Riga in December is a cosy hub of Christmas spirit, social gatherings and wonderful markets. It’s the ideal time to grab a nice cup of your favourite hot beverage and enjoy the sweater weather with a nice stroll through this festive Latvian city.
Let’s dive into the best events Riga has to offer this month!
- Enjoy Christmas festivities and community events
- Go shopping for cosy traditional goodies
- Warm up in local cafes
- Visit events and exhibitions
- Sports and outdoor leisure
- Riga—the place to be this December
Enjoy Christmas festivities and community events
December is the best time to experience Christmas festivities and community events in Riga. The city lights up with beautiful light installations, Christmas markets and cosy atmosphere.
Photo source: Unsplash
Riga Christmas Market
Date: November 29–January 2
Get a head start on purchasing your Christmas presents this year! Visit Dome Square, located in the heart of the Old Town, and explore Riga’s traditional Christmas market.
Photo source: Live Riga
Experience local foods, enjoy live music and taste countless types of mulled wine to get that Christmas feeling!
Baltic Expo Christmas Fair
Dates: December 13, 14, 15
For an unforgettable Christmas shopping experience, explore the largest 3-day holiday market in the Baltics!
The Baltic Expo Christmas Fair brings together over 500 sellers, artisans, and creators from Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia, offering a unique selection of handcrafted gifts, festive decor, and specialty items that showcase the best of Baltic traditions.
Photo source: Live Riga
Fair at Kalnciema quarter
Dates: December 7, 14, 21, 28
This fair is more than just a market; it’s a community hub where locals and tourists alike gather for a rich cultural experience in a charming, historic setting. The bustling market has a unique blend of traditional and contemporary Latvian culture.
Photo source: Live Riga
Enjoy traditional cheeses and home-baked breads, buy fresh fruits, vegetables, and produce, all while enjoying the live music and festival atmosphere.
Go shopping for cosy traditional goodies
Get ready for the winter season by stocking up on traditional Latvian clothing, such as knitted socks and mittens. Latvians are big on knitting, so finding quality knitwear will be a fun experience.
Photo source: Unsplash
Traditional clothing store “Senā Klēts”
This clothing store is famous for traditional wear, unique clothing items and quality materials. You’ll find many linen and woolen items, such as vests, skirts, socks, mittens, bags, scarves and even traditional crowns and blankets.
Photo source: Live Riga
Senā Klēts is conveniently located in the Old Town, in Rātslaukums.
See their offering – Senā Klēts.
Cosy handcrafted knitwear “Tīnes”
Tīnes offers a wide array of yarns as well as wool and linen clothing. Here you’ll find anything from ethnographic mittens to stylish hair ribbons, coats, capes and ponchos.
Photo source: Facebook
This store is located at 5 Riharda Vagnera street in the Old Town.
See their offering – Tīnes.
Knitwear and yarn store “Hobbywool”
This store has everything you need to make your own knitting passion projects come true. From educational books to quality wool, the Hobbywool store offers everything for crafts enthusiasts.
Photo source: Hobbywool
Or, if you’re merely looking for a shopping spree, you’ll be able to purchase mittens, fingerless gloves and socks here as well.
You’ll find Hobbywool in the Old Town, at 6 Mazā Pils street.
See their offering – Hobbywool.
Warm up in local cafes
December is a magical yet cold month that’s perfect for finding cosy cafes and have a warm chat with your friends or family
Photo source: Unsplash
Parunāsim kafe’teeka
This cafe is hidden in the Old Town right next to the St. Jacob’s Catholic Cathedral of Riga. Here you’ll be able to get your hands on warm teas, coffee, and other beverages, including cocktails.
And, don’t forget to top your experience with a delicious piece of cake!
Photo source: Tripadvisor
You’ll find Parunāsim kafe’teeka at 4 Mazā Pils street.
Innocent Cafe
Innocent Cafe is one of Riga’s most popular coffee places. It has excellent Illy coffee and a welcoming atmosphere.
You’ll also be able to get a meal here, as well as other beverages.
Photo source: Facebook
You’ll find Innocent Cafe at 34 Blaumaņa street.
ONE Cacao
This coffee shop is unlike any other in Riga. As the name suggests, its main drink is cacao. In fact, their cacao drinks are made from raw, ceremonial-grade cacao from the jungle, providing a whole new experience for cosy November evenings.
Photo source: Live Riga
In fact, their cacao drinks are made from raw, ceremonial-grade cacao from the jungle, providing a whole new experience for cosy evenings.
You’ll find ONE Cacao on 21 Skolas street.
Visit events and exhibitions
December is ideal for visiting exhibitions, concerts and cultural events in Riga. See what Riga has to offer this month and immerse yourself in new experiences!
Palaye Royale rock concert
Date: December 4
Get ready for an electrifying night with Palaye Royale at the Palladium concert hall in Riga!
Photo source: Live Riga
Known for their energetic blend of rock ‘n’ roll and circus-worthy stage performances, this Canadian-American band from Las Vegas promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you wanting more.
Grab your tickets and prepare to shake to the beats of one of the most dynamic acts in modern rock!
Ballet “Casanova”
Dates: December 4 and 12
Are you ready for an incredible night at the Latvian National Opera?
Discover the stunning world of the 18th century through the “Casanova” ballet performance.
Photo source: Live Riga
Only two nights available in December!
Exhibition “Christmas Joy”
Dates: all month long
Explore the wonder of the holiday season at the “Christmas Joy” exhibition.
Immerse yourself in a cosy showcase of traditional and contemporary holiday art and crafts. With festive displays that capture the magic of Christmas, this exhibition is a must-have for families and anyone looking to experience a touch of Latvian holiday spirit.
Photo source: Rīgas Jūgendstila Centrs
Christmas Prelude with Inese Galante
Date: December 14
Christmas is the ideal time to enjoy wonderful music that makes your heart sing. Experience the enchanting sounds of the holiday season with Inese Galante and Friends: Christmas Prelude concert in Riga.
Photo source: Live Riga
Join world-renowned soprano Inese Galante as she brings together talented musicians for an evening of classical and festive melodies. Held in a beautifully intimate setting, this concert promises to fill your heart with warmth and holiday spirit.
Whether you’re a classical music lover or simply seeking a magical night out, this event is the perfect prelude to the Christmas season.
Sports and outdoor leisure
You know how the saying goes: “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.” It’s always a good time to enjoy outdoor activities in Riga.
Photo source: Live Riga
No matter if you choose to play a round of disc golf or solve puzzles in a city-wide game, you’re guaranteed to have tons of fun.
airBaltic Disc golf park in Mežaparks
During your stay in Riga, visiting airBaltic’s very own disc golf park in Mežaparks is a must-have. Tucked away in beautiful, lush forests, it’s the perfect spot for both newcomers and seasoned players to come together for a round of disc golf.
P.S. If you become an airBaltic Club member, you’ll get to play for free once every month. Plus, if you’re an Executive or VIP member, or are a proud owner of our Planies NFT, you’re in luck—there’s no cap on free games at the airBaltic Disc golf park!
Roadgames
Explore all the nooks and crannies of Riga city and beyond with Roadgames, an engaging scavenger hunt game that combines exploration with puzzle-solving. This unique game is perfect for those eager to see the city from a different angle.
Photo source: Roadgames
Plus, you can play anytime you like – there’s no set date. And, you can explore the city on foot, by bike, or by car.
Pro tip: if you wish to explore in comfort, you can conveniently rent a car through our partner SIXT and collect airBaltic Club points.
Riga—the place to be this December
Riga in December offers something for every traveller.
Whether you’re enjoying Christmas markets, visiting community gatherings, exploring art exhibitions, attending concerts or simply experiencing the charming Latvian culture and cosy winter feeling, the city’s vibrant energy will make your travels unforgettable.
Photo source: Live Riga
Pack your bags, book your tickets, and get ready for a wonderful trip to Riga!