Christmas Eve in Latvia

About Christmas Eve in Latvia

In Latvia, Christmas Eve is a nationwide public holiday and the central point of the Christmas period. It falls on 24 December and is followed by Christmas Day and Boxing Day as part of the end-of-year holiday sequence. For many people, the day is mainly about preparing for an evening family meal and marking the arrival of Christmas at home rather than attending public events.

History

The modern public-holiday status of Christmas Eve in Latvia reflects the country’s Christian calendar and later state recognition of the holiday period. During the Soviet era, public celebration of Christmas was restricted, and the holiday regained full public visibility after Latvia restored independence.

Traditions

Latvian Christmas Eve customs often include a festive family meal, with traditional dishes such as grey peas with bacon among the best-known seasonal foods. Many households also put emphasis on quiet domestic observance, candlelight, and time spent together rather than large public festivities.

How Christmas Eve is celebrated in Latvia

The day is commonly spent at home with family, with most attention on the evening meal and the exchange of small gifts. Many people attend church services or other religious observances, and homes are decorated for the Christmas period.

Interesting facts

In Latvia, Christmas Eve is observed nationwide as a public holiday, not just in particular municipalities. It sits immediately before Christmas Day and Boxing Day, creating a three-day holiday period at the end of December.

Dates in published calendars

Import sources

• Generic ICS feed

An import is not an independent verification.

More public holidays in Latvia

• New Year's Day
• New Year's Holiday
• Good Friday
• Easter Monday
• Labour Day
• Declaration of Independence Day