On November 28, the Old Town Christmas Market will open on Doma Square and will run until 4 January 2026. For the 25th time, the Market will conjure up a real Christmas fairytale in the heart of Old Riga, inviting everyone to indulge in the festive feeling and enjoy an extensive cultural programme. On Doma Square, you will be able to see and buy products from Latvian home producers and craftsmen, as well as enjoy a variety of food and beverages from more than 80 traders.
The Christmas Tree will shine brightly on Doma Square since the opening of the Market on November 28, while on November 30 at 17.00 the opening of the Old Town Christmas Market and a concert by the 10th Studio of Dailes Theatre will take place.
Andris Kreislers, the manager of the Market, shares: “The Market is a place where each smile warms you more than a cup of mulled wine, and each gingerbread cookie whispers you about the Christmas miracle. If you can believe it, the festive fairy tale begins right here: in the heart of the Old Town, where candle flames flicker along with people's eyes and winter becomes the warmest season of the year. Together with like-minded people, the Market team has managed to bring Riga into the European mainstream, while maintaining the special atmosphere of the Riga Christmas Market and supporting Latvian craftsmen and artisans. I am truly honoured to have the opportunity to bring the Christmas feelings into our beautiful Doma Square already for 25 years.”
Crafts and home-made products will be available for sale at the crafts stalls, including wickerwork, wooden products and toys, knitwear, amber and silver jewellery, games, ornaments, leather goods, candles, sheepskin products, as well as various food and beverages: honey, gingerbread, hemp, meat products, jams, sauces, syrups, hot and cold beverages.
Every year, the Market is especially designed for children's entertainment: on weekends and holidays you will have the opportunity to meet Santa and the elves, ride the carousel, go on pony rides, see the sheep, as well as take part in creative workshops.
The weekends are packed with a rich cultural programme, from folklore and dances to DJ nights.
On Friday nights, DJ Aspirīns, DJ All-Viss, DJ Dubra, DJ Edgar Storm, DJ Kārlis Zariņš, DJ Ķilkuts, DJ Jāns, DJ Mārtiņš Zieds, DJ Plastix will be performing and cheering up the visitors with fun mood and dancing. On Saturdays and Sundays, various music groups, choirs, children's vocal ensembles, folklore groups, Riga Dance Club, Katrīna Dimanta, duet Erdmane Kronbergs, MADA, Elizabete Gaile, group "Dzilna", Bad Habits, Mikus Frišfelds, Annija Putniņa and others will perform. Cultural programme can be found on the Market's website www.vzt.lv.
About the Old Town Christmas Market:
In 2000, the first Christmas Market was held in the heart of Old Riga, and it soon became a favourite festive tradition for both residents and visitors from far away lands. Over the years, the Market has evolved into a herald of festive feelings, combining fragrant delicacies, handicrafts and the glow of Christmas Tree decorations in the light of string of lamps, filling hearts with the wonder of Christmas.