Christmas in Latvia
Latvia claims to have hosted the first decorated Christmas tree in history. A plaque in Riga's Town Hall Square marks the spot where, in 1510, the Brotherhood of Blackheads reportedly erected a tree decorated with flowers and then burned it. Whether the claim is historically ironclad or not, Latvians celebrate Christmas (Ziemassvetki) with a passion that honors their Latvian-Lutheran and Baltic pagan heritage in equal measure.
Latvia sits at the crossroads of Nordic, German, and Slavic Christmas traditions, with a layer of Baltic paganism underneath. The result is a Christmas that features Lutheran church services, German-influenced gingerbread, Scandinavian-style candle traditions, and solstice rituals that predate them all. And at the center of it all, literally, is a plaque in Riga claiming that the first Christmas tree stood here in 1510.
The First Christmas Tree
The Brotherhood of Blackheads, a guild of unmarried merchants in Riga, reportedly erected a decorated tree in Town Hall Square in 1510. The tree was adorned with flowers, and the merchants danced around it before setting it ablaze. A plaque marks the spot today. Tallinn, Estonia, makes a competing claim for 1441. Strasbourg (then part of the Holy Roman Empire) has documents from 1605. The debate is unresolved, but Riga's claim is the most insistent, and the city makes the most of it.
Grey Peas and Piragi
Latvian Christmas food is hearty and distinctive. Grey peas (peleki zirni) cooked with smoked bacon and onions are the signature dish, served on Christmas Eve. The peas are a pre-Christian solstice food that survived Christianization. Piragi, crescent-shaped buns stuffed with diced bacon and onions, are made in enormous batches and served throughout the holiday period. Together with piparkukas (gingerbread) and sauerkraut with pork, they form the core of the Latvian Christmas table.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did the first Christmas tree come from Latvia?
Riga claims the first decorated Christmas tree was erected in Town Hall Square in 1510 by the Brotherhood of Blackheads. The claim is commemorated with a plaque. Competing claims exist from Tallinn (1441) and Strasbourg (1605). The historical evidence is debated, but Riga's claim is widely publicized.
What are grey peas?
Peleki zirni (grey peas) cooked with smoked bacon and onions are Latvia's signature Christmas Eve dish. The tradition predates Christianity and is connected to Baltic solstice celebrations. Every Latvian household serves them on December 24.
Traditions & Customs
The First Christmas Tree?
A plaque in Riga's Town Hall Square claims that the Brotherhood of Blackheads erected a decorated tree there in 1510, predating other Christmas tree origin claims. Tallinn, Estonia, makes a competing claim. The rivalry is friendly but persistent.
Grey Peas with Bacon
Latvia's signature Christmas dish: dried grey peas cooked with smoked bacon and onions. The number of peas eaten supposedly corresponds to the number of tears shed in the coming year. Every Latvian household serves them on Christmas Eve.
Log Dragging (Blukes vilksana)
An old tradition where a Yule log is dragged from house to house during the Christmas season, symbolically collecting the troubles and misfortunes of the past year. At the end, the log is burned, destroying the collected bad luck.
Piparkukas (Gingerbread)
Latvian gingerbread cookies, baked in enormous quantities during Advent. Heart-shaped piparkukas decorated with white icing are both eaten and used as Christmas tree ornaments.
Piragi (Bacon Buns)
Crescent-shaped pastries filled with diced bacon and onions. Piragi are the essential Latvian holiday food, made by the hundreds and consumed at every Christmas gathering.
Christmas Eve Traditions
Christmas Eve is the main celebration. Families attend church, share the Christmas meal, and exchange gifts. The winter solstice influence is strong, and many Latvians maintain pre-Christian customs alongside Christian ones.
Christmas Markets
Riga Christmas Market
Set in the Dome Square (Doma laukums) in Riga's UNESCO-listed Old Town, the market features Latvian crafts, piparkukas, mulled wine, and a Christmas tree marking the spot where the 'first' tree was erected.
Key Dates
Ziemassvetku vakars (Christmas Eve)
The main celebration. Church service, Christmas dinner with grey peas and piragi, gift exchange. The longest night of the year carries solstice significance.
Ziemassvetki (Christmas Days)
Both are public holidays. Family visits and continued celebrations.
Vecgada vakars (New Year's Eve)
Celebrated with fireworks, particularly along the Daugava River in Riga.
Christmas Carols
Silent Night
Klusa NaktsThe Latvian version of Silent Night, sung at church services on Christmas Eve. Latvian choral tradition gives the familiar hymn a rich harmonic depth.
Zvani skan
Zvani skanA popular Latvian Christmas song about bells ringing. Its warm, melodic character captures the Latvian love of choral singing.