Come for the dancing. Make time for Riga.
Baltic Grand Prix brings dancers and spectators to Latvia’s capital on 11–13 December 2026. With the competition taking place at the Ķīpsala International Exhibition Centre, your visit is also a chance to discover the city beyond the dance floor.
Explore Old Riga
Vecrīga, Riga’s Old Town, is a place to slow down between the excitement of the festival. Follow the cobbled streets, explore the squares and find a café for a warm drink. Its mix of historic buildings and city life makes it a memorable part of a stay in Riga.
A landmark in Town Hall Square
The House of the Blackheads — Melngalvju nams stands in Town Hall Square and is one of Riga’s best-known sights. Its richly decorated façade offers a striking backdrop for a walk through the Old Town. The winter photograph above captures the building and square in a quieter seasonal moment.
Christmas at Dome Square
Make time for the Riga Christmas Market at Dome Square — Doma laukums. LiveRiga currently lists the 2026–2027 market for 27 November 2026–3 January 2027, covering the Baltic Grand Prix weekend, with free admission.
Browse Latvian craft gifts, warm up with seasonal food and drinks, and look out for gingerbread, woollen accessories and handmade candles. It is an easy way to add a little Christmas atmosphere to your festival trip. For the latest opening hours and programme, check the official LiveRiga market listing and the market organiser’s website before setting out.
A Christmas market in Ķīpsala, too
Baltic EXPO also lists a separate Christmas market in Ķīpsala on 11–13 December 2026, the same dates as our festival. Its published visitor hours are Friday 12:00–20:00, Saturday 09:00–20:00 and Sunday 09:00–19:00. The organiser advertises free market admission, shopping and family activities.
See the Baltic EXPO Christmas market page for details. Market admission is separate from Baltic Grand Prix: check our festival ticket information for access to the dancing.
Winter walks and city lights
Leave a little room in your schedule for an evening walk. These winter scenes capture Riga’s seasonal character: illuminated streets, snowy paths and stars and moons hanging in the trees. Pack warm layers and comfortable footwear, and choose a short route that fits around your dancing or spectator plans.
Plan your festival visit
Build your sightseeing around your competition or spectator plans. Check the festival timetable, explore hotel information and visit LiveRiga’s official Old Town guide for more city inspiration.