Visiting Riga, Latvia, around Christmas time is a truly magical and unforgettable experience.
Last year, I had the chance to explore this fairytale-like Christmas market, and it exceeded all my expectations.
Authentic, charming, and welcoming, Riga quickly became one of my favorite winter destinations in Europe.
Why I Chose Riga Over France, Germany, or Austria
Initially, I considered classic Christmas market destinations like France, Germany, or Austria.
However, I struggled to find affordable flights from the UK that fit both my available dates and my short break budget.
Earlier that year, I visited Gdańsk, a stunning Polish city in the Baltic region, and knew I wanted to explore more of the Baltic countries.
While browsing for flights, I came across a great deal to Riga, flying with Ryanair on a Monday and returning on Thursday that same week.
Without hesitation, I booked it, and I’m so glad I did!
Three Christmas Markets in Four Days
The focus of this trip was simple: to visit and experience Christmas markets.
And I did just that, exploring three festive markets in three different countries (Latvia, Estonia, and Finland) over just four days!
Arrival in Riga
I arrived in Riga early in the evening and took a local bus from the airport to the city centre.
The journey took around 40 minutes, and a single ticket cost only €1.50 (approx. £1.30).
I stayed at the Avalon Hotel & Conference, which I highly recommend. It was conveniently located near the bus station and just a short walk to Dome Square, where the main Christmas market takes place. I booked the hotel through Booking.com and paid £42.76 for one night.
Tip: Stay in the Old Town, close to Dome Square, for easy access to the market and all the festive action.
First Impressions: A Christmas Wonderland
After checking in, I headed straight to Dome Square, and I was mesmerized.
The market was even more magical than I imagined.
A giant glowing Christmas tree, food stalls with roaring fire pits cooking traditional delicacies, and cozy seating areas by the fire created the perfect festive atmosphere.
Every corner of Dome Square was thoughtfully decorated: red ribbons, whimsical photo spots, a wooden carousel, adorable sheep in a petting stall, Santa’s sleigh, and charming wooden huts.
The attention to detail made it feel like stepping into a Christmas movie.
What You’ll Find at Riga’s Christmas Market
The market is filled with wooden stalls selling handmade crafts and souvenirs.
From amber jewelry and beeswax candles to knitted mittens, wooden toys, and detailed ornaments, there’s something meaningful for everyone.
Delicious festive food and drinks are in abundance! Try:
- Mulled wine
- Hot apple cider
- Cinnamon buns
- Roasted nuts
- Gingerbread
- Smoked meats
- And don’t miss the hot Black Balsam cocktails, a local favorite.
The whole market comes alive with music, cultural shows, glowing lights, and festive joy.
There’s even a Santa’s house and a stall with real sheep, making it an experience for all ages.
Atmosphere & Dates
The exact dates for this year’s market haven’t been announced yet, but it typically begins during the last weekend of November or the first few days of December.
I’ll update this post with the confirmed dates once they’re released.
Riga offers an incredibly authentic and cozy Christmas atmosphere, set against a backdrop of medieval architecture.
Best of all, it’s one of the most affordable and charming Christmas markets in Europe, blending festive cheer with local warmth and tradition.
A Fact to Know
Riga claims to be the birthplace of the decorated Christmas tree!
The small tree is located near the House of the Black Heads, dating back to 1510. The first Christmas tree is a tradition locals proudly celebrate to this day.
Practical Travel Tips
Flights: Book with low-cost carriers like Ryanair, Wizz Air, or airBaltic.
I flew Ryanair from Leeds to Riga, paying £152.92 return, including priority boarding, an extra bag, and full insurance.
Baltic Bus Travel: I used Lux Express to travel from Riga to Tallinn (4.5 hours, £10.10).
The journey was very comfortable, with complimentary tea, coffee, and water.
On the way back, I took the FlixBus for just £6.98, which was a great option for my timing.
Currency: Latvia uses the Euro. I used both cash and a card during my stay.
When to Go: I visited on a Monday evening and Thursday morning, early in December.
Weekdays are less crowded—try to avoid weekends and days close to Christmas if you prefer a quieter atmosphere.
What to Pack:
- Thermals (I love Uniqlo or Merino wool)
- Waterproof and windproof coat
- Gloves, hat, and thermal boots
The weather was mild during my visit, but cold and snow are likely in this region during December.
Final Notes
If you’re dreaming of snow-dusted rooftops, the scent of mulled wine, and twinkling Christmas lights, Riga is the perfect place to begin your festive journey across Eastern Europe.
With its cozy charm, easy travel connections, and truly magical market, you can experience a season’s worth of holiday wonder in just a few days, just like I did.
