A winter visit to the Baltics might seem crazy to some. Daylight hours are limited and the temperatures drop so low that the Daugava River has been known to freeze over. But there are so many fun things to do in Riga in winter that I think you’d be crazy NOT TO visit! The Christmas market is the star event of the season, but this guide will help you dig a little deeper into the culture with some unique events and experiences.
Attend the Opera and Ballet
My absolute favorite Riga activity – regardless of season – is attending a performance of the Latvian National Opera and Ballet. The luxurious Opera House evokes another era with its colossal chandelier, gilded paint and red velvet seats gives major Hapsburg vibes. But ticket prices are a fraction of what you’d pay in Vienna. The season runs from September to June, and it’s best to secure seats in advance, especially for popular shows like the Nutcracker and Swan Lake.
Shop for Traditional Latvian Mittens
To their protect hands from the harsh winter weather, Lativans knitting wool mittens for centuries. My three favorite stores in Riga for traditional Latvian mittens are Sena Klets, Tines, and Hobbywool, all located in Old Town. The hardest part is choosing among many gorgeous colors and patterns. I have four pair and counting! (For my complete Riga shopping guide, click here.)
Enjoy Sunset Cocktails – at 3:30 pm
With the sun rising at 9 am and setting at 4 pm, winter days in Riga are woefully short. Stave off the blues with a decadent mid-afternoon sundowner at a rooftop bars! The 26th floor of the Radisson Blu Hotel Latvija is home to Skyline Bar, a chic cocktail lounge with fantastic city views. I visited once during a winter storm and it felt like I was inside a snow globe.
Support Local Artists at the Student Art Fair
“Jaunmarka” is the Latvian Academy of Art’s annual student fair. You’ll find everything from paintings and sculptures to jewelry and one-of-a-kind fashions. If you’re in the market for a conversation piece for your home or wardrobe, this is the place to get it. Jaunmarka runs for several weeks in December/January and is closed over Christmas and New Year’s.
Cure What Ails You with Riga Black Balsam
There’s a saying that if you haven’t tasted Riga Black Balsam, then you haven’t been in Riga. The city’s iconic liquor was developed by an 18th century pharmacist and first sold as a medicine. It was reputedly used to cure Empress Catherine the Great when she fell ill while touring her realm. A fun place to sample balsams is the Black Magic bar in old town. Assuming you can find a free seat!
Warm your Soul with Hot Chocolate
Belgium and Switzerland might be famous for their chocolate, but Latvia has been producing its own for nearly as long. A Baltic German opened Latvia’s first confectionery in 1870 and the tradition lives on today. V. Ķuze is a charming old town café that offers a delicious array of chocolate truffles and drinks. Order the karstā šokolāde for a truly decadent experience. It is literally a cup of hot melted chocolate!
Learn a Latvian Folk Dance
Every Wednesday, the popular Old Riga bar Folkklubs Ala Pagrabs throws a Latvian folk dancing party of epic proportions. People pack the cellar of this medieval tavern and learn to dance traditional Latvian steps with the help of professional instructors, live music, and lots of beer. There are 27 varieties of Latvian beer on tap!
Work up a Sweat at the Sauna
If dancing doesn’t warm you up on a blustery winter’s day, how about a visit to the sauna? A tradition that’s very popular in these parts, the sauna is as fun as it is good for your health. There’s nothing quite as exhilarating as going from the hot wood-fired sauna and plunging naked into a frigid pool of water. And you might even make some new Latvian friends in the process! You can read all about my Latvian sauna experience here.
Get Festive at the Riga Christmas Market
Every December, Dome Square is transformed into a charming Christmas village. This is the perfect place to indulge your European Christmas Market fantasies without the crowds you’ll encounter elsewhere. Shop for gifts, post a letter to Santa, sip some mulled wine, and sample all the food. You can find my detailed guide to the market here.
Take Shelter in a Museum
For a relatively small city, Riga has a wealth of world-class museums. The Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation may sound less than thrilling, but the exhibits are surprisingly engaging, particularly those on Peter the Great and the city’s Art Nouveau movement. I could easily spend half a day here.
Another great option is the Riga Bourse, which holds Latvia’s extensive collection of foreign art. (Bonus tip: there is a special view of the Dome Square Christmas Market from a top-floor window.) Both museums are housed in stunning heritage buildings and the architecture alone is worth the price of admission! Check out my complete museum guide for more options.
Cheer on the Local Hockey Team
If you are looking for something a bit faster paced, check out Arena Riga, home to the Riga Dinamos hockey team! The games are thrilling to watch even when the team is struggling to make a goal thanks to the lively crowds, energetic mascot, and noise of the official cheering section. Plus, you never know who you might run into – Latvia’s president and first lady were guests of honor at one match I attended!
Test your Endurance with Cross-Country Skiing
If you get lucky with snowfall during your visit to Riga in winter, consider giving cross-country skiing a try. While I’ve seen locals skiing along Riga streets during particularly heavy snowstorms, there are much safer routes. Rīga Slēpo sets up courses in suburban locales, including Uzvaras park, and charges a reasonable hourly rate. If you have your own skis and want a truly unique experience, hop the train to Jurmala and propel yourself over the snow-covered sand!
Get your Blood Pumping with Escape Room
I have tried my hand at two Escape Room games in Riga and can confirm that even if you don’t succeed, it’s still tons of fun to play. In each game, you will have one hour to solve puzzles and find a way out of the room. My friends I and successfully escaped in one scenario, but had to be rescued by the staff in our second attempt. We enjoyed the experience regardless.
Celebrate Winter Solstice Like a Latvian
Latvians embrace their pagan roots at the annual Winter Solstice celebration, held on the grounds of the Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum. Locals don animal costumes, sing and dance, and send their worries up in a puff of smoke with the burning of a yule log. Talk about starting the New Year with a clean slate!
Ring in the New Year with a Bang
The city of Riga puts on a fireworks show like you wouldn’t believe. The fantastic displays usually last for 10 minutes and are choreographed to music for dramatic effect. New Year’s events are held on the November 11 Krastmala, or riverbank.
Ready to visit Riga in Winter?
Save this guide for easy reference!
Know of any other fun things to do in Riga in winter?
Tell me about them in the comments!
I loved visiting Riga, but was there in the dead of summer – the winter looks magical there, a place that seems more ‘wintry’ to me anyway! We were lucky enough to be at Folkklubs Ala Pagrabs to witness the craziness, and I loved it. Looks like Latvia is a place I should look up for another visit soon!
I was showing a friend around Riga just yesterday and she was amazed by the number of craft markets and how many people were out despite the cold. There really is a ton to do here, winter or not. I definitely recommend another visit! 🙂
I loved the photos and the wonderful tour of the city.
Thanks for sharing..
JH
Thanks for commenting! 🙂
Thanks, Heather! You are really the best at ‘ferretting out the fun’ and describing it in such an interesting way! And Riga has so many good things to offer, love it!
Thanks so much, Gaby! I really appreciate your comment! Riga really does have so much to offer, and I’ve loved every second of my time here! Happy holidays 🙂
Great post. I’ve gotten to do a few of these with you. Hope to do a few more (but when it’s warmer). Love the cat.
Come on back! We’ll keep checking things off the list!
I was tempted to visit the Baltics for this winter now I’m sorry I changed my mind. I want that hot/melted chocolate!
Winter will last until April so you’ve still got some time! 😉
Those Latvian mittens look so beautiful! I would love to have a pair!
Oh wow – this blog is quite fun! Well done for bringing out the expat aspect of Riga – you guys always have time and desire to wander about the place discovering things that locals wouldn’t do! I am from Riga originally but not as well connected with the “tourist” things to do in the city that you describe so nicely – it doesn’t help that I haven’t lived in Riga since 2004. Are you mingling with many expats there?
Thanks, Anjci! I bet the city has changed a lot since you last lived here. I’m amazed by all the great restaurants and museums – I think it’s one of the most dynamic cities in the region! I do mingle with other expats, mostly Swedes and Finns, but you may be surprised to know that I also have local Latvian friends who like to do some of this “tourist” stuff with me 🙂
I visit Riga almost monthly – agree it has changed! There certainly are more visitors now. Funnily, I only realised how lovely Riga is to visit as a tourist after I left : )
I used to spend quite a lot of time with expats when I lived in Riga, mainly through the St. Saviour’s Anglican Church – though I haven’t been in years. It used to be such a great community.
Haha, I certainly like my balzams – I prefer the blackcurrant version though. It would be a little weird though to e.g. learn a Latvian folk dance with all the other foreigners! I hope you are having fun in the snow!
I think that’s true no matter where you’re from. I grew up near Washington DC and never really appreciated the city until I moved away.
And I agree – the black currant Balzams is the best! 🙂
Wow! You certainly make a person want to visit Riga! I guess I’ve got another city to check off my list now….
Thanks, Brianna! I guess my job here is done. 😉
Great list, I too am an American living in Latvia and appreciate your great list and photos!
Thanks so much, Elizabeth! I see that you make lovely scarves. Where do you sell them? Do you ever set up at Kalnciema Kvartals?
Riga is really one of my favourite cities for a weekend trip from Stockholm. It is not only easy to travel to, but it also got so much to offer. Really like to walk around in the old part of town or just enjoying the view over the river. 🙂
Riga is a fabulous little city, isn’t it? I’ve lived here for a year and a half and still haven’t made it to all the museums. Frankly, I’m amazed by how much it has to offer! I’m glad to hear I’m not the only one. 🙂
Hi Heather
We are a couple (guy and gal) doing a visit to the Baltic from Helsinki in December 2016, winter time.
We are allocating 5 to 6 nights before leaving back to Helsinki.
We are pretty much quite adventurous and okay with walking etc. And just wanna feel the xmas experience and have fun.
How would you suggest we spend out time in this 3 countries?
Appreciate you help.
Tallinn’s Christmas market is pretty magical so you’ll probably want two nights there. I’d hire a car and drive to Riga, stopping in Parnu on the way. Riga has three Christmas markets and loads to do; I’d recommend at least two nights there. From Riga you could drive to Rundale Palace and then to the Hill of Crosses, which is just over the border in Lithuania. Given the small size of the Vilnius market and general lack of holiday atmosphere, I’d spend the bulk of your trip in the other two countries. If you did want to see more of Lithuania, I’d recommend spending a night in Kaunas. Hope this helps!
Thanks a lot! Helpful indeed.
How easy is it to hire a car?
I suppose if I hire in Estonia, I probably need to return back to the car company in Estonia at the end of my trip?
How easy is it to drive during winter time?
I hired a car several times in Riga and never had any problems. I even drove through a snowstorm in January and it was fine. The main roads are well-plowed. I used the Europcar company and liked their customer service. In the office, they show you a map of all the surrounding countries you are allowed to drive their cars and you just have to let them know because it costs a little extra. My guess is that if you use a big international company, you can pick up the car in Tallinn and drop it off in Riga no problem. I once rented a car in Dubrovnik, Croatia and dropped it off in Venice, Italy. It just cost extra. Driving is my favorite way to get around because I love the freedom of being able to stop whenever and wherever I want!
Hi Heather,
Great post, looking forward to taking you up on your suggestions – especially the hot chocolate!!
I’m visiting between the 17th-20th November, and believe two key events are taking place during that time, the Staro Rīga Light Festival and Proclamation Day of the Republic of Latvia. Do you have any specific recommendations for those events? Or know what time the Fireworks take place? In addition do you have any restaurant recommendations? (nothing to fancy, just a hearty local place). Sorry for a million and one questions!
Thanks, Rob! Here’s some information about the 18 November holiday: https://www.liveriga.com/en/3361-18-november-proclamation-day-of-the-republic-of-latvia. I believe the fireworks start at 9pm. This is the website for Staro Riga, though it doesn’t look like the details have been announced yet. http://www.staroriga.lv/013/lv/ (I also share more details about both events here: https://www.ferretingoutthefun.com/2016/09/27/riga-things-to-do/)
As for a good local restaurant, you might want to try Folkklubs Ala Pagrabs. It’s a large beer hall that serves affordable hearty Latvian food and local brews. http://www.folkklubs.lv/en
Enjoy your trip!
Hi,
Loved reading through these recommendations!
We are planning on visiting Riga around Dec 14th-18th.
Is there any events on during this time period or around this time? And would you recommend visiting other locations or is there plenty to do?
Thank you.
Thank you!
There should be enough to do in Riga, especially if you enjoy museums and cafes. The Christmas market will be on, and it looks like there will be a special Christmas fair happening in Vermanes Park that weekend. On Saturday there will be a market in the Kalnciemi Quarter across the river. There are two concerts happening at St Peter’s Church, and the Nutcracker will be at the Opera House. I’d get the ballet tickets in advance if possible. Also make your restaurant reservations. The popular places book out!
If you did want to explore more of Latvia, Jurmala on the Baltic Sea is a very easy trip. Sigulda in the “mountains” is also nice.
I hope you enjoy your visit!