It’s not Christmas market or even Black Friday which excites the locals in Vilnius. Oh no! The most important market of the year is the Kaziukas fair! It takes place annually on the weekend closest to Saint Casimir‘s Day (4 March). That‘s 6-8 March, 2026.
Scroll down to find the event program at the end of the blog.
Kaziukas who?
Kaziukas is a diminutive form of the name Kazimieras. As in Casimir Jagiellon (3 October 1458 – 4 March 1484) who was a prince of the Kingdom of Poland and of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. During his lifetime the prince was known for his piety, devotion to God, and generosity towards the sick and poor. Sadly, he passed away before ascending to the throne. He was buried in Vilnius Cathedral and his cult grew over the years. Eventually Casimir was declared a saint in 1602. Since then Saint Casimir became a patron saint of Lithuania and Lithuanian youth.
You can meet young men dressed as St. Casimir or Kaziukas during the festivities and ask to take a photo with them. Photo by Ieva B.
But why a fair?
Many markets and fairs in Europe were originally linked to saints. In medieval times, these fairs started after church celebrations and processions through the town. Vilnius was no exception. On March 4, the day of Saint Casimir’s death, craftspeople and farmers from the region came to Vilnius for religious celebrations and later sold their goods. The first known procession and fair took place in 1604, making it the oldest and largest fair in Lithuania.
What to expect?
Everything! The streets of Vilnius Old Town will be full of live music, theater performances, traditional crafts, and delicious food. But it’s not only ancient traditions that are celebrated here. You will also find modern Lithuanian design, creative food experiments, and new eco-friendly ideas with unique local crafts and sustainable products.
So it’s not a surprise that the fair is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Vilnius. Tens of thousands of visitors and many craftsmen from across Lithuania as well as from neighboring countries visit Vilnius just for this weekend alone. Some even say that it has no equal in neighboring countries…
Gediminas av. is the busiest place during the Kaziukas fair. Photo taken by Ieva B.
Where and when it’s happening?
Kaziukas Fair will take place from 6-8 March in the heart of Vilnius city center. The market will be open on Friday and Saturday from 11 AM to 8 PM and Sunday from 9 AM to 5 PM.
The fair will spread across Gediminas Avenue, L. S. Gucevičiaus, Liejyklos, Universiteto Streets and parks around Cathedral square. You’ll find local artists around the monument for King Mindaugas. Lithuanian Heritage crafts will be displayed in the Cathedral Square. Look for food stalls across Trispalvės alley.
Photo by organisers
What is a must-have souvenir from Kaziukas fair?
Different handmade crafts at the Kaziukas Fair: from pottery to wood carvings. Photo by Ieva B.
Everyone has different tastes, but when visiting the Kaziukas Fair, there are certain items you should definitely look out for. First of all, look for objects or entire stalls labeled with Lithuanian heritage signs. Since 2008, around 900 craftsmen have been recognized for their special effort to continue traditional crafts, and over 200 of them are now certified as masters. Each item sold will have a small card with information about the craftsperson and their certificate number.
Lithuanian Heritage certificate logo. Photo from www.tautinispaveldas.lt
Next, you’ll see many traditional Easter palms (known as verba in Lithuanian). Sometimes, these are simple bouquets made of willow, birch, pussy-willow, and juniper branches, but they can also be intricate dried flower arrangements secured on a hazel stem. These palms are more than just beautiful decorations – locals bless them in churches on Palm Sunday to protect their homes and families from hardships, fires, and natural disasters! These Easter palms are a unique heritage of the Vilnius region and are recognized both in Lithuania and Poland as a distinctly Vilnius craft.
Verba - traditional craft from Vilnius region. Photo by Ieva B.
Also, take a look at the wickerwork. While anyone can buy a basket from IKEA, a unique wicker craft from the Kaziukas Fair will definitely make you stand out. The only question is – how many can you fit in your luggage?
Lastly, don’t miss out on a wooden spoon and ceramic bowl. These items are perfect for enjoying all the delicious food at the fair while reducing the need for single-use plastics, which is especially important since Vilnius is the European Green Capital, promoting sustainability and environmental care.
What foods to try?
Gingerbreads! Yes, it sounds christmassy, but in Lithuania gingerbreads are popular all year round. It’s definitely one of the most sought-after souvenirs among the fair-goers since the inception of the event. Shaped as hearts, flowers or even Gediminas tower, with lovely greetings and different names - you’ll have some trouble choosing one.
Close second is Baranka (something like bagel shaped pastry). It is a unique product found only once a year and only at Kaziukas Fair. It’s considered good manners to bring back at least one baranka to anyone, who was not able to attend the fair themselves. And don’t bother asking for a bag to store them. We wear strings of barankas as necklaces!
Our guide Ieva B. showing up her baranka necklace. Photo by Ieva B.
Last but not least - honey products. Did you know that the happiest bees in Europe are from Lithuania? We’ll never get sick of this fun fact. Honey cakes, honey based alcohols, honey candies or sauces. It will sweeten your life until actual spring comes.
What to say?
Here is a dictionary of some useful words to use in the fair:
Kiek kainuoja? - How much does it cost?
Ačiū - Thank you
Prašau - please, here you go
Mugė - Fair or market
Labai gražu - It’s very beautiful
Dar vieną - One more
Kortele galima? - Can I pay by card?
Baranka - Bagel shaped pastry
Meduolis - Gingerbread
Verba - Easter palm
Medus - Honey
Program
FRIDAY
THEATRICAL ST. CASIMIR’S PARADE
WHEN? 2 PM
WHERE? Starting from Independence Square
The Kaziukas Fair is officially opened every year by St. Casimir, who parades down Gediminas Avenue towards the Cathedral. Accompanied by artisans, folklore groups, town criers, and a colorful mix of historical characters, the procession brings history and tradition to life.
FESTIVE FAIR OPENING AND CONCERT
WHEN? 3 PM
WHERE? Cathedral Square
SATURDAY
FESTIVE ACTIVITIES AND CONCERTS
WHEN? 11 AM - 6 PM
WHERE? Cathedral Square
SUNDAY
“LAUDATE SANCTI CASIMIRI”
WHEN? 1 PM
WHERE? Church of St. Casimir, Vilnius (Didžioji str. 34)
A free concert dedicated to St. Casimir.
BEST ARTISANS AWARDS
WHEN? 2 PM
WHERE? Cathedral Square
As part of the tradition, the best artisans of the fair will be recognized for their skill and creativity in preserving traditional crafts while blending handmade techniques with modern materials and technologies.
FAIR CLOSING CONCERT
WHEN? 3 PM
WHERE? Cathedral Square
So here you have it – everything you need to know about the Kaziukas Fair in 2026. Don't hesitate to join our tours and ask our guides which items they are buying at the fair this year!