How to get to Vilnius?

vilnius

Vilnius lies at the crossroads of East and West. Such a central location makes a capital city easily reachable by plane, train, bus.

By plane

Vilnius is easily accessible by air from all major European cities. It takes never more than three hours to fly from many European cities and “hubs” including Barcelona, Paris, Copenhagen, London, Frankfurt. The Vilnius International Airport is located just outside the centre of Vilnius. It is only 7 km/15 min driving distance from the centre of the city.

Other airlines flying to Vilnius:

For up-to-date information on flights, schedules, new routes and airlines see www.vno.lt

By Rail

Lithuania has a well-developed rail network. Direct rail links between Lithuania and Belarus, Russia and Poland provide convenient and inexpensive connections. Vilnius is the focal point for rail connections in the region. Vilnius Railway Station is situated close to the Old Town, just accross the street from the bus station. Routes and schedules are available at www.litrail.lt

By bus

There is a choice of international bus lines connecting Vilnius with other European cities. Buses are the cheapest but least comfortable method of reaching Vilnius. There are direct buses to the capital city from many European countries. Routes and schedules are available at www.eurolines.lt and www.ecolines.lt. The city’s bus station is centrally located. It is only a five-minute walk distance to the main train station and ten minutes to the Old Town.

Hiking routes in Latvia (updated 2019)

Hiking in Latvia

Hiking in Latvia and discover the most spectacular routes. You can walk the shoreline, you can wander through river valleys and forests, you can just watch the landscape. Here is some hiking routs in Latvia.

 

——————SIGULDA—————–

Three Castle Route (6 km /4h)

Location – Sigulda, train station

sigulda_hiking_trail

 

Route: Sigulda train station – Pils Street – Key Square – Sigulda Medieval castle and New castle – Sigulda Lutheran Church – Walking Stick Park – cable car – Krimulda manor and Krimulda Medieval castle ruins – Serpentine road – Gūtmans’ Cave – Turaida Museum Reserve. Return by bus No. 12.

 

Sigulda in tales and legends: large route (13 km /4,5 h)

Location – Sigulda, train station

Gauja_national_park_hiking

 

Route: Sigulda train station – Pils Street – monument to Kr. Barons – Sigulda Medieval castle and New castle – Sigulda Lutheran Church – Walking Stick Park – chair lift – pathway along the Gauja River – pedestrians bridge across Gauja River – Krimulda manor and Krimulda Medieval castle ruins – Serpentine road – Gauja bridge – stairs up to the town – Festivity Square – Sigulda train station

 

Gauja valley picturesque nature (6 km /3 h)

Location – Sigulda, train station

Sigulda_hiking_trails
Sigulda hiking trails

 

Route: Sigulda train station – Walking Stick park – stairs down to Gauja bridge – pathway along the Gauja River right bank to Līgatne side – Olu hill – rest area Vējupīte – Ravens ravine and cave – Painter’s Hill – Sigulda train station

 

 

 

——————CĒSIS——————

 

 

 

Cīrulīši Nature Trails (4,6 km /3 h)

Route map HERE

Cirulisu_nature_trail_latviaThe Cīrulīši Nature Trails will introduce you to the evolution of the beautiful Gauja River valley from Ice age to nowadays! The Cīrulīši nature trails at Cēsis reveal the history of the Gauja River and its surrounding nature. The area has two comfortable, easy accessible routes – 2,7 km and 4,6 km long. During the walk, fascinating natural objects can be seen: the impressive Cīrulīšu cliffs also called Spoguļu (Mirror) Cliffs beautifully reflect in the water of the oxbow lake. Dzidravots (Clear spring) is place where to quench your thirst after a walk. Legend of Līgavas (Bride) cave legend will again verify the power of love, but Cīrulīšu cave is also called the abyss.

 

 

 

River Amata. Rocks and Cliffs (21 km /10h)

Route map HERE

Zvartes_rock_amata_trailFor travellers not afraid of large and frequent terrain differences, and also for those wishing to see and enjoy the beautiful banks of primeval valley of the River Amata while heading along remote forest paths. The path leading along the right bank travels through the upper and lower part of the valley, and therefore at some places difference of more than 40 m in height is experienced. This is sort of a geo-tourism route with an insight of dolomite and sandstone outcrops from the Devonian Period which are found in the primeval valley of the River Amata shaped by the glacier. Route: Amatciems – Melturi – Kārļamuiža – Kārļi – Zvārte Rock – Veclauču Bridge.

 

 

 

 

Cēsis –Ērgļu Cliffs– Jāņmuiža (14 km /6h)

Route map HERE

 

Erglu_Cliff_cesis_trail

 

Suitable for travellers interested not only in the towns, but also in magnificent landscapes and one of the most monolith sandstone cliff walls in the Baltics — the Ērģeļu Cliffs. Destinations are easily linked with public transportation. Route: Cēsis Railway Station – Raunas iela – Lenču iela – Pieškalni – Ērģeļu Cliffs – Rāmnieki – Jāņmuiža

 

 

One Day Around Cēsis (21km / 10h)

Route map HERE

sarkanas_cliff_cesis_trailSuitable for very active hikers interested in nature and physical activities. The route introduces with excellent views of the primeval valley of the River Gauja, the history of the valley since the end of the Ice Age, and the values of boreal forests. The route runs through Gauja National Park.

Route: “Ozolkalns” – Cīrulīši Nature Trails – Mūrlejas iela – Gaujas iela – bridge over the River Gauja – Kvēpenes iela – Lake Raiskums – along the banks of the River Sveķupīte – along the banks of the River Lenčupe – Pārgaujas iela (Sarkanās Cliffs) – bridge over the River Gauja – Gaujas iela – Alkšņu iela – Kovārņu iela – “Cīrulīši” – “Ozolkalns”. Distance: ~ 24 km. You can take the shorter circle till the bridge over the River Gauja ~8 km.

 

 

 

————VALMERA————–

 

 

The Ancient Knight path (46km / 2 days)

Route map HERE:

Hiking in Latvia

Amazingly picturesque circular route from Valmiera to Sietiņiezis passing through Vaidava and Kocēni is suitable for pedestrians and cyclists. In the past, it has been referred to as a part of the Gauja corridor area of the Livonian Order. This route is also known and mentioned in the Livonian Chronicle of Henry as the Ancient Knight path that connected the ancient Hanseatic cities – Wolmar (Valmiera) and Wenden (Cesis).

 

 

 

 

Around the Burtnieki Lake (70km / 2 days)

Start and Finish: Burtnieki rural territory council
Route: Burtnieki – Dūre – Silzemnieki – Košķele – Vecate – Bauņi – Matīši – Burtnieki
Route map HERE

Hiking in Latvia

 

This route will lead you through picturesque landscapes and along the way you will see great variety of nature wonders. You will have an opportunity to come across rare and protected species of plants and animals, especially some species of birds. Several parts of the route are the same as already marked regional route No. 17 and local route No. 112

————-Elsewhere in Latvia————-

 

 

 

 

LATVIA / DUNIKA BOG TRAIL (6km)

Location -Rucava district, Dunika parish, LV-3480

Dunika BogTrail
Dunika BogTrail

During a walk along the 6 km long Dunika bog footbridge path you can see unbelievably many beautiful and special landscapes with small lakes and clusters of islands. At the end of the trail, you will be able to see Latvia’s only hornbeam pure stand, which is more than one and a half a century old. Dunika Bog Trail is located in the Nature Reserve “Dunika”. The nature reserve with the 7000-year-old Tīrspurvs bog is a peculiar place to visit for everyone.

 

LATVIA /  CENA MOORLAND FOOTPAH (5KM)

Location -Babīte district, Cenas tīrelis, LV-2107

rigatours.lvCena Moorland is Latvia’s second largest bog, and it is a specially protected nature territory – a nature reserve as well as Natura 2000 territory. Cena Moorland has a 5 km long footpath trail, and in the middle of it, there is a viewing tower that allows to see the moorland from above. Cena Moorland in spring is especially appealing for birdwatchers. 10 of Latvia’s and Europe’s protected bird species as well as several other small birds are there.

LATVIA /  THE KANGARU PROCTECTED AREA (2KM)

GPS: 56.919727, 24.729908

rigatours.lv

The Kangaru protected area is located around the biggest esker ridge in Latvia. The nearby territory hosts a myriad of protected species and biotopes. A wooden plank trail has been made here, to make it possible to visit this territory, without disturbing the local nature. The trail leads to the Kangari lake and is around 2 kilometers long. There are information boards, as well as one of the highest observation towers in Latvia.

LATVIA /  POKAINI FOREST (5KM)

Location – Dobele district, Naudīte parish, Pokaiņi, “Senpokaiņi”, LV-3724

rigatours.lv
rigatours.lv

The Pokaini Forest is a picturesque location and an ancient holy site famous for the wondrous legends told about it. Take a walk along the path and find out more about this energetic place. nside the forest, stones form groups, piles, walls and rivers: the Pokaini StoneAgglomerates. These were the main reason why the Pokaini Forest is connected with unusual beliefs and superstitions.

 

 

 

 

LATVIA /THE WILD NATURE TRAIL BY THE RIVER ROJA (2-15km)

Location – 57°30’23.8″N 22°47’21.4″E

 

hiking in Latvia
Photo from Dodies.lv

From the spring to fall you can enjoy tours by the river Roja and the nearby forests as on feet, on the bicycles or boats. In the winter – hop on the skies and enjoy the crisp air. There are three spots to relax during the trails. They are equipped with tables and chairs, lavatories, swings, gyms and trash bins. And of course a bonfire place and spots for tents. By the settlement in Zocene and Roja there are boat docks. The nature trail slits up in three circles and they are marked with different colours in the nature. The smallest route is 2km – yellow, the middle route – 7km – blue, and the longest route – 15km – red.

The river Roja is embodied with a pristine forest, where no landscaping of the man has taken place. They are biologically old, rich with plants and trees and animals. It’s a rare thing in even the forest filled Latvia. The banks of the river are inhabited by beavers, otters, does, wild boars, athraxes, mooses, and many different specie birds.

 

 

 

LATVIA /CIECERE NATURE TRAIL (750m)

Location – 56°40’01.9″N 22°29’26.9″E

 

nature trails in Latvia
Nature trails in Latvia. RigaTours.lv

Nature and walk trail wends its way along the Ciecere River, from Kuldīga Street bridge to children playground. The trail is one of the most progressive nature-study-walk trails designed for people with special needs. The trail is enclosed by railings, no stairs and steep rises/falls. Moreover, this is the only nature trail built in the central part of the District centre and aimed at studying and telling about nature elements in the city environment, for instance, such a common species of plants as a ground-elder.

 

 

 

 

LATVIA /EZERE NATURE AND HISTORY TRAIL (3KM)

Location – Ezere Parish

 

Excellent leisure, beautiful scenery and historical objects can be enjoyed in entertaining, educational adventure along Ezeres nature and history trail. It is possible to view Customs house where the act of surrender was signed by Germans on 8 May 1945. The trail starts from Ezeres manor and is 3 km long.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LATVIA /THE PETEREZERS NATURE TRAIL (3,5KM)

Location – P125 LV-3275, Latvija

Peterezers trail
Photo from Slitere.lv

This circular trail features a unique landscape of parallel rampart-type sand dunes and grassy swamps among the dunes. This landscape offers evidence of the geological history of the Baltic Sea. There is a high-type swamp (the Pēterzers swamp), along with remnants of an old narrow-gauge railway. Wooden pathways have been installed along the swamp and the surrounding wetlands.

 

 

 

 

 

LATVIA /NATURE PARK ENGURE LAKE  (3,5KM)

Location – P125 LV-3275, Latvija

The flood-land meadows, the grassy bogs, and the damp forests of the country park “Lake Engure” can boast with the versatility of the orchid species – in the area of Engure. There are 22 of the 32 orchid species growing in Latvia. At the country park, you can also see lavish presence of the fly orchids – it is a very rare orchid, which can be found only in Kurzeme. In order for the visitors of the country park to have an opportunity to see these rare species of plants, the Orchid Trail has been set up. The total distance of the trail is 3.5 km, it begins near from the Centre of Ornithological Researches at Lake Engure, it winds through the calcareous bogs and the forest in the direction of the bird watching tower, and winds further down – along the meadows of the lake coast, where wild cows and horses have found their dwelling grounds. At the starting point of the trail, there is an information sign, where the orchids found in the area are displayed. The information stand also gives versatile information on other interesting plant species of the country park “Lake Engure”.

How to get to Riga?

AirBaltic -how to get to Riga

Information about direct flights, railway, bus and ferry…

By plane

Riga has a range of direct flights with European cities: London, Manchester, Liverpool in the Great Britain, Paris and Nice in France, Berlin, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Dusseldorf in Germany, Amsterdam in the Netherlands, Barcelona in Spain, Rome in Italy, Istanbul in Turkey, Tel Aviv in Israel and more others. You can use different airlines to fly to Riga. airBaltic is the Latvian national airline that flies to Riga from more than 25 international cities.

Other airlines flying to Riga:

Riga International Airport is the biggest in the Baltic States. It offers flights to 78 destinations in the entire world. Schedule and map of flights is available here: www.riga-airport.com

By Rail

The central train station is located in the very center of the city. Direct trains link Riga with St. Petersburg, Moscow and Minsk. See more detailed information about local and international train timetables www.ldz.lv

By bus

Riga has good developed bus traffic to many cities in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, the Great Britain, France and etc.

Companies that provide passenger traffic services to Riga:

By ferry

Every day a passenger ferry drives direct from Stockholm to Riga. The trip lasts approximately 15 hours. More information about daily ferry traffic between Stockholm and Riga can be found here: www.tallinksilja.com

Riga Street Food Festival (winter)

Street food Riga
Kaļķu / Vaļņu iela, Rīga
Date: 14.01.2017
Time: 14:00 – 20:00

Riga Street Food Festival (winter)

Riga’s top chefs have risen to the challenge to create their own versions of Latvian gastronomic masterpieces in the blistering cold. Meals prepared will highlight the wide range of Riga-Guja region winter produce, encompassing both the primeval and the contemporary.

In 2017, the Riga-Gauja region will bear the honorary title of European Region of Gastronomy.

Dzintars Kristovskis, chef of Valmiermuiža embassy in Riga and the Riga-Gauja region ambassador: “European Region of Gastronomy is about returning to the roots – back to the produce and raw materials that we’ve hailed, respected and consumed for centuries, that have grown right here, behind the city walls – in our bountiful forests, meadows, fields, rivers and lakes.”

Text & Photos – www.latvia.travel/en

 

Tallinn Christmas Market (December – January)

Tallinn_christmas_market

Dates: 18th Nov 2016 – 07. Jan 2017
Open every day 10:00 – 19:00
Hot Christmas drinks till 23:00
Christmas program On Fridays 17:00 – 19:00
On Saturdays and Sundays 12:00 – 14:00

Tallinn Christmas Market on the Town Hall Square is to open this Friday, 18 November, at 16:55

For many years residents and guests of Tallinn are enchanted by the annual Tallinn Christmas Market. It is a true fairy-tale land – there is a tall Christmas tree on the historic town square surrounded by little houses shining with lights that sell Christmas delicacies and folk craft products. Children will be happy to see merry-go-rounds and Santa Claus, the main stage will feature hundreds of singers and dancers performing, and amazing aromas of gingerbread and mulled wine will spread all over the square. Tallinn Christmas Market is recognized as one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe by many foreign media, including CNN, Elle UK and Vogue Italia.

This year the opening ceremony of the Christmas Market will take place on 18 November at 16:55. The speech at the opening ceremony will be delivered by the Elder of the City Center Alar Nääme. (NB! After the opening ceremony journalists will be able to interview the speaker!)

Tallinn Christmas Market will be open from 18 November 2016 until 7 January 2017, daily from 10:00 to 19:00.

Each year Tallinn Christmas Market changes a little. This year Christmas lights decorating the square are replaced with new ones. Their warm light makes the market even more cozy than before. The Christmas tree this year is especially rich and beautiful, with many new decorations: new LED lights as well as red and gold Christmas baubles of different sizes. The stage is decorated with over 600 Christmas stars. There will be over 40,000 lights lit for the Christmas Market on the Town Hall Square. This is a great way to celebrate 575 years since the first Christmas tree was displayed in Tallinn (and probably in the world, too) – in 1441 it was brought to the Town Hall Square by members of the Brotherhood of Blackheads.

Traditionally, the Tallinn Christmas Market offers a wide selection of gifts and delicacies, most of which are made in Estonia.

Here you can also have a meal and various refreshments. Selection is large: from well-known Christmas dishes, such as sauerkraut and blood sausages, to fish and duck. Hot and heating drinks are offered by many sellers on Sun.-Thu. until 22:00 and on Fri. and Sat. until 23:00.

Visitors will enjoy the cultural program on Fridays and Saturdays from 17:00 to 19:00 and on Sundays from 12:00 to 14:00. Explore the schedule at www.ChristmasMarket.ee. This year approximately 1,700 artists will perform on the Town Hall Square stage: folk dance groups Sõleke and Viisuveeretajad, folk dance groups of Märt Agu Tallinn Dance Academy, the nine-time winner of school dance competitions Carolina dance studio, the winner of Estonian Golden Cup and high awards on European and World Championships Free Flow dance club, and many other.

On the New Year’s Eve there will be a special program featuring performances by the Latin dance group Pantrid, cabaret group Dance Wonderland with their special Moulin Rouge program and La La Ladies band.

On Sundays advent candles will be lit. On the First Advent, on 27 November at 14:10 everyone will be greeted by Provost of Tallinn Jaan Tamsalu and Tallinn Vice-Mayor Taavi Aas. Church choirs will perform.

Santa Claus can be found in his house, where every day from 12:00 to 18:00 children will be able to read him poems and ask for Christmas gifts. The best poem readers will receive sweets!

Tallinn Christmas Market welcomes everyone to the Town Hall Square to participate in Christmas celebration!

 

CULTURAL PROGRAMME

 

FRIDAY, 18.11.2016
16:55 Opening ceremony of the Christmas Market 2016/2017. Opening speech by the Elder of Tallinn City Center Alar Nääme
17:00 Folk dance groups of Tallinn Dance Academy
17:45 Carolina Dance Studio
18:30 Folk Dance Group Viisuveeretajad
18:55 Artists of Mystical Fire Show

SATURDAY, 19.11.2016
16:00 Folk Dance Group Kiilitar ja Kiili Keerulised
16:45 Dance Troupe Alhambra
17:30 Irish Dance Troupe Solas
18:15 Free Flow Dance Studio

SUNDAY, 20.11.2016
12:00 Dance Troupe Mustad Kassid
12:45 Dance Ensemble Sõleke (Tallinn Hobby Center Kullo)
13:30 Dancing Girls of Tallinn University / Kalev and Dancing Kids from Tallinn Järveotsa Upper Secondary School

FRIDAY, 25.11.2016
17:00 Tantsugeen Dance Studio
17:45 Dance Troupe Kõku
18:30 AS-SA Dance Society

SATURDAY, 26.11.2016
16:00 Dance Studio Black & White Dance
16:30 Pelgulinna Community Center Folk Dance Group Pelgulinna Memmed
16:45 Dance Ensemble Kullaketrajad
17:30 Dance Troupe Asmarah
18:15 Folklore Society Leigarid

SUNDAY, 27.11.2016
I ADVENT
12:00 Santa’s arrival
12:15 Dance Club Koit
12:30 Folk Dance Group Kuu
14:00 Choirs of St. John’s Church, St. Kaarli Congregation, the Holy Ghost Church, Bethel Congregation, Dome Cathedral Congregation, Nõmme Rahu Congregation, Viimsi Congregation and the German Congregation of Tallinn Deanery
14:10 Greetings from Tallinn Vice-Mayor Taavi Aas and Provost of Tallinn Jaan Tamsalu. First Advent candle is lit on the Christmas tree.

FRIDAY, 2.12.2016
17:00 V.A.T Stuudio Dance Studio
17:45 Students of the Fine Arts Class of Tallinn Rahumäe Basic School
18:15 Dance troupe Up With People
18:30 Latin Dance Group Pantrid

SATURDAY, 3.12.2016
15:00 Theatre Festival Muinasjutt
16:00 Folk Dance Group Tantsusarvikud
16:45 Desiree Dance Studio
17:00 Dance Group Kolga Lainerid
17:30 Järva-Jaani dance groups Jürid-Marid, Tuttuued naised and Ei me ette tea. Vocals by Janeli Ait

SUNDAY, 4.12.2016
II ADVENT
12:00 Handbell Studio Kellaring
12:45 Folk Dance Society Pääsuke – I mixed group and a younger female group
13:30 Dance Troupe Modus
13:50 Christmas greetings by the pastor of Tallinn Methodist Church Joel Aulis
14:00 The pastor of Tallinn Methodist Church Joel Aulis lights the second Advent candle. Music by Matri Joosua and Karl Saamuel Hollman

FRIDAY, 9.12.2016
16:30 Tallinn Hobby Center Kullo KT Stuudio
17:00 Folk Dance Society Pääsuke II mixed group and II female group
17:30 Free Flow Dance Studio

SATURDAY, 10.12.2016
16:00 Mixed folk dance group Tammed ja Toomed and female group Harku Harakad
16:45 Dance studio of Nõmme Youth Center
17:30 Dance Troupe Happy Feet Sakust ning Kate & Lana
17:45 Dance Studio The Art of Dance

SUNDAY, 11.12.2016
III ADVENT
12:00 Tallinn City Transport Brass Band, conductors R.Sild, A.Avarand, T.Kaljuver
12:45 Folk Dance Group Tuisuline
13:30 Song Studio Minimuusikal, students of 5th-9th forms
13:50 Christmas greetings by the pastor of Toompea Congregation of Estonian Christian Pentecostal Church Ivo Unt. Music by Anneli Rand, Tobias Rannut and Ahti Lohk
14:00 The pastor of Toompea Congregation of Estonian Christian Pentecostal Church Ivo Unt lights the third Advent candle

FRIDAY, 16.12.2016
16:30 Song Studio Minimuusikal, students of 1st-3rd forms
17:00 Tallinn Hobby Center Kullo KT Stuudio
17:30 Dance Ensemble Sõleke (Tallinn Hobby Center Kullo)

SATURDAY, 17.12.2016
16:00 Latin Dance Group Pantrid
16:10 Irish Dance Troupe Solas
16:45 Tantsugeen Dance Studio
17:30 Dance Club Rosa Verde

SUNDAY, 18.12.2016
IV ADVENT
12:00 Siki Dance Studio
12:45 Taisi Singing Kids
13:40 Miina, Marta, Paula ja Uku Madis
13:50 Christmas greetings by the pastor of Tallinn St. Olaf’s Church Ülo Niinemägi. Songs by intra-congregation children chorus Juhhei, conductors Varje Soon and Annika Soon
14:00 The pastor of Tallinn St. Olaf’s Church Ülo Niinemägi lights the fourth Advent candle

FRIDAY, 23.12.2016
12:00 Christmas concert by Heli Song Studio
13:10 Karjamaa Basic School Group Võluflööt and Tallinn Kadaka Basic School

SATURDAY, 24.12.2016
CHRISTMAS EVE
12:00 Mayor of Tallinn announces Christmas peace

SUNDAY, 25.12.2016
12:00 Girl Group of the English College and folk dance group Leesikad of the French Lyceum
12:45 GAG 385 LIVE – Talented students of Gustav Adolf upper secondary school

FRIDAY, 30.12.2016
17:00 Kristiina Kalle, Valeria Nikolajeva, Maia Grjaboi and Inna Litvin
17:45 Dance Troupe Isar Dance
18:30 Dance Club Rosa Verde

SATURDAY, 31.12.2016
NEW YEAR’S EVE
22:00 Latin Dance Group
22:30 Girl Band La La Ladies
23:30 Cabaret Troupe Dance Wonderland “Moulin Rouge”
0:00 HAPPY NEW YEAR!
0:20 Girl Band La La Ladies
01.00 Festive music by DJ Aivar Havi
The program hosted by Santa Claus Äffy

FRIDAY, 6.01.2017
16:00 Dance Troupe Modus
16:45 Performance of Bõliina Ensemble
17:30 V.A.T Stuudio Dance Studio
18:15 Roosi II female group of Riisipere Community Center
18:30 Folk Dance Group Soveldaja

SATURDAY, 7.01.2017
16:00 Folk dancers of Saku municipality
16:45 Dance Troupe Red Roses
17:30 Performance of Juri Zaljubovski
18:15 Dancing performance of mixed group Vöör ja Ahter and female group of the Estonian Maritime Administration
18:45 Artists of Mystical Fire Show

 

Text & photos  – http://www.christmasmarket.ee/eng/

Old Riga Christmas Fair (December & January)

Old Riga Christmas fair

Dome Square26.11.2016 – 06.01.2017

Christmas is approaching, and one of the signs testifying to this is the Old Town Christmas Fair with sweet-smelling mulled wine, roasted almonds, glittering glazed gingerbread and local handcraft. Visitors will have a chance to find their Christmas miracle here every day. Various concerts and workshops are on the programme, with Santa Claus entertaining kids and adults alike.

All those loving delicious food will be delighted at the traditional treats – mulled wine, gingerbread, roasted almonds, Christmas tea and coffee, as well as delicious smoked meats and meat products. The fair will also offer a wide range of Latvian handcraft for Christmas gifts – patterned mittens, skillfully turned wooden candlesticks, jarred sunny-smelling Latvian honey, sweet-smelling wax candles, handmade warm socks, hats and scarfs, amber and silver jewellery, ecological wooden toys and rag bears…

Along with food and handcraft, you will have an opportunity to learn more about various Latvian traditions, for example, log dragging and traditional Christmas cooking. Latvian Christmas songs and world-known melodies will be performed by pop music bands and traditional ensembles.

27.11. – 17.00 Lighting of the Christmas tree and opening of the Christmas Market
Performances by children’s vocal ensemble Momo of the VEF Culture Palace, singer Andris Ērglis; songs from the musical performance Father Christmas Glove will be sung by Samanta Tīna and Atis Auzāns. Story-teller: Jānis Skanis.

02.12. – 17.30 – 19.30 DJ Toms Grēviņš;

03.12. – 13.00 – 14.00 Dita Belicka’s Trio;
14.30 – 15.30 Post-folk band Dziit;
16.00 – 18.00 Riga Folk dance Club;
Between the performances fun and games together with Dwarfs;

04.12. – 14.30 – 15.30 Rūta Dūduma and Jānis Ķirsis;
16.00 – 17.00 Leila Alijeva’s Duo;
17.30 – 18.00 Theatre studio Laiva with a Christmas performance;
Between the performances fun and games together with Dwarfs

09.12. – 17.30 – 19.30 DJ Toms Grēviņš;

10.12. – 13:00 – 14:30 Latvian Traditional music band Tautumeitas;
15:00 – 16:00 Tuba and euphonium artists performance. Host: Māris Grigalis;
16.30 – 17.30 Music by group The Coco`nuts;
Between the performances fun and games together with Dwarfs;

11.12. – 09.00 – 13.00 Santa’s Fun Run and Walk;
13.00 – 14.30 Alise Kante & Edijs Šnipke;
15.00 – 16.45 Post-folk group Dārdi;
17.15 – 18.00 Music by Mazie Meža Dīvainīši (MmD);
Between the performances fun and games together with Dwarfs

16.12. – 17.30 – 19.30 DJ Egons Reiters;

17.12. – 13.00 – 14.00 University of Latvia folk dance group Dandari;
14.30 – 15.30 Post-folk band Dziit;
16.00 – 18.00 Dancers from Riga Folk dance Club;
Between the performances fun and games together with Dwarfs

18.12. – 12.00 -12.30 Children’s pop group Brīnumiņš;
13.00 – 13.30 Children’s vocal ensemble Asniņi;
14.00 – 15.45 Iveta Marija Gaile’s Trio;
16.15 – 18.00 Music by group Pieneņu Vīns;
Between the performances fun and games together with Dwarfs;

20.12. –  Winter Solstice
17.00 Riga folk group Lāns;
17.45 Līvāni folk group Ceiruleits;
18.30 Celebration of Latvian Traditional Christmas;
Dragging of the Yule log – stop in the Dome Square;

23.12. – 17.30 – 19.30 DJ Ketija Šēnberga;

24.12. – 13.30 – 14.30 Dixieland band Sunny Groove Dixie;
15.00 – 15.30 Mixed Choir of the Latvian Academy of Culture Sōla;
Between the performances fun and games together with Dwarfs;

25.12. – 13.30 – 14.30 La Petite Paris & Diāna Pīrāgs;
15.00 – 16.00 Jolanta Gulbe-Paškeviča, Deniss Paškevičs and Āris Ozols;
Between the performances fun and games together with Dwarfs;

26.12 13.30 – 14.30 Jazz-funk band Very Cool People and Kristīne Prauliņa;
15.00 – 16.45 Post-folk group Rikši;
Between the performances fun and games together with Dwarfs

30.12. – 17.30 – 19.30 DJ Artis Volfs;

31.12. – 19.00 – 20.00 Dixieland band Sunny Groove Dixie;
20.30 – 22.30 Rock and roll band The Swamp Shakers;
22.30 – 2.00 DJ Toms Grēviņš;

06.01. – 17.30 – 19.15 Mārtiņš Balodis, Jānis Līde and Normans Bārbals;

07.01. – 14.00 – 15.00 Folk group Iļjinskaja Pjatņica;
15.30 – 17.00 Folk group Berendejka;

SANTA’S HOUSE will be open:
On Fridays, 27, 28, 29 and 30 December from 14.00 to 20.00
On Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 12.00 to 18.00

Visit the FIRE HOUSE on Saturdays and Sundays from 13.00 to 18.00 to try some very special culinary surprises

On weekends and holidays enjoy a pony ride

Text & photo – LiveRiga.com

2016 November – Staro Rīga Light Festival

StaroRiga -light festival

Staro Rīga Light Festival (17-20 November)

Staro Rīga offers an international programme of light and multimedia installations. Buildings, squares, bridges and monuments turn into unique pieces of light art, supplemented by performance art and musical and theatrical elements. This year’s festival will be unique with its multitude of interactive objects that function only with the help of personal participation. Festival creators encourages us to ponder the following: “light is in all of us, we ourselves are light. I myself am that which can see how light rises, I can see positive things and spread light all around me.

42 objects are included in this year’s festival and are mainly situated in Old Town and the city’s central areas. The festival takes place from the 17th to 20th November and, responding to festival visitors’ suggestions, it will begin one hour earlier at 17:00; objects will be viewable until 23:00.

Text – LiveRiga.com

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