Though Latvia celebrates Christmas on December 25, this holiday is closely linked with pagan winter solstice celebrations. Latvians mark the 12 days up until Christmas with gifts. If you're in Riga during the month of December, you can purchase traditional decorations and sample Latvian Christmastime foods at the Riga Christmas Market.
Festivities to celebrate the New Year begin in the evening of December 31 In recent years, both the President and Prime Minister address the people on national TV. While champagne toasts are common, many Latvian families partake in a variety of traditional rituals to ensure good luck and prosperity in the New Year.
New Year is a major event in Latvia. New Year in Latvia is celebrated with pomp and show. A good number of New Year parties are organized in Latvia. New Year in Latvia is also an important event for tourists coming to Latvia. They take part in the different rituals, practices and also go for New Year cruises and tours.