The second Advent in the capital will be marked by several Christmas concerts and festive markets, where inhabitants and visitors will not only be able to buy gifts and handicrafts, but also enjoy a wide cultural programme.
Concerts and events for the Second Advent
On Sunday, 10 December, the Second Advent, from 11.30 to 12.00 in the courtyard of Garās Street and Dzirciema Street, the audience will be entertained by the Santa Claus Quintet with a concert "The Wonder of Christmas Music", and from 12.30 to 13.00 the concert will take place in Nordeķu Park on the Dzirciema Street side.
From 13.00 to 16.00 in the territory of Riga Luther Church, Torņakalna Street 5,
the Christmas Garden "12 Holy Nights” will be open. The area will feature environmental and installation objects, a stylised Jesus manger, 12 illuminated reflection boards, a place for good thoughts and thanksgiving, a tree park and a photo corner. There will also be a market, hot drinks and snacks. At 16.00, the candle of the Second Advent will be lit on the old dial of the church clock.
Meanwhile, at 16.00, the Children's Song and Dance Concert "Winter Sounds" will take place in the Great Hall of the Culture Centre "Ilguciems", and at 17.00, the chamber choir "Vidus" will perform the concert "Joy to the World" in the branch of the Culture and Folk Art Centre "Ritums" at 43A Ieriķu Street.
In addition, at 18.00 at the Ave Sol Concert Hall, the audience will enjoy the concert "Let it Snow!" Melodies from around the world in the concert "Let it Snow!" invites to listen to the mixed choirs "Salve" and "Senais kalns" conducted by Baiba Ozoliņa, Aldans Milzarājs, Einārs Verro and Zane Kažēna.
At 18.00 at the Riga Cathedral you will be able to enjoy the sounds of the traditional concert "Christmas Oratorio", which is centred on the work by the French Romantic Camille Saint-Saëns written in the mid-19th century and performed by the Riga Chamber Choir "Ave Sol", the Riga Cathedral Choir School Mixed Choir and the instrumental ensemble of leading Latvian musicians conducted by Andris Veismanis and Jurģis Cābuļs.
From 19.00 to 20.30. The concert "Winter Sundays in the Mazā Ģilde 2023" will take place in the Great Hall of the Riga Culture and Folk Art Centre "Mazā Ģilde". This year's Second Advent concert will feature songwriter Kārlis Kazāks and singer Anete Kozlovska.
And from 19:00 to 20:15 the orchestra “Rīga” invites you to a special concert at Riga St. John's Church. The upcoming collaboration with the Riga Cathedral Girls' Choir "Tiara" will be special.
Christmas concerts will also be held before the Second Advent, on 7 December, at Riga St. Peter’s Church the Riga project choir concert “Should” will take place at 18.00, but on 9 December the musical performance "Chimney Sweepers are Having Fun" will take place at the Pļavnieki Green Grove at 16.00. At 17.00 the concert "The Heart is Waiting" will take place at the Ave Sol concert hall.
Christmas markets and Christmas light trail
Please note that this week there will also be festive markets at Esplanade, Doma Square and Vidzeme Market. At the Esplanade Market, everyone will find gifts from a range of local artisans in the decorated and illuminated merchants' houses, as well as enjoy a ride on the Ferris wheel, which will allow you to see 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. At the Dom Square Market, you can feel the Christmas atmosphere, buy gifts and enjoy a wide cultural programme. Santa Claus and the market elves are an integral part of the market during the holidays. The Vidzeme market will host the Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Wednesday, 6 December. In the evening, from 17.00, there will be a concert by the children's vocal ensemble "Momo", the bell ensemble "Campanella" and the ceremonial orchestra "Miers un birziņš".
You are also invited to enjoy magical light adventures. Until February, Riga's boulevards and parks, the quiet city centre and the Old Town will be dressed in light, transforming the urban environment into a magical light experience. Like the last year, the Christmas Light Trail will be available in the greenery of the city's canal promenade. This year, 10 sparkling stars have joined the beloved moon of Riga as its companions.
From 7 December until 26 December, the Vērmanes Garden will host the Solstice Cupboard, where you will have the opportunity to hear predictions, beliefs, wishes and get inspiration for the coming year by imitating the starry sky.
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: Aira Ancāne, Project Coordinator at External Communication Division of Riga City Council, email: aira.ancane@riga.lv