This winter season, festive events in Riga promise plenty of joy and heart-warming emotions. When the city is covered with a blanket of snow and thousands of lights twinkle in the streets, it turns into a true winter fairy tale. It is the perfect time for a festive getaway in Old Riga.
Right here, in the very heart of the city, on one of the oldest and most picturesque streets of Old Riga, stands Carillon Aparthotel — a stylish and comfortable apartment hotel from which you can easily reach all the main festive events in Riga. The hotel’s design harmoniously combines elements of Art Nouveau and Art Deco, creating an elegant atmosphere where every detail is made for guests’ comfort and aesthetic delight.
15–18 November: Staro Rīga light festival
During Latvia’s Independence Day celebrations, Riga glows with special brilliance — the city is illuminated by the Staro Rīga light festival. Streets, parks and historic buildings turn into colourful kaleidoscopes of light and sound, filling the capital with a magical atmosphere. Many of the most impressive installations are just a few minutes’ walk from Carillon Aparthotel, allowing you to enjoy the festive spirit right in the heart of Old Riga.
20–23 November: Riga Wine & Champagne Festival
Autumn in Riga ends with exquisite flavours as the Riga Wine & Champagne festival takes place in the city. Over four days, gourmets can enjoy “Top 100 Wines” tastings and elegant dinners hosted by renowned chefs. The events will be held at the cultural venue Hanzas perons and other popular leisure spots.
28 November – 4 January: Old Riga Christmas Market on Dome Square
Just a few steps from Carillon Aparthotel, in the very heart of Old Riga, guests can experience one of the city’s main festive events — the Christmas Market. It’s a place where the holiday spirit can be felt at every turn. Visitors can purchase handmade crafts and delicacies created with special care by local artisans. Children will enjoy Santa’s house and cheerful elves, while live music fills the air with festive melodies on the weekends.
30 November: Christmas tree lighting ceremony
On the first Sunday of Advent, 30 November, Riga lights up with festive illumination. Around 5 p.m., the main city Christmas trees on Dome Square and Town Hall Square are lit in a joyful atmosphere — an event that traditionally marks the beginning of the Christmas season and fills the city with a special festive mood.
7 December: Santa Fun Run charity race
The Santa Fun Run brings extra cheer and fun to Riga’s festive atmosphere. Hundreds of participants dressed as Santa Claus gather on Dome Square to run with smiles and good humour, supporting a noble cause — all participation fees are donated to charity. The race ends with a heart-warming party featuring a DJ and beloved Christmas tunes.
12–14 December: Baltic Expo Christmas Fair
The Baltic Expo Christmas Fair in Ķīpsala is the largest winter event in the Baltics, located just a short drive from Carillon Aparthotel. In the spacious exhibition halls, hundreds of craftsmen and producers present a rich selection of festive gifts, treats and decorations — everything you need to create a genuine Christmas spirit.
14 December: “Christmas Prelude” at Riga Cathedral
The concert “Christmas Prelude” by opera diva Inese Galante at Riga Cathedral is one of the most anticipated musical events of the winter. The majestic cathedral walls fill with soulful melodies that create a festive and magical atmosphere, leaving a lasting impression long after the final note.
31 December: New Year’s Eve celebration in Riga
New Year’s Eve in Riga is a grand event that fills the city with joy and excitement. Thousands of people gather on the 11. novembra Embankment and in the Old Town to welcome the New Year together. At midnight, the sky lights up with dazzling fireworks and light shows that illuminate the whole city. Staying at Carillon Aparthotel, you’ll find yourself right at the heart of the celebration — where Riga shines its brightest.
2 January: New Year’s Concert at the Opera
The New Year Gala concert at the Latvian National Opera promises to be a true culmination of the festive season — an evening filled with sparkling music and uplifting emotions. The programme evokes the atmosphere of masquerades and carnivals, featuring waltzes, polkas and operetta melodies by Johann Strauss. Brilliant arias from the operas of Donizetti, Mozart and Rossini will add an extra touch of splendour to this event.
10–11 January: WinterCon X — The Last WinterCon
The WinterCon pop culture and entertainment festival will take place at the International Exhibition Centre in Ķīpsala — an event where fans can meet their favourite characters from popular films and video games. Visitors can enjoy anime and cosplay performances, K-pop dances, tabletop and console game zones, eSports tournaments, as well as exhibitions of comics, crafts and technology.
12 February: Hollywood Music Experience
At the Xiaomi Arena, the Hollywood Music Experience by The Grand Stars Orchestra will offer a spectacular cinematic concert that brings legendary Hollywood film music to life — from Gladiator and Pirates of the Caribbean to Titanic and James Bond. Magnificent sound, outstanding voices and video projections on a giant screen will turn this evening into a true celebration of cinema and music.
After a walk through the winter streets of Old Riga, it’s a delight to warm up in a cosy restaurant with a cup of hot blackcurrant drink, nibble on gingerbread, or enjoy a hearty dish of traditional Latvian cuisine. We especially recommend a beer restaurant called Two More Beers, located just a few steps from our aparthotel — offering a wide selection of beers and delicious food in a welcoming atmosphere.
Winter events in Riga attract thousands of visitors every year — from Christmas markets and light festivals to opera performances and concerts. During this season, the city glows with special charm, inviting you to enjoy the festive spirit and leisurely walks through the streets of Old Riga.
To fully experience this magical time, choose Carillon Aparthotel — a hotel in Old Riga whose elegant apartments provide a cosy atmosphere and the perfect retreat after a day filled with unforgettable events in Riga.
