A Guide to Riga’s Christmas Markets
By Travel blogger, Flight and Travel expert Mr Plane Guy
When it comes to holiday magic, Riga, Latvia, delivers a Christmas Market experience that feels straight out of a storybook. If you're looking for festive cheer in a city known for its charm, history, and beautiful winter vibes, Riga should top your list of must-visit destinations for the season. In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about the Riga Christmas Market 2024, including market dates, opening time, and all the festive things to do while you’re there. Whether you're a seasoned Christmas market traveller or a newbie, Riga’s warm festive embrace is worth experiencing.
Does Riga Have a Good Christmas Market?
Absolutely! Riga is home to some of the best Christmas markets in Europe. While they may not be as large as markets in Germany or Austria, Riga's markets make up for it with their unique charm, local craftsmanship, and cosy atmosphere. From handmade gifts to delicious traditional foods, you'll find it all. Plus, it’s quieter than some of the more famous markets, giving you room to really enjoy the experience.
Riga Christmas Market Dates & Opening Times
The Riga Christmas Market 2024 will be open from November 30, 2024, to January 7, 2025. Markets typically run daily from around 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with extended hours on weekends for those who want to linger longer under the twinkling lights. Be sure to check for any updates closer to your visit to confirm the exact Riga Christmas Market opening times.
How Many Christmas Markets Are There in Riga?
Riga has two main Christmas markets, each offering something special:
1. Dome Square Christmas Market
Located in the heart of Riga’s Old Town, the Dome Square market is the biggest and liveliest. You’ll find a variety of Riga Christmas Market stalls selling handmade wooden toys, traditional Latvian woolens, and, of course, plenty of mulled wine to keep you warm. Keep an eye out for the massive Christmas tree, a nod to Riga’s claim as the birthplace of the Christmas tree tradition.
2. Esplanade Park Christmas Market
Esplanade Park offers a more family-friendly vibe. You’ll find charming stalls with local artisans, hearty food stands, and even live animals like goats and rabbits for kids to enjoy. It’s smaller but equally magical, and it’s only a 10-15 minute walk from Dome Square, so you can easily visit both in one day.
Riga Christmas Market Stalls: What to Expect
From handcrafted gifts to festive treats, the Riga Christmas market stalls are bursting with holiday cheer:
Crafts & Gifts: Look for local artisans selling traditional Latvian items like amber jewelry, hand-knitted wool scarves, mittens, and wooden ornaments. These make perfect souvenirs or Christmas gifts.
Food & Drink: You can’t leave without trying Latvian delicacies like grey peas with bacon or pīrāgi (small, baked pastries filled with meat). Wash it down with a cup of mulled wine or hot blackcurrant juice.
Entertainment: Expect traditional music performances and even Christmas carol sing-alongs throughout the season.
Riga Christmas Market 2024 and 2025 Tickets
Good news! Riga’s Christmas Markets are free to enter. You’ll only need cash for the market stalls as not all vendors accept cards. If you prefer to go cashless, you’ll find nearby ATMs to withdraw euros.
Is Riga Worth Visiting in December?
Yes, a thousand times yes! Riga in December feels like stepping into a fairytale. The medieval Old Town, draped in festive lights and decorations, is incredibly picturesque. If you’re lucky, you might even get a dusting of snow, adding to the winter wonderland ambiance. Plus, Riga is much more affordable than other popular European destinations, making it a budget-friendly holiday escape.
Things to Do in Riga During Christmas
While the Christmas markets are the highlight, there’s so much more to explore:
Visit St. Peter’s Church: Climb the tower for breathtaking views of the Old Town and beyond.
Wander Through Art Nouveau District: Riga’s architecture is stunning, and the Art Nouveau district is one of the best in Europe.
Enjoy Traditional Latvian Cuisine: Book a cozy dinner at one of Riga’s many traditional restaurants, like *Folkklubs Ala Pagrabs*.
Ice Skating: If you’re in the mood for a winter sport, check out one of the pop-up rinks around the city.
Explore Riga Central Market: Not just for Christmas goodies, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is housed in former Zeppelin hangars and offers an authentic taste of Latvia.
Of course I had to try husky sleding! Now the tour organisers did tell me very clearly they did not have snow, whats that little detail though? I still had the best time! Check out my tik tok and don't forget to follow!
If you have better chance of snow here are the details for this trip, TBH without snow I loved it! I cuddle 20+ dogs and we did not stop laughing the whole trip! Worth every penny! It does get pretty booked up though so make sure you book this in advance.
Where to Stay in Riga
Finding a cosy place to stay is easy in Riga. Here are some top recommendations:
Luxury: Grand Poet Hotel by Semarah – Central and luxurious, perfect for a winter escape.
Mid-Range: Wellton Riverside SPA Hotel – Affordable comfort with spa facilities.
Budget Tree House Hostel – Perfect for backpackers, offering a welcoming atmosphere.
Now my flight arrived quite late into Riga so I just booked a airport hotel the Hampton by Hilton which was a five minute BOLT taxi drive away! It was so nice and epic value! If you would like to stay quite close to the airport then this is a great choice of hotel for Riga.
Here is a link to the hotel, its 5 minutes from the airport and 20 minutes drive to the city centre.
How to Get From Riga Airport to the City
Getting into Riga from the airport is simple and affordable:
Bus: Bus 22 runs every 10-20 minutes and takes around 30 minutes to reach the city centre for just €1.50.
Minibus:Minibus 222 is another quick option but less frequent.
Taxi: Taxis cost around €15-€20, but using the Bolt app (similar to Uber) is cheaper and more reliable. New users can often get a discount using promo codes, so keep an eye out!
FYI Latvia does't seem to have UBER but they do use BOLT (a very similar concept)
Cheap flights to Riga
Who Has the Best Christmas Markets in Europe?
While cities like Vienna and Strasbourg often top the list of the best Christmas markets in Europe, Riga’s markets are a hidden gem. They’re less crowded, more affordable, and filled with authentic, local charm. Plus, it’s a unique experience you won’t find anywhere else!
£92 my phone bill was last month after 2 days in Cologne! I forgot to take out an eSim! Don't make my mistake and take out an eSim before your next flight!
Ready to book your trip? Don’t forget to check for flights to Riga early and plan around the Riga Christmas Market dates 2024. Whether you’re there for the mulled wine, handmade crafts, or just to soak in the festive vibes, Riga’s Christmas markets will leave you with magical memories.
Hello I’m Paul a Travel and flight expert, I spent most of my career working in and around planes with 15 years providing top-notch service with a London-based airline. I became an expert in travel after soaring across the Atlantic up to 10 times a month!
I’m now, producing travel content, reaching millions of viewers monthly. Reporting on travel news, sharing travel tips, reviews, and deals with a sprinkle of humour and a whole lot of authenticity!
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