In 1510, a group of merchants, the Brotherhood of the Blackheads, decorated a tree with paper roses in this city’s marketplace, danced around it, and set it alight. A plaque in the cobblestones of Doma Laukums now marks the spot, and Riga claims the tradition as the world’s first public decorated tree. The Riga Christmas Market spans three locations, with hand-knitted woollens, piparkūkas gingerbread, and glasses of Black Balsam served warm with blackcurrant juice.
Riga Christmas Market 2026
Dates
Status: Expected, based on previous years
Riga dates: 27th November 2026 to 4th January 2027
Last checked: July 2026
Update: Last year’s dates were announced in October. Sign up for our newsletter to be notified of changes.
Source: Verified by Ultimate Christmas Markets via Instagram.
Plan Your Visit
Location and Times
Location: Doma Laukums (Town Square), Livu Laukums and Esplanade Park.
Opening times:
Monday to Thursday: 11am to 9pm.
Friday and Saturday: 10am to 10pm.
Sunday: 10am to 8pm.
Christmas Eve: 10am to 6pm.
Christmas Day: Open.
Travel and Accommodation
Recommended tour: Riga Culture and Food Tour offers a great mix of food and history and sights.
Public transport: Widely available and accessible.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion.
Travel tip: Riga has one of the largest Art Nouveau neighbourhoods in the world. Well worth a visit!
Riga weather in December: Temperatures average 1°C / -4°C (high / low) in December.
Where to stay: Neiburgs Hotel is only 100 metres from the main square.
Amenities and Attractions
Admission: Free.
Santa: No.
Ice skating: Yes, but not at the event.
Reason to visit: Great value for money and interesting Latvian traditions.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten-free: Limited. Ask individual vendors, but beware of cross-contamination.
Food specialties: Grey peas and bacon.
Accessibility
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes, dogs are allowed on a lead.
Convenient Hotels
Given that Riga’s old town is relatively small and walkable, many hotels in this area are suitable for a short stay. During my visit, I stayed on the opposite side of the river and regretted not staying in a more centrally located place.
The Neiburgs Hotel is a brilliant choice if you want to be in the centre of the old town and stay in a stunning Art Nouveau building, the style for which Riga is known.
Click through to my guide on hotels in Riga, with more recommended places to stay.
Recommended Tours
I highly suggest taking the Riga Culture and Food Tour. This tour allows you to explore many of the city’s highlights while also discovering the local cuisine and culture.
You’ll have the opportunity to see some of Riga’s most famous landmarks and attractions, such as the Freedom Monument, House of the Blackheads and St Peter’s Church, from which you can enjoy stunning views over the city.
Latvia is a wonderful country with many interesting places to visit. My list of Christmas markets in Latvia might help you to plan where to go this year.
Location Map
Captured a moment that embodies the holiday season? Tag your photos with #UltimateChristmasMarkets — we can’t wait to see your festive finds!
At the Market Stalls
Riga’s market is famous for its artisanal gifts and decorations. You can find hand-carved homewares, kitchen utensils, hand-knitted scarves, gloves, and socks, as well as locally made candles and decorations.
I think the market is less commercial than those in Europe’s larger cities, making it more authentic in that respect. However, things might have changed since my visit, so please share your thoughts in the comments.
Regional Specialties
Regarding food specialties, the Riga market utilises seasonal produce to create delicious dishes, including hearty soups, gingerbread, and the traditional Latvian dish of grey peas and bacon.
Rye bread is considered an essential aspect of Latvian cultural heritage, and you’ll find excellent examples of this dark bread throughout Riga. You can buy it at the market or in specialty bakeries. Look out for rye bread cake, an extension of this traditional food.
Rowan berries are another local food to look out for during winter. It’s a unique fruit that those of us outside the region will likely have never tried before. In Riga, you can get them in dried or powdered form directly from the market, but you’ll also find them in some dishes and drinks.
Christmas in Riga
In Latvia, Christmas is more commonly celebrated as the winter solstice, and events are centred around this. Traditionally, Christmas presents are exchanged on Christmas Eve, so if you’re in Riga at this time, you might want to celebrate in the same way.
The Winter Solstice or Yule Log Eve is celebrated on the shortest day and the longest night of the year. This occurs on the 21st December.
One of the great things about Riga in December is that the market runs beyond Christmas Day. This is unusual in many parts of Europe, where Christmas Eve is typically the last day.
This means you can enjoy the festivities during New Year’s Eve and into the first week of January.
Along with the many winter events, Riga is one of Europe’s most affordable destinations for a winter break. There are many things to do around the city, including in the incredible Art Nouveau neighbourhood.
Christmas Tree Trail
While Riga might not be one of the first destinations that comes to mind when thinking about Christmas, it’s worth noting that, in 1510, it was believed to be the first city in the world to put up a decorated tree. The Christmas Tree Trail is an arts festival dedicated to the Christmas tree. Throughout the city, you’ll find unique, traditional, and modern tree art.
Sustainability
- Shop mindfully. Only purchase what you need.
- Walk, cycle and use public transport to get around.
- Stay in a sustainable hotel powered by renewable energy.
- Stay in hotels. Short-stay apartment accommodation can lead to a lack of affordable housing for locals.
- Avoid using plastic and buying items made of or packaged in plastic.
- Try to eat locally sourced organic food where possible.
- Limit your consumption of meat and dairy.
- Be open to diverse cultures and experiences.
- Explore more than just the main tourist areas.
- Support the arts and attend local events.
- Visit fewer places but stay longer at each destination.
If you visited Riga in December or Xmas in Latvia in the past and would like to share your experience, leave a comment below.
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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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