Riga public holidays and events calendar: what's open and when

Latvia’s official public holidays

Latvia has 15 public holidays (valsts svētki un atceres dienas). On most of these, government offices close, but tourist infrastructure stays largely operational.

The most important holidays for planning your trip

Jāņi — midsummer (June 23–24)

This is the most significant celebration in the Latvian calendar — far more important culturally than Christmas for many Latvians. Jāņi has roots in pre-Christian solstice festivals and centres on overnight bonfires, flower-crown weaving, oak garland decoration, special cheese (Jāņu siers), and traditional songs (līgodanas) until dawn.

What this means practically: Riga empties. Latvians leave for country properties, farms, and family gatherings. Restaurants may close or reduce hours. Hotels are sometimes quieter than usual on the weekend itself, though visitor numbers are high because foreigners come specifically for the festival.

If you are in Riga during Jāņi: the city itself has some public celebrations, but they are modest. The real experience is outside the city. Several tour operators offer Jāņi countryside experiences — booking these months in advance is essential as they sell out. Otherwise, embrace the slightly surreal experience of an almost-empty Riga Old Town on the world’s shortest night.

Latvia’s Independence Days (May 4 and November 18)

Latvia has two Independence Days reflecting its complex 20th-century history:

May 4: declaration of independence from the Soviet Union in 1990. This anniversary has grown in significance since 2022. The ceremonies at the Freedom Monument are moving to witness — Latvians lay flowers, speeches are given, and military guards stand at attention.

November 18: proclamation of the Latvian Republic in 1918. The more traditional celebration with a military parade along 11. novembra krastmala (the embankment), state ceremony at the National Theatre, and spectacular fireworks over the Daugava River at night.

Both days see tourist attractions stay open but some local businesses close. November 18 in particular is worth timing a visit around for the fireworks.

Christmas and New Year in Riga

Riga has a legitimate claim to being the origin city of the Christmas tree tradition — a disputed but much-cited historical connection to the 1510 Guild of Black Heads decoration in Town Hall Square. The Dome Square Christmas market leans into this with “world’s first Christmas tree” branding.

The market itself is excellent: local craftspeople (not mass-produced imports), traditional foods (piparkūkas gingerbread, ceptas mandeles roasted almonds, Jāņu siers, hot cranberry drinks, mulled wine), wooden toys, amber, linen products. Quality is notably higher than many Central European Christmas markets.

December 24 (Christmas Eve): the main family gathering day in Latvian tradition. Restaurants close or fill with pre-booked families. Book Christmas Eve dinner well in advance or plan for hotel restaurant options.

December 25–26: most attractions stay open for tourists. Transport runs reduced schedules. Good time for museums (quiet) and hotel restaurant meals.

New Year’s Eve: the Daugava embankment fireworks display is large and free to watch from the riverbank or from the Old Town bridge. Central areas fill with crowds. Book your restaurant in advance.

Major events worth planning around

Riga City Festival (August)

Held on the city’s founding anniversary weekend (usually third weekend of August), this is the best free event in Riga’s calendar. Three days of outdoor concerts across multiple stages in Old Town, a flotilla of illuminated boats on the Daugava, theatrical performances, fireworks on the final night, and a general festive atmosphere through Vecrīga. The streets fill with locals, not just tourists.

For a guided Old Town walk during festival week, the atmosphere is particularly good — the Old Town walking tour with an extra-animated city backdrop makes for a memorable experience.

Riga International Film Festival (October)

Riga IFF (previously known as Arsenāls) screens international and Baltic cinema at venues including the National Cinema. Late October timing coincides with the best autumn foliage weather for Gauja day trips.

Riga Marathon and International Running Event (May)

A major road race that closes significant sections of central Riga, including Old Town routes, for part of a Sunday in May. If your arrival day coincides with race day, check route closures — transport to hotels near the finish line can be disrupted.

Baltika International Folklore Festival (held every 3 years)

When Baltika comes to Riga (the three Baltic capitals rotate hosting), it brings a week of extraordinary traditional culture: folk ensembles from across the Baltic states and beyond, outdoor performances, market of traditional crafts, and a major parade through Old Town. Previous Riga hosting: 2024. Next expected: 2027.

Riga Opera Festival (June)

The Latvian National Opera hosts an international festival in June with outdoor performances in the Opera garden and indoor programme. Tickets for headline performances sell out weeks in advance.

Skonto FC / Latvian football fixtures

If attending a live Latvian football match is on your list, Skonto Stadium and Daugava Stadium host Virslīga (Latvian Premier League) matches from March through November. Atmosphere is modest compared to major European leagues but tickets are very affordable (€5–10).

What is open on Latvian public holidays

Almost always open: major hotels, restaurants in tourist areas, taxi and Bolt services, ATMs, pharmacies (at least a duty pharmacy in each district), tourist information, and most major attractions.

Usually open with reduced hours: shopping centres, large supermarkets (Rimi, Maxima), transport (Pasažieru Vilciens trains run modified schedules on holidays).

Often closed: small local shops (especially family-run ones), government offices, banks, some neighbourhood restaurants and cafés, most pharmacies (except duty ones).

Check individually: museums vary. The House of the Blackheads, National Museum of Art, and Latvian History Museum all have holiday policies on their websites. Christmas Day and January 1 are the most common full closure days.

For transport during holidays, see our public transport guide.

Seasonal events quick calendar

January–February: quiet season, minimal events. Winter Solstice concerts in churches, some ice sculpture displays.

March–April: Easter, spring market at Kalnciema Quarter (weekends), Riga Film Forum.

May: Labour Day spring fairs, Riga Marathon, spring flower market at Esplanade.

June: Opera Festival, Jāņi midsummer (23–24), Latvian Independence Day (4th), White Nights photography season.

July: Riga Reggae Summer, various Old Town street performances, Jūrmala beach season peak.

August: Riga City Festival (best free event of year), Riga International Biathlon.

September: Gauja autumn colour season begins, Riga Design Week, Hospitality Days (food festivals).

October: Riga IFF (film festival), autumn mushroom and market season at Centrāltirgus.

November: Lāčplēsis torchlight (11th), Independence Day (18th), Christmas market opens late November.

December: Christmas market (Dome Square), New Year’s Eve fireworks.

For the Art Nouveau district specifically, the Art Nouveau walking tour runs year-round and is particularly atmospheric in May and September. For food experiences during festival periods, the Central Market food tour is best during high harvest season (August–October) when seasonal produce is at its most varied.

Frequently asked questions about Riga’s holidays and events

Is Riga busy during Christmas?

Yes — the Christmas market draws Scandinavians, Germans, and Baltic visitors in large numbers throughout December. Hotels in Old Town fill up by early December for the prime dates. Book accommodation 2–3 months ahead.

What happens if a Latvian public holiday falls on the weekend?

Latvia does not have a consistent “bank holiday” move-to-Monday rule. Some holidays are simply observed on the date regardless of day of the week.

Is Jāņi open to tourists?

Yes. While it is primarily a Latvian family holiday, outsiders are welcomed warmly at any organised Jāņi event. Some farms outside Riga offer Jāņi night experiences for visitors — search for “Jāņi pieredze” on Latvian booking platforms or ask at your hotel concierge.

Is November 11 (Lāčplēsis Day) a public holiday?

It is a national remembrance day (valsts atceres diena) — not a full public holiday in the employment sense, but schools and some institutions mark it. The evening torchlight procession in Old Town is worth seeing: residents walk through the streets carrying candles in memory of soldiers who fell defending Latvian independence.

Are there street festivals in Riga in summer?

Yes, several. The most significant is Riga City Festival in August. In addition, the Kalnciema Quarter Saturday market runs throughout summer, and various neighbourhood festivals (Āgenskalns, Ķīpsala) occur on different weekends.