New Year and Christmas 2026 in Riga – is it worth going? Weather and reviews, air temperature, how to dress, hotel prices. What to see in Riga on the eve of New Year and Christmas, what to do, where to go in Latvia – says Eurotraveler.
The Baltics in general and Latvia, including, on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve are a popular and highly sought after tourist destination. Previously, primarily among Russians. But today, mostly only Swedes and Finns, as well as Estonians, come en masse to see festive Riga covered in snow.
A little hoping to become witnessing Christmas miracles. Or, that’s for sure, to break the series of monotonous workdays, enjoy freedom, and take part in interesting events.
Of course, excursions around the old town of Riga, as well as trips to other interesting places in Latvia, may fall into the latter category. After all, although this is work, it is enjoyable: walking, seeing, remembering, collecting emotions?!
The week before New Year’s is naturally relaxing, as are the holidays that come after it. But this hardly means that when celebrating the New Year in Riga, you will sit in a hotel room.
Hurry up and go walk through the amazing old town.
And best of all – a magical evening, colored by the lights of fir trees and Christmas markets
Walk along the snow-covered cobblestone streets and see almost fabulous old housesonce again be amazed at how cozy and warm Riga becomes, you just need to embellish it a little…
The plan is…
On the morning of January 1, perhaps take a ride to Jurmala – the pine trees frozen in the snow at the seaside are amazing, how beautiful they are. And the next day – if you came to Latvia by car – you will pay a visit to the ancient Bauska Castle and the Rundāle Palace of the all-powerful Biron.
Although, however, on January 2, 2026, they are quite may remain closed because of the long weekend…
Well, then, when the holidays are over (everyone in Latvia has a holiday on December 24-26 and 12/31-02/01), you’ll try go shopping. Seasonal discounts and a clear decline in consumer activity promise to make this not only pleasant, but also profitable.
In general, you won’t be bored! And regret it, for sure. Especially if you prepare for the trip in advance and have a clear idea of what awaits you.
What you need to know
- What is winter like in Riga? In general it can be called soft: air temperature rarely drops below -5-7 °C, often +5 °C. Some years there is so much snow that you will celebrate the very “traditional” New Year. On others, you should prepare for rain and wet, snowless streets
- What to wear in Riga in January? Preferably not just winter, but also waterproof clothing. As well as shoes that will keep your feet from getting wet in case of above-zero temperatures and rain or sleet
- Where is the main Christmas tree placed in Riga? Always in the same place – on Dome Square. Nearby, the Christmas market opens at the end of November.
Well, now – more details!
Weather in Riga in December-January
In most cases, tourists get exactly what they expect. After all, the weather outside in Riga will almost certainly be quite warm during the New Year and after it.
Still the same slight plus, sometimes passing at night in a light frost. Indistinct air temperature, ranging from -2 to +8 degrees Celsius in the corridor, constant expectation of precipitation – it’s good if it’s snow, not rain – this is the usual reality in Riga before the New Year.
Light gloom even at noon, a clear lack of sunlight.
Slush and dank dampness? This is almost certain – a city on the Baltic Sea coast could not be any different.
Frosts in Riga not too harsh not only in December, but also in January. And street thermometers rarely show below -7-10 °C at night.
The beginning of December in Riga often signals the arrival of winter very clearly – even during the day the thermometer can show around -4-6 °C. Then both cooling and warming may occur – up to 0-+3 ° C.
The weather remains approximately the same on Christmas Eve before Catholic Christmas – the air temperature can range from -2-4 to even +4 °C. And Riga sometimes even celebrates the New Year at +5-7 °C!
However, in recent years, residents of even northern European countries have become accustomed to such natural vagaries, no longer considering them something out of the ordinary. On vacation in Latvia, however, (everyone) wants to at least hope for dry weather.
So that nothing overshadows the intention to see all the main attractions of Riga, walking between amazingly beautiful houses.
Alas, this does not always work out this way.
How to dress
That is, it will be possible to see – there is no doubt. But no one can guarantee the absence of rain or wet snow.
So what to wear in Riga on New Year’s Eve and on holidays in general? warm clothes – a correct and reasonable move. Of course, without frills like angora wool sweaters, double mittens and 5-turn scarves. But still:
- waterproof
- windproof
Prices 2026
Not that they are very modest, but actually quite acceptable. If literally everywhere in Europe in the post-coronavirus era, hotel prices have increased well, if not by 100%, then in Latvia they have to remain cautious.
This is understandable – in fact, the country has never been able to compensate for the complete absence of Russian tourists, who suddenly found themselves as if behind a fence!
That’s why they attract people in whatever way they can. In any case, in Riga, even on New Year’s, you can rent a room in an expensive hotel for (acceptable) 130 € for two per day.
Don’t believe me? In vain – for that amount you can book a room of almost 30 m2 even at the Radisson Blu Elizabete Hotel. Located very close to the old town!
There is also a park near the hotel, where it will be so nice to get some air before going to bed!
We advise you to pay attention to hotels with spa centers. Do you agree that in the chilly winter it’s so nice to soak in a warm jacuzzi or swim in a heated pool? Fortunately, it is quite inexpensive by European standards.
We recommend the Wellton Riga Hotel & SPA, which has a convenient location. Not far from it are the city center and train stations – taking a short trip to, say, Jurmala will literally be easy.
A night’s stay for the holidays will cost, however, ~150 €, but it’s definitely worth it!
Pay attention to another “four” of the chain, Wellton Centrum Hotel & SPA. It is located even closer to the center – less than 250 meters from St. Peter’s Church – and it is unclear why it charges a little less for accommodation!
Things to do
In general, pre-New Year’s leisure in Riga does not involve too much active activities. However, this does not mean that you will have to move around a little!
There are three Christmas markets alone that are organized in the city.
Home works on Dome Squarethere is also a market on Livu Square. The third will be installed on the Esplanade, outside the old city.
There you will be able to get hold of native Latvian products – and at least cheeses. And find something like that as a keepsake!
In addition, we highly recommend booking an inexpensive guided tour.
And in the evening look into the Dome Cathedral at organ concert. For the sounds of the organ, this mighty instrument, perfectly correspond to the significance of the moment.
Why, after all, New Year’s Eve is always accompanied by a host of hopes!
This is facilitated by the surroundings – throughout December and a little bit of January, the capital of Latvia looks like a fairy tale come to life. And that’s why here we somehow stubbornly believe in the best.
Don’t believe me? Check it out – go and see Riga on New Year’s Eve!
Country trips
It is better to travel around the outskirts of the Latvian capital in the summer. But there are exceptions!
For example, in Sigulda in winter you can ride along a real bobsleigh track. There is also a Crusader castle preserved in good condition.
Architecture lovers will definitely want to pay a visit Rundāle Palaceinspired by the genius of Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli. And history buffs will take a look at the Bauska Castle of the Livonian Order.
We only advise you to pay attention to the current operating mode. Indeed, in the days after New Year’s, many museums work in truncated mode or even closed.
By the way, about the practical. If you arrive in Latvia in December, you can buy something interesting on sales. At the beginning of January, the assortment of Riga stores – at least clothing stores – is not pleasing with variety. But prices are going down – that’s a fact!
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© Eurotraveler
