Christmas Magic in Riga & Tallinn: Your Festive Guide

When winter arrives in the Baltics, Riga and Tallinn turn into real-life Christmas postcards. Snow-dusted rooftops, glowing lights, the smell of gingerbread in the air. The cities become warm, cozy, and full of holiday spirit. If you’re planning a winter getaway, the Christmas markets of Riga and Tallinn are the perfect places to soak up the season. Here we provided you places where you can go to visit the most charming spots and festive traditions waiting for you this year!

Christmas Magic in Riga & Tallinn: Your Festive Guide

Christmas Markets in Riga

Dome Square Christmas Market

Riga’s most famous Christmas market takes place in Dome Square, right in the heart of the Old Town. The square fills with charming wooden stalls offering knitted gloves, wool scarves, amber jewelry, candles, and beautifully made souvenirs. The smell of mulled wine and roasted almonds drifts through the air, while choirs and folk musicians create a warm holiday mood.

Esplanade Markets

Esplanade Park offers a relaxed and family-friendly Christmas market setting. Visitors can enjoy festive decorations, tasty seasonal treats, and activities such as pony rides. The area is beautifully lit for the holidays, and a charming outdoor nativity scene near the Orthodox Cathedral adds to the warm, festive atmosphere.

Kalnciema Quarter Christmas Fair

On December weekends, the Kalnciema Quarter becomes one of the most atmospheric holiday spots in Riga. Local artisans and farmers gather here to sell handcrafted gifts, Christmas decorations, homemade sweets, and warm drinks. It’s a great place to discover unique Latvian design pieces and try seasonal treats.

Taste the Season

Christmas in Riga is also about food  from hot honey cakes and gingerbread to smoked meat, traditional grey peas with bacon, and steaming mugs of spiced wine. Many stalls offer tastings, making it easy to enjoy the best of Latvian holiday flavors as you walk.

Christmas Markets in Tallinn

Tallinn Old Town Christmas Market

Tallinn’s Christmas market, set on Town Hall Square, is one of the most picturesque in Europe. Surrounded by medieval buildings and soft holiday lights, the square turns into a fairytale village. More than a hundred wooden stalls offer wool products, handicrafts, festive decorations, and lots of delicious Estonian snacks.

A Fairytale Winter Mood

Tallinn is famous for its Christmas tree  a tradition in the square since 1441. With glowing lights, live performances, and the comforting aroma of hot glögg (Estonian mulled wine), the entire Old Town feels like a step back in time. It’s an unforgettable experience, especially in the early evening when the lights come on.

Stay with Us This Christmas Season

Whether you choose Riga or Tallinn for your winter trip, Rixwell Hotels is here to make your stay warm, comfortable, and festive. Our hotels are located close to the main Christmas markets. You’ll be just a short walk away from food stalls, gift shops, and holiday concerts. Our teams are happy to share local tips on where to eat, what to see, and which events you shouldn’t miss.

Christmas in Riga and Tallinn is all about atmosphere cozy streets, friendly vendors, traditional crafts, and the joy of discovering small moments of magic around every corner. Whether you’re wandering through snowy Old Town squares, sipping warm wine, or browsing handmade gifts, the Baltic Christmas markets offer a truly memorable holiday experience.

We look forward to welcoming you and sharing the festive season at Rixwell Hotels!