By Kerry Kubilius
Eastern Europe Travel Expert, about.com
[post_ads_2]Riga is Latvia’s capital city and is often considered a hub for the Baltic nations. As such, it’s put itself on the map for Christmas destination cities. With a Christmas market, a festival surrounding its connection to the Christmas tree, and other holiday-related events, Riga is an excellent alternative to larger and more crowded December destinations.
Riga Christmas Market
Riga’s
Christmas market is a decade-old tradition that fills Dome Square with
decorative lights, the smell of pine, cinnamon and, cloves, and stalls
selling Latvian handicrafts, Christmas decorations, and locally produced
gifts. From woven woolen scarves and mittens to wooden ornaments, to
handmade chocolates, you won’t lack for selection. Santa Claus is also a
visitor to the Christmas market, so be sure to be on your best
behavior.
Christmas Tree Trail
Riga is closely associated
with the origins of the Christmas tree. Latvians claim that the first
Christmas tree was erected in front of the House of Blackheads in the 16th century.
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Therefore, Christmas in Latvia
means lots of festively dress Christmas trees all around the city. Riga
steps up the Christmas tree theme with an entire festival devoted to
Christmas trees made with non-traditional materials. These modern
sculptures light up at night and reflect each artist’s individual
interpretation of the traditional tree. Unusual and intriguing forms
spark viewers’ imaginations and sometimes require a
“thinking-outside-the-box” approach to understand their relationship to
the customary Christmas fir.
Sightseeing in Riga
Be sure to devote some time to seeing Riga’s must-see sights. Old Town Riga is beautiful any time of year and is easily gotten around on foot, and much can be accomplished even if you only have one day in the city. If you have a bit more time, Riga’s Art Nouveau
architecture is widely celebrated, and much of it has either been
well-preserved or renovated so that its historic beauty makes an
impression on visitors with a fondness for the Arts and Crafts movement
of the early 20th century.
If the weather is especially harsh during your visit, you may want to take your exploration indoors. Riga’s museums are plentiful, but check about their hours of operation during the month of December before you go.
Christmas Concerts
Riga
has a complete December calendar of concerts and performances,
including a series of Christmas concerts that occur on Christmas Day and
December 26th. The concert features popular Christmas songs
as well as classical compositions by history’s revered composers. The
program also features music close to Latvians’ hearts, making this
concert both a holiday and a cultural experience.
Visiting the Other Baltic Capitals
Visiting Riga means that the other Baltic Capitals are only a short journey by bus or by plane. Simple and Lux Express
run inexpensive, regular routes between these and other nearby cities:
approximately four hours in either direction will take you to either
Vilnius or Tallinn. Tallinn’s Christmas market is a popular draw for visitors and Old Town Vilnius
sparkles with Christmas lights. Whether you plan to visit all three
countries during your holiday travels or you make a detour in your
travel plans to incorporate one more city into your itinerary, your
travels will be richer for it. Each city celebrates Christmas in a
slightly different way, offering more opportunities for photo
opportunities, gift purchases, and sampling local foods.
