When Riga wraps itself in a blanket of snow and the scent of mulled wine fills the air, the city transforms into a true winter fairy tale. The streets sparkle with thousands of lights, and the upcoming events in Riga — from Christmas markets to light festivals — promise countless joyful moments. It’s the perfect time to plan holidays in the Old Riga.
Dreaming of a winter break in Riga? Konventa Sēta Hotel is a unique hotel in the Old Town Riga, located right at the heart of the festive celebrations. Its historic atmosphere and cosy ambience make it the ideal starting point for discovering the city’s most exciting events.
24 October – 2 November: Autumn Light Trail “Viņsaule. Veļi”
The light trail “Viņsaule. Veļi” is an autumn adventure at the Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum, dedicated to ancient Latvian traditions and the remembrance of ancestors. The event blends a mystical atmosphere with modern technology — light, sound and video installations that tell stories about the cycle of life. The experience is enhanced by live music, folk dances and the chance to enjoy traditional Latvian food and drinks.
15–18 November: Light Festival “Staro Rīga”
During Latvia’s Independence Day celebrations, Riga shines with the lights of the “Staro Rīga” festival. Streets, parks and historical buildings become dazzling light installations and multimedia stories. The most beautiful displays can be admired during an evening stroll — just a few steps from the doors of Konventa Sēta Hotel, right in the heart of the Old Town.
20–23 November: Riga Wine & Champagne Festival
Gourmets will bid farewell to autumn at the “Riga Wine & Champagne” festival. Over four days, residents and visitors of Riga can enjoy the “Top 100 Wines” parade and fine dining experiences of international quality, held both at the main venue — the cultural centre “Hanzas perons” — and other locations just a short drive from the hotel.
28 November – 4 January: Old Riga Christmas Market at Dome Square
One of the main Christmas festivities in Riga fills Dome Square with the aromas of mulled wine and traditional gingerbread cookies — just a few steps away from Konventa Sēta Hotel. The Christmas market offers handmade crafts, local delicacies, and plenty of festive cheer. Children will love visiting Santa’s house and meeting the little elves, while live music on weekends creates a wonderful holiday mood in Old Riga.
30 November: Christmas Tree Lighting
On the first Sunday of Advent, 30 November, Riga officially lights up for the festive season. At 5 p.m., the main Christmas trees at Dome Square and Town Hall Square are lit in a joyful ceremony with songs, games and a cheerful atmosphere — marking the start of the Christmas season in Riga.
7 December: Charity Run “Santa Fun Run”
The festive spirit continues with the “Santa Fun Run” charity race. Hundreds of participants dressed as Santa Claus gather at Dome Square for a fun, short-distance run. Entry fees are donated to charity, capturing the true essence of Christmas. The event concludes with a lively party featuring a DJ and festive tunes.
12–14 December: Baltic Expo Christmas Fair
Those looking for gifts should head to the “Baltic Expo Christmas Fair” in Ķīpsala — the largest winter market in the Baltics. In a warm indoor venue, hundreds of artisans and local producers offer everything needed for a joyful and colourful holiday season.
14 December: “Christmas Prelude” at Riga Cathedral
One of the season’s most anticipated concerts is the “Christmas Prelude” by opera diva Inese Galante at Riga Cathedral. The soulful programme, set against the majestic cathedral’s arches and candlelight, creates a truly magical Christmas atmosphere.
31 December: New Year’s Eve Celebration in Riga
New Year’s Eve in Riga is a spectacular celebration. Festivities gather thousands of people along the 11. novembra krastmala embankment and in the Old Town to welcome the New Year together. Popular artists perform throughout the evening, and at midnight the sky bursts into colour with fireworks and light shows. Guests staying at Konventa Sēta Hotel in Old Riga will find themselves right in the centre of the festivities.
2 January: New Year’s Concert at the Opera
The New Year’s Concert at the Latvian National Opera promises a sparkling festive atmosphere. The programme, themed around masquerade and carnival, features waltzes, polkas and operetta melodies by Johann Strauss. Arias by Donizetti, Mozart and Rossini will also be performed, offering music lovers a magnificent start to the year.
10–11 January: WinterCon X – The Last WinterCon
The International Exhibition Centre Ķīpsala will host “WinterCon”, a large-scale pop culture and entertainment festival where characters from films and video games come to life. The programme includes anime, cosplay, K-pop, tabletop, computer and console gaming, eSports tournaments, crafts, comics, technology exhibitions and themed shops. Best of all, it’s only a short drive from Konventa Sēta Hotel.
12 February: The Grand Stars Orchestra “Hollywood Music Experience”
Embark on an unforgettable musical journey with The Grand Stars Orchestra and their spectacular show “Hollywood Music Experience” at the Xiaomi Arēna. This cinematic performance features the orchestra, vocal ensemble, and soloists Margarita Meleshko and Eugene Sharmanov performing legendary Hollywood film scores — from Gladiator and Pirates of the Caribbean to Titanic and James Bond. Stunning sound, lighting effects and impressive video projections will immerse the audience in the magic of Hollywood.
No winter break in Riga would be complete without seasonal delights. After a walk through the snowy streets of the Old Town, warm up with a cup of hot blackcurrant drink, enjoy crispy gingerbread cookies, or savour hearty stewed cabbage with sausages. The cafés surrounding our hotel offer the best of the winter menu. We recommend the beer restaurant Two More Beers — known for its wide selection of brews and delicious food, located just next to Konventa Sēta Hotel.
Winter holiday events in Riga offer a full spectrum of emotions — from lively Christmas markets to grand opera concerts. To make the most of this heart-warming season, plan your winter holiday in the Old Town and book your stay at Konventa Sēta Hotel in Old Riga. Our hotel combines historic charm with modern comfort, offering the perfect setting for your magical winter getaway in the heart of Riga.
