Christmas and New Year events in Gauja National Park

Find Your Christmas spirit in Gauja National park!

The joy lives in snowflakes, in the sound of music, smell of gingerbread and in the time spent together!

On 21st December in Sigulda Castle will be held concert “Christmas in the castle - a tribute to light”. Visit Vaidava Christmas market in Valmiera county and bring home creative craftsmen works of art. In the evening Brass band "Signāls" Christmas concert "Joy to the world" will fill Valmiera Culture Centre with music, fun and festive spirit. At the heart of history for centuries, enclosed by picturesque stone walls, this castle was both a residence and fortress for the nobility. 

(Photo: Egons Lācis)

On 22nd December visit various heart-warming concerts. In Concert hall “Cēsis” folk music group "Dzieti" invites everyone to the Winter Solstice concert. The visitors of the concert will be able to learn about the traditions of the celebration of Latvian national holidays and listen to the performance of the folk song "Dzietu".

On 22nd December watch London Royal Ballet performance "The Nutcracker" in cinema “Gaisma” in Valmiera. The beauty of Peter Tchaikovsky's music depicts the battle between Clara and the enchanted Nutcracker against the Mouse King. Set in the tradition of classical ballet, Peter Wright's production, with Julia Trevelyan's gorgeous Omani historical costumes, combines a captivating tale with exquisite classical dance. New light and hope will have this year's Christmas concert of the chamber choir "Cats" on 22nd  December in Valmiera Cultural Centre.

A cappella group Latvian Voices will hold unique concert “SNIEGums” in Krimulda Manor at evening of 22nd December. Christmas songs will fulfil Dzērbene Castle rooms on 22nd December. In Dzērbene Castle see The Angels exhibition, more that will reveal more 150 angel figurine until 27th January.

On 23rd December evening Winter solstice evening event with songs and games will be held at the Līgatne Culture House. And in Skujene heart-touching concert will gather together locals and guests. In Sigulda Latvian Youth Theatre will perform on a play “Snow White school” for children and their parents.

Fulfil festive time with love and hope! Visit Mini Zoo “Mežiņi” and enjoy the time with farm animals in light trails and light strings decorated mini zoo on 23rd and 25th , 26th December.

(Foto: Mini Zoo Mežiņi)

On the very 24th December visit Advent market in Sigulda. The Sigulda Advent market will be attended by both local Sigulda traders, who can already be seen regularly at the market, as well as guests from other regions.

On 25th December visit Christmas ball in Krimulda to celebrate together with family and friends. Join Christmas ice skating in the Ice Hall in Valmiera on 25th and 26th December.

On 26th December musical performance for the family "The Grinch's Christmas" in Concert hall “Cēsis”. This will be a heartfelt and musical tale in two parts, full of fun and adventure. One more event for children and parents will be held in Nītaure Culture House, where preschool children are invited to visit Santa Claus, the snowman Olaf and the mischievous elves. There will be Christmas games and fun games.

“Do you know what is love…” concert musical canvas is made up of two ancient musical worlds and will be held in Sigulda DEVONS on 26th December.

On 28th December the play "Andersen's Fairy Tales at Christmas" will be held in Cēsis Exhibition House. In a warm and homely atmosphere, we will watch the newest play of the Cēsis Little Theater "Andersen's Fairy Tales at Christmas". On the date also the popular TUTA will be in Cēsis to delight little hearts. TUTAS Christmas concert "Gingerbread heart" will be held in Concert hall “Cēsis”.

(Foto: Valmieras Kultūras centrs)

Let’s celebrate the coming of New Year with music, joy and dancing!

On 29th December Music and dances with Aija Vītoliņa and the Jelgava Big Band Trio in an elegant musical atmosphere in the Concert hall “Cēsis”.

New Year's ball on 30th December will embody fun and gaiety in Straupe and Līgatne.

A program of light and multimedia installations has become a tradition in Valmiera, which invites residents and city guests to find the feeling of New Year's festivities in the streets, squares and parks of Valmiera. Looking forward to 2023, from 30th December to 1st January every evening from from 6 PM to 1 AM in various places in Valmiera, it will be possible to see light and environmental art installations created by various artists and industry professionals known in Latvia.

Celebrate New Year with glamour in Mālpils Manor on 31th December! Mālpils manor invites you to welcome the New Year in the magnificent manor hotel and enjoy an unforgettable meal in the Mālpils manor restaurant. They will take care of the holiday decorations and festive fireworks at midnight.

Crispy air and adrenaline in the New Years Eve? Ski resort OZOLKLANS also will be open on 30th December from 10 AM - 8 PM and on 31st December have fun on the hill from 10 AM - 8 PM and from 9 PM - 1 AM! OZOLKLALNS is a great place to enjoy the longest slopes in Latvia in a picturesque environment surrounded by primeval natural.

(Foto: Ozolkalns)

Enjoy concert, celebrate and dance in Sigulda DEVONS in a sparkling atmosphere together with friends, relatives and guests of the celebration. on 31st December.

Welcome the New Year in the Valmiera Culture Center - an entertaining program with the host of the evening and a merry ball with the group .

On 31st December will occur traditional New Year welcoming in Vienības Square – in the very centre of Cēsis city.

Stay in cozy guest houses and elegant hotel to enjoy festive time longer. And enjoy winter activities ,including sleigh rides, skiing, snowboarding and hiking in mesmerizing valley landscapes. 

Visit manors and castles, this is your opportunity to savour the jewels that noblemen have safeguarded in the cusp of the forest for time eternal. During your journey, you will be welcomed at the most important manor houses, castles and palaces in the Gauja region, offering fine dining and accommodation options, and an eclectic offering of additional services, ranging from tours recreating the epochs of the nobility through to scenic horse carriage excursions through the Latvian countryside.

(Foto: Bīriņu pils)