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Riga claims to be home of the first Christmas tree – a heady claim when it comes to the festive season. Locals say that in 1510 merchants in Riga decorated a fir tree in honour of Jesus’ birthday and that was that – the Christmas tree had arrived on the scene. If true that’s another good reason to do your Christmas shopping here, as well as the reasonable prices, unusual gift ideas and Latvian festive foods – still as bad for you as varieties from other countries and involving lots of meats, cheese and pastry, served with Riga’s potent tipple ‘Black Balsam’. Naturally this market of about 80 huts or stalls is centered around a particularly beautiful example of a Christmas tree, the ceremonial lighting of which is a big attraction to locals and visitors.

Another local Christmas custom is the burning of the yule log – it’s supposed to signify burning all the bad vibes from the previous year.

Written by  World Reviewer Staff.

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Riga Christmas Market

Riga, a city steeped in Christmas tradition, opens its arms to a wave of visitors for its Christmas market. Boasting low prices and small town coziness, Riga is great for good value atmosphere and a hint of exoticism. The market is held in the city's Old Town, and features intricate hand carved woodwork, linens, food stalls and some great restaurants. The market also offers many small workshops where you can buy direct from the craftsmen and women.

Review posted 26th October 2007 by Tony Owusu. Comment on review.

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