Riga’s Christmas market has a reputation well beyond the Baltics, and travellers voting in a recent European ranking placed it among the best on the continent. For visitors, the appeal is simple: a compact Old Town, free entry to the main market and a setting of old merchant houses that suits the season. Here is how to plan a visit.
When and where
The main market is held in Doma Square in the Old Town. Based on recent years and published listings, the 2026 season is expected to open at the end of November and run until early January, with listings pointing to roughly 27 November to 3 or 4 January. Dates and opening hours are confirmed by the city each year, so check the official Riga tourism pages shortly before you travel. Opening hours are typically a little longer on Fridays and Saturdays.
Beyond the main square
- Kalnciema Quarter. A smaller, craft-focused market that runs on selected Saturdays in December.
- The Baltic Expo market at Ķīpsala. A large exhibition-centre market reported for 11 to 13 December, with hundreds of stallholders offering gifts and local food.
What to try and what to buy
Look for hot spiced drinks, grey peas with bacon, a Latvian speciality that is easy to find at this time of year, and rye bread and honey products. Handmade items such as knitted mittens and socks, wooden toys and amber jewellery make useful gifts. Many stalls take cards, but carry a little cash for the smaller ones.
Dressing for a Baltic December
Daylight is short and temperatures often sit around freezing, sometimes colder, with damp wind. Wear layers and waterproof footwear with a good grip, as cobbles get slippery. A hat and gloves are worth the luggage space.
Where to stay
The Old Town is easy to explore on foot, and a quiet street a few minutes from the edge of it means you can walk back to a warm room after an evening at the stalls. Rooms near the centre are in demand during market weeks, so book ahead if you plan to visit in December. Ask us about dates and we will be glad to help you plan.