As the Christmas season begins, the Esplanade Market will open this weekend from November 30, with the "Rabbit Kingdom", while the traditional Christmas Market in Doma Square will open its doors on December 3 and the Vidzeme Market will also be open on Wednesdays until Christmas.
Esplanade Market
In the decorated and illuminated merchants' houses at the Esplanade Market, everyone will find gifts from a range of local artisans' products – jewellery, knitwear, wooden products, decorations and, of course, festive treats – homemade wine, honey and gingerbread cookies.
This year, visitors will again be delighted by the brilliant Ferris wheel, which will allow them to view the joyful bustle from a height of 15 metres. One of the most delightful attractions at this year's Esplanade Christmas Market is the "Rabbit Kingdom", which attracts passers-by big and small alike. Dozens of furry rabbits live in the spacious enclosure, which is also home to miniature houses and even a church. The Market will run from November 30 to January 1.
Doma Square Market
From Saturday, December 3, the traditional Old Town Christmas Market in Doma Square will open its doors for the 23rd time. The Market will be open until 7 January 2024. You can feel the Christmas atmosphere, buy gifts and enjoy a wide cultural programme. Thousands of lights, special festive decorations and Christmas music will decorate the Market, creating a joyful and festive atmosphere. You will be able to see and buy souvenirs, home-made products and crafts, as well as enjoy a variety of food and drinks from more than 80 traders.
Every year, the Market also thinks of its youngest visitors. As in previous years, Santa and the elves will be on hand at the weekends in Dome Square. You can also ride the carousel, send a letter to Santa Claus, see live sheep and go on pony rides.
The Market includes an extensive cultural programme. It will delight visitors with traditional and folk entertainment, as well as DJ dance nights. A wider range of cultural activities is planned for the weekends. On Fridays, well-known Latvian DJs such as Artis Volfs, All-Viss, DJ Aspirīns and others will entertain visitors with a fun atmosphere and music accompaniment for winter dancing in the snow. On Saturdays and Sundays, various folk and amateur groups, choirs and children's vocal ensembles will perform. Santa Claus and the Market elves are an integral part of the Market during the holidays.
Vidzeme Market
The smell of gingerbread and hot drinks with cinnamon and cloves, colourful lights and warm laughter. This year, the Christmas markets at Vidzeme Market will be especially bright – visitors will also be treated to musical surprises, creative workshops and a meeting with Santa Claus at the market of local farmers, home producers and craftsmen. The Market will be open on December 6, 13, 20, 21, and 22. The programme of events includes a variety of concerts with music by children and well-known artists, a puppet show, a traditional evening of wooden stump and dancing.
You can find out more about the Christmas events organised by the Riga municipality by visiting website svetki.riga.lv and by following the news on the social media pages "Rīga" and "Rīgā notiek".
Information prepared by: Sindija Grāvere, Project Coordinator External Communication Division of Riga City Council, e-mail: sindija.gravere@riga.lv