Christmas in Riga or two days in a pre-holiday fairy tale! Festive Christmas services
The first candle on the Advent wreath lights up and it’s time to wait for a miracle... Fairytale streets of the Old Town and noisy markets, elegant Christmas trees and illuminations, bright performances for children and organ classics in churches... Also Christmas in Latvia means, of course, mulled wine and piparkukas, sausages with lingonberry sauce and roasted almonds...
Why go to Riga, Latvia for Christmas
- Latvia is nearby. From Moscow or St. Petersburg - one night by train or 1.5-2 hours by plane, from 10 hours by comfortable bus or by car (from 12 hours).
- In Latvia and Riga they speak Russian. They will understand you everywhere (restaurants/cafes, hotels, museums, theaters...) and will be happy to advise you and tell you everything that interests you.
- Comfortable weather. In Latvia at Christmas - at the end of December - it is relatively warm and there is snow (if you're lucky!).
- It's delicious here. Coffee with a bun or a gourmet dinner in restaurants and cafes in Riga is always delicious. And don't forget to plan a visit to the Central Riga Market. Here you should definitely try smoked chicken, fish of different varieties and types of preparation, cheese with cumin, real rye bread, fresh homemade beer, smoked meats...
- Vibrant cultural life. Organ in the Dome Cathedral, ballet in the Latvian Opera, Riga Russian Theater... But tickets here need to be booked in advance - preferably a month in advance!
- Riga doesn't sleep at night either. Take a walk along the streets of the Old Town, stop by a pub, listen to live music in a restaurant... At midnight in Riga another life begins.
- Christmas holidays in Riga are on a budget., and Christmas gifts can be bought cheaper in the Latvian capital than in London. The study found that a weekend for two in Riga would cost just £504 (€570), including flights, airport transfers, accommodation, food, drinks and, of course, Christmas entertainment.
- There are places to go besides Riga not far away - walk along the seashore in Jurmala, ski in Sigulda, walk through the halls of the palace in Rundale...
Riga is the birthplace of the Christmas tree!
The Christmas tree is the main argument why you should go to Riga for Christmas! The world's first Christmas tree was erected in Riga in 1510.
Unfortunately, very little is known today about the first Riga Christmas tree. For example, it is reported that the festive tree was decorated by men in black hats, and after the holiday the tree was burned. But many researchers agree on one thing - the tradition of decorating a Christmas tree appeared in historically multinational Riga as a result of a mixture of Christian and pagan beliefs.
Be sure to find in Old Riga - near the House of the Blackheads - the place where the world's first city Christmas tree was displayed. It is marked with a memorial - a slab on which it is written that it was here, on this very spot, that the world's first Christmas tree was installed in 1510.And in honor of the 500th anniversary of the first Christmas tree in the Old Town - on the corner of the street. Kalku and Tirgonu, in the Egle recreation park, installed a large mirrored fir tree in the Art Nouveau style. On top of it is - that's right, a Riga cockerel. Now The mirror spruce is one of the main symbols of modern Riga and an indispensable place for a souvenir photo.
How Christmas is celebrated in Riga - traditions and customs
Advent wreath
Advent wreath is a wreath made of fir branches, into which four candles are woven. AND Preparations for Christmas in Latvia begin 3 weeks before the main Christmas party(in Latin - Ziemassvētki, on the night of December 24-25). Every Sunday, one candle in the Advent wreath is lit. On the first Sunday, one candle is lit, on the second - two, and so on... All four candles are lit on Christmas Day itself. And it is celebrated in Riga for three days. All three days are official holidays:
- December 24— Christmas Eve
- December 25- Christmas
- December 26- second day of Christmas
Drawing the deck
Christmas evening - December 24 - is considered special. It is also called "quiet evening". For example, according to ancient customs, the owners drag a log (log) around the house and then burn it. By the way, in Old Riga and the Ethnographic Museum under open air Every year you can take part in the process of "dragging the deck." It is believed that together with him they burn all their troubles, sorrows and tears, drive away evil spirits...
Christmas night in Riga
Christmas in Riga, Latvia is celebrated much more widely than New Year. For example, the Christmas custom of caroling still lives here. Nowadays, mostly children wearing masks go from house to house with songs and good wishes. In return they receive gifts: pies, piparkukas and sweets. On the evening of December 24, concerts and performances begin on the main streets. Although Christmas in Riga is considered a home, family holiday, today many people go out to walk the streets and listen to songs at concerts.
Christmas in Riga - where to go and where to celebrate
Christmas markets, concerts, performances, just hiking... There are enough options to spend the most fabulous time!
Christmas markets and markets in Riga
From the beginning of December, Christmas markets and markets open in Riga. The most important fair is open in Old Riga - on Dome Squareukums). Here, the main Christmas tree of Riga is one of the first to be installed (in the forest, the tree is chosen by children and the mayor of the city). This usually happens on the first Advent (the first Saturday or Sunday in December). At the Christmas market in Old Riga, trade unfolds and Christmas dishes are prepared- gray peas with lard (lard), sausages, sauerkraut stewed... Here (usually on Saturdays and Sundays) there is a very rich cultural program - actors and folk groups perform traditional Christmas carols).
Christmas markets are open in Riga
- in Egle Park(open-air recreation park Elka on Kalkyu street)
- on Livov Square (Līvu laukums)
- on the Esplanade. Fair in the park between Elizabetes streets, Kr. Valdemara, Brivibas and Kalpaka boulevards are known for their entire rabbit city. Here, in real miniature houses, real rabbits live.
- Christmas Fair at the Academy of Arts of Latvia - relatively new tradition in Riga. Here you can view and buy original designer hand-made items, artwork, creative souvenirs and gifts. From December 24 to 26, this fair, unlike all the others, is closed.
Christmas markets complement Riga's vibrant holiday kaleidoscope aromas of mulled wine, roasted almonds, and gingerbread cookies... Here you can look at and buy gifts of aromatic candles, woolen socks, hats and scarves with traditional patterns, wooden toys and rag dolls, amber jewelry and silverware...
Festive Christmas services
Festive services are held in churches in Riga and Latvia on December 23 and 24, 25 and 26. The most solemn services, accompanied by an organ, of course, take place in the Dome Cathedral. It should be borne in mind that the services and greetings before the concerts here are in Latvian. Majestic organ music sounds these days in St. Paul's Cathedral.
Christmas concerts and festivals in Riga
At Christmas, Riga residents and city guests are welcome to Riga Christmas concert (Exhibition Center Kipsala on December 25 and 26), at concerts in the capital’s churches and cultural centers, performances for children, sporting events for the whole family, traditional Festival "Way of Christmas Trees". Every year, around 40 Christmas trees are installed throughout Riga at the beginning of December - brick, glass, wood, in general - different ones. The authors of unusual urban installations are professional artists, students of the Latvian Academy of Arts, and representatives of creative professions. Of course, Christmas trees look best after dark.You can buy tickets for concerts and performances online— on the organizers’ websites or specialized online posters.
Dishes of Latvian national cuisine - what you must try at Christmas in Riga
Gray peas with fried speck (Pelēkie zirņi ar speķi un ceptiem sīpoliem)
The traditional Latvian Christmas dish is boiled gray peas with fried speck. It is certainly served in restaurants, bistros, cafes (for example, in famous network democratic restaurants "Lido"). Latvian housewives cook the peas themselves, topping them with fried lard (Lat. - speck) and onions. All cooked peas must be eaten on this day so that this year’s tears do not remain for the next year. Today, ready-made peas can be bought for Christmas in any supermarket, National dish It is now also available in canned form.
Stewed sauerkraut (Sautēti skābēti kāposti)
Sauerkraut with carrots is stewed and also served with fried onions (sometimes with meat). This is an indispensable dish in Latvia in autumn and winter, and goes well as a side dish with blood sausages.
Blood sausages with sweet lingonberry sauce (Putraimdesas)
Blood sausage or blood pancakes are one of the traditional dishes Latvian cuisine. You should definitely try them at the Christmas markets in Riga.Sklandrausis (Sklandrausis, Sklandu rausis)
These are small open cheesecakes made from rye dough. Boiled potatoes or carrots are used as filling (the traditional type is still with carrots). The filling is prepared mixed with sour cream and eggs.
Bread soup (Maizes zupa)
Bread soup is a traditional Latvian dessert. The base is dried rye bread. Bread soup is prepared with milk or cream. When the bread swells, add the remaining ingredients - berries, dried fruits, sometimes nuts and sugar. Today you can buy semi-finished soup in supermarkets; all you have to do is pour the contents of the package. By the way, friends or relatives from other countries will always appreciate an unusual gift from Riga.
How shops, museums and institutions work in Riga, Latvia at Christmas
This means that all state, municipal and other institutions and organizations, as well as banks, are not working (with the exception of bank branches in large shopping centers). There is no reception of visitors at embassies and consulates either (but duty phones usually work here). The opening hours of museums must be clarified in advance; some of them are actively open on all holidays, some are not.
How are shops open in Riga at Christmas?
On the Christmas weekend, from December 24 to 26, shops and markets in Riga and throughout Latvia are open with reduced hours.
December 24 As a rule, supermarkets and hypermarkets are open 1-2 hours less - from 8:00 to 20:00, maximum until 21:00.
December 25 shops start opening later - from 9:00, 10:00, and some from 11:00. But in the evening, as a rule, according to the usual schedule. Supermarkets in Latvia are most often open until 22:00, hypermarkets - until 23:00.
Don't forget that alcohol in Riga, Latvia is sold only until 22:00!
Shopping centers in Riga also change their schedule for Christmas:
December 25 and December 26shopping centers start working from 11:00 or 12:00 and work until 20:00.
Riga Central Market December 24, 25 and 26 usually open from 8:00 to 17:00. Christmas markets in Old Riga and in the city center are open for a long time on Christmas weekend - until 19:00 or 20:00. The exception is Christmas Eve itself, December 24 - then trading is open until a maximum of 18:00.
Pharmacies in Riga, Latvia are usually located in large shopping centers centers or supermarkets networks Rimi, Maxima, ELVI, MEGO. Therefore, they usually operate on the same schedule as the stores or shopping centers themselves. If the pharmacy is already closed, then on holidays and weekends there should always be information on the doors where the nearest 24-hour pharmacy is located.
Opening hours of shops, pharmacies, markets during the Christmas holidays They are usually posted in advance at the entrance and on websites. Therefore, when planning shopping for these days, choose a time convenient for you in advance!
How cafes and restaurants work in Riga at Christmas
Restaurants and cafes in Riga are busy at Christmas. But! If you are planning to spend Christmas evening in a restaurant, then choose and book a table in advance. Otherwise, there is a chance you won’t get to where you really wanted. As a rule, it is December 24(as on December 31 for the New Year), restaurants have a special holiday program (with DJs, artists and famous singers/groups) and prepare a special menu. Therefore, tables must be reserved and paid in advance for this evening! From the beginning of December, restaurants begin to post information and detailed holiday programs on their websites.
In restaurants in Riga, it is customary to leave a tip - at least 10% of the order amount!
Cafes, bars, pubs and other catering establishments in Riga they also work all Christmas night. Various holiday programs are also held here; it is also better to read about them and additional conditions in advance on the websites.
Favorite place for the whole family to relax at Christmas in Riga —
I spent the last weekend before Catholic Christmas in fabulous Riga: I inspected new hotel Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga, found out which restaurant serves the best food, who brews the best mulled wine at the Christmas market, where they make the best coffee, and where - excellent cocktails. In short, this post is my little Riga guide.
1. Riga has many advantages, but one of the main ones is its proximity to Moscow. The flight is only an hour and twenty. This time I traveled in AirBaltic business class. There were few people on the flight, the service was attentive, and the cheesecake with caramelized nuts was simply magical.
2. My home for the weekend was a newly opened five-star hotel Grand Hotel Hotel Kempinski Riga. This important discovery for the city - there have never been hotels of this level in the capital of Latvia before. Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga occupies the building of the former Hotel Riga - my dad, for example, often visited the city in Soviet time, I immediately realized which hotel I was staying at. "Riga" was known back in the old days. The hotel was under reconstruction for almost four years - now it is brand new, brand new, cozy and luxurious at the same time.
3. In the lobby, guests are greeted by the most beautiful Christmas tree in Riga. I really liked that the color scheme of the Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga immediately refers to amber, a stone that Latvia is very proud of. Here are the balls on the tree of a warm amber color.
4. Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga was very lucky with its location. It stands opposite the National Opera, at the very junction of old and new Riga. The old center begins virtually outside the hotel's doorstep; at the same time, it is unusually spacious for a hotel located in medieval city, rooms whose minimum area is as much as 35 meters.
5. Spaciousness, elegance, respectability - this is the Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga.
6. The best things from the old Riga Hotel have been preserved, for example, these bas-reliefs with views of the city in the lobby.
7. Chandeliers have hung in this hotel before. And in the foreground is a model of the Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga in the form of a gingerbread house.
8. The proximity to the National Opera (it’s literally opposite!) is emphasized many times in the Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga - for example, the music notes above the head of the bed in my room.
9. All rooms must have both a bath and a shower. And everything is done in warm amber tones, of course!
10. Being alone in the midst of the busiest month of the year is priceless. To be honest, I’m looking forward to the New Year with great impatience - I really want to finish all my work and take a horizontal position.
11. In the meantime - December, pine needles, candles.
12. I was very pleased to find the wine of my friends, Tenuta di Bibbiano, in the wine list of the Amber restaurant operating at the Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga. Remember what I told you about?
13. If you come to Riga and do not even stay at the Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga, please still do not miss excellent Grand Bar located on the ground floor of the hotel.
14. It was here, in the bar (the first in Latvia!) of the then Riga Hotel that the first alcoholic cocktails in the USSR were invented by Jazep Arbidan. They are in front of you! I chose a combination of Riga balsam, caraway liqueur and the so-called. “Riga champagne” (sparkling wine, the grapes for which are purchased abroad, but the wine itself is made in Latvia). My husband preferred a stronger version, where traditional Riga balsam is paired with vodka. Well, salty - just salty! - cucumbers as a spicy accent. We asked the head bartender Oscars about everything - he told us in detail how he consulted with Jazep while preparing the cocktail menu, and that in order to preserve that very taste, it was pickles (there were no pickled ones at that time!) and Riga sparkling wine that were chosen , not prosecco.
15. We really liked the Grand Bar. We enjoyed spending the whole Saturday evening there.
16. I think that if you fly to Riga for performances at the National Opera, which is located opposite the hotel, you need to start the evening here.
18. The Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga has a huge and very beautiful spa center.
19. For example, here is a spacious swimming pool. Behind it is a whole cascade of saunas and baths.
20. Fluffy croissants for breakfast.
21. And very good poached eggs with Baltic salmon and red caviar.
22. View of the old city. See how close everything is!
23. If you are going to Riga for the New Year, keep in mind that there will be a festive evening at the Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga.
24. What else to do in Riga besides bar, spa and sleep in a new hotel? Don't miss, for example, the Riga Art Nouveau Centre, a wonderful little museum dedicated to Riga Art Nouveau. The photo shows the museum staircase, probably the most photographed in the city.
26. And this is the staircase in the Dome Cathedral. Listening to the organ here is part of the mandatory Riga program. Check the concert schedule.
27. Be sure to climb observation deck Church of St. Peter. The view of the old city from there is wonderful - the whole of Riga is in full view and looks absolutely like a toy.
34. There is a Christmas market on Dome Square. Music sounds almost all day long - either jazz or national tunes are played. The legs start dancing on their own, especially if you warm up with mulled wine first.
35. The first time I visited Riga was in December 1990. The most a vivid impression there was an unusual yellow light from the lanterns and large flakes of snow. It's great to be back!
37. This gentleman has the most delicious mulled wine at the entire Christmas market. It’s great, by the way, that almost everything here at the fair is cooked over a live fire, which makes the whole center of Riga smell like smoke and wood.
38. Tubes with condensed milk! Isn't it lovely? Next to them were sandwiches on Riga dark bread with raw smoked sausage and pickled cucumbers.
39. One of the best coffee places in the city is the cozy little cafe Parunasim.
41. The spiers of Riga churches are decorated with cockerels. Previously, one side was golden, the other black. Depending on how the wind was blowing, they turned to the merchants arriving by water in Riga, now one way or the other, making it clear whether the weather would allow them to enter the port and whether the deal would take place. Sugar cockerels are sold at Riga Christmas markets.
42. They also sell knitted mittens. And socks, and hats, and scarves with national ornaments, too. I even saw a Mini Countryman with a national pattern instead of the usual stripes!
44. If you get tired of Riga's gingerbread (how can you get tired of it?), get outside the old center and go for a coffee at the Imagehouse concept store. Firstly, the interior is very beautiful. Secondly, wonderful coffee and very tasty desserts. Thirdly, there is a small but interesting selection of clothing from brands like Walk of Shame or Mother of Pearl. Fourthly, a good choice home accessories. Literally diagonally across from Imagehouse there is a wonderful lingerie and homewear store called Amoralle. This is a Latvian brand with stunningly beautiful shirts, negligees and dresses, and very beautiful lingerie.
45. On Sunday, many Riga residents go to brunch at the Biblioteka №1 restaurant. I don't like the format buffet, but I know that he has many fans. If you are one of them, make a note of this place.
46. The best restaurant in Riga, in my opinion, is the fish restaurant Le Dome. The chef, charming Sergei Shiporov, of course, chooses the products himself at the Riga market. This pike perch, for example, was caught by a Latvian policeman who spends his free time fishing and is a regular supplier to Le Dome. A pike perch with a flashing light, one might say. And very, very worthy. I also liked that Sergey organically introduces light Asian accents into the menu. Herring with wasabi and oriental sauce was very good! Do not miss!
47. Modern bistro with an emphasis on local products - Muusu. The cuisine is not as refined as in Le Domе, but worth a visit. Here I have Baltic salmon, yolk, celery puree.
48. Another modern Riga restaurant is the new St Petrus. I also recommend it! All these establishments are included in the new edition of the White Guide gastronomic guide to the Baltics. Vincents is the number one restaurant in Latvia. Unfortunately, this place disappointed me - the chef, Martin Rytins, has retired, the cuisine looks like an anachronism (Normandy butter, French oysters, Japanese beef, tuna from Pacific Ocean- why do all this at once?), the emphasis is on presentation, not taste. The service is still good, but I would not recommend the restaurant to you. Pictured is salmon (I love fish!) at St Petrus.
49. Also don’t miss the Riga market, especially its fish pavilion. There's so much here! And fresh fish, and dried, and smoked, and salted - the eyes run wild. The list of must-buys includes smoked eel and smoked or salted salmon, which can be vacuum packed without any problems.
50. One of the best stands on the market is with moonshine. Great idea, by the way. You can try (40 ml costs 1.2 euros) and then buy a bottle, or you can just use the counter as a bar - drink a glass and run. I don’t drink moonshine, but Pasha tried it and said it was excellent. Design, idea, implementation - all top notch!
51. At the next counter they sell herring under a fur coat. And although the Riga market is far from the glamorous and fashionable markets of Moscow, I advise you to choose the time and look here.
52. And be sure, be sure to find time and get to Jurmala and walk along the shore of the winter sea.
Come to the sea in the off season,
in addition to material benefits,
there is still a reason
that this is temporary, but a way out
beyond the year brackets... - Brodsky wrote.
Do you agree? On this very path, I think, I first went to the Jurmala beach in December 1990. Behind me is the House of Creative Works of USSR Writers, where my mother and I were staying then. I was seven, it was not the first time I saw the sea, but the winter sea - yes, for the first time. The building still stands - every time I come to Jurmala, I go to visit it. I think maybe my childhood is there somewhere? No, not there.
53. I go to Jurmala by taxi (half an hour on the road and 20 euros), but we can also get there by train - it leaves from the main Riga station. Jurmala - I think you know this - is a series of small resort towns, the most popular of which are Majori and Dzintari. In winter (at least in December on a weekday) it is quite deserted. You can get to Majori, walk along the central Jomas street, go out to the sea and walk along the beach until you get tired of it. When you get tired, go out to the road, call a taxi and go for lunch. The traditional place is the 36 Line restaurant; I was also praised for the new Faces.
54. Wonderful, wonderful Jurmala. You can't leave Riga without visiting here.
55. How long does it take to get to Riga? Three days is enough. A couple of days - to walk around the city, see the old center and Art Nouveau buildings, have dinner at Le Dome, have a drink at the Grand Bar, pamper yourself a little at the spa, hang out at the Christmas market, go to several museums and a concert in Dome Cathedral. Third day - Jurmala for half a day and market. And home! Excellent in Riga new airport, where there is not only a business lounge with cool furniture, but also many nice cafes and shops and even a barbershop.
Raise your hands, who is going to the Baltic states and Riga in particular for the holidays?
Hi all! My name is Alexander Alimov. Traveling is my main passion, hobby and hobby. On this moment I visited about 40 countries of the world. You are on the website of the project about travel to/from the Baltic countries TravelBlog Baltic, the founder and owner of which I am.
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So guys. This weekend, on Christmas day, I was in Riga. I decided to spend the Christmas holidays in the capital. I have prepared a short photo report for you from the pre-holiday beauty of Riga. We came for two days. The purpose of the first day was to visit spa center Opera Hotel & Spa. I've already been here and liked it so much that we decided to come again.
Well, now let's go for a walk around festive Riga!
In Old Riga, as in the whole city, everything shines and sparkles:
It’s strange that there are so few people on the street, it’s eight o’clock in the evening, the height of the holiday, a week ago it was crowded:
The whole city is covered in Christmas trees and installations on a festive theme:
We were going to go through them all, but we realized that it would take too much time. Wooden Christmas tree in Livu Square:
Here and there are holiday fairs and New Year's bustle:
Russian Theater of Riga in its “festive tailcoat”. Hipster!
The whole city is on fire:
Some installations remain from the STARO RIGA 2016 festival:
They also didn’t forget about the freedom monument:
Near our hotel, the colors are also bursting with color:
One of the most beautiful Christmas trees is installed in the park near the building of the Latvian National Opera:
Verman park is full of stars:
There are several more installations in the form of Christmas trees near the Riga Canal:
Just a crazy door:
Another Christmas tree installation near the Town Hall Square:
Another one, the main record-breaking tree. On Town Hall Square In Riga, one of the most difficult records for the Guinness Book of Records was set - with the help of a Rube Goldberg Machine, a Christmas tree was lit from 421 elements:
No one can pass by without photos and selfies:
The House of the Blackheads in all its glory and the spire of the Cathedral of Peter and Paul:
Couples making love right next to the Christmas tree, cuteness:
And on the second day of Christmas we went to an organ concert in one of the oldest churches in Riga, the Church of St. John. The first time I was at an organ concert, I recorded a short video excerpt, here it is:
Christmas markets in Riga
Date: from 12/01/2017 to 01/06/2018.
Fairs on Dome Square, the Esplanade and Livu Square attract visitors with the aromas of hot wine, roasted almonds and gingerbread cookies, as well as Latvian handicrafts, including scented wax candles, woolen socks, hats and scarves, perfect for the cold season, friendly for the environment with wooden toys, lovingly sewn rag dolls, amber jewelry and silverware. Here you will find everything you need for an original Christmas gift for your loved ones.
Christmas markets in West Riga are a sure sign that the winter holidays are just around the corner!
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Festival "European Christmas", ticket prices from 10.00 EUR
Date: from 12/08/2017 to 12/29/2017.
http://www.eiropasziemassvetki.lv/ru/programme
During the bright season of Advent, Christmas and New Year, listeners can enjoy the festive mood to the sounds of cheerful music by Bach, Haydn, Mozart, Vivaldi and other classics.
The festival also features Gregorian chants, Christmas songs in jazz rhythms and traditionally bright New Year's concerts.
Together with the Dome Cathedral Boys' Choir, the Latvian Radio Choir, and the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra, the best soloists and conductors from all over the world will perform at the festival.
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EGLU CELS “The Path of Christmas Trees”
Date: from 12/08/2017 to 01/06/2018
An annual festival held in Riga for 7 years... WHEN THE LIGHTS ARE LIT ON THE STREET
Festival of environmental objects “The Path of Christmas Trees” is the most daring, stylish, original event of urban art!
This winter holiday is the only urban art and environmental design project of its kind in Europe, and during the Christmas season it makes Riga more interesting and different from cities in other countries.
This year the festival promises to surprise, intrigue and, of course, bring joy!
It was in Riga that the first Christmas tree was decorated more than 500 years ago. In honor of this event, every year Riga becomes the capital of Christmas trees - more than 40 different artistic objects are installed throughout the city. These modern Christmas trees surprise with the originality of ideas and the variety of materials used, from light installations to the use of wood, glass and brick.
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Depeche Mode concert at Arena Riga, tickets from 89.00 EUR
Date: 02/20/2018
After an impressive concert tour throughout Europe and North America, one of the most influential figures in contemporary music - Depeche Mode - will perform in Latvia.
The band is on tour in Riga for the first time in four years, showing fans their amazing new show. Tickets for Depeche Mode's previous concert in Riga were sold out several months before it took place.
I couldn’t even think that Riga would turn out like this magnificent city. For some reason it seemed to me that the capital of Latvia was quite ordinary and did not represent anything special, so when we were planning our New Year's trip, for a long time we couldn’t decide what to choose as our destination: Tallinn or Riga. Even though we’ve already been to Tallinn five times. Ultimately, the choice fell on Riga, and I am very, very glad that we came here.
Latvia - northern country, so the weather is New Year in Riga is not much different from Moscow. , on the approaches to Riga we found ourselves in a real snow storm, which only intensified upon arrival. The snow fell for about six hours straight: sometimes more quietly, sometimes with furious force, flying into the eyes and behind the collar. Brrr! It was unpleasant. But the impressions of Old Riga negated the feeling of discomfort from the bad weather. Old Riga inspired, surprised and amazed - so much that I wanted to walk along it all night long. The city turned out to be perfectly decorated for the holidays, and its houses were like the scenery of old London. Snowdrifts and flakes falling from the sky enhanced the festive atmosphere, and all together created the impression that we found ourselves in a work of art, on the pages of books with classic Christmas stories, where old houses and narrow streets, sloping roofs, constant magic and romance.
Riga is a great travel destination New Year holidays, moreover, one of the closest residences of the real Christmas, which we are just trying to recreate, to Russia.
1. We settled in Radisson Blu
on the street Elizabeth, named after Empress Elizabeth, who greatly favored Riga during her reign. 
2. I’ll tell you about the hotel separately. Today we will go from him through winter's tale directly to the old town. 
Old Riga is the name given to the historical center of the city, located on an island separated from other areas by a narrow canal on one side and the wide Daugava (in Russia this river is called Western Dvina) with another. So the old city here is much larger - outside the center there are dozens, or even hundreds of blocks of stunning ancient buildings, churches and cathedrals, mansions, and estates. Probably, the name of the historical center was assigned quite a long time ago, when all this splendor seemed new. And over time, Riga residents did not begin to revise city toponyms.
From the hotel to Old Riga - just a stone's throw. You need to go through the park, then past the university, another park, then cross the canal along pedestrian bridge, and that's it - you're in place.
4. Park fence from the university side and an old stand for posters. There are incredibly many such authentic, classic details in Riga, and they all create the overall cinematic atmosphere of the city. I had never been to Riga before, but reading books about some beautiful city twenties or thirties, I always imagined him that way. 
5. Riga very often resembled Prague: in the architecture of the buildings, the amount of Russian on the streets and something so inexplicable in the air. Nevertheless, with all this, the city is individual and cannot be confused with any other. 
6. This is not Old Riga yet - almost the entire city looks like this, with the exception of residential areas. 
7. There is no metro in Riga. But there are trolleybuses and trams. 
8. An incredibly beautiful ancient building of the University of Latvia. The windows from the bottom up are illuminated by incredibly popular electric lamps in the Baltic countries in the form of seven candles located on an isosceles triangle - a stand. The same fashion - putting such a Christmas candlestick on the windowsill - has long been in Russia: in St. Petersburg and, in general, in the North-West of the country. 
9. Behind the University of Latvia there is another park, in the middle of which runs the same canal, on the other side of which is the historical center. In the distance in the photo is the silhouette of the National Opera. 
10. Most bridges over the canal are pedestrian. 
11. View across the park to the building of the University of Latvia. 
12. I have never been to such a truly Christmas city before. There is some incredible magic in the Riga air! 
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15. The snow does not stop and only gets stronger. However, this is not a problem. In Riga there are a lot of cozy coffee shops where you can drop in, shake off the avalanche of snow from your coat, scarf and hat and sit by the window to catch your breath, so that after a couple of tens of minutes you can run out into the street again and continue a fascinating walk through one of the most Christmas-themed cities in the world. 
Old Riga has very narrow streets, but, nevertheless, traffic is not blocked here - you can stop by and admire it yourself by car. You can even park here - however, the parking will be golden. By analogy with Moscow, you need to pay for parking here, the tariff varies depending on the area, in addition, it is progressive: the first hour is cheaper - the second is more expensive (in the Old Town, the first hour of curbside parking will cost 4.27 euros, from the second hour - 7.11 euros for each 60 minutes, horror!). To local residents They issue subscriptions.
16. Successful new architecture coexists with old architecture in the historical center. In general, Old Riga successfully combines buildings from different eras: both from the Middle Ages and times Russian Empire, and the First Republic, and the Soviet period, and modern times. It's interesting to look around. 
17. Old Riga, it seemed to me, is not at all comparable to Tallinn. These are two completely different Baltic capitals. I would equally recommend visiting both. 
18. The historical center is wonderfully decorated for Christmas. It is quite spacious, there is a lot of air and open spaces, which were occupied by numerous Christmas markets on the eve of the winter holidays. 
19. Most of them are still working in early January. It is immediately clear that Riga loves tourists from Russia. And he is happy to extend the celebration of Christmas and New Year for the Russian holidays. The residents of Riga themselves go to work immediately after the New Year - like the whole of Europe. True, unlike most European countries, where Christmas trees begin to accumulate in landfills from the second of January, here the holiday does not even think of stopping at this time. 
20. A restaurant dedicated to the American forties, fifties and sixties. Something like - only with real iconic cars displayed right in the restaurant hall. 
21. The snow is getting heavier and heavier. The Christmas spirit is getting higher. 
22. There are a lot of people in the Old City, but there are no crowds. In addition, there are simply dozens, if not hundreds of alleys where you can turn off the main streets and immediately find yourself face to face with beautiful Riga. 
23. The city is decorated with love and very generously. 
24. One of the central streets. A lot of coffee shops! Almost like in New York, Starbucks, coffee shops in Riga - on every corner. 
25. Snow removal equipment cannot cope with the intensity of precipitation, so on the first evening there is no thought of driving around the city by car. Even on studded tires, which, by the way, are allowed into Latvia during the cold season (you can check the time period for which this permit applies on national government websites), the car easily goes out of control: it slips when accelerating, and turns on ABS when braking. As a result, you have to drive with maximum concentration and at a snail's pace. Accelerating to 30 and above is dangerous. 
26. Old city very spacious and in brilliant condition. For some reason, before my trip to Riga, I often came across reviews where they blamed the devastation reigning in the capital of Latvia and the general depression of the region (the main argument is the dramatically decreasing population of the country, which has decreased by almost three times since independence). In fact, in the center I did not encounter devastation, and in general, after Portugal, Latvia and, directly, Riga look very solid. And even more so when compared with provincial Russia. 
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28. That evening, walking around Riga, I couldn’t get rid of the memories of my very first trip abroad. , and the weather on my first day there was exactly the same: snowfall, frost and Christmas mood. 
29. By the way, not only the weather, but also the architecture and general mood reminded me of Prague. Riga is the twin of the Czech capital. I have never met a single city so similar to Prague. 
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32. What comfort in these streets, wrapped in snowdrifts! 
33. Main Riga fair. 
34. She's the most beautiful! 
35. There are enough people, but there is no feeling of a crowd. Just right for the holiday. Almost everyone is Russian-speaking: both strollers and sellers. At the same time, no “tagil” around. 
36. The main Christmas tree is real! Looks and decorates great. 
37. Right next to it is a very beautiful decorative house with a manger in which the newborn Jesus lies. 
38. Mulled wine is sold everywhere (without disguising its name as a “Christmas drink”) and other goodies. Mulled wine at the main Christmas market costs 2.50 euros. I will definitely tell you in detail about prices in the next article about Riga. But, in anticipation of your questions, I will say: Riga is a very economical city. Often bills come out significantly cheaper than in Moscow. Yes, even with the current exchange rate. 
39. There are many different vats in which all sorts of snacks and drinks are prepared right on the fires. 
40. Very beautiful decor of the tents and gazebos installed in the square. Real Christmas! 
41. How beautiful! 
42. The fair is quite big. 
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44. Everyone, cold, tired - it’s time to go to our warm and cozy hotel:) 
Riga - perfect place in order to celebrate New Year and Christmas. The reality here turned out to be much higher than expectations, which were quite restrained. I don’t know if it was just me who was so “lucky” - previously I had the impression that the capital of Latvia was a rather boring place. In fact, everything turned out to be exactly the opposite. Riga has definitely become not only one of the main discoveries of 2016, which has just begun, but also of all recent years. The fact that we will definitely come here at least once a year is now a fact.
A little later I’ll tell you about what a cool hotel we stayed in and what Riga is like outside historical center- everything is very cool there too.
Happy holidays to all of you, friends! And don't even think about stopping celebrating! We still have at least one full evening, night and day ahead! Don't slow down! :)