Photo gallery - Christmas in Riga, Latvia

Martyn Hayes
6 hours ago
4 min read

Riga's festive market with red-striped stalls under a twilight sky, decorated archway with red bow, church in background, and lit Christmas tree. — A festive scene unfolds at at Riga's Christmas market, with a grand evergreen arch adorned with a red bow, classic striped booths, and the towering cathedral in the background.

Thinking about a fun city to celebrate Christmas this year? Riga's the spot for you. Just like other European cities, it really lights up when Santa arrives. But what's cool about Riga is its charming and peaceful vibe. Imagine the scene on a classic festive biscuit tin, and you've got the right idea.

You definitely have to check out Riga's old town. The narrow cobblestone streets and historic buildings will have you looking around constantly. It's even more amazing if you're wandering around with a camera.

Here are some shots I took during a photo trip back in 2024. With my DSLR and a bunch of lenses, I wanted to capture the essence of a Baltic Christmas through my camera lens.

Scroll down to view photos of Christmas in Riga, Latvia

Yuletide in the Latvian capital

Christmas market with a red tent and a decorated tree in front of the historic Riga cathedral. Festive lights create a warm, cheerful atmosphere. — A festive Christmas market scene in front of a Riga's cathedral, featuring a beautifully decorated tree with glowing lights and a cozy stall adorned with red star-shaped lanterns.

Two cauldron stands labeled "Hot Apple" and "Hot Wine" over fires. Woodpile and lanterns in a cozy outdoor market setting. Warm ambiance. — Warm beverages simmer over open flames, offering cozy delights of hot apple and mulled wine at Riga's festive Christmas market.

A Christmas market with a white and red bell ornament on a tree branch in focus. Festive lights and blurred people in the background. — A festive bell ornament hangs delicately on a pine branch, adding charm to the bustling atmosphere of a Christmas market in the background.

Ice block with encased frozen object on a table, city background blurred. Festive lights create a warm, holiday atmosphere. — An apple enclosed in a melting ice block at Riga's lively Christmas market, with festive lights casting a warm glow in the background.

Cobblestone in Rozena Street in Riga, Latvia at night with star-shaped lights hanging above. Yellow-lit walls and a reflection on wet pavement create a warm, cozy mood. — The narrow cobblestoned Rozena Street in Riga, Latvia is illuminated by glowing star-shaped lights reflecting in puddles, creating a magical nighttime scene.

A lit lantern on a wet surface, with blurred, glowing bokeh lights in the background, creates a warm and festive ambiance at Riga's Christmas market. — A warm candle-lit lantern glows against the backdrop of twinkling lights and a Christmas tree at the Riga Christmas Market, creating a festive and cozy night scene in Latvia.

A smiling vendor in a holiday sweater and beanie serves pastries at a festive market stall. Prices are visible. Warm, cheerful atmosphere. — A cheerful vendor in a cozy holiday market stall sells pastries, surrounded by festive decorations and warm lighting.

Illuminated street lamp with ornate design, silhouetted against a cloudy sky. Tall clock tower of Riga's cathedral is in the background. — A warm lantern casts a soft glow against the backdrop of Riga Cathedral's tower at dusk.

Blue hut with red door, Christmas decor, tree, and gifts. Greenery on roof. Cozy holiday scene on cobblestone by a brick building. — A charming Christmas hut adorned with festive decorations stands in front of Riga cathedral. A vibrant red door contrasts against the blue walls, complemented by a decorated Christmas tree and neatly wrapped gifts, creating a cozy holiday atmosphere.

Warmly lit lanterns hang against a stack of firewood at night, with bokeh from distant city lights creating a cozy atmosphere. — Warm lanterns cast a gentle glow, illuminating stacked firewood on a cozy night.

Rustic lantern house with lit candle, set against a cozy woodpile and warm glowing lamps in a quaint, evening ambiance. — A charming rustic lantern glows warmly on a chilly evening, surrounded by stacked firewood and festive decorations, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

Historic square with ornate buildings of the House of Blackheads, spire, and a festive Christmas tree with lights. Cobblestone ground under a clear sky in Riga, Latvia. — The festive charm of Riga's House of Black Heads shines through with twinkling Christmas lights adorning the towering tree, set against a backdrop of cobblestone streets and historic architecture.

Exploring non-festive settings in the City

Latvia's capital has way more to offer than just holiday decorations. One thing that'll really catch your eye is how rich in history it is. Just take a quick stroll around town or by the river, and you'll probably find it hard to stop snapping photos. Here are some example pics from yours truly.

Blue and white tram of Riga numbered 35119 on wet cobblestone street near classic building. Overcast sky, "IMANTA" on display. Quiet urban scene. — A vintage tram navigates the cobblestone streets of historic centre of Riga, Latvia, passing by a grand, ornately designed building on a rainy day.

Curved tram tracks on a wet, cobblestone street. Overcast setting with green grass bordering the edge. Quiet, nostalgic mood. — Curving tram tracks embedded in cobblestone, leading through a wet and serene street, capturing the charm of a historic urban landscape.

Ornate beige building with arched windows and decorative trim, set against a bright blue sky. A church spire is visible to the right. — A grand building stands tall against a bright blue sky, with its symmetrical facade and arched windows leading up to a towering spire adorned with a cross.

Golden cross atop a steeple against a soft, cloudy sky; evokes a serene, spiritual mood. No text visible. — A golden cross stands illuminated against a soft, pastel sky

Freedom Monument in Riga, Latvia at night, illuminated against a dark sky, surrounded by lit buildings and streetlights, creating a majestic and serene mood. — The Freedom Monument in Riga, Latvia, beautifully illuminated at night, stands as a symbol of national pride and liberty.

Cat statue perched on a pointed roof of the Cat House in Riga, Latvia against a blue sky. The roof has a shingled pattern, and the cat is silhouetted dramatically. — A cat-shaped statue elegantly graces the pointed rooftop of the Cat House, standing as a whimsical and iconic symbol against the sky.

Narrow cobblestone street in Riga, Latviawith wet stones, flanked by old buildings. Dim lighting creates a quiet, moody atmosphere. Signs read Z and One World. — A quiet, cobblestone street in a Riga at dusk, with warm streetlights illuminating the narrow alley flanked by charming architecture.

Towering brick steeple of Saint Peter's Church in Riga, Latvia with a clock, set against a cloudy sky. Red window details add contrast to the historic structure. — St. Peter's Church in Riga, Latvia, towers against a moody sky, showcasing its iconic spire and historic brick facade.

Stone Bridge with ornate lamps in foreground, with the city skyline of Riga with historic towers across river. Cloudy sky, soft lighting casting warm tones. — A scenic view of the Daugava River in Riga, Latvia, featuring the historic Stone Bridge adorned with a vintage lamppost, with the city’s iconic spires and architecture in the background.

Rusty metal mooring post by a the calm waters of the Daugava River beneath an overcast sky, and distant bare trees. Reflective, serene, and muted colors create a tranquil mood.

Arched Railway Bridge spans over the calm Daugava River in Riga, Latvia at sunset, with a tall tower in the background. The sky is golden, creating a peaceful mood. — The Railway Bridge over the Daugava River at sunset, with the sky painted in warm golden hues.

Steel arch Railway Bridge stretches over the calm Daugava River, reflecting on water. Overcast sky, muted blues and greys create a serene, tranquil mood. — The Railway Bridge spanning the serene Daugava River in Riga, Latvia, reflects its elegant arches in the calm waters below.

Illuminated rings and tree lights reflect on a river at night, creating a serene and magical scene with a bridge in the background. — Glowing orbs of light artfully illuminate a tranquil river at night, casting vivid reflections that dance across the water's surface, while festive lights adorn the surrounding trees and bridge.

Glowing yellow arches line a pathway leading to a Latvian National Opera at night. Bright city lights illuminate the scene, creating a vibrant atmosphere. — Illuminated rings create a mesmerizing pathway leading to the majestic Latvian National Opera in Riga.

Illuminated Latvian National Opera at night with "Nacionala Opera" text, flanked by a lit streetlamp, against a dark sky, creating a serene ambiance. — The Latvian National Opera illuminated at night, showcasing its grand architectural details and majestic columns, while a street lamp casts a warm glow over the scene.

Ornate beige and red brick church facade with arched entrance, open wooden door. Overcast sky, bare trees surround the building. Cathedral of the Nativity of Christ, Riga — Majestic view of the Cathedral of the Nativity of Christ in Riga, showcasing its intricate architectural details and grand entrance under a serene sky.

Is Riga worth visiting at Christmas?

Even though it didn't snow, I totally got into the Christmas vibe. The Christmas market, though small, was definitely worth checking out. The old town had this charming, rustic vibe that went perfectly with the market. And, honestly, the smell of all the festive food will definitely make your stomach growl after you've tired out your feet exploring the city.

Businesses and public transport were open on Christmas Day, so you can still grab a bite to eat even though it's 25 December. I'd personally suggest checking out the Christmas bar and the cafe right in the middle of the Christmas market.

Overall, I really enjoyed my time in Riga. It felt like a mix of Krakow and Prague, but with prices more like Berlin. If you've checked out those cities already, Riga is a great option to consider.