Baltic Holiday Event Guide

ESTONIA:
Dec. 17, Estonian National Opera, Tallinn: Revel in the magic of the season with a night at Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, to be performed until January 27, 2017. The vibrant costumes, timeless and fanciful story, along with the familiar music, are sure to put even the most ornery Grinch into the holiday spirit.  

Dec. 20, St. John’s Church, Tallinn: The esteemed Estonian National Opera presents its Christmas concert in the company of the outstanding acoustics of St. John’s Church this year, with holiday classics and featuring a performance of Puccini’s “Messa di Gloria.”

Dec. 26, Tondiraba Ice Hall, Tallinn: Right after Christmas, the Moscow Circus comes to town with a holiday spectacular including Santa Claus and all his helpers.

Dec. 31, Estonian National Opera, Tallinn: Can’t decide where among the fabulous locations in Tallinn to ring in the New Year? Glamour 1930s New Year’s Eve Ball, put on by the Estonian National Opera, promises an unforgettable evening with the best of 1930s hits in jazz ballet, swing melodies, and, of course, the chance to break out your finest 1930s glamor apparel.

LATVIA:
Dec. 17, Great Guild, Riga: Enjoy a magical night of Mozart and Haydn conducted by Estonian Paavo Jarvi with German violinist Florian Donderer. The concert features classical favorites, including “The Clock” Symphony in D Major, and Schubert’s Overture in D Major, D 590.

Dec. 18, Ethnographic Museum, Riga: Come take part in the celebration of the winter solstice with Yule Log Eve at the outdoor Ethnographic Museum. Featuring songs, games, rituals, fortune-telling and well-wishes, the Yule log will be dragged throughout the homestead areas and then set on fire.

Dec. 27, Small Guild, Riga: Complete with a piano quartet, violin, cello, and viola, European Christmas: Holiday by Candlelight presents a soothing and memorable night of music by Giuillame Lecque and more.  

Dec. 30, Riga Lutheran Church: A seasonal tradition to span the ages, Bach’s Oratorio will be played live by Sinfonietta Riga and the Latvian Radio Choir. Experience the uplifting melody and joy for the holidays.  

Dec. 31, November 11 Embankment: As has been tradition for many years for Riga residents and visitors, the fireworks display and New Year’s Celebration will also have concerts and activities leading up to the fiery midnight show.

LITHUANIA:
Dec. 18, Vaidila Theater, Vilnius: Join the ladies of the award-winning Viva Choir as they present: Unexpected Christmas with the Viva Choir. Their exuberance and innovative singing results in a multilayered show, which merges electronics, folk music and a dancing female choir, considered the first project of its kind nation-wide.

Dec. 18, V. Kudirka Square, Vilnius: Choral concerts and Christmas shows not your thing? Dust off your Santa suits and grab your jingle bells to take part in the 41st Annual Vilnius Christmas Race. Participants can choose to run 12km, 6km or 3km. There is also a race for younger participants of 200m.

Dec. 18, Raganiukės Theatre, Vilnius: The season takes an intriguing twist with The Real Story of Santa Claus. Beloved Santa Claus and his friends of elves and fairies live to provide help for Santa Claus by making presents for children all year round. Everything seems to be fine if not for a kidnap plan, plotted against Santa Claus by a group of five envious demons. What will happen next and will Christmas be saved? Find out this one night only.

Dec. 21, Town Hall, Vilnius: Not a fan of the same old gifts and Christmas markets found elsewhere? LoveXmas is the biggest collection of designers, international street food chefs, artists, and musicians. Admission is free and each artist, seller, and designer is urged to have at least one 20 EUR item for sale, for those who want originality but not to break the bank.

Dec. 31, Congress Hall, Vilnius:  The Lithuanian State Symphony Orchestra invites you to spend this miraculous New Year’s Eve Theatrical Concert counting down the year’s last minutes nostalgically and look with hope at the sky lightened up by fireworks together. As put by conductor Gintaras Rinkevičius, the special program prepared for this evening will transfer you to a real whirlpool of the celebration and tell the incredible story of New Year’s Night. The highest artistic quality, works full of eternal beauty, and pleasant surprises will make your New Year’s Eve unforgettable. During this mysterious evening many surprises and, most important, joy, laughter, beauty, warmth, and a festive atmosphere will await you. This New Year’s Eve will be full of everything if you participate!