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| 31 Dec | New Year's Eve at Mālpils Manor » |
Whether you’re wandering through historic Sigulda, exploring Cēsis’ charming old town, Līgatne and Valmiera cities or enjoying a peaceful snowy hike along the Gauja River, the park’s Christmas events invite you to experience the season in its purest, most atmospheric form.
Dive into the events!
Winter solstice celebration and GARDU MUTI farmers market in Valmiermuiža on the 20th of December.
From 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, next to Valmiermuiža Park, local producers and craftsmen will provide the taste and splendor of the holiday. During the fair, there will be an opportunity to predict the coming year, and spin on the carousel. You can also go horseback riding or even sleigh rides with the Valmiermuiža stable family. At 6:00 PM, an ethnic dance evening will begin in the Valmiermuiža beer lounge.
Christmas market in Līgatne until 23rd of December
Everyday until the 23rd of December you have a chance to meet locals and buy Christmas presents by local producers and craftsmen in Līgatne House of Culture. Every working day from 10:00 AM until 5:00 PM and on weekends from 10:00 PM until 6:00PM!
Slow Food Straupe market
The “Slow Food Straupe” home-grown goods by farmers market will take place at the Straupe Horse Post on 7th and 21st December from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Christmas market in Vecpiebalga
On 20th od December at 11:00AM - 3:00 PM. Location: Vecpiebalga House of Culture
Christmas gifts market
On December 21, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, the Valmiera Olympic Center will host the Christmas Gift Fair - the annual fair of Latvian craftsmen, designers and homemakers in Valmiera!
Christmas trees decorated with lights, decorations await you in the main city squares in Gauja National park.
Sigulda town
Sigulda railway station square
Cēsis town
Square of roses
Cēsis railway station square
Vienības (Unity) Square
Valmiera town
Valmiera centre (at Centre of culture)
On December 13 at 11:00 AM and 02:00 PM and , the Cēsis Museum’s New Castle invites visitors to meet the manor’s cook, who shares how Christmas preparations once unfolded in the bustling, spice-filled manor kitchen. She reveals traditional festive dishes, decorations, European and local culinary customs, and insights from century-old cookbooks.
On dates of 12.,13.,14.,19.,20 December take part in Winter Fairy tale! This outdoor holiday event invites families to a three-hour festive experience with forest elves, featuring stories, winter games, themed workshops, treats, and a cozy elf-cooked meal. Set in the magical Gauja Elf Forest, visitors can enjoy horse-drawn rides, warm drinks, crafts, and snowy fun while soaking in the spirit of the season. Location: "Lielkrūzes, Jaunpiebalga, Cēsis county. Price 23 eur / person. Kids in age of 0-4 for free.
A dazzling New Year’s Eve show blends humor, emotion, fiery dances, stunning costumes, and great music into a magical dreamlike experience. Beloved Latvian songs and global hits set the mood for a joyful, whimsical night where wishes come true—sometimes in unexpectedly funny ways.
On December 14 at 12:00, after the church service in Turaida Church, we invite you to the concert “Advent Time in Music.” Organist and organ builder Vladimirs Tarasovs, the principal organist of St. Peter’s Church in Riga, will perform a winter-themed program. With extensive international experience and deep mastery of the organ tradition, he brings inspiring artistry to this Advent event.
Elza Rozentāle returns to Mālpils Manor with the concert “Dear Ones, It’s Cold Outside!”, accompanied by two exceptional guitarists — percussive guitar master Gints Smukais and singer-songwriter Jānis Ruņģis. Together they will take the audience on a warm musical journey across cultures, weaving Christmas moods and world melodies through the unique styles of both guitarists. Price 25 eur / person. Book the concert ticket 371 67102555;+371 26666600.
New Year’s Eve at Mālpils Manor promises to be an elegant and unforgettable celebration. Guests are invited to enjoy an overnight stay for two in the stylish design hotel, with check-in available from 4:00 PM and a welcome drink upon arrival. From 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM, an exquisite multi-course gourmet dinner will be served, accompanied by live music from Jaunzems & the New-Lands. Later in the evening, guests can join the Manor Bingo hosted by Kaspars Jaunzems, featuring special prizes, while at midnight a festive fireworks display will be complemented by a glass of champagne. The atmosphere will be enriched with festive decorations, the traditional New Year’s “fortune pouring,” and the magical Christmas lights throughout the manor and estate. The next morning begins with a rich breakfast and Prosecco served from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and the celebration concludes with a leisurely late check-out at 2:00 PM, allowing guests to savor the final moments of their holiday escape. More info and ticket booking: Book the concert ticket 371 67102555;+371 26666600; info@malpilsmuiza.lv
As every year, on New Year's Eve, guests of the Bīriņu Pils Hotel will be treated to a glass of New Year's champagne, the magic of outdoor and indoor Christmas trees, and a luxurious fireworks display.
Līgatne invites visitors to a special guided night walk on December 13, where from 16:00 to 18:00 the town can be explored by flashlight or candlelight. Along the way, guests can visit museums, local shops, a Christmas market, enjoy warm seasonal foods, and even step into the Witch’s Cave of Lustūzis. More info +371 29189707.
Cēsis Insdie invites you to begin 2026 with flavor and adventure on an evening twilight tour in Gauja National Park along the Cīrulīši nature trails, where we’ll explore the history of the resort and discover fascinating facts while experiencing nature in the calm of darkness. After the roughly two-hour walk, we’ll enjoy a traditional Latvian meal of grey peas with bacon, a warm drink, and take part in a festive gingerbread-making workshop in cooperation with the Žagarkalns café. Join us on January 2 at 15:00 in Cīrulīši, Cēsis, for a winter experience to share with friends, family, or simply your own sense of curiosity. Price 20 eur/ person. Book in advance cesisinisde@gmail.com
Rehabilitation centre Līgatne offers you a special offer on body peeling procedure with Special seasonal bath procedure in bonus. Info HERE
Looking for authentic gifts made in Gauja National Park, Latvia? Have a look in our e-shop: https://shop.entergauja.com
Photos: Kristiana Anna Jansone; Bīriņi Castle
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