Is it cliché to call a place a winter wonderland or say it feels like something straight out of a Christmas movie? Maybe—but what if it’s true? To me Christmas in Vilnius feels like stepping into a page from a festive storybook.
During the holiday season, the charming Old Town of Vilnius, Lithuania, dressed in its finest festive attire, brings out secret recipes for its most delicious Christmas drinks and cakes, and crowns it all with a dazzling Christmas tree—its design a closely guarded secret until the much-anticipated unveiling.
Santa told me you’re looking to get into the holiday spirit. So, let’s explore what to do in Vilnius during Christmas time together!
Location: Vilnius, Latvia
Cost: Mix of free and paid experiences
Length: ~1 day
How to get there: All attractions are accessible by foot from Vilnius city center
Soak in the Magic of Christmas Decorations in Vilnius Old Town
During December, Vilnius Old Town transforms into a festive wonderland, with every café, shop, and hotel dressed in its finest Christmas attire—from traditional greenery and twinkling lights to a Christmas tree made entirely of oyster shells. I bet you didn’t see that one coming!
The place that seems to be shining the brightest is the former Jewish quarter known as Glass quarter. This year, one of the entrances is guarded by a large angel, gently floating in the wind. Once inside, you’re greeted by one festively decorated façade after another.
One shop embraces classic holiday charm, with evergreens intertwined with oversized Christmas candy ornaments, their bright colors sparkling against the winter air. Another offers a whimsical touch, blending rich greenery with books by Agatha Christie—and if you look closely, a detective’s hat is casually perched on a branch, nodding to a beloved literary character.
Then there’s the third, where the façade is draped in vibrant flowers, twinkling fairy lights weaving through the petals, infusing the street with a burst of tropical warmth. Among the flowers, dazzling birds with long, feathery tails seem to come alive, their elegance adding a touch of glamour to the scene.
You peer into the courtyard of a cozy restaurant, where sparkling lights and elegant bows are strung above, leading your gaze to a fresco on the distant wall. Though you can’t make out all the details, it’s clear that the scene looks like something straight out of a Christmas postcard. Moving on, you glance through the window of an antique store, where delicate glass ornaments from Christmases past are thoughtfully displayed, each one a tiny treasure. In Vilnius, the holiday magic is truly all around you.
Beyond the Glass Quarter, the festive charm becomes more subtle, yet no less enchanting. The holiday spirit continues to weave through the rest of the Old Town, with smaller but equally captivating decorations adorning the streets, guiding you toward Vilnius’ crown jewel—the grand Christmas tree, standing tall and proud, ready to steal your heart.
Discover Vilnius’ Iconic and Elaborate Christmas Tree
The unveiling of Vilnius’ Christmas tree is one of the most anticipated events of the holiday season. By now, you’ve likely seen this year’s tree lighting up your social media feed, its dazzling design telling a wonderful story. But even if you already know what it looks like, the excitement of seeing it in person doesn’t fade. Your heart flutters with anticipation as you approach Cathedral Square, the festive hub of the city.
In 2024, the giant sparkling tree is nestled inside an even larger, glowing Christmas bubble. In 2023, the tree stood atop a mountain of shiny gift boxes, radiating holiday cheer. I can’t wait to see what they dream up next.
Savor Treats at the Vilnius Christmas Market
Around the glamorous Christmas tree stand neat rows of white tents, forming the Vilnius Christmas Market. It’s the perfect place to pick up festive treats while browsing charming stalls filled with little trinkets like Christmas ornaments and candy.
Warm yourself with a cup of mulled wine or cranberry jelly drink. Indulge in waffles, crepes, or apples coated in sugary syrup that shine like ornaments. You’ll also find chocolate-covered fruit, spicy gingerbread, and roasted chestnuts, kept warm in a pot until they’re handed to you. Have you ever tried those?
Indulge in Festive Cakes at Vilnius Sugamour Café
Many restaurants in Vilnius sprinkle a bit of festive cheer not only in their interiors but also on their menus. When visiting, you can pick a spot that suits your taste and budget—rumor has it someone even is serving a cranberry Christmas zeppelin! But today we’re stepping through the elaborately decorated doors of Sugamour to enjoy some Christmas-themed cakes.
The indulgent treats here might not capture the classic flavors of Christmas, but they’re a feast for the eyes, shaped to look like Christmas on a plate. Take, for example, this delightful Philadelphia cheese mousse “Christmas bubble,” with its tangy grapefruit and sweet strawberry-yuzu jelly filling—it’s a dessert worth savoring.
And let’s not forget the interior! Sugamour’s décor is nothing short of glamorous, adding an extra sprinkle of magic to your Christmas in Vilnius experience.
Find the large Advent wreath in Presidents Palace Garden
Advent wreaths hold a special place in my heart, reminding me of childhood Sundays, lighting one more candle each week as Christmas drew near. In Vilnius, you’ll find a big electric Advent wreath in Cathedral Square. But my heart belongs to the one display in the President’s Palace Garden.
This “wreath” isn’t a traditional circle. Instead, four towering electric candles surround a cheerfully decorated Christmas tree, their glow casting soft warm light.
I’ve heard there are carol concerts held here each Sunday when a candle is lit, though I haven’t had the chance to experience one myself as my visits have fallen during the work week. If you plan to visit, note that the park opens only after 6 p.m. on weekdays.
More Things to Do in Vilnius During Christmas Time
I haven’t tried these myself, so I can’t give a review. But I’ve seen them when walking by, so thought I will mention them in case you are interested.
Each year, a pop-up ice skating rink adds a touch of winter magic to Vilnius, appearing in a new location each season. It’s a fun way to embrace the festive spirit and enjoy the crisp winter air.
Another charming attraction is the little holiday train that winds through the festively lit city. While I haven’t tried the train in Vilnius myself—being more of a walker—from the experience from other cities I can vouch that it’s a good way to show the city to grandparents without requiring them to walk a lot.
Thoughts?
I have visited Vilnius during the Christmas season for 2 years in a row – it is just the festive sprinkle I need to get myself into the holiday spirit. And it seems that Vilnius is really trying to step up their Christmas game each year, bringing more and more festive things into the agenda. So I believe I will come back to Vilnius next Christmas as well.
FAQs About Visiting Vilnius During Christmas time
Where can I find information about this year’s event programme?
They have a very handy website.
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