Have you heard? Vilnius has been named the European Christmas Capital 2025! This honor, awarded by the Christmas Cities Network, celebrates our city as a true festive gem. And our thoughts? Finally the recognition we deserve! Here are the top 6 things locals love most about our Christmas Capital. Who knows? Maybe you'll be inspired to spend the holidays with us! 

Vilnius Christmas tree

There are few things that excite Lithuanians more than basketball or Eurovision, and one of those is, of course, Christmas trees! Every local knows that the Vilnius Christmas tree has been considered one of the most beautiful in the world for the past decade. Some might claim that we even dictate fashion trends globally...Traditionally the theme of the Christmas tree is kept a secret and revealed just days before the official lighting ceremony. We suppose our mayors like keeping everyone in suspense.

So don’t miss the tree lighting ceremony and concert which will take place on 29th of November from 7 PM.

Vilnius Christmas Tree At Cathedral Square 29 November 2025 – 6 January 2026.

The main Vilnius Christmas tree at Vilnius Cathedral square 2025 @Vilnius Municipality facebook page

Christmas markets in Vilnius (yes, plural!)

So we do things a bit differently here. That’s probably why Vilnius rarely ends up in the “Top Christmas markets in Europe”. Rather than having a single over-the-top Christmas town in the main square, we feature numerous smaller markets across the city on different days. Some of them are charitable events, like the charitable Christmas market to support local animal shelters. And others display the latest design trends, like Christmas Design Square. The Republic of Užupis also joins this tradition, usually showcasing their own artistic community. So before your trip to Vilnius - check vilnius-events.lt and mingle with locals sampling artisanal delicacies and buying locally-made gifts.

Photo by organisers

We will keep updating the list of Christmas markets on this page throughout upcoming weeks: 

• Christmas Town next to Christmas tree on Cathedral square 29 November 2025 - 28 December, 2026

• Sustainable Christmas at Hales market - supporting small businesses that care about sustainability. You will also enjoy the lighting of the Christmas Hall tree, live music performances, fun festive workshops for adults and children, interesting talks about sustainability, 29-30 December

• CHERRY XMAS MARKET – Lithuanian brands pop-up - gathering over 50 unique Lithuanian brands. The festive buzz will mingle with the summery City Wave vibe, and the atmosphere will be enhanced by creative workshops, DJ music, and a holiday raffle. 6-7 December

• Gastro market at Lukiskes 2.0 prison - This gourmet celebration will be full of jams, sweets, coffee, dried crickets, spices, delicious sauces, and other edible gifts. Complemented by tastings, product launches, music, dancing, live performances, and gifts ready to go under the tree – for yourself or others. 11-14 December.

• Great Vilnius Christmas Fair 2025 - More than 130 creators and craftsmen are ready to surprise you gift ideas, jewelry, gourmet delicacies and more. NB! It’s located in the largest exhibition centre in the Baltic states, outside Vilnius city centre, but it’s easy to reach by public transport or taxi. 12-14 December. 

• Christmas Design Square at Kudirka square - annual Christmas fair where around 50 Lithuanian creators, artists and designers will be presenting their latest products and an assortment of exclusive gifts. 17-21 December.

• Christmas Art Fair at Tymo Market - Local artists and craftsmen will showcase their creations, crafts, and festive artworks – a perfect opportunity to find special presents straight from the heart. 19-21 December.

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  Christmas Market | Paupio turgus - unique accessories & handmade jewelry to ceramics, home decor, tasty treats, fun finds for kids & soft alpaca yarn from local makers. 20 December.

• UPTOWN Christmas ’25 | Last-Minute Market - The perfect place for anyone looking to discover original, authentic gifts from local creators and makers, adorn themselves and their homes, and feel the true magic of the holidays – even at the last minute! 20-22 December.

Our new Christmas tour!

Christmas Walking Tour in the Old Town of Vilnius 

This winter we invite you to discover the magic of Vilnius in a new festive way — on our “Vilnius Christmas Lights & Stories” tour. 

This two-hour guided walk starts in front of the Town Hall and takes you through the beautifully decorated streets of the Old Town. It ends at the heart of the celebration - Cathedral Square - beside the city’s main Christmas tree and lively market. Our friendly local English-speaking guide will share fun stories and traditions that make Christmas in Lithuania unique. You’ll enjoy the warm lights, the smell of festive treats, and even taste some of them! The tour includes a glass of mulled wine or another hot drink, a small cup of real hot chocolate, and some sweet surprises along the way.  

So what are you waiting for? Put on your Christmas sweater (yes, that funny one with the deer!) and join our cheerful guide to discover the legends, secrets, and joyful stories of our beloved city.

When? from 29 November

More info: Book the tour on our website

Vilnius Christmas Ice rink

Vilnius Ice rink in Town Hall square 2025. Photo by Vilnius Municipality

For the second year in a row, the Vilnius Christmas Ice Rink will open in the heart of the Old Town, on Town Hall Square. Visitors can enjoy the almost 900 m² open-air rink and relax with hot drinks and tasty snacks nearby. The square’s beautiful lights and cozy atmosphere make the whole visit feel romantic and unforgettable.

When? until February 1st, 2026 (even on Christmas day and New year Day)

How much? The first two sessions – 10:00 and 11:15  – are free of charge. 8 Eur for adults, 6 Eur for children.

More info: kaledossostineje.lt/en

EUROVAISTINĖ Christmas run 2025

Photo from organisers facebook page

“Eurovaistinė Christmas Run“ is the oldest running event in Vilnius.The running event that is already a tradition of the Christmas season attracts all the running enthusiasts from Lithuania and abroad to participate in a running celebration – all the runners are dressed in Christmas theme costumes and are enjoying unforgettable moments while running together through the beautifully decorated Vilnius streets. Choose your Christmas challenge – 3, 6, or 12K, the little runners will have the children run!

When? 6 December

More info: kaledinisbegimas.lt/en/

Vilnius Christmas lights and window displays

December is usually a pretty dark month in Lithuania. Maybe that's why locals love Christmas lights so much. And there’s no better place in Vilnius to experience the magic of fairy lights and elaborate window displays than the Glass quarter. Every business on this street tries to outdo last year's extravaganza. Last year you could travel from The Nutcracker Wonderland to the Snow Queens’ palace in just 3 steps. Of course those instagrammable spots do attract lots of people, so we recommend to be patient or come really late at night to experience it uninterrupted. 

Photo from Vilnius municipality facebook page

Window displays you must see for yourself:

• Hotel PACAI Didžioji g. 7, Vilnius

• Hotel Astorija Didžioji g. 35, Vilnius

• Augustas & Barbora love story café Stiklių g. 7, Vilnius

• Ponių laimė Stiklių g. 14, Vilnius

• Senatorių Pasažas Dominikonų g. 11, Vilnius

• Paupys neighborhood  In the main square and Paupys Market

• Katpedėlė restaurants (Pilies str. and Gedimino av.)

• Vilnius Central Train Station

Concerts at Vilnius Central Train Station

Photo from organisers Facebook page

The beautifully decorated railway station in Vilnius will become a place for meeting, performing, and enjoying music. On 7 December, the festive season at the station will begin with a special event featuring Tai bent Kalėdos and the magical creatures of this enchanted forest. The event will continue with the Fainuoliai Choir, known for bringing people together through music.

From 8 to 20 December, the station will host an Open Stage, where anyone who registers in advance can share their music. And on 21 December, Vilnius railway station will present a special piano concert by Giedrius Nakas.

When?

Special event 7 December from 4PM; 

Open Stage from 8 to 20 December all day

Piano concert by Giedrius Nakas 21 December

More info: LTG website

Christmas decorations at "Senatoriu Pasazas" on Stikliai street in Vilnius @Go Vilnius. Gabriel Khiterer 

Are Shops, Restaurants, and Attractions Open on December 24th, 25th and 26th in Vilnius?

Almost! Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are public holidays in Lithuania, and we sure respect that. However, there are still things you can do, so you won’t get bored! We will update the list once museums, shops, and businesses announce their Christmas schedules.

24 December (Christmas Eve)

Trakai Castle Museum and Trakai History Museum will be open from 10AM to 5PM. Vilnil Museum of Illusions will work from 10AM to 5PM.

On 24 December, most shops in Lithuania work shorter hours. Maxima and Rimi are open until 8PM. Lidl and Iki work until 6PM. Panorama shopping centre is open until 5PM, CUP until 6PM, and Akropolis works shorter hours.

25 December (Christmas Day)

Most museums are closed; however, you can visit the TV Tower Observation Deck (Toliai) from 12PM to 10PM (ticket office open until 9PM), Trakai Castle from 10AM to 5PM, and the Open Gallery, which is open 24/7.

And all major grocery chains (Maxima, Rimi, Lidl, Iki, Norfa) are closed. Panorama, CUP and Akropolis shopping centres do not work (only sports clubs in Akropolis are open). 

26 December (Second Day of Christmas)

Museums will be open and operate on their regular working hours.

On 26 December, shops reopen with holiday hours. Lidl and Rimi work from 9AM to 9PM, Iki from 9AM to 8PM. Maxima opens one hour later than usual but closes at the normal time. Panorama is open until 8PM, CUP works regular hours, and most Akropolis shops operate as usual. Some museums reopen, but opening times may vary.

How about our tours?

We will be taking a short break on the December 24th, 25th, and 26th. However, we’ll be back on the December 27th with even more tours, including additional Soviet  and Jewish walking tours! Be sure to check our calendar and book your spots in advance.

New Years eve in Vilnius

If you plan to come to Vilnius on New Years eve, there’s only one place to be - Cathedral square. From 10PM Cathedral Bell Tower will be decorated in a modern light and video projection. And at midnight the square around will shine even brighter with a music and laser show to celebrate the upcoming 2026. And yes, you read it right - lasers and not fireworks. Our city quit using fireworks for several years now, choosing more environmentally friendly solutions. And we are all for it! Laser shows last longer and have a wider range of visual effects. The synergy of music and modern technologies creates an exceptional and memorable spectacle every year. 

Local people and guests are invited to respect their own safety and the safety of others around them and to refrain from bringing their own fireworks, firecrackers or other explosive materials. So Vilnius Cathedral Square is one of the safest spaces to celebrate the end of 2025!

New Year’s Eve At Cathedral Square  31 December, 2025  – 1 January, 2026 Photo from kaledossostineje.lt

Are Shops, Restaurants, and Attractions Open on December 31st and January 1st in Vilnius?

December 31st is a busy day for many locals, so you’ll have no trouble finding activities around town. January 1st, on the other hand, tends to be a bit quieter for obvious reasons. But don’t worry—if partying isn’t your thing, Vilnius still has plenty to offer! We will update this list as soon as we know more. 

And here you have it - the things locals are excited about this Holiday season. If you're drawn to the magic of the Vilnius Christmas fairytale, make sure to join Vilnius walking tours. We'd love to share even more insider tips about wonderful Vilnius Christmas traditions.