During the “Winter Nights” event at the Rigas Zoodarzs, or Riga Zoo (Meža prospekts 1, LV-1014, Riga, Latvia; phone +371 67518409, http://rigazoo.lv/public/index_en.html), visitors are free to wander around and observe many of the zoo’s more than 3,000 animals after normal operating hours, up until 9 p.m.
This year the event takes place Dec. 18-30, during which the ticket office closes at 7 p.m. During normal operating hours, the zoo is open daily 10 a.m.-7 p.m., with tickets sold until 6 p.m. Tickets cost €6 (near $7) adult or €4 senior/student/child (4-18) and include Winter Nights entry.
A bonfire gives respite from the cold, and warm drinks are sold. After-hours horse-drawn carriage rides in the zoo are available.