Pagan solstice traditions and Lutheran customs comfortably sit side by side in Latvia’s winter celebrations. The Christmas markets in Latvia are concentrated in Riga but extend to smaller cities like Liepāja and Cēsis, where you’ll find local beekeepers selling candles, hand-thrown ceramics, and traditional grey peas with bacon served from outdoor stalls alongside folk dance and choir performances.
Christmas Markets in Latvia
This guide 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.
Dates
Status: Expected, based on previous years
Latvia dates: 27th November 2026 to 4th January 2027 (specific dates vary by market – see below).
Last checked: July 2026
Update: Dates will be updated here as they are finalised. Sign up for our newsletter to be notified of changes.
Riga
Riga’s winter markets are the main attraction, with the central event in Doma Laukums (Cathedral Square) and another nearby in Livu Laukums. A smaller market operates at Esplanade Park, located in front of the Orthodox Cathedral, offering several options for exploration.
Status: Expected, based on previous years
Riga dates: 27th November 2026 to 4th January 2027
Source: Instagram
On Saturdays, visit the Christmas Fair in Kalnciems Quarter across the Daugava River. This year-round market features goods from Latvian farmers, artisans, designers, musicians, and plants from the Baltic region. The area is also renowned for its cultural events and distinctive timber architecture, making it worth the trip.
Read my complete Riga Christmas Market guide.
For somewhere to stay, these well-reviewed hotels in Riga are conveniently located.
Other Cities
Daugavpils
Latvia’s second-largest city, near the Lithuanian and Belarusian borders, hosts markets on Rigas Street with lights and decorations throughout the streets. Off the beaten path for most tourists, but an interesting stop if heading to Lithuania. The city retains Polish and Russian cultural influences, including Eastern Orthodox churches and Art Nouveau architecture.
Status: Expected, based on previous years
Daugavpils dates: 29th November to 14th January 2027
Christmas Tree lighting: 29th November
Source: Visit Daugavpils
Liepāja
The third-largest city in Latvia, the coastal city appeals mainly to local tourists and features Art Nouveau architecture, a style common throughout Latvia. Quite far from Riga, but useful if travelling towards Klaipeda in Lithuania.
Status: Expected, based on previous years
Liepaja dates: 1st to 24th December 2026
Cēsis
If you’re heading to northern Latvia, Cēsis is known for its medieval castle and scenic winter landscapes. Enjoy live music, performances, and traditional Latvian folk dances throughout the season, enhancing the festive atmosphere. Explore Cēsis Castle, one of Latvia’s best-preserved medieval fortresses, and visit the nearby Cēsis History and Art Museum for additional activities.
Status: Expected, based on previous years
Cēsis dates: 1st to 24th December 2026
Valmiera
Similarly, Valmiera typically hosts a Christmas market in its city centre, surrounded by historic buildings, including St. Simon’s Church and the ruins of Valmiera Castle. Traditional treats, such as smoked sausages and hot cranberry juice, are available at the Valmiera Culture Centre during concerts.
Winter Events
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 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, which are displayed throughout the city. The festival also features live music, ice skating, and winter sports. The city has a small winter market in the city centre, featuring stalls selling traditional Latvian foods, drinks, and crafts.
Status: Expected, based on previous years
Jelgava dates: 1st to 24th December 2026
Christmas in Latvia
Christmas in Latvia centres around the Winter Solstice, reflecting the country’s deep connection to nature and ancient traditions. Families prepare for Ziemassvētki (Christmas) by gathering natural decorations, such as pine cones, fir branches, and juniper, alongside the traditional tree.
The celebration peaks on Christmas Eve with a feast featuring traditional dishes like pork with sauerkraut, grey peas with bacon, and piparkūkas (spiced gingerbread cookies). Many families still follow the old custom of eating an odd number of dishes for good luck in the coming year.
Gift-giving happens on Christmas Eve rather than Christmas morning, with families gathering around the tree after their meal. The tradition of mumming, where costumed visitors go door-to-door singing carols and performing short plays, still occurs in rural areas, keeping alive customs that predate Christianity.
Latvia’s unique position between German, Russian, and Scandinavian influences shows in holiday foods like speķa pīrādziņi (bacon rolls) and beverages like warming honey wine, creating celebrations that feel distinctly Baltic rather than following Western European patterns.
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 opt for plastic-free options when shopping.
- Eat locally sourced, organic food and limit your consumption of meat and dairy.
- Embrace diverse cultures and explore beyond the main tourist areas.
- Attend local events and support the arts to help local communities.
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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 as definitive. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.
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