Here, too, they prepare Olivier, pour jellied meat, put herring under a fur coat and buy tangerines... And you can clink glasses with champagne on New Year’s Eve twice - on New Year’s Day in Russian time, and an hour later in Latvian time! And listen to the presidents - two too...
New Year holidays 2018 in Latvia and Russia
Weekends for Christmas and New Year in Latvia and Russia are few, but they overlap. Christmas weekend in Latvia in 2017 - from December 23 to 26, New Year holidays - only 3 days - from December 30 to January 1, 2018.
In Russia New Year's weekend will last the traditional 10 days - from January 30 to January 8, 2018.
Why go to Riga, Latvia for New Year?
- Latvia is nearby. From Moscow or St. Petersburg - one night by train or 1.5-2 hours by plane, from 10 hours by comfortable bus or by car (from 12 hours).
- In Latvia and Riga they speak Russian! They will understand you everywhere (restaurants/cafes, hotels, museums, theaters...) and will be happy to advise you and tell you everything that interests you.
- Comfortable weather. In Latvia, Christmas and New Year are relatively warm. And if you're lucky, there will be snow!
- It's delicious here! Coffee with a bun or a gourmet dinner - in restaurants and cafes in Riga - is always delicious. And don't forget to plan a visit to the Central Riga Market. Here you should definitely try smoked chicken, fish of different varieties and types of preparation, cheese with cumin, real rye bread, fresh homemade beer, smoked meats...
- Vibrant cultural life. The organ in the Dome Cathedral, the ballet at the Latvian Opera, the Riga Russian Theater... But it’s better to book tickets for performances during the New Year holidays in advance - at least a month in advance!
- Riga doesn’t sleep at night, especially on Christmas and New Year! Walk along the streets of the Old Town, stop by a pub, listen to live music in a restaurant... At midnight, a different life begins in Riga!
Why go to Riga for the New Year - more options!
Riga is the birthplace of the New Year tree!
The Christmas tree may not be the main thing, but it is a very compelling argument why go to Riga for the New Year!
The world's first New Year tree was installed in Riga in 1510.
Be sure to find in Old Riga - near the house of the Blackheads - the place where the world's first city Christmas tree was displayed. The place is marked with a memorial - a slab on which it is written that it was here, on this very spot, that the world's first Christmas tree was installed in 1510.
And in honor of the 500th anniversary of the first city New Year tree in the Old Town - on the corner of the street. Kalku and Tirgonu, in the Egle holiday park - installed a large mirrored fir tree in Art Nouveau style with the Riga cockerel, of course. Now the mirror spruce is one of the main symbols of modern Riga and an indispensable place for a souvenir photo.
The choice of main Christmas trees for the holidays in Riga is still a matter of concern. Usually he is accompanied by children's groups of the city and other important officials...
The most important spruce tree stands every year in Old Riga on Dome Square. In total, about 20 live Christmas trees are installed throughout Riga every year - large and not very large.
How is New Year celebrated in Riga?
New Year in Riga, Latvia is celebrated more modestly than Catholic Christmas. And if they prefer to celebrate Christmas quietly at home with family and friends, then on New Year’s Day the residents of Latvia themselves either visit guests or take to the streets and squares of cities. To sing, dance, and of course, watch the fireworks!
On New Year's Day in Riga, residents and guests of Latvia meet on the embankment on November 11 (11.novembra krastmala). Every year there is a special cultural program with performances by musicians, popular bands, and DJs. At midnight (local time) - festive fireworks! Cafes and benches traditionally operate on the Embankment, and here you can warm up near real fires (they are safely equipped).
And by the way, on New Year’s Eve in Riga and throughout the country you can...
bitternsomething strongeron the street. And nothing will happen to you for this! Therefore, many people come to the Embankment “with their own,” or you can buy alcohol right there in the cafe. The local government police work in an enhanced format during the holidays. So you don’t have to worry about safety.
New Year in Riga - where to go and where to celebrate?
New Year's fairs and markets in Riga
From the beginning of December, Christmas markets and markets open in Riga. They host a brisk trade in souvenirs and gifts, and prepare traditional winter dishes of Latvian cuisine - gray peas with lard, sausages, stewed sauerkraut...
On Saturdays and Sundays on Dome Square And in Egle Park guests will enjoy a rich cultural program - folk groups, popular groups, DJs will perform... Children usually have something to do here too (master classes, sports competitions, performances, pony rides...)
Christmas markets in Riga are open:
- the most important fair is open in Old Riga - on Dome Square (Doma laukums). December 31st opens from 10:00 to 18:00.
- in Egle Park(open-air recreation park "Yolka" on Kalkyu street),
- on Līvu laukums square,
- on the Esplanade. Fair in the park between Elizabetes streets, Kr. Valdemara, Brivibas and Kalpaka boulevards) - known for its entire rabbit city. Here, in real miniature houses, real rabbits live!
- Christmas Fair at the Academy of Arts of Latvia - relatively new tradition in Riga . Here you can view and buy original designer hand-made items, artwork, creative souvenirs and gifts. December 27, 28, 29, 30the fair is openfrom 11:00 to 20:00.
You can also visit the farmers market in Kalnciema quarter. . Throughout December the market is open on Saturdays and Sundays(December 31st is a short day here!).
And of course, for everything necessary for the festive table Riga residents and city guests go to the Central Market of Riga and Vidzeme Market(located on the corner of Brivibas and Matisa streets). The Central Market of Riga has the largest selection of products from all over Latvia! Here you should definitely choose aromatic smoked chicken and fish, buy sauerkraut, local honey, organic jam and pickles...New Year's fairs complement the bright festive kaleidoscope of Riga aromas of mulled wine, roasted almonds, and gingerbread cookies... Here you can look at and buy gifts of aromatic candles, woolen socks, hats and scarves with traditional patterns, wooden toys and rag dolls, amber jewelry and silverware...
New Year's mail from Santa Claus in Old Riga
When you are on Dome Square - be sure to find Santa Claus Mail. The real one is the festive branch of the Latvian Post Office. It won't be difficult to find this house by looking at the sign. Latvian pasts and a mailbox at the entrance. Here you can write and send a letter to Father Frost in Veliky Ustyug, Santa Claus in Finland or the Latvian Ziemassvētku vecītis in Rutupe. The kiosk employees will tell you the addresses. You can also send holiday cards, letters, parcels and parcels to friends and family from here! Imagine how cool it is - they will receive news from the very heart of Riga, from the Old or New Year!
New Year's performances, concerts and festivals in Riga
New Year's performances for children in Russian are traditionally held at the Moscow House from December 24 to 29. The main Father Frost of Russia also comes - performances with him take place only for one day! You understand - it’s a full house!
Winter and New Year's performances are presented at the Riga Russian Theater named after Mikhail Chekhov ("The Snow Queen", "Winter" by E. Grishkovets, for example). Famous Russian theaters also come with their productions. In 2017, for example, tickets for the Nutcracker ballet from the Moscow City Ballet quickly sold out. To ensure that everyone could see the production, an additional showing of the ballet was organized.Traditionally, on Christmas and New Year, the “Way of Christmas Trees” festival is held in Riga. Every year, around 40 Christmas trees are installed throughout Riga at the beginning of December - brick, glass, wood, in general - different ones. The authors of unusual urban installations are professional artists, students of the Latvian Academy of Arts, and representatives of creative professions. Of course, Christmas trees look best in the evening. The map of Christmas trees can be downloaded/viewed on the festival website.
If you stay longer for the New Year holidays - You can attend Sherlock Holmes' birthday! A very stylish holiday - with competitions for the best image of your favorite TV series, retro cars, a vintage photo salon, etc. And they serve oatmeal here too, sir!
You can buy tickets for concerts and performances online— on the organizers’ websites or specialized online posters.
New Year in Riga - festive programs in restaurants and hotels
Traditionally, almost all large and famous hotels and restaurants in Riga, Jurmala, Sigulda prepare special programs for New Year's Eve. Already at the end of November you can choose and reserve a table for the New Year's party. And it’s better not to delay this - on the 10th of December, many parties no longer have empty seats!
How much do New Year's parties cost in hotels and restaurants in Riga, Latvia?
From 145 to 180 euros per person, children of different ages - discounts from 10% to 50%.
Room rates are paid separately. BUT! For New Year's Eve guests, as a rule, there are special prices for room reservations and late check-out.Guests arriving by car are provided with secure parking. New Year's events are usually held in Russian (with partial translation into Latvian and English).
What is included in the price of New Year's Eve in Riga, Jurmala:
- Welcome drink
- Festive buffet with appetizers and hot dishes;
- A glass of sparkling wine with dinner;
- Entertainment program (with host, DJ);
- Thematic performances, competitions and entertainment;
- Fireworks at midnight;
- Disco until 4:00 or 5:00 am on January 1st
- Children are usually offered the services of a children's room or a children's corner.
How are shops, museums and institutions open in Riga, Latvia for the New Year?
This means that all state, municipal and other institutions and organizations, museums and banks are not working (with the exception of bank branches in large shopping centers). There is no reception of visitors at Embassies and Consulates either (but duty phones usually work here).
How do shops, shopping centers and markets work in Riga for the New Year?
On December 31 and January 1, shops and markets in Riga and throughout Latvia are open with reduced hours.
December 30th All stores are open according to normal hours - after all, it’s a pre-holiday day. And if you don’t like the shopping rush, it’s better to avoid supermarkets on this day.
31th of December As a rule, supermarkets and hypermarkets are open 1-2 hours less - from 8:00 to 20:00, maximum until 21:00. There may be a stir - but less so!
1st of January shops start opening later - from 10:00, and some from 11:00. But in the evening, as a rule, according to the usual schedule. Supermarkets in Latvia are most often open until 22:00, hypermarkets - until 23:00.
Don't forget that alcohol in Riga, Latvia is sold only until 22:00!
Shopping centers in Riga also change their schedule for Christmas:
1st of January shopping centers prefer to relax. Only grocery supermarkets are open in shopping centers - but they start working from 11:00 or 12:00 and work less - until 20:00.
Riga Central Market On December 30 and 31, it is usually open from 8:00 to 17:00. Christmas markets in Old Riga and in the city center are open until a maximum of 18:00 on New Year's weekend. On January 1, the pavilions at the Central Market are closed, trading takes place only in the open area. Farmers' markets and Christmas markets are generally closed.
Pharmacies in Riga, Latvia are usually located in large shopping centers x centers or supermarkets networks Rimi, Maxima, ELVI, MEGO. Therefore, they usually operate on the same schedule as the stores or shopping centers themselves. If the pharmacy is already closed, then on holidays and weekends there should always be information on the doors - where the nearest 24-hour pharmacy is located.
Opening hours of shops, pharmacies, markets during the New Year holidays usually posted in advance at the entrance and published on websites. Therefore, when planning shopping for these days, choose a time convenient for you in advance!
How cafes and restaurants work in Riga for the New Year
Restaurants and cafes in Riga are busy on New Year's Day (as well as on Christmas Day). BUT! If you are planning to celebrate the New Year in a restaurant or in hotels, choose and book a table in advance. Otherwise, there is a chance you won’t get to where you really wanted. Read above about costs and programs for the New Year!
By the way, in restaurants in Riga it is customary to leave a tip - at least 10% of the order amount!
Cafes, bars, pubs and other catering establishments in Riga they also work all New Year's Eve. Various holiday programs are also held here - it’s also better to read about them and additional conditions in advance on the websites.
Favorite place for the whole family to relax on New Year's Eve in Riga —
Do you want to celebrate the New Year in Riga? We will tell you how and how much it costs: prices for hotels and restaurants in 2019, weather, what to do on vacation, as well as reviews from tourists.
The festive atmosphere in winter lasts longer in Latvia than in other European capitals. Here they celebrate the New Year and two Christmases - according to the Catholic and Orthodox calendars. Riga welcomes its guests with bright illuminations and Christmas markets, and even bridges and buildings glow in a special, solemn and slightly mysterious way.
How is New Year celebrated in Riga?
In Riga, Christmas trees of the most unusual and bizarre shapes can be found throughout the city; the capital surprises tourists with unusual creations: wooden, mirror, LED fir trees and even labyrinth trees. Forest beauties decorate Domskaya and Station Squares.
If you are going to celebrate the New Year 2019 in Riga, we recommend arriving on December 23-24 to take part in the celebration of Catholic Christmas too. From mid-December, Christmas markets open, the largest of which are on Dome Square, in Egle Park on Kalku Street, on the esplanade and Livu Square. Here you can try confectionery, famous Riga bread, local beer and mulled wine, buy leather and amber souvenirs, and handicrafts.
Most citizens and tourists gather on December 31 at the Freedom Monument and on the November 11 Embankment near the Daugava River. A stage with screens is set up here and people are entertained with songs and dances. On this day, it is officially allowed to drink alcoholic drinks on the street, which you can bring with you or buy right there in the tents. At exactly midnight, fireworks thunder over the river. Young people go to the nightclub to have fun; Essential, Faraons, Saxophone, Big Point, Casablanca are very popular.
(Photo © Nenyaki / flickr.com / License CC BY-ND 2.0)
Weather in December
The weather in the capital during the New Year holidays is unpredictable: snowfall can easily give way to rain and temperatures up to +5°C. But most often there is snow and slight frost -1... -4°C or around zero, but high humidity and piercing wind increase the feeling of cold. You need to dress warmly; it is advisable to have waterproof and windproof clothing.
Where to go and what to do during the winter holidays
The most interesting place for tourists in the capital of Latvia is Old Riga, the city center. There are ancient castles, buildings and churches here, everything is quite compact, so you can easily see the main attractions in 1-2 days, periodically warming up in cozy cafes. The observation deck of St. Peter's Cathedral offers a magnificent panorama of the Old Town.
If the weather is not very favorable for walking, you can use the services of tourist buses. The red tour bus departs from the National Opera building. The sightseeing tour usually lasts about 1.5-2 hours.
The Dome Cathedral traditionally hosts Christmas concerts on Catholic and Orthodox Christmas and New Year's Eve with the participation of local and foreign performers. On any day you can come in and listen to a small 20-minute concert of organ music, which is given here at noon.
History buffs will be able to visit the local Ethnographic Museum; the exhibition tells about the way of life of Latvians in the Middle Ages; there are also exhibitions of applied art.
What else to do in Riga after the New Year 2019? If the weather and time permit, you can go to breathe the healing sea air in Jurmala, admire the castles in Rundāle or Cesis. At the entrance to Jurmala there is the Livu water park, open on holidays. The water park has a swimming pool, a tower, slides, a Finnish and Turkish sauna, a jacuzzi, so you can safely go there for the whole day.
According to reviews, prices for brand name clothing and shoes here are lower than in Moscow, even without sales, so you can shop successfully. True, on January 1, all major shopping centers, as well as museums, are closed, only grocery stores are open from 10-11 am. Cafes and restaurants open in the afternoon.
(Photo © arivederci / flickr.com / License CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
Restaurants in Riga for New Year 2019
Not all establishments in Riga are open on New Year’s Eve, so it’s better to worry about a place in advance, since many serve group orders and you won’t be able to get there “from the street.” It is easier for tourists to find a hotel with a restaurant; most hotels organize festive banquets.
You can eat on a budget in those establishments where locals come. So, breakfast can cost 2-3.5 euros, lunch - 3-6 euros, dinner - 5-9 euros. Pay attention to business lunches and daily specials - this way you can save a lot.
You can have lunch in a cafe in the Old Town for 20-30 euros with drinks. A business lunch in the hotel restaurant will cost 8-10 euros. Cheap set lunches for about 3 euros in cafes in shopping centers Origo, in chain establishments Lido and kebab shops.
Thus, in Riga you can eat on a budget - even in the Old Town! The article contains inexpensive establishments in the city.
(Photo © zigurdszakis / flickr.com / Licensed CC BY-NC 2.0)
Hello everybody! The first New Year's trees have already been installed in Riga. They'll start decorating this weekend! New Year is coming! But readers still have questions.
I tried to get away from the topic: Cafes and restaurants in Riga for the New Year (no personal experience). Nothing worked out for me!!! The people demand!!! :))) Due to numerous requests from workers, I am opening a page for your comments, suggestions, advice and reviews on the topic:
Christmas market on Dome Square. December 3, 2012. Dome Cathedral before New Year 2013. Dinner is prepared right on the street, on Dome Square.
Cafes and restaurants in Riga for the New Year.
— Where to celebrate the New Year in RIGA (cafes, restaurants) with reasonable prices? (up to 50 euros/person). Thank you.
- Good afternoon! My friends and I are also planning to celebrate the New Year in Riga! Please recommend a restaurant where you can have a great meal and spend 50 euros per person!
Almost an answer, reader comment:
— A general observation from numerous travels is that it is useless to ask local residents about restaurants and hotels - they eat and live at HOME! Well, at best they will indicate the local equivalent of LIDO, if there is one. Sometimes information can be obtained at the hotel, from the owners of the apartments. But here they can send you not to where it is better and cheaper, but to a biased place. In Kuldiga, for example, at 10-00 pm the reception said that everything was already closed and the only place open until 23 was some bar with American fast food on a pedestrian street not far from the hotel. Where we had to dine on extremely healthy deep-fried dishes. And in the morning we discovered a wonderful antique basement restaurant with a Latvian-Russian menu, open until 12-00, right under the information center building. Konstantin.
Answer: Yulianna and Natalia! Welcome to the blog!
From personal experience, I’m not at all an adviser on this issue. I have never had to book a table for New Year in a cafe or restaurant. We first celebrate at home, with our family. And at night we go to Old Riga. Transport this night is free. Last year everyone celebrated on the Embankment! On New Year's Eve there is a general folk festival in the center of Riga! Christmas trees, fireworks, disco, food and drink stalls! We meet friends there. We take with us approximately: pies, sweets, “baskets”, tangerines, champagne and plastic glasses. Meeting the fireworks on the Embankment, then Dome Square, Livu Square, Bastion Hill, etc. to the Esplanade. Funny! There are a lot of people. Noisy. You can wear masks, noses, ears, costumes, New Year decorations!
A few personal observations on the topic Cafes and restaurants in Riga for the New Year.
* On New Year's Eve, many cafes and restaurants have SPECIAL SERVICE. For visitors from the street - CLOSED. Firms, companies, organizations rent entire restaurants to celebrate the New Year. The cafe is open, but they will NOT let you in.
* Of course, it is better to book in advance.
* Prices. New Year's!!! At least double the price. The markup will be decent!
* Anyway, everyone goes outside to celebrate the New Year, rather than sitting at tables.
I personally don’t know any cafes and restaurants on New Year’s Eve for 50 Euros... maybe there are... we don’t use them.
I will try to put it on the agenda for general discussion. Can anyone give us some advice? So, take a look!
Not even a week has passed...
Ladies and Gentlemen! Feedback on the blog works well! This time Konstantin kindly shared the information.
Cafes and restaurants in Riga for the New Year.
- Good afternoon!
A report on how I looked for a “catering establishment” for a meeting in 2014 and what ended up happening.
The task was not to sit all evening trying to “eat the elephant”, but to have dinner at 9 pm and go meet NG on the streets of Riga. If we freeze, we have a hotel in the very center.
1. Restaurant at the hotel - http://www.ambiente.lv/
The very center, the Convention Courtyard. The restaurant did not answer, but the hotel unexpectedly responded:
» Good afternoon, Mr. *****
Thanks for your letter!
Attached is information about our New Year's offer at the Ambiente restaurant.
Free cancellation or payment before 12/01/2013. After this date the money will not be refunded.
Please contact us if you decide to make a reservation or have any questions!
We will be glad to welcome you at the Konventa Seta Hotel!”
Attached is a standard program with musicians, presidential anthems and all sorts of food without alcohol (1 glass of wine) for 65Lv/93EU per person from 21 to 2 am
That is almost 400 euros for a meal! Rejected with indignation! Not our format!
2. Medieval restaurant in an ancient cellar. Famous place.
I will be glad if it is useful to someone.
Konstantin.
For which many thanks to Konstantin and gratitude from me personally!
By the way, Konstantin took the very right path. I set a specific task! I composed a text with numbers and wishes. I sent letters to several addresses. Got answers. Compare. Chose. Booked the best option! Great job! :)))
Everyone noticed that the proposals are enormously different! 🙁
Take action if you haven’t already booked a table at a Restaurant for the New Year in Old Riga. Search! Choose! Write to them! Compare answers! If it’s not difficult, send your results too! Let's put together our list: Cafes and restaurants in Riga for the New Year.
Now I’ll see where these “Melnie muki” are. This is in Yanya Seta. A small medieval courtyard on the site of a former Dominican monastery. Very close to St. Peter's Church. Perhaps other blog readers will decide to celebrate the New Year there too
I could not even imagine that Riga would turn out to be such a magnificent city. For some reason, it seemed to me that the capital of Latvia was quite ordinary and did not represent anything special, so when we were planning our New Year’s trip, we couldn’t decide for a long time what to choose as our destination: Tallinn or Riga. Even though we’ve already been to Tallinn five times. Ultimately, the choice fell on Riga, and I am very, very glad that we came here.
Latvia is a northern country, so the New Year's weather in Riga is not much different from Moscow. , on the approaches to Riga we found ourselves in a real snow storm, which only intensified upon arrival. The snow fell for about six hours straight: sometimes more quietly, sometimes with furious force, flying into the eyes and behind the collar. Brrr! It was unpleasant. But the impressions of Old Riga negated the feeling of discomfort from the bad weather. Old Riga inspired, surprised and amazed - so much so that I wanted to walk around it all night long. The city turned out to be perfectly decorated for the holidays, and its houses were like the scenery of old London. Snowdrifts and flakes falling from the sky enhanced the festive atmosphere, and all together created the impression that we found ourselves in a work of art, on the pages of books with classic Christmas stories, where old houses and narrow streets, sloping roofs, constant magic and romance.
Riga is an excellent destination for traveling during the New Year holidays, and one of the closest residences of the real Christmas, which we are only trying to recreate, to Russia.
1. We settled in Radisson Blu on the street Elizabeth, named after Empress Elizabeth, who greatly favored Riga during her reign. 
2. I’ll tell you about the hotel separately. Today we will go from there through the winter fairy tale directly to the old city. 
Old Riga is the name given to the historical center of the city, located on an island separated from the rest of the districts by a narrow canal on one side and the wide Daugava (in Russia this river is called the Western Dvina) on the other. So the old city here is much larger - outside the center there are dozens, or even hundreds of blocks of stunning ancient buildings, churches and cathedrals, mansions, and estates. Probably, the name of the historical center was assigned quite a long time ago, when all this splendor seemed new. And over time, Riga residents did not begin to revise city toponyms.
From the hotel to Old Riga - just a stone's throw. You need to go through the park, then past the university, another park, cross the canal on the pedestrian bridge, and that’s it - you’re there.
4. Park fence from the university side and an old stand for posters. There are incredibly many such authentic, classic details in Riga, and they all create the overall cinematic atmosphere of the city. I had never been to Riga before, but when reading books about some beautiful city of the twenties or thirties, I always imagined it exactly like that. 
5. Riga very often resembled Prague: in the architecture of the buildings, the amount of Russian on the streets and something so inexplicable in the air. Nevertheless, with all this, the city is individual and cannot be confused with any other. 
6. This is not Old Riga yet - almost the entire city looks like this, with the exception of residential areas. 
7. There is no metro in Riga. But there are trolleybuses and trams. 
8. An incredibly beautiful ancient building of the University of Latvia. The windows from the bottom up are illuminated by incredibly popular electric lamps in the Baltic countries in the form of seven candles located on an isosceles triangle - a stand. The same fashion - putting such a Christmas candlestick on the windowsill - has long been in Russia: in St. Petersburg and, in general, in the North-West of the country. 
9. Behind the University of Latvia there is another park, in the middle of which runs the same canal, on the other side of which is the historical center. In the distance in the photo is the silhouette of the National Opera. 
10. Most bridges over the canal are pedestrian. 
11. View across the park to the building of the University of Latvia. 
12. I have never been to such a truly Christmas city before. There is some incredible magic in the Riga air! 
13.
14.
15. The snow does not stop and only gets stronger. However, this is not a problem. There are a lot of cozy coffee shops in Riga where you can drop in, shake off the avalanche of snow from your coat, scarf and hat and sit by the window to catch your breath, so that after a couple of tens of minutes you can run out into the street again and continue a fascinating walk through one of the most Christmas-themed cities in the world. 
Old Riga has very narrow streets, but, nevertheless, traffic is not blocked here - you can stop by and admire it yourself by car. You can even park here - however, the parking will be golden. By analogy with Moscow, you need to pay for parking here, the tariff varies depending on the area, in addition, it is progressive: the first hour is cheaper - the second is more expensive (in the Old Town, the first hour of curbside parking will cost 4.27 euros, from the second hour - 7.11 euros for each 60 minutes, horror!). Local residents are given season tickets.
16. Successful new architecture coexists with old architecture in the historical center. In general, Old Riga successfully combines buildings from different eras: from the Middle Ages, the times of the Russian Empire, the First Republic, the Soviet period, and modern times. It's interesting to look around. 
17. Old Riga, it seemed to me, is not at all comparable to Tallinn. These are two completely different Baltic capitals. I would equally recommend visiting both. 
18. The historical center is wonderfully decorated for Christmas. It is quite spacious, there is a lot of air and open spaces, which were occupied by numerous Christmas markets on the eve of the winter holidays. 
19. Most of them are still working in early January. It is immediately clear that Riga loves tourists from Russia. And he is happy to extend the celebration of Christmas and New Year for the Russian holidays. The residents of Riga themselves go to work immediately after the New Year - like the whole of Europe. True, unlike most European countries, where Christmas trees begin to accumulate in landfills from the second of January, here the holiday does not even think of stopping at this time. 
20. A restaurant dedicated to the American forties, fifties and sixties. Something like - only with real iconic cars displayed right in the restaurant hall. 
21. The snow is getting heavier and heavier. The Christmas spirit is getting higher. 
22. There are a lot of people in the Old City, but there are no crowds. In addition, there are simply dozens, if not hundreds of alleys, where you can turn off the main streets and immediately find yourself face to face with beautiful Riga. 
23. The city is decorated with love and very generously. 
24. One of the central streets. A lot of coffee shops! Almost like in New York, Starbucks, coffee shops in Riga - on every corner. 
25. Snow removal equipment cannot cope with the intensity of precipitation, so on the first evening there are no thoughts of driving around the city by car. Even on studded tires, which, by the way, are allowed into Latvia in the cold season (you can check the time period for which this permit applies on national government websites), the car easily goes out of control: it slips when accelerating, and turns on ABS when braking. As a result, you have to drive with maximum concentration and at a snail's pace. Accelerating to 30 and above is dangerous. 
26. The old town is very spacious and in excellent condition. For some reason, before my trip to Riga, I often came across reviews where they blamed the devastation reigning in the capital of Latvia and the general depression of the region (the main argument is the dramatically decreasing population of the country, which has decreased by almost three times since independence). In fact, in the center I did not encounter devastation, and in general, after Portugal, Latvia and, directly, Riga look very solid. And even more so when compared with provincial Russia. 
27.
28. That evening, walking around Riga, I couldn’t get rid of the memories of my very first trip abroad. , and the weather on my first day there was exactly the same: snowfall, frost and Christmas mood. 
29. By the way, not only the weather, but also the architecture and general mood reminded me of Prague. Riga is the twin of the Czech capital. I have never met a single city so similar to Prague. 
30.
31.
32. What comfort in these streets, wrapped in snowdrifts! 
33. Main Riga fair. 
34. She's the most beautiful! 
35. There are enough people, but there is no feeling of a crowd. Just right for the holiday. Almost everyone is Russian-speaking: both strollers and sellers. At the same time, no “tagil” around. 
36. The main Christmas tree is real! Looks and decorates great. 
37. Right next to it is a very beautiful decorative house with a manger in which the newborn Jesus lies. 
38. Mulled wine is sold everywhere (without disguising its name as a “Christmas drink”) and other goodies. Mulled wine at the main Christmas market costs 2.50 euros. I will definitely tell you in detail about prices in the next article about Riga. But, in anticipation of your questions, I will say: Riga is a very economical city. Often bills come out significantly cheaper than in Moscow. Yes, even with the current exchange rate. 
39. There are many different vats in which all sorts of snacks and drinks are prepared right on the fires. 
40. Very beautiful decor of the tents and gazebos installed in the square. Real Christmas! 
41. How beautiful! 
42. The fair is quite big. 
43.
44. Everyone, cold, tired - it’s time to go to our warm and cozy hotel :) 
Riga is a great place to celebrate New Year and Christmas. The reality here turned out to be much higher than expectations, which were quite restrained. I don’t know if it was just me who was so “lucky” - previously I had the impression that the capital of Latvia was a rather boring place. In fact, everything turned out to be exactly the opposite. Riga has definitely become not only one of the main discoveries of 2016, which has just begun, but also of all recent years. The fact that we will definitely come here at least once a year is now a fact.
A little later I’ll tell you about what a cool hotel we stayed in, and what Riga is like outside the historical center - everything is very cool there too.
Happy holidays to all of you, friends! And don't even think about stopping celebrating! We still have at least one full evening, night and day ahead! Don't slow down! :)
Outside the window, the snow swirls in a slow dance. Winter wraps the city in a white blanket and lights up Christmas lights in the houses. At such a time, every person dreams of a New Year's miracle that will take him to a magical land. Now you can fulfill your dream and celebrate the New Year 2017 in Riga - the fairy-tale city of childhood dreams! The capital of Latvia knows how to charm the traveler - you only need to step once into the narrow winding street of the Old Town. And to plunge headlong into a fairy tale, take a walk through the streets of old Riga. On the eve of the New Year, a special magical atmosphere reigns here, which erases all the edges of reality...
Riga will give a New Year's fairy tale to all its guests
New Year's events in Riga
According to tradition, in Riga they install not one, but several main ones at once: at the House of Blackheads on Town Hall Square, at the Esplanade, on Dome and Station Squares, on Brivibas Boulevard... On the Esplanade, a whole rabbit town has unfolded, where real animals live! And local Christmas markets operate from early December until mid-January.
They are located on Dome Square and Bastion Hill, Livu Square and on the Esplanade. Wooden New Year's houses sell amber souvenirs, dishes, and clothes. The custom of organizing Christmas markets has existed for many years. In the shops of folk craftsmen it was always possible to purchase many different goods. Here you can also try the famous Riga bread, Latvian beer and various sweets.
For young visitors there are entertainment events and attractions. Most of the residents of Riga and guests of the city celebrate the New Year at the Freedom Monument and on the Daugava River Embankment. Here they set up a stage with screens and entertain people with songs and dances. At exactly midnight, fireworks thunder over the river. This is the only day of the year when it is officially allowed to drink alcohol on the street.
Entertainment venues in the capital of Latvia will welcome visitors New Year in Riga restaurants
You can spend a bright New Year's Eve at the Rozengrals establishment. The restaurant is located in the basement of wine cellars on Rosena Street, not far from Dome Square, and is stylized to resemble the Middle Ages. The menu includes dishes from the 13th century, and the musicians play ancient instruments.
The elite restaurant “Le Dome” on Mnesnieku will appeal to connoisseurs of fine cuisine. Guests of the establishment are offered lobster tails in a special sauce, duck leg confit, foie gras with Savoy cabbage. And for gourmets, pineapple with coconut ice cream, as well as mint panna cotta and alcoholic rum jelly are waiting for you. Not all restaurants in Riga are open on New Year's Eve. Therefore, it is better to book a table in one of them in advance.
Romance of the ancient city
Old Riga is the most visited tourist place in Latvia. There are ancient castles, houses and cathedrals here. You'll spend a day or two exploring the sights, stopping periodically at tiny local cafes to warm up. Be sure to visit the observation deck of St. Peter's Basilica. From there you can see a wonderful panorama of the city.
The secluded streets of Riga hide a lot of interesting and unusual things On Catholic and New Year's Eve, organ music concerts are traditionally held in the Dome Cathedral. Those interested in the history of the Baltic states can visit the ethnographic museum. Its halls host exhibitions of applied art. And the Academy of Art presents works that can be purchased.
The Christmas mood is especially strong in Old Riga. It’s so great to stroll along the snow-covered streets and go into a secluded coffee shop, where candles flicker in the dusk and the aroma of coffee with Riga balsam wafts in the air! And the bells of the Riga Town Hall, beating festive melodies, will take you to a New Year's fairy tale.
Excursions in Riga and surrounding areas
If weather conditions permit, go admire the castles of Rundale and Cesis, as well as breathe the sea air of Jurmala. The resort has a wonderful water park “Livu”, which is open on holidays. Go there if you have a couple of free days in Latvia. The weather here is unpredictable. Newly fallen snow may give way to rain and above-zero temperatures. Most often in Riga in January it is snowy and cool: -1...-4 degrees.
The mysterious Cesis Castle will show you another side of Latvia Due to strong humidity and wind, the feeling of cold intensifies, and you need to dress warmly. It is advisable to use clothes that are not wet and not blown by the wind. If you can't take a walk, you can book a sightseeing tour on a tourist bus. It lasts one and a half to two hours. Tour buses depart from the National Opera building.
Accommodation in Riga
Getting to Riga is easy and inexpensive. There are also many options for accommodation - these include hotels located in ancient buildings a five-minute walk from the historical part of the city, and modern hotels that are located a little further from the center. All establishments offer a good level of service, comfortable rooms and a delicious breakfast. You can join the gala dinner for an additional fee.
Take the opportunity to taste national cuisine in Latvia. As a rule, the banquet is accompanied by an entertaining show program, lottery and competitions. In any case, New Year's Riga will definitely amaze you with its medieval charm, rich selection of entertainment and hospitality of the local residents!
