Saturday, November 30, at At 17:00, the Riga Christmas tree lighting festival will take place. The progress of the event will be observed in Rātslaukum, while the live broadcast will be provided in Dome Square, where the dome square fir tree will light up on the telebridge along with Rātslaukumu, and the opening of the traditional Old Riga Christmas market will take place.
At the shops of Latvian artisans and homemakers, you can buy braids, wooden products and toys, knitting, amber and silver jewelry, games, decorations, leather products, candles, sheepskin products, as well as various foods and drinks - honey, gingerbread, hemp, meat products, jams, sauces, syrups, hot and cold drinks. The Old Riga Christmas Market is a place where you can enjoy wines, mulled wines and cocktails made by Latvian producers, buy and taste various foods – from stewed cabbage and gray peas to khachapuri, burgers, plov and Belgian waffles.
At the Old Riga Christmas Market, every year, entertainment for children is specially thought out – on weekends and holidays you will meet Santa Claus and gnomes, it will be possible to go on pony rides, take a ride on the carousel, see live sheep in person, as well as participate in various creative workshops. This year, for the first time, children will be delighted by the “Tuta and books” shop.
Every year, the market has a wide cultural program on weekends – from traditional and folk entertainment and dances to dance evenings accompanied by DJs.
DJ Stocka, DJ Artis Wolfs, DJ All-Viss, DJ Dubra, DJ Kārlis Zariņš, DJ Ķilkuts, DJ Jāns will perform on Friday evenings, who will cheer up the visitors with fun atmosphere and dances. Various folk groups, choirs, children’s vocal ensembles will perform on Saturdays and Sundays.
At the New Year event on December 31 at At 20:00 the group Party Godfathers will perform, while at At 22:00 with joint dancing until 02:00 at night DJ Toms Grēviņš will invite you to accompany you.
How does the Riga Christmas tree lighting festival differ from other holiday events around the world?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Christmas Festival Expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome to the show! Today, we’re diving into the enchanting world of holiday traditions, and who better to join us than Dr. Elina Markova, a cultural expert specializing in Latvian festivities. Dr. Markova, thank you for being here!
Dr. Elina Markova (EM): Thank you for having me! I’m excited to talk about one of the most magical times of the year in Latvia.
TNE: The Riga Christmas tree lighting festival is just around the corner on November 30th. Can you tell us what makes this event so special?
EM: Absolutely! The lighting of the Christmas tree in Riga is more than just a festive display; it marks the official start of the holiday season in the city. This year’s festival will be particularly delightful, with events taking place in Rātslaukums and live broadcasts from Dome Square, allowing everyone to share in the excitement.
TNE: It’s wonderful to hear about the live broadcasts. How important do you think these broadcasts are for the community?
EM: They’re incredibly important! The live broadcasts create a sense of unity, especially with the pandemic still influencing how we gather. Families can join in the warmth of the celebration from the comfort of their homes, making the magic accessible to everyone, no matter where they are.
TNE: Speaking of magic, could you share with us what attendees can expect at the Old Riga Christmas market?
EM: The Old Riga Christmas market is a treasure trove of Latvian culture! Visitors can find handcrafted goods from local artisans, including beautiful braids, intricate wooden products, and toys. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to purchase unique items like knitted apparel and amber jewelry, which are quintessentially Latvian. These markets showcase not just products, but the craftsmanship and heritage of Latvia.
TNE: It sounds like a great place to find special gifts! How do you think these traditional crafts play a role in keeping Latvian culture alive?
EM: They’re essential! By supporting local artisans, attendees help preserve age-old techniques and styles that represent our identity. It fosters a sense of pride in our cultural heritage, and younger generations learn the importance of these traditions through participation in such markets.
TNE: That’s a beautiful sentiment. As we look forward to the festival, what message do you think it sends to the community during this time of year?
EM: This festival and the Christmas period are really about togetherness and joy, reminding us of the warmth of community. Even in tough times, the spirit of hope and celebration shines through, encouraging people to connect and share moments of happiness.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Markova. It’s always enlightening to hear your insights. Any final thoughts for those planning to attend the festival?
EM: Embrace the experience! Take in the sights, enjoy the local treats, and don’t forget to connect with the stories behind each artisan’s craft. The festival is not only about the products; it’s about celebrating life, creativity, and togetherness.
TNE: Wonderful advice! Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Markova. We can’t wait to experience the magic of the Riga Christmas tree lighting and the Old Riga Christmas market.
EM: Thank you! I hope everyone enjoys the festivities!
TNE: And for our viewers at home, don’t forget to tune in for the live broadcast on November 30th. Happy holidays!