Winter solstice
On December 21, the traditional log-dragging event will take place in the Old Town between 18:00 and 21:00. The log represents all negative thoughts and misfortunes that happened during the year, which are finally burnt (the burning will take place in Rātslaukums after the log has been dragged through nearly the whole Old Town). Everyone is invited to join. Festivities with the log burning will take place until 21:00 with folk songs and dances.
Another log dragging and burning activity will take place at the culture and recreation center Imanta at 17:00.
Christmastime events: Center
On Thursday, December 22, a family event will take place in Vērmanes garden starting 18:00, with children's vocal ensembles and other singing acts, dances, and Santa Claus.
On December 22 and 23, the youth choir Balsis will perform a concert ТИХА НIЧ | KLUSA NAKTS (Silent Night) at the St Saviour's Anglican Church in the old town.
On December 23, 15:00 to 16:00, popular Christmas tunes will be played at the Esplanāde park.
On Sunday, December 25, a "Christmas atmosphere" concert will take place at the Great Guild at 14:00 and 17:00, with the Rīga chamber choir Ave Sol, instrumental and vocal performances. Musical "surprises" will also be expected at 14:00 and 16:00 from the balcony of the city hall (Rātsnams).
From December 25, 13:00, to December 26, 22:00, near the Rīga Luther Church (Torņakalns church), an event "12 Holy Nights" with fair, workshops and activities for families will take place.
Christmastime events: Neighborhoods
On December 22 and 27, at the VEF Culture Palace, a concert "Christmas in Broadway and Rīga" will be performed with the orchestra "Rīga" and soloists Rūta Dūduma-Ķirse, Juris Jope, Katrīna Paula Felsberga, Gustavs Melbārdis, Valts Butāns.
On Sunday, December 25, 14:00, the Culture and recreation center Imanta will host a concert with baroque and romanticism arias, as well as Latvian composers' music.
On December 26, 15:00 and 16:00, the Dixieland band Sunny Groove Dixie will perform at the Ēbelmuižas park in Ziepniekkalns.
Christmas markets will be open in Āgenskalns, Kalnciema square, Tallinas square, Doma square, Esplanāde park and elsewhere.
Everyone is also invited to walk the Light Trail from the Opera square to Bastejkalns and Kronvalda park, with almost 700 light installations and design objects.
