Concerts and events on Second Advent
On Sunday, December 10, the Second Advent, from 11:30 to 12:00 am, in the courtyard of Garā Street and Dzirciema Street, listeners will be delighted by the Santa Claus Quintet with a concert called “The Wonder of Christmas Music,” while from 12:30 to 13:00 the concert will be played at Nordeķu Park from the side of Dzirciema Street.
The Christmas garden “12 holy nights” will be open in the Riga Luther Church area, Torņakalna Street 5, from 13:00 to 16:00.
The area will feature environmental and installation objects, 12 reflection stands, a place of "good thoughts and gratitude", a fir park, and a photo corner. A market will also offer hot drinks and snacks. At 16:00, a second advent candle will be lit on the old dial of the church clock.
Meanwhile, at 16:00, a children's song and dance concert “Winter Sounds” will be played at the Great Hall of the Cultural Center “Iļģuciems”, while at 17:00 a concert “Joy to the World” will be performed at the branch of the cultural and folk art center “Ritums” on Ieriķu Street.
At 18:00 a.m. in the concert hall “Ave Sol”, listeners will be delighted by the concert “Let It Snow!”.
Traditional concert “Christmas Oratorium” will take place at Rīga Cathedral at 18:00, performed by the Riga chamber choir “Ave Sol”, the mixed choir of the Riga Doma Choir School, and an instrumental ensemble of leading Latvian musicians led by conductors Andris Veismanis and Jurģis Cābulis.
From 19:00 to 20:30 the concert “Winter Sundays” will be played in the Great Hall of the Riga Centre for Culture and Folk Art “Small Guild” (Mazā ģilde).
The Riga Orchestra will perform a special concert in Riga St. John's Church from 19:00 until 20:15.
Christmas markets and Christmas lights
Festive markets in Esplanade, Doma Square, and Vidzeme market will also operate this week. In the decorated and illuminated merchant cottages of the Esplanade market, everyone will find gifts from a range of local artisan products, as well as enjoy a ride on a Ferris wheel.
One of the most joyful attractions you'll encounter at this year's Esplanade Christmas market is the “Kingdom of rabbits,” which attracts big and small passers-by.
Until February, Riga boulevards and parks, the quiet center of the city, and the old town will be transformed into a light adventure. There will be a walkable “Christmas light trail” along the city's canal, similar to last year.
