrant mulled wine. Also across the Daugava River.

• Nometņu iela 64, Zemgales priekšpilsēta, Rīga LV-1002
• Open weekends throughout December: Sat 9am–7pm, Sun 9am–5pm
• Walkable from the Old Town

Visiting Riga’s Christmas markets allows you to snap up unusual handcrafted souvenirs, develop a taste for Latvian delicacies and sample some of its best-loved drinks. Whether you’re shopping for a loved one (hand-painted baubles, beeswax candles or bottles of Latvian honey fit the bill?) or just looking to soak up the atmosphere, your time in Riga will be simply unforgettable – even more so if the markets are covered in a dusting of snow.

Riga’s markets are smaller than many others across Europe. This makes them particularly family-friendly, as you can easily keep tabs on the kids. Plan to visit in early December to get ahead with present-buying, and take them to explore Santa’s house, where elves will help them post a letter to Father Christmas in Lapland. Look forward to DJs, choirs, string quartets and folk singers performing in the cobbled lanes at the weekend, and don’t miss out on the nightly tree-lighting ceremony in Dome Square, or the Ferris wheel in Esplanade Park.

As well as the chance to sample favourite Latvian liqueurs, must-try foods at the Riga festive markets include traditional dishes for an authentic taste of Latvia’s rich culinary tradition. With all the food kiosks, you’ll never be short of a savoury snack or a festive sweet treat for fuelling up as you browse the artisan stalls.

• Pīrāgi: These deep-fried pastries filled with bacon and onion or cottage cheese are deeply embedded into Baltic culture. They are often batch-made for special occasions, and make the perfect Christmas snack!
• Pelēkie zirņi ar speķi: A classic Latvian stew made with diced bacon, onion, sour cream and grey peas, which look a bit like chickpeas and have Protected Designation of Origin in Europe.
• Svaigu kāpostu zupa: This traditional soup comes in many guises like hearty cabbage and pea, or jāņu skābs (sauerkraut broth with smoked meat), both cooked over open flames and served with black rye bread.
• Kartupeļu pankūkas: Crispy, deep-fried potato pancakes, served with a dollop of sour cream or seasonal lingonberry jam, are one of the most popular Riga Christmas market snacks.
• Kūpinātas zivis: Smoked fish is another much-loved cornerstone of Latvian cuisine; anything from sprats to salmon pulled from the Baltic, seasoned with dill and cooked over a fire of juniper wood for extra flavour.
• Piparkūkas: The Latvian take on gingerbread is often spiced with black pepper as well as ginger; the biscuits come in all sorts of festive shapes: Father Christmas, snowmen and tree decorations.

As for festive drinks, here are five beverages guaranteed to warm your heart on a chilly Riga day, whether full of spirits or alcohol free.

• Riga black balsam: Latvia’s national drink is a potent herbal liqueur in flavours including blackberry and cherry; in winter it’s added to hot drinks.
• Hot chocolate: Served topped with whipped cream or marshmallow. When a dash of black balsam is added, it’s certainly not just for the kids.
• Karstvīn or glögg: The Estonian take on this staple of European Christmas markets is heated red wine with cloves, orange zest and a dash of brandy for that extra kick.
• Kvass or dzersis: Locally made apple cider, served hot and spiced with cinnamon (or added to Riga black balsam).
• Apple in the Woods: A gin cocktail with apple juice, creatively presented in a giant ice cube!

At the Riga Christmas markets, you can fill your bags with Latvian handicrafts and unique gifts. Amber jewellery is a popular choice – known as Baltic gold, it’s a typically Latvian gift. Be sure to buy from certified sellers to ensure its authenticity. Also look for hand-carved candlesticks, bowls and chopping boards made of juniper or larch, and handmade tree decorations like glass balls featuring Riga landmarks such as the House of the Blackheads or the ornate Nativity of Christ Cathedral. Finally, support Latvia’s long tradition of hand knitting by picking up patterned jumpers, mittens and comfy socks.

A few tips to make your time at Christmas markets in Riga even more enjoyable!

1. Carry some money: Take spare cash to buy your own personal recyclable drinks cup (about €2). A few stall holders do not accept debit or credit cards.
2. Follow a sculpture trail: It’s not all about the markets; don’t miss the magical light trail winding through Bastejkalna Park, a haven of greenery and peace just north of the Old Town.
3. Wrap up warm: Riga in winter is cold – temperatures go as low as -10°C (14°F) – so you’ll need gloves, hats and scarves as well as sturdy footwear for walking on the cobbles.
4. Take a bag: If you’re set on doing your Christmas shopping, take a tote or rucksack in which to carry your purchases.

Have we sparked your interest? Perhaps you’d like to know all about the Christmas markets in other European cities. Meantime, let’s get your festive stay in Riga for the Christmas markets underway!