2026 Riga Christmas Market Guide
The Riga Christmas markets are some of the most underrated markets in Europe! Craving a snowy Christmas scene with twinkling lights, steaming mugs of mulled wine, and that special Christmas market magic? Then add the Riga Christmas Markets to your travel list! Riga as a destination doesn’t get enough hype, but it’s frankly a must-visit in our book. To help you take the best Christmas market trip, we are here to be your guides to and through charming Riga at Christmas. Get ready for cozy vibes, delicious treats, and enough holiday cheer to last a lifetime!
Rapid-Fire FAQ'S about the Riga Christmas Markets
How many markets does Riga have? Riga has two main Christmas markets.
Should I use card or cash? While card is becoming more widely accepted, it's a good idea to have some euros on hand, especially for smaller purchases.
What are the hours of the Christmas Markets? Riga's market hours vary slightly, but most are open daily from around 10:00 am to 8:00 pm or later, especially on weekends. It's best to check specific market schedules closer to the date.
Can you walk from one Christmas Market to the next? Yes! It's easy and highly encouraged.
Do I need to eat before I come? No! Christmas markets are basically a food crawl.
What should I wear? Layers are key! A warm coat, hat, gloves, scarf, and waterproof shoes are essential for Riga's winter weather. There's very little places to sit, so you'll be on your feet a lot.
Navigating the Language
Latvian is the official language of Latvia. We found most people we encountered at hotels, popular attractions, and the markets spoke good English. Any language barrier can always be quickly remedied using Google Translate. While you definitely don’t need to know Latvian to enjoy Riga, here are a few helpful words to know while exploring during Christmas:
Sveiki - pronounced "Sveh-kee" - means hello.
Paldies - pronounced "Pahl-dees" - means thank you.
Priecīgus Ziemassvētkus - pronounced "Pree-eh-tsee-gus Zee-eh-mahss-svet-kus" - means Merry Christmas.
Riga Christmas Market Locations
Riga's two main Christmas markets are primarily located in and around the city center, making these walkable locations easy to visit in one day. In past years, there has been a smaller third market that was opened in Līvu Square and then moved to Vērmanes Garden, another central park, not far from the Old Town. Please check with Riga Tourism before your trip to see if a third market location is open this year before planning your day.
Doma laukums (Dome Square) Christmas Market: This is typically the main Christmas market in Riga. Located in the picturesque Dome Square, under the majestic Dome Cathedral, it offers a magical atmosphere with handcrafted goods, traditional Latvian food, live entertainment, and festive decorations.
Esplanade Park Christmas Market: Sometimes there is a market located in Esplanade Park, offering a different setting within the city. This Christmas market is small and quaint but is home to a precious winter rabbit petting zoo!
Riga Christmas Market Opening Dates & Times
The Riga Christmas markets are scheduled to run from November 27, 2026, through January 3, 2027. Riga's Christmas market hours vary slightly, but most are open daily from around 10:00 am to 8:00 pm or later, especially on weekends. It's best to check specific market schedules closer to the date. Though the Riga markets are not near as crowded as German and Austrian markets, it’s still advisable to visit on a weekday as they are less crowded. Still, the Saturday afternoon weekend energy was high and full of entertainment and friendly locals and tourists alike. Shorter lines for goulash and mulled wine during the weekdays, though!
For additional information regarding times and dates, check out Live Riga’s website, Riga’s official tourism marketing organization.
Markets & Money
When in Riga, euros are the local currency. If you're wondering if you should bring cash or card to the Christmas markets, the answer is both…but mostly card. Most vendors accept card for larger purchases over $10-$15, but it's good to have smaller bills for smaller purchases for $10 of less than $10.
Riga doesn't do Christmas Market "deposits"
While most European Christmas markets tend to do "deposits" for the non-disposable mugs and plates, you won't find that in Riga. Unfortunately, all of the hot drinks are served in paper cups, so there are no market deposits to deal with...nor cute mugs to take home. Food is also served on disposable dishes with disposable cutlery.
How much should I budget for food and drinks?
It's best to assume about $10 (USD) per meal per person for markets in Latvia. Hot drinks typically cost between $4-6. Dishes such as a duck and potatoes cost around $10-$12. Pelmeņi (like dumplings or perogies) or simpler dishes cost between $6-$10, depending on the type. Sweet treats and desserts, on average, range between $3-$12. This was one of the most affordable markets we’ve been to, and the food was absolutely amazing! Most of which was cooked over an open fire.
If you're looking to buy a more precious and pricier souvenir, you'll be glad to have your card on hand. Always make sure to ask the vendor before ordering or deciding to purchase anything which payment method they will take. We found most vendors spoke some English, but if there is a communication barrier, payment questions can be easily communicated by holding up your credit card and asking, "do you take card?" They will quickly answer with either hand gestures or a verbal yes or no.
A helpful note about taking out foreign currency in cash:
The best practice (and cheapest) for having cash on hand in a new country is to go to your bank at least 10 business days before your trip and ask them for the new currency. Depending on your bank, this transaction will either be free or just a few dollars.
If you're like us and realize the airplane tires hit foreign soil that we forgot to do this, then find an ATM to take out euros in cash! Yes, you can do this even with an international debit card and even some credit cards. There will typically be a small transaction fee along with the exchange rate. It's still cheaper to take out cash this way than to go to a money exchange or Western Union.
Foods & Drinks to Try
Riga's Christmas markets are a food lover's dream. From traditional Latvian treats to international goodies, there's always something delicious to try. Remember, the best way to experience Riga's Christmas markets is to wander around, explore the different stalls, and indulge in whatever catches your eye.
Must-Try Latvian Food & Drinks:
Pelmeņi: like dumplings or perogies. They’re tiny pockets of deliciousness and often come with a cream sauce.
Piparkūkas: These are Latvian gingerbread cookies, often decorated with icing. They come in various shapes and sizes and are a quintessential Christmas treat.
Sklandrausis: This is a traditional Latvian sweet pie made with rye dough and filled with potato and carrot filling. It has a unique flavor and is worth trying.
Grilled Sausages: You'll find various types of grilled sausages, often made with pork or wild boar. They're usually served in a bun with mustard or other condiments.
Sauerkraut: This fermented cabbage is a classic side dish in Latvia and a great accompaniment to sausages or other hearty foods.
Roasted almonds: the smells of the roasted, toasted nuts fill the air at the markets!
Karstvīns: This is the Latvian version of mulled wine, a warm and spiced drink perfect for chilly weather.
Black balsam: a traditional herbal liqueur. The taste is unlike anything else we’ve had. Can’t say we loved it, but it’s certainly worth a try!
Must-Do's While You're in Riga
Explore the Old Town: Riga's Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning medieval architecture.
Visit the House of the Blackheads: This iconic building is a symbol of Riga and a must-see.
See St. Peter's Church: Climb the tower for panoramic views of the city.
Visit the Central Market: This bustling market offers a wide variety of local produce, meats, and other goods.
Shop 'til You Drop: Riga is an underrated a shopper's paradise. From high-end fashion to unique souvenirs, you'll find it all in the city's stylish shops and boutiques.
How to Get Around Riga
Stay in or near the city center or Old Town and walk! Walking is always the best way to see the city. If you'd like to go a little further, Riga has a good public transportation system with buses, trams, and trolleybuses constantly running all around the city. Trams run frequently and can take you to nearly all of the major sites in town.
Going a little further into town or to and from the airport and need a ride? We easily used Uber to get where we needed to go.
Bundle Up for Riga!
Make sure you’re properly packed for the Baltic weather. Get out packing guide here!