On Sunday, 3 December, Christmas trees will be lit in Riga's Town Hall Square at 16:00 and in Doma Square at 17:00. On the First Advent, there will also be several Christmas concerts.
Festive Christmas tree lighting
This year, the first Christmas tree in Riga will be lit in Town Hall Square with singers Ieva Sutugova, Atis Ieviņš and the vocal band "Fortūna". During the event visitors will be able to follow the journey of the Christmas tree from Gauja Forestry — Jūdaži in Sigulda Municipality — to the Town Hall Square, as well as learn about concerts, performances and exhibitions in Riga's cultural centres during the Christmas season. The merriest Christmas tree party with dancing and games together with DJ Markus Riva will conclude the event. Kaspars Ozoliņš will host the event.
At the same time, the Christmas tree will be lit in Doma Square. Māris Sirmais and the choir "Latvija", as well as the children's ensemble "Knīpas un Knauķi" will perform during the event. Before that, at 15:00, the annual Santa's Fun Run and walk for the whole family will take place, with a route through the streets of the Old Town.
Meanwhile, at 17:00, the Christmas tree will be lit in "Ziemeļblāzma", in the park of the Culture Palace. The Christmas tree lighting event "Christmas Light" will feature actress Vita Baļčunaite and Santa Claus.
In keeping with tradition, this is the fourth year that the city has donated Christmas trees from Riga's forests to neighbourhood associations. The residents themselves decorate them. This year, 19 neighbourhoods will have trees decorated by residents.
Advent concerts and workshops
Advent concerts will start on Saturday, 2 December. Concert "Zaigojam" will take place at the Ave Sol Concert Hall, featuring the chamber choir "Motus" of the Riga City Municipality Association of Cultural Institutions "Ave Sol" and the youth choir "Impulss" of the Ogre Municipality Culture Centre.
On Sunday, the First Advent, at 11:30 near Imanta Market and at 12:30 near the Culture Centre "Imanta", the Santa Claus Quintet — trombone players Artūrs Hrustaļovs, Aldis Siņicins, bass trombone player Artūrs Bērziņš, tuba player Raivis Māgurs and percussionist Edgars Vaivods — will delight visitors with warm and heartfelt music and create a magical festive atmosphere. Well-known and traditional Christmas songs will be performed. At 13:00 a Christmas gift-making masterclass will take place in the hall of the Culture Centre "Imanta".
Meanwhile, the opening event of the Christmas Garden in Torņakalns will take place at 13:00 on the territory of Riga Luther Church, 5 Torņakalna Street. The event will feature musical performances, a market, a creative gingerbread workshop and, at 16:00, the lighting of the First Advent candle on the old face of the church clock.
Everyone can take part in creative workshops and the Dwarf Procession at the Iļģuciems Culture Centre starting at 13:00. At 18:00 will be the concert "Time and Winter", and at 19:00 in the Great Hall of the Riga Culture and Folk Art Centre "Small Guild" everyone is invited to the concert "Winter Sundays in the Small Guild 2023", featuring the band "Rihards Lībietis Orchestra".
You can find out more about the Christmas events organised by the Riga municipality by visiting website svetki.riga.lv and by following the news on the social media pages "Rīga" and "Rīgā notiek".
Information prepared by: Sindija Grāvere, Project Coordinator External Communication Division of Riga City Council, e-mail: sindija.gravere@riga.lv