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Each one of us has imagined our very own Winter Fairy Tale in our dreams and fantasies. Certainly every corner there is filled with trust and love, but what else is there to see? Let us dream: the sparkling white snow crunching under our feet, warm twinkling lights, the scent of gingerbread, helpful elves, Father Christmas, a welcoming market with mulled wine and delicious treats, a festive post office and so much more... What if we could experience it all in one place and truly believe in the most genuine festive miracle?

On the eve of the First Advent, on 30 November, the Durbe Manor complex in Tukums and its surroundings will be transformed into a winter fairy-tale — a place of lights, walks and cultural programme, where every guest will have the opportunity to enjoy the festive ambience first-hand. Every weekend throughout December, all guests will be treated to an exciting concert programme, a sweets’ house, an animal enclosure, elf workshops, Father Christmas, a gift market and a beautifully illuminated courtyard and grounds that will take you on a miracle-filled festive journey.

Inspired by Latvian lighting artists, Tukums Municipality together with Tukums Museum, Durbe Manor and “Art Management Group” Ltd. have created a special “Winter Fairy Tale”, which will entertain at the Durbe Manor Winter Light Garden on weekends in December. On Saturday evenings, visitors can also enjoy a specially curated concert programme. On Fridays and Sundays, Latvia's young talents of dance studios and vocal studios will perform musical performances, and joint activities with Christmas gnomes are also planned.

Saturdays concerts in "Winter's Tale"

On 30 November, composer Jānis Lūsēns, as well as singers Annija Putniņa and Uģis Roze will perform in the courtyard of the manor. Both soloists will sing the most beautiful songs by Jānis Lūsēns and Imants Kalniņš, which are permeated by a romantically philosophical thought and which perfectly fit the time when we celebrate Latvia’s national holidays and look forward to Christmas.

On 7 December, Daumants Kalniņš and Romāns Vendiņš will perform the programme “Winter mood”. It will include melodies from the Latvian “golden fund”, songs from other countries, gems from the jazz genre, Daumants’ own pieces and songs from Frank Sinatra’s repertoire.

On 14 December, Audiences are invited to enjoy a revived version of the musical play “Vilkam tāda dvēselīt’” (A Wolf’s Soul). The artistic idea of the performance is based on an original story in which two different worlds — that of humans and of wolves — meet. It is a story about relationships, humanity and the desire to hear oneself and others. “A Wolf’s Soul” is an extraordinary children’s show that offers musical quality and diverse content. Presented in a contemporary style, you can sing along and enjoy visually striking stage costumes and lighting solutions. The performance features 60 younger and older wolf cubs — members of the children’s vocal ensemble “Knīpas un Knauķi”, alongside the mother of the wolf cub, the artistic leader Sanita Sējāne, the narrator and father Andris Sējāns, among others.

In the evening of 21 December, singer Aija Vītoliņa and pianist Artjoms Sarvi are inviting you to a concert. “Not long before the most awaited winter festivities, in this busy time, we want to pause for a moment, listen to the gentle snowfall, breathe in the refreshing winter air, warm up with warm cup of tea and the most beautiful Christmas carols. This evening, we will come together to sing our favourite Christmas tunes, as well as songs that are special and dear to me. I will be joined by the wonderful pianist Artjoms Sarvi,” says Aija.

On 28 December, the event cycle will conclude with the New Year’s Eve musical performance for the whole family “Svētki mirdz!” (Shine bright!) – an adventure together with fairy-tale characters. During the interactive performance, the audience will become a part of the show like a jury that will help to decide which of the fairy tale characters shines the brightest and wins the main prize — “Golden Chest”. This is a great opportunity to celebrate the end of the year with an event where excitement, fun and togetherness will create an unforgettable festive experience.

Working hours

The Winter Fairy Tale at Durbe Manor will be open throughout December, on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, from 17:00 until 22:00. Each evening, the guests will have the opportunity to meet elves, with whom you can bake and decorate gingerbread cakes, as well as characters from various fairy tales. Let's create a warm ambience in a place you’ve never been before!

Entrance fee

Ticket prices: adults — EUR 12, children from 4 to 18 years, students, seniors and disabled people — EUR 8, family ticket - 30 EUR, with “3+ Family Card” — 30 % discount.

Tickets for the concert on Saturdays at 18:00: adults — EUR 20, children from 4 to 18 years, students, seniors and disabled people and their assistants — EUR 12.

Each ticket has a scheduled arrival time to allow for a relaxed winter fairytale experience and a balanced flow of audiences. Concert-goers must purchase a Saturday ticket for 18:00.

Tickets can be purchased at “Biļešu paradīze” box office locations and www.bilesuparadize.lv

10% discount for tickets purchased at Tukums Culture Centre. Tickets will also be available on the day at Durbe Manor, but will cost EUR 3 more. Children under 3 years — free admission.

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The project “Winter Fairy Tale” is developed in collaboration with the Tukums Municipality, the Estonian landscape lighting company “Adamlights” and one of the leading Latvian lighting artists Pāvels Armani (Song Festival in Mežaparks, Eurovision Song Contest “Supernova”, Jūrmala Music Festival “Laima Rendezvous”, shows “Dancing with the Stars”, “X Factors”, among others).