When I traveled to Lisbon in December, I wasn’t sure what to expect by way of holiday cheer. Would there be enough things to do in Lisbon at Christmastime? I’m pleased to report that the answer is a resounding yes! Elegant strings of lights glinted off the city’s renowned tile walkways, colorful window displays beckoned […]
Festivals and Holidays
Unique Things to Do in Riga in Autumn
Autumn is a glorious time to visit Riga, Latvia. Golden leaves bedazzle the old city, which by this time has shed some of the flag-wielding tour groups and stag parties that clog the narrow alleys in summer. Early in the season, the weather is still fine enough to sip cider on sidewalk patios, albeit with a […]
Celebrating Easter in Kaunas, Lithuania
As the Knights of the Teutonic Order spread Christianity across the European continent, Lithuania was the last pagan holdout. But in the mid-1300s, Kaunas Castle was besieged and eventually captured by the crusading knights. To celebrate their victory, they reportedly held a Mass at the castle on Easter Sunday. Lithuania was Christianized a few decades later, […]
An Enchanted Christmas in Vilnius, Lithuania
The Vilnius Christmas tree lighting has become one of the most revered holiday events in the Baltics thanks to the city’s over-the-top illuminations. The year I took the bus down from Riga, the fantastic fir was decked out with windows, lanterns, green garland, and enough lights to be seen from space. It looked like an elf’s […]
Top 15 Things to Do in Riga, Latvia this Winter
While Latvia’s summer feels all too brief, the winter months can seem endless. Daylight hours drastically diminish and the temperature plunges, making it tempting just to stay in with Netflix and hot cocoa. Thankfully Riga provides loads of fun reasons to get out of the house, and I’m not even counting the festive Christmas markets (which […]