With the end of November, Ventspils turns into a city of light and holiday magic, where everyone can enjoy a wide range of activities: holiday markets, adventures in Rūkišmāja (The house of Elves), creative classes in the museum’s structural units, Mazbānīša (miniature train) Christmas in the Seaside Open-Air Museum and other events.
It is also possible to see the beautiful decorations of the city using the Christmas guide. One of the most beautiful holiday objects is the science center VIZIUM, which invites you to get to know the magical “Wonderful Forest”, participate in creative workshops and IT activities, as well as enjoy festive events in a warm and family atmosphere, creating special Christmas memories!
The twinkling lights and Christmas guide
Along with the lighting of the city’s fir trees on November 30, which will take place with a wide concert program and a market, the whole city will shine in bright lights. The Christmas tree, standing proudly in the heart of the city, is surrounded by decorations of lights and musical instruments, creating a real festive feeling. Festive decorations can be enjoyed throughout the city, from twinkling shooting stars in New Town Square to figures of zodiac signs in Children’s Town and umbrella decorations in Newspaper Alley. So that no holiday miracle goes unnoticed, a guide has been created for those who love walking, “Christmas lights by foot” . It includes 9 decorated fir trees and more beautiful decoration points , and is also available for download at visitventspils.com , as well as in printed form at the Tourist Information Center (Dārzu iela 6) and other tourist facilities.
The dwarf house invites you to adventure
In December, Rūkišmaja opens its doors to those who enjoy the festive mood! on December 8 from From 12.00 to 18.00 there will be an opnening of exhibition “What do merry Santa Clauses do in summer and…?”. From now on, throughout December, every Saturday and Sunday from From 12:00 to 18:00, as well as at other times upon prior application, visitors will have the opportunity to participate in excursions with Rūķis Čiekurs (Elf Cone), sing, play games and listen to Elf stories . In addition, the offer includes the possibility to book “Elf for an hour” by calling +371 22163858.
Christmas magic at the VIZIUM Science Center
From December 11 to January 6, the “Wonderful Forest” can be viewed on the terrace of VIZIUM , which becomes especially charming in the evenings, when the forest shines in lights. Those who want to organize a special holiday event have the opportunity to participate in activities with the VIZIUM gnomes by registering in advance here.
On the other hand, for 6-year-olds, students of grades 1-4, VIZIUM offers the Winter IT school “Carnival” , which will take place on the 27th-28th. in December and 2-3 in January . Classes will be held at two times – at 10.00 – 12.00 and 13.00 – 15.00, giving children the opportunity to learn exciting skills and create festive joy.
Created on December 27 from 16.00 to 19.00 VIZIUM hosts a special event “A miracle happens!” , to please families with children. at The creation of a digital greeting card is planned for 16.00 – 17.00 (with prior application here ). On the other hand, at 17.00 – 19.00 fun and creative activities in VIZIUM “Wonderful Forest” together with gnomes (no prior registration required).
Christmas in Ventspils market
Festive events will take place in the Ventspils market during Christmas , which will create joy and a festive mood. on December 20 from From 16.00 to 19.00 there will be a Christmas Eve market , where visitors in a hurry will be able to get holiday gifts and delicacies. On the other hand, on December 21 from From 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., a Christmas fair will be held , which will delight you with fun activities and skits with Santa Claus and the Elfs, turning shopping into a pleasant and unforgettable adventure.
Create an unforgettable Christmas with the Ventspils Museum!
Ventspils Museum invites groups of students, preschoolers and adults to special Christmas classes:
- In the crafts house – the game “You won’t connect the dots to the dot, you won’t get to the snowman” , where the participants will create fun drawings of the snowman while completing the tasks.
- In the castle of the Livonian Order – the creative workshop “White landscape” , creating art miniatures for the castle festive tree.
- In the Herbert Dorbes Museum – the lesson “Poem under the Christmas tree” , where children will get to know poetry and create a Christmas mood.
- In the seaside open-air museum , there will be a Christmas traditions workshop , where you will be able to participate in stilts, sing and play Latvian games.
To apply for classes, contact the museum educators here.
Mazbānīš Christmas in the Seaside Open Air Museum
- On 25th of December from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Mazbānīša (miniature train) Christmas will be held in the seaside open-air museum – a tradition that has been pleasing for more than 20 years. With the purchased museum ticket, visitors will be able to enjoy a ride on the festively decorated Mazbānītis for free, participate in creative workshops, get to know the traditions of the Winter Solstice and warm up with warm tea and delicacies. In addition, there will be an opportunity to view the museum’s new exposition.
December events in Ventspils
We invite you to familiarize yourself with a diverse range of events in the city and region of Ventspils on the visitventspils.com website.
Enjoy the most beautiful holidays of the year in sparkling Ventspils!
