Christmas (Ziemassvētki) in Latvia
Latvia observes Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and the Second Day of Christmas (December 24–26) as public holidays — a midwinter celebration rooted in both Christian and older winter-solstice traditions. Riga's Christmas market and decorations run through the period.
Photo: Pierre Andre Leclercq · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
At a glance
- Dates
- December 24–2026 (day: 26)
- Where
- Nationwide
- Price
- Free
- Official link
- www.mfa.gov.lv ↗
What to expect
- Three consecutive public holidays over December 24–26
- Riga's Dome Square Christmas market and city lights at their peak
- Solstice traditions including the Yule log (bluķa vakars)
Planning tips
- Most shops close fully on December 25 and run short hours on the 24th and 26th
- The Dome Square Christmas market is the centrepiece — visit at dusk for the lights
- Book Christmas dinner well in advance; many restaurants close on the 24th–25th
Build a day around it
Riga event days feel best when you keep the schedule light: one event block, one food anchor, and one walking loop — with buffer so nothing feels rushed.
- If you have 2–3 hours: arrive early → event → short Old Town/canal walk.
- If you're making a full day: one architecture/market block + event + an easy evening plan.
- If the weather turns: keep walking minimal and use cafes/museums as your buffer.
Before you go
- Confirm the details: check the official link for last-minute schedule or venue updates.
- Arrive with buffer: 15–30 minutes early usually makes the whole experience calmer.
- Have a weather plan: keep one indoor “warm stop” in mind in case the day turns.