Your Home for the Holidays

Riga, Latvia, 1 September, 2026 – As winter settles over the Baltics, Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga – located within the city's Unesco-listed Old Town – invites families, friends and colleagues to celebrate the festive season with a full calendar of events, dining experiences and celebrations running from late November through early January 2027.

A Season of Light

Riga holds a unique place in Europe’s festive folklore: ancient storytellers credit the city with erecting one of the world's first public Christmas trees in the Town Hall Square, a custom said to date back more than 400 years. Today, that legacy lives on each December, as the historic square once again fills with an illuminated tree, wooden market stalls and the scent of mulled wine and cinnamon drifting through the cobblestone streets.

‘There is something truly special about Riga in the winter in the way the city seems to slow down and glow with the warmth of festive lights and decor’, says Carmen Mauthner, General Manager of Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga. ‘We wanted to create a season at Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga that reflects that feeling – warm, elegant and rooted in the traditions that make this city so unique. Whether it's a quiet afternoon tea by the fire or a celebration on our rooftop, we strive to ensure that every guest leaves with their own piece of Riga's folklore and winter magic.’

Celebrating in Style

Festivities begin on 26 November, when the hotel's cherished Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is held in the Lobby Lounge. Guests can look forward to seasonal treats, live music and the much-anticipated arrival of Santa Claus, marking the unofficial start of Riga's most magical time of year.

From 19 November through 7 January, the hotel welcomes festive celebrations for parties of 10 or more guests, offering an elegant setting for corporate gatherings, holiday parties and reunions. During this time, the festive moments programme will bring the spirit of the season to the hotel’s dining experiences. At Amber Restaurant, Holiday Mornings offer a festive breakfast with free-flowing bubbly, while Afternoon Delights in the Lobby Lounge feature an Afternoon Tea Ceremony with seasonal sandwiches, scones and pastries, accompanied by a glass of bubbly or mulled wine.

Your Home for the Holidays

On 24 and 25 December, Amber Restaurant will serve a four-course Christmas dinner, beginning with a welcome drink and concluding with a dessert buffet. The intimate setting offers a relaxed way to celebrate with family and friends. For those seeking a livelier celebration, Stage22 Bar & Restaurant, the hotel's rooftop venue and a 2026 MICHELIN Guide honouree, will host a rooftop Christmas celebration from 24 to 26 December, featuring its signature Asian fusion cuisine, chef's specials, signature cocktails and award-winning wine list.

New Year's Eve at Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga offers two special ways to celebrate. At Amber Restaurant, guests can welcome the Year of the Goat – a symbol of elegance, harmony and creativity – with an elegant five-course dinner. The dinner will begin with a glass of bubbly and conclude just before midnight, leaving guests free to continue the celebrations into the new year.

Meanwhile, Stage22 Bar & Restaurant transforms into a glamorous celebration with a Moulin Rouge-inspired New Year's Eve. The evening opens with a five-course dinner, curated beverage pairing and live entertainment. The celebration continues with a rooftop afterparty featuring music and late-night energy, including a welcome glass of bubbly and light snack.

Situated in the centre of Riga with panoramic views of the skyline and the iconic Old Town spires, Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga combines its meticulously restored grandeur with the contemporary sophistication for which Kempinski Hotels is renowned. The hotel offers an elegant base from which to experience Riga during the festive season, with holiday packages available for stays over 24 December and 31 December 2026.

Full details and reservations are available on the Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga website. Find out more by writing [email protected] or calling +371 6767 1111. See more photos here.

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About Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga: With the Latvian National Opera House by its side and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town on its doorstep, the Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga introduces a new level of comfort and elegance for both international travellers and local guests. The hotel features 141 first-class rooms and suites, 23 residences, two restaurants and one bar, six spacious meeting rooms, including the Grand Ballroom, and the world-class Kempinski The Spa. With breath-taking views of the capital, refined service and a rich cultural atmosphere, the hotel invites guests from across the globe to experience Riga at its finest.

About Kempinski: Kempinski Group is Europe's oldest luxury hospitality company. Kempinski's rich heritage of impeccable personal service and superb hospitality is complemented by the exclusivity and individuality of its properties. Today, the Kempinski Group operates 73 hotels and residences in 33 countries and has more than 21 prestigious projects currently under development around the globe. Each five-star hotel reflects the strength and success of the Kempinski brand without losing sight of its heritage; each one imbues the quality guests have come to expect from Kempinski while embracing the cultural traditions of its location. The portfolio comprises historic landmark properties, award-winning urban lifestyle hotels, outstanding resorts and prestigious residences. Kempinski is a founding member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world's largest alliance of independent hotel brands. www.kempinski.com   www.ghadiscovery.com  www.kempinski.com/loyalty