List of 13 public holidays in Latvia for 2027, including New Year's Day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday and more.
Latvia's holiday culture is a vibrant tapestry weaving ancient pagan roots with Christian and patriotic traditions. The highlight is Jāņi, the summer solstice, where the nation moves to the countryside to celebrate with bonfires, singing, and beer. From the torchlight processions of Independence Day to the legendary winter markets of Riga, holidays are central to the Latvian identity.
Expect major closures on June 23-24 (Jāņi) and November 18 (Independence Day), including many restaurants and supermarkets. Public transportation operates on reduced holiday schedules. In June, Riga can feel like a ghost town as residents flee to the countryside, making it a quiet time for urban sightseeing but difficult for those needing administrative services.
Productivity slows significantly during the Jāņi week and the period between Christmas and New Year's Day; avoid scheduling critical meetings then. If invited to a holiday gathering, bringing a gift of Laima chocolates or high-quality black balsam is a well-received gesture. Business attire remains formal, but the tone often shifts to social storytelling during holiday-adjacent meetings.
Visit in late June to experience the magical white nights and Jāņi festivities, but book rural accommodation months ahead. If you prefer to avoid the total shutdown of services, May and September offer pleasant weather and fully operational businesses without the mid-summer or mid-winter holiday disruptions.
For the summer solstice, say 'Priecīgus Līgo svētkus!'. During Christmas, use 'Priecīgus Ziemassvētkus!', and for the New Year, greet others with 'Laimīgu Jauno gadu!'.