Is January the month for dreaming? It certainly is if you decide to spend it with us in Vilnius! After all, Vilnius was born out of a dream. The first month of 2026 promises us unforgettable experiences: from the shining installations at Vilnius light festival to thought provoking art exhibitions. Here are 5 events our guides are most excited to share with you!
Procession of the Three Kings
Three Kings procession from the Gates of Dawn in Vilnius Photo from LRT by D. Umbrasas
In Lithuanian the Christmas season ends with the Epiphany holiday (6th of January), which commemorates the Three Kings – Gaspar, Melchior and Balthazar, who have visited baby Jesus. Every year the parade of three-meter-tall figures of Three Kings marches through the city streets and concludes at the Cathedral Square. The procession is neither loud nor flashy—after all, we Lithuanians aren’t known for being extroverted. However, the event has a magical realism charm that brings smiles to many passersby. So don’t hesitate to join if you are in Vilnius.
Where? start near the Gates of Dawn at 5 PM
When? January 6
How much? Free
Claudia Heinermann. Siberian Exiles – Baltic Testimonies of Soviet Repression
Poster from https://www.lndm.lt/
Claudia Heinermann had been working for 7 years on a photographic triptych to rescue from obscurity the Soviet Union’s oppression of the Baltic nations. This exhibition brings the three parts together. In Siberian Exiles, eyewitnesses tell of the deportation of women and children to remote parts of Siberia, life in the Gulag camps, the organised resistance against the Soviet occupier, and the beginning of the Cold War. The personal stories offer room for nuance, provide new historical insights, and give a voice to the forgotten or ignored victims. Heinermann spoke with historians and eyewitnesses and made long journeys through the former Soviet Union, following in the footsteps of the deported Balts. Her subsequent works merge photographic portraits and testimonials with pictures of everyday life, interiors, still lifes, and landscapes. To enrich her pictorial narratives, she also gathers material from private photo albums and historical archives.
Where? National gallery of art, 22 Konstitucijos Ave
When? Till February 8
How much? Adults 8 €; Students and OAPs – 4 €;
More info: Claudia Heinermann. Siberian Exiles – Baltic Testimonies of Soviet Repression
Vilnius Short Film Festival
Photo from filmshorts.lt/en/
How about a movie break? If you come to Vilnius at the end ofJanuary, don’t miss the Vilnius Short Film Festival. It is the only Oscar-qualifying festival in Lithuania and one of the biggest international short film festivals in the Baltic countries. Every January, it presents the newest and most significant short films from all around the world, while also gathering together filmmakers, industry representatives, and film lovers. The 19th edition of the Vilnius Short Film Festival will take place from 21 to 27 January. The Festival is hosted in multiple venues across Vilnius Old Town and other Lithuanian cities such as Kaunas, Klaipėda, and Šiauliai.
Where? Pasaka cinema, Skalvija Cinema Centre, Mo museum, Martynas Mažvydas National Library of Lithuania
When? January 21-27
How much? Depends on the cinema
More info: filmshorts.lt/en
Vilnius Light Festival
Light instalation on St. John Church at Vilnius University. Photo by Ieva B.
In 1323, on January 25th, Duke Gediminas sent one of his famous letters, as if illuminating this little-known northern land to the eyes of Europeans, and permanently placing Vilnius on the map of the Old Continent. This date is now considered the birthday of Vilnius. And every year we celebrate the birthday of our beloved city with lots of lights. Streets, squares and public spaces are flooded with spectacular light installations, revealing all the charm of Vilnius city. Most of them are outside, so we recommend to dress warm and take some hot drinks to go!
Wondering what else to do on Vilnius' birthday? Check our blog post Happy Birthday 703rd Vilnius here
Where? Various locations in Vilnius city center
When? January 23-25 in the evenings
How much? Free
More info: lightfestival.lt/en/
Vilnius Ice Skating Rink
People ice skating in Vilnius Town Hall square 2024. Photo from Go Vilnius
Need to burn some calories? We have you covered. The impressive 900 sq m outdoor ice-rink on the Town Hall Square will be open till 1 February! We already tried it ourselves and it’s incredibly fun - skating surrounded by magnificent architecture and festive light installations. Is this a Disney movie or what?
Where? Vilnius Town Hall Square
When? Till February 1
How much? children – 6 euros, adults – 8 euros.
More info: Vilnius Ice skating tickets
So there you have it—ideas for things to do in Vilnius in January. And remember, we run our walking tours every day, even if only one person joins! So grab your warmest gloves and join our Free tour, Soviet Vilnius, Jewish Vilnius tours or Cathedral Crypts and Medieval History Tour.
Free Walking tour in Vilnius with our guide Milda. Photo by Vilnius with Locals