New Year's Day (Jaungada diena) in Latvia
January 1 is a public holiday across Latvia, marking the start of the new year. Most shops, banks and public offices close, and the day follows the big New Year's Eve fireworks of December 31.
Photo: Crannofonix · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
At a glance
- Dates
- January 1, 2027
- Where
- Nationwide
- Price
- Free
- Official link
- www.mfa.gov.lv ↗
What to expect
- Nationwide public holiday with most shops, banks and offices closed
- Follows the December 31 fireworks over the Daugava in Riga
- Quiet, restful day across the country
Planning tips
- Stock up on groceries on December 31 — most stores close or run short hours on January 1
- Public transport in Riga runs a reduced holiday timetable
- Restaurants and cafes that do open often require reservations
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.