The Christmas Market in Riga is considered one of the oldest in the world. The capitals of Estonia and Latvia compete over which city had the first Christmas tree in the world. Regardless of who was first, both cities and their markets have something truly special and unique, found nowhere else.
The Christmas Market in Riga was the seventh foreign market we visited. We already knew Riga very well from several previous trips, which is why we really wanted to see the city in a different, festive setting.
In 2025, this market was ranked as the third most beautiful in Europe.
And even if that weren’t the case, it is one of the most original markets, where you’ll feel as if you’ve been transported several or even a dozen centuries back in time. And if you’re already here, be sure to explore all the districts of Riga. Each one offers incredibly interesting places and is worth at least a few hours of your time. You can find all guides to the individual districts of the capital and other places in the country here > RYGA – PRZEWODNIK.
RIGA CHRISTMAS MARKET – PRACTICAL INFORMATION
DATES: The market starts every year on the last weekend of November and runs until January 4th or 6th.
OPENING HOURS: Monday to Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM, Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM, Sunday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
DETAILS ON THE WEBSITE: RIGA CHRISTMAS MARKET
ACCOMMODATION: The market is becoming more and more popular each year, and although the accommodation base is extensive, finding affordable lodging in the city center during the season can be difficult. A link to accommodation in Riga with a 15% discount can be found at the bottom of the post. As you can see, hotels take good care of the festive atmosphere.
HOW TO GET TO THE MARKET? You can travel by car, coach, or plane. Riga is well connected, with regular flights from most European capitals, making it easy to reach the city for a festive visit.
TRANSPORT IN THE CITY – Public transport in Riga is good. The airport is connected to the city by bus, and the journey to the city center takes about 30 minutes. The cheapest option is city bus No. 22. Tickets can be purchased from a machine at the bus stop.
90-minute ticket: €1.50 / one-day ticket: €5.00 / three-day ticket: €10.00 / five-day ticket: €15.00
HISTORY OF THE MARKET AND THE FIRST CHRISTMAS TREE
The Christmas Market in Riga is rooted in the city’s old trading traditions, as Riga has been an important center of Hanseatic trade since the Middle Ages. Riga proudly claims to be the birthplace of the Christmas tree tradition. According to historical sources, in 1510, members of the Brotherhood of Blackheads erected and decorated a tree right in this spot, which they later burned as part of a festive ritual. Officially, this is the story; unofficially, it is said that the brothers had quite a party before stepping outside to set the tree on fire. Today, this tradition is commemorated at the square in front of the House of the Blackheads, where the city’s main Christmas tree is placed each year. A permanent steel mini-tree also stands there as a reminder of this historic event.
RIGA CHRISTMAS MARKET AT CATHEDRAL SQUARE
The main and most important market, though not the only one as I’ll show shortly takes place at Cathedral Square (Doma laukums / Doma Square), right in the heart of the Old Town. Unfortunately, it rained almost the entire time during our visit. However, as you can see in the photos, this didn’t stop the crowds from coming to the market.
ENTRANCE GATE
A distinctive feature is the decorative entrance gate, made of fresh greenery and adorned with a beautiful red bow.
A CHARMING MARKET FROM THE MORNING
The atmosphere is fantastic from the early hours. At this time, there aren’t any crowds yet, so you can take your time to explore everything and see in daylight the wonderful treats being prepared here.
EVENING MARKET
In the evening, the atmosphere becomes truly magical, and on weekends, the crowds are substantial. What makes the Riga market unique is the charming presentation of the stalls as well as the costumed people.
THE CATHEDRAL AS A BACKDROP
The monumental Riga Cathedral towers over Cathedral Square and, during the winter season, becomes an extraordinary backdrop for Christmas events. Its historic façade serves as a canvas for light projections, animations, and changing colors that bring the square to life after dark. Subtle illuminations highlight the architectural details of the church, blending the medieval austerity with a magical, almost theatrical atmosphere for the market.
THE CHRISTMAS TREE
At almost every Christmas market in the world, the central feature is a large, illuminated Christmas tree.
WHAT TO EAT AT THE MARKET?
You definitely won’t leave the market hungry. Dozens of wooden stalls offer hearty, hot dishes at prices not far off from those in city restaurants. From the early morning hours, many stalls prepare food in large pots over open flames. The aroma of smoke, spices, and roasted meat fills the entire square. Latvian cuisine dominates the market: warming soups, stews, and one-pot dishes, perfect for winter strolls. Sausages and grilled meats are very popular, often served with sauerkraut, potatoes, or dark bread. There are also potato pancakes, pancakes, and dumplings in various versions.
MULLED WINE AND OTHER DRINKS
No European Christmas market can do without the classic mulled wine. In addition, stalls also offer unusual hot punches, warming rum-based mixes, and, of course, non-alcoholic versions made from fruit juices and spices. A true local specialty, however, is mulled drinks prepared with Riga Black Balsam. This legendary Latvian herbal liqueur has been considered a remedy for colds and winter ailments since the 18th century. The dark, intensely flavored balsam is combined with hot blackcurrant juice, honey, citrus, and warming spices. Its bittersweet taste and herbal aroma make it a must-try for many tourists visiting the market.
Unfortunately, like in Tallinn, the tradition of using collectible ceramic market mugs hasn’t reached Riga. Drinks are served in plastic cups, with a €2 deposit, which can then be returned at a designated stall. It’s a shame, as our collection didn’t grow. However, I believe in the “power” of my recommendation – there were no mugs in Chester before, and now they’re already available this year!
ICE DRINKS
The market also offers options for fans of stronger drinks with a modern twist. One of the most attractive spots is the ice drinks stall, where beverages are served in glasses made of ice or with ice cubes presented in a creative way. Colorful alcoholic cocktails decorated with fruit contrast beautifully with the winter atmosphere of the square, while the gentle mist from the frozen elements creates a striking, highly photogenic scene.
GLASS, CERAMICS, TEXTILES, AND OTHER HANDICRAFTS
People don’t live by bread and wine alone—at the market, you can also find a wide variety of traditional crafts such as ceramics, glassware, miniatures, Christmas ornaments, and jewelry. There are plenty of textile products, including items made of wool and alpaca, clothing, and gloves. All of it is genuine handmade craftsmanship—at the Riga market, you certainly won’t find any of the usual mass-produced “Chinese goods.”
SOMETHING FOR CHILDREN
This is the only market we’ve visited that is clearly aimed at adults. It’s calmer, more atmospheric, focused on conversations over a cup of mulled wine rather than loud attractions. Instead of ubiquitous lights and flashy entertainment, the market exudes a warm atmosphere, filled with the scents of spices and wood. Right in the middle of the square, next to the Christmas tree, there is one charming carousel that catches the eye of both children and adults. Made of hand-carved wooden figures, it looks as if it came straight out of old illustrations or fairy tales. Its subtle appearance perfectly complements the market’s character, adding a touch of nostalgia and reminding everyone that the magic of Christmas knows no age.
SELLERS
This is also the only market where you can truly feel transported to another era. The effect is created by vendors dressed in medieval-inspired costumes. Long coats, linen tunics, hoods, and leather accessories make the trading on the square resemble scenes from old city markets. These are not random costumes but carefully selected pieces that harmonize perfectly with the historic architecture of the Old Town. Combined with the wooden stalls, open flames under cooking pots, and the warm glow of lanterns, the market’s atmosphere takes on an almost theatrical quality. For a moment, it’s easy to forget the modern world and imagine being in Hanseatic Riga centuries ago, where merchants offered their goods face-to-face amid the scents of spices and the sounds of conversations drifting across the square.
PHOTOGRAPHY SPOTS
The Riga Christmas Market is a real treat for photography enthusiasts. Every corner of the square looks like a postcard. Additionally, special picturesque photo spots have been set up, inviting visitors to pause and take a memorable photo. These are carefully arranged wooden seats, benches, and decorative structures adorned with spruce branches, lights, and festive details. Everything is designed in a cohesive, natural style that perfectly complements the historic surroundings of the square. This way, you don’t have to search for the perfect shot—just sit, set up your camera, and you’re ready. These compositions fit seamlessly with the market’s atmosphere, allowing visitors to take home a classic, aesthetically pleasing souvenir from Riga, without any flashy props or overwhelming decorations.
CHRISTMAS ATMOSPHERE IN THE CITY STREETS
Like any city, not only the area where the market is set up is decorated with lights. Some streets feature beautiful overhead lighting, while others have illuminated trees.
Shops have been heavily involved in decorating the city. Window displays attract visitors with fantastic Christmas decorations, adding color and charm to the event. In the Old Town, there are also several large stores specializing exclusively in Christmas decorations, creating a scene as colorful and magical as a fairy tale.
In front of the Latvian National Opera, a magnificent Christmas tree is erected every year, becoming the centerpiece of the festive illuminations. Its thousands of twinkling lights create an elegant, almost theatrical backdrop that perfectly complements the building’s classical façade. At the same time, the entire park from the Opera through Freedom Monument Square and beyond is transformed into a fairytale winter landscape.
The trees are decorated with thousands of lights, lanterns, and delicate illuminations that guide visitors along paths bathed in a warm, inviting glow. A walk through the park after dark feels like wandering through a magical winter forest, where every corner is carefully lit and visually pleasing, creating a cohesive and atmospheric experience.
OTHER MARKETS IN RIGA
While on the topic of markets, it’s worth mentioning that similar events take place in many other parts of the city throughout the year not just during the Christmas season.
In 2024, a market was held in Esplanade Park near the Nativity of Christ Cathedral. There were a few stalls and a small rabbit enclosure.
KALNCIEMA QUARTER MARKET
Kalnciema Quarter Market is a traditional farmers’ and artisans’ market held every Saturday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM throughout the year. It’s not a typical tourist market but rather a local celebration of flavors and crafts. Some editions of the market are dedicated to specific themes, countries, or seasonal holidays, which influence both the offerings and the atmosphere. Below are a few photos from an autumn visit.
AGENSKALNS MARKET
Agenskalns Market is one of the most interesting and historically oldest markets in Riga, operating since 1898 and recognized as a national cultural monument. After a thorough renovation completed in 2022, the market impresses with its blend of historic architecture and modern functionality. Although it is not a Christmas market in the traditional sense (like the one at Doma Square), Agenskalns Market has a festive atmosphere and is lively throughout the year. On the ground floor of the newly renovated pavilion, you’ll find stalls offering local products from Latvian farmers and small producers—fresh vegetables, fruits, cheeses, meats, fish, artisanal bread, and regional delicacies. The second floor hosts a vibrant gastronomic zone with cafés, bars, and dining spots.
CHRISTMAS ATMOSPHERE IN JURMALA
By the Baltic Sea, in our beloved and most beautiful seaside town along the entire Baltic coast, you can also feel the Christmas spirit at every turn. You can find a guide to this magical place here > JURMAŁA – NADBAŁTYCKA PERŁA
RIGA CHRISTMAS MARKET – SUMMARY
We were once skeptical about “market tourism,” but after visiting the markets in Dortmund, Frankfurt, Nuremberg, Tallinn, two in the UK, and several in Poland, we caught the same “passion” ourselves. Each market had its own charm and character, but there’s no denying that the one in Riga, despite the unfavorable weather, left a strong and positive impression on us.
RIGA – ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
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