Riga Christmas Market
Riga Christmas Market 2026
Riga has been hosting Christmas markets since the 15th century — it claims to be the birthplace of the decorated Christmas tree — and today its Old Town market is one of the most atmospheric in Northern Europe. Compact enough to explore in an afternoon, but rich enough to keep you coming back for mulled wine and fresh-baked pastries on repeat.
Here is everything you need to know before you visit.
Riga Christmas Market — Quick Facts
Location: Doma laukums (Cathedral Square), Riga Old Town
2026 Dates TBC: Late November to early January (typically 27 November – 6 January)
Opening Hours: Daily 10:00 – 22:00, extended to 23:00 on weekends
Entry: Free
Best time to visit: Weekday afternoons for smaller crowds; evenings for the best atmosphere and lights
Getting there: 15-minute walk from Riga Central Station; trams 5, 7, 9 stop nearby
Why Visit Riga for Christmas?
Riga Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved medieval city centres in Northern Europe. At Christmas, the cobblestone streets are strung with lights, the cathedral square fills with wooden stalls, and the whole district takes on a quality that is genuinely difficult to replicate.
Unlike the larger European Christmas markets, Riga remains relatively uncrowded by Western European standards, prices are significantly lower, and the experience feels local rather than tourist-facing. A mug of Riga Black Balsam-spiked mulled wine costs a fraction of what you would pay in Prague or Vienna.
The city is also well-connected, direct flights from London, Dublin, Amsterdam, and most major European hubs, often at very reasonable prices in November and early December before the holiday peak.
What to Eat and Drink at the Riga Christmas Market
Mulled Wine (Karstvīns)
The essential Christmas market drink. Riga's version is typically spiced with cinnamon, cloves, and orange peel and often comes with the option of a Riga Black Balsam shot stirred in — a herbal liqueur that has been produced in Latvia since 1752. Worth trying at least once.
Piparkūkas (Gingerbread)
Latvian gingerbread is a Christmas staple and the market stalls sell everything from simple biscuits to elaborately decorated figures. Several stalls offer gingerbread decorating workshops, which works well if you are visiting with children.
Smoked Meats and Sausages
Look for the stalls serving grilled sausages and smoked meats alongside sauerkraut and rye bread. Hearty, warming, and very Latvian — this is market food done properly rather than tourist approximations.
Riga Black Balsam
Available to drink at the market or to take home as a gift. The original recipe contains 24 plants, flowers, buds, juices, roots, oils, and berries — it is an acquired taste but an authentic Latvian experience and one of the better food souvenirs you can bring back.
Market Highlights Worth Seeking Out
The Christmas Tree
Riga's claim to the world's first public Christmas tree (1510, in Cathedral Square) means the centrepiece tree takes on extra significance. It is typically one of the tallest and most elaborately decorated in the Baltics, and the nightly lighting ceremony draws crowds throughout the season.
Artisan Craft Stalls
Beyond the food, the market is strong on Latvian craft — hand-knitted wool mittens, amber jewellery, linen textiles, and ceramics. Quality varies between stalls but the best offer genuinely well-made local products rather than mass-produced souvenirs.
Ice Skating
An ice rink operates in the Old Town during the market season, typically near Rātslaukums (Town Hall Square). Skate hire is available and the rink is usually open the same hours as the market.
The Light Trail
The entire Old Town is illuminated during the market season and several streets feature dedicated light installations. The route from Cathedral Square along Kalku iela towards Līvu laukums is particularly atmospheric after dark.
Christmas Market Tours Worth Booking
A guided tour adds context that independent visitors often miss, the history behind Cathedral Square, the story of Latvia's Christmas tree claim, and the Old Town buildings that frame the market have more depth with a knowledgeable guide walking you through them.
Where to Stay for the Riga Christmas Market
Staying in or immediately adjacent to the Old Town puts you within walking distance of the market and means you can return for evening visits without worrying about transport. Prices in Riga remain reasonable by Western European standards even during the Christmas market season.
Old Town (Best for market access)
The closest you can get. Several boutique hotels sit within the UNESCO-protected Old Town itself, offering medieval architecture alongside modern amenities. Expect to pay a premium over other Riga neighbourhoods but the convenience and atmosphere are unmatched during the market season.
[Booking.com affiliate link — Hotels in Riga Old Town]
[Hotels.com affiliate link — Hotels in Riga Old Town]
City Centre / Centrs (Best value with easy access)
A 10–15 minute walk from Cathedral Square, the Central District offers a wider range of hotels at lower price points. The Radisson Blu Latvija is here, along with numerous mid-range options with easy tram connections to the Old Town.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
What to Wear
Riga in December is cold, typically -2°C to +4°C with occasional snow, best to check conditions prior to travelling. Dress in proper winter layers: thermal base layer, insulating mid-layer, waterproof outer layer. Waterproof boots are strongly recommended as the cobblestones can be icy and the market area is outdoors throughout.
When to Go
Weekday afternoons from 14:00–17:00 offer the best balance of atmosphere and manageability, enough visitors to feel festive without the weekend crush. If your schedule allows only a weekend visit, arrive early (opening at 10:00) or plan an evening visit from 20:00 onwards when the lights are at their best and the queue for mulled wine has typically reduced.
Getting There
Riga Old Town is walkable from most central hotels. From Riga Central Station the walk takes approximately 15 minutes through the parks along the Pilsētas kanāls (City Canal). Trams 5, 7, and 9 stop on Kalku iela, a two-minute walk from Cathedral Square.
Combining with Tallinn or Vilnius Christmas Markets
All three Baltic capitals run Christmas markets simultaneously, making a multi-city Baltic Christmas itinerary genuinely viable. Riga to Tallinn takes approximately 4 hours by bus; Riga to Vilnius approximately 4 hours. Both routes run daily with multiple departures. See our Baltic Itineraries guide for suggested multi-city routes.
Getting to Riga
Riga International Airport (RIX) is served by direct flights from London Gatwick, London Stansted, Dublin, Edinburgh, Amsterdam, and most major European hubs. airBaltic is the national carrier and often offers competitive fares particularly in November and early December. Ryanair and Wizz Air also serve Riga from multiple UK and Irish airports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Riga Christmas Market free to enter?
Yes, entry to the market is completely free. You only pay for food, drinks, and anything you purchase from the stalls.
How long do you need at the Riga Christmas Market?
Two to three hours is enough to explore the market thoroughly, eat, drink, and browse the stalls at a relaxed pace. If you are combining it with exploring the wider Old Town, allow a full half-day or evening.
Is the Riga Christmas Market suitable for children?
Yes, the market is very family-friendly. The ice skating rink, gingerbread decorating workshops, and festive atmosphere work well for children. The market is compact and manageable even with young children.
What is Riga Black Balsam and should I try it?
Riga Black Balsam is a traditional Latvian herbal liqueur produced since 1752. It has a distinctly medicinal, bittersweet flavour that divides opinion, but trying it at the Christmas market, particularly stirred into mulled wine, is genuinely part of the Riga experience. The Black Balsam Currant variety is a gentler introduction for those unsure about the original.
Can I visit the Riga Christmas Market and Tallinn Christmas Market on the same trip?
Yes, a Riga and Tallinn Christmas market trip is very manageable. The bus journey takes approximately 4 hours and runs several times daily. A four-night trip (two nights each) gives you enough time to experience both markets properly. See our Baltic Itineraries page for suggested multi-city routes.
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