Riga Christmas Market

The Riga Christmas Market (Latvian: Rīgas Ziemassvētku tirdziņš), is a Christmas market held every year in Riga, Latvia. Taking place from late November to early January in Dome Square beside the Riga Cathedral, it has become an annual tradition of the city.[1] Coinciding with the Advent season and extending through New Year's celebrations, the market offers visitors a festive atmosphere filled with traditional treats, handcrafted goods, and cultural events.[2]

History

Riga has a longstanding history of Christmas celebrations, dating back to the Middle Ages. The earliest documented instance of a decorated Christmas tree in Riga dates back as far as 1510, when members of the local merchants' guild Brotherhood of Blackheads adorned a tree with artificial roses, danced around it in the marketplace, and then set it ablaze. This has led to claims that Riga is the birthplace of the tradition, however, that has been disputed by the Estonian capital of Tallinn, where the Brotherhood of Blackheads was also active, claiming that the first Christmas tree appeared there in 1441.[3] The modern Christmas market tradition in Riga was revitalized in 2000.[4] Since then the Riga Christmas Market has been recognised as one of the most authentic Christmas destinations in Europe[5] and as one of Europe's most affordable Christmas markets.[6]

Attractions and stalls

Visitors can enjoy seasonal foods and beverages, including mulled wine, gingerbread, and local specialties such as Riga Black Balsam.[7] The market features cultural events, including folk music and dance performances.[1] Locals also celebrate the winter solstice with pagan traditions like rolling and burning the Yule log and wearing animal masks to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits.[2]

  • Riga Christmas market in 2022
  • Stalls at the Riga Christmas market

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "Riga Christmas Market". www.liveriga.com. Retrieved 2025-06-02.
  2. ^ a b "A winter guide to Riga, Latvia's petite, snow-dusted capital". Travel. 2025-06-02. Retrieved 2025-06-02.
  3. ^ Welscher, Alexander (2020-12-25). "Was the first ever Christmas tree put up in the Baltics?". lrt.lt. Retrieved 2025-06-02.
  4. ^ "Christmas Market in Rīga's Old Town opens this week". eng.lsm.lv. Retrieved 2025-06-02.
  5. ^ "Most Authentic Christmas Markets in Europe 2024". Europe's Best Destinations. Retrieved 2025-06-02.
  6. ^ Lancefield, Neil. "Riga ranked top spot for a bargain Christmas market trip". The Independent.
  7. ^ "Christmas In Riga". MICHELIN Guide. Retrieved 2025-06-02.
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