Festivals and Activities for a Winter Wonderland in the Baltics
Across the Baltic region, the crisp white snowfall and icy winter temperatures are anything but a signal to stay inside. Instead, the area comes to life with festivals, celebrations and cultural activities to mark the festive period and keep traditional events alive.
Arctic holidays specialists, The Baltic Travel Company, explores the very best things to do during your winter holidays, from indulging in retail therapy at the Christmas markets to donning your ice skates, exploring the wildest snowscapes and immersing yourself in the party atmosphere you are sure to find.
Finding the Best Baltic Christmas Markets
Every traveller should take a few hours within their itinerary to visit one of the famous Christmas markets – and they’re so much more of an experience than simply shopping! From browsing handmade crafts to sampling local delicacies and sweet treats, watching artisans at work or soaking in the twinkling lights, smoky fires and hints of cinnamon in the air, the markets bring a sense of festive magic.
We'd recommend the Riga Christmas Market in the heart of Latvia's capital city, which runs from the beginning of December right through to New Year's Day. Hosted in Doma Square, the iconic wreath-shaped entrance and candy-cane-striped market stalls are a unique photo opportunity.
If you're heading to Estonia, Tallinn has an equally beautiful Christmas market, held in Town Hall Square with a variety of shows, dancing performances and musicians taking to the open stage alongside the kiosks and booths.
Baltic Ice-Skating and Snowshoeing Excursions
The winter sports and family-friendly activities in this snowy part of north-eastern Europe are like no other – you can find ice-skating rinks, frozen lakes, hiking trails and snowmobile safaris throughout the Baltics.
Our favourite ice-skating experience has to be in Vilnius, the stunning Lithuanian capital city with baroque architecture and gorgeous cobblestoned old town streets. If you’re interested in more exhilarating activities, you can also head to Liepkalnis, just outside the city centre. The Winter Sports Centre attracts hundreds of skiers and snowboarders every winter, and you can rent everything you need or hire an instructor to show you the ropes.
Snowshoeing or skiing through the wintry countryside is another fantastic option suited to every family member. You’ll find cross-country skiing centres in Otepää, Estonia and Smeceres Sils in Latvia, both suited to beginners and experts alike.
Sirtsi bog in Estonia is more picturesque than its name could possibly convey, and you can join group tours or snowshoe hikes to learn more about the amazing wildlife and plants in the area – not least bears and wolves! Note that these species tend to stay as far away from people as possible, and experienced guides will ensure you follow a safe route to avoid any unexpected encounters.
Winter Festivals in the Baltic Region
There are multiple festivals during the winter season, so we’ve had to create a shortlist of the absolute must-see places to visit:
Winter Solstice, Latvia: 22nd December 2023
Every town, village and city celebrates the solstice with a procession called Rolling the Yule Log, where the locals help roll a large oak log, bound by ropes, through the streets to collect the bad deeds, thoughts and failures of the year gone by. The log is burned on a bonfire, usually accompanied by singing and dancing – Riga has the largest procession, but this is replicated everywhere!
You may also see masked processions, best compared to Halloween in the UK. Mask wearers are perceived as good luck and are blessed with gifts and food.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
The tradition is for families and friends to eat their main Christmas meal together on 24th December, when the streets are quiet. However, this all changes on Christmas Day when people visit their loved ones, host parties and celebrations, and attend dances and performances in most central town squares.
Visitors can book tickets to concert halls and theatres to participate in the celebrations or join in at the nearest square, with home-brewed mead and ale on offer alongside warming mulled wine or hot chocolate.
New Year’s Eve in Tallinn Old Town
The New Year is a big event in the Baltic region, and Tallinn’s Old Town is one of the best destinations, with public parties in Vabaduse Square and Old Town Square, where people gather to watch the fireworks lighting the night sky.
If you’d like to eat beforehand, booking a restaurant is highly advisable since the town is full of partygoers celebrating the end of the year – many lounges and bars also offer packages to reserve a table for the evening or enjoy a local menu.
Sartai Ice Horse Racing, Lithuania: The First Saturday of February
Lake Sartai holds an annual event, with a traditional horse race hosted here for over 200 years. The track in the small town of Dusetos was changed to the indoor hippodrome several years ago, rather than the lake itself, with the winner collecting a grand prize amid fierce competition.
The winter festival attracts spectators, craftspeople selling wooden carvings and blankets, local honey and other small gifts and snacks, with horses racing with carts and a jockey sitting behind them. You can attend the folk fair, with traditional music on the banks of the lake during the day, with an opening ceremony kicking off at midday and the main event in the early afternoon.
Relaxing in a Soothing Sauna Experience
Finally, saunas are seen as a way to destress, relax and ease away the aching feet so often associated with a busy day of sightseeing and exploring the beautiful cities and countryside regions in the Baltics. You'll find lots of options, from traditional rustic saunas to incredibly luxurious sauna and spa experiences in high-end hotels and complexes.
Energy Farm in Estonia offers a healing sauna, complete with natural herbs, or you can take your pick from a smoke sauna or an ultra-modern glass sauna at Ziedlejas, Latvia. Angelu Malunas in Lithuania is a long-established sauna where you can learn about ancient customs and the significance of a sauna for health and well-being.
Respected sauna masters in Latvia provide treatments thought to cleanse the spirit and realign your energies – although public saunas are readily available and relaxed. Be sure to jump straight into the ice-cold pools after your sauna for an authentic experience!
For more information about any of the events, experiences and activities featured in this guide or to start planning your dream Baltic holiday, please get in touch with the Baltic Travel Company at any time or browse our Christmas holiday deals and tours online.