Vecrīgas Ziemassvētku tirdziņš

The Old Town Christmas Market in Riga transforms Dome Square into a magical winter wonderland, celebrating a tradition that dates back to 2000 in the very city where the decorated Christmas tree originated. Located in the heart of Riga's historic Old Town beside the iconic Riga Cathedral, this beloved market features over 80 traditional wooden stalls offering authentic Latvian crafts, seasonal delicacies, and festive atmosphere. The market is renowned for its family-friendly activities, including Santa's house where children can send letters to Lapland, pony rides across the historic square, a charming manual carousel, and a petting area with friendly sheep and bunnies. Local artisans showcase their handcrafted wares, from beeswax candles and hand-knitted wool socks to amber jewelry and traditional wooden toys. Food vendors serve up warming mulled Black Balsam (Latvia's signature herbal liqueur), gingerbread cookies, roasted chestnuts, and both traditional Latvian cuisine and modern street food offerings. The market comes alive with entertainment throughout the week: DJs spin festive tunes on Friday evenings, choirs and musical ensembles perform on Saturdays, and traditional folk music fills the air on Sundays. The deposit system for beverage glasses demonstrates the market's commitment to environmental responsibility. Visit during weekday evenings for a more intimate experience, or join the festive crowds on weekends when the full cultural program unfolds.