Did you know that the soft glow of festive lights can weave a spell, transforming a cold and dark winter evening into a magical wonderland? Welcome to the Pakruojis Manor Lantern Festival, where lanterns do much more than light up the night—they tell a captivating story. Step into a world where dragons breathe fire, tigers prowl, and the rhythmic beat of drums fills the air. But don’t worry, the magic of Christmas still lingers—amidst the radiant glow, you’ll find a twinkling Christmas tree and a reindeer waiting to greet you. Step into this mesmerizing festival, and let the lights guide you through a winter story unlike any other.
And if you can’t quite justify traveling so far for just one evening, here’s my suggestion: combine your visit to Pakruojis Manor with a bit of exploration in Šiauliai. It’s the perfect way to make the most of your trip—blending the magic of the lantern festival with the charm of this historic city.
Cost: Pakruojis and cat museum has an entrance fee.
Length: 1 – 1.5 days
How to get there: Driving or sometimes there are organized tours by tourism agencies
What to See in Šiauliai, Lithuania?
Before the sun sets and the lanterns light up Pakruojis, take a moment to explore Šiauliai—Lithuania’s city of charming sculptures. Or, if you’re pressed for time on your first day, you can always take a leisurely stroll through the city the next morning instead.
The Cat Museum of Šiauliai – A Temple of Cat Appreciation
Are you a cat lover? Prepare to step into a feline wonderland at Šiauliai’s Cat Museum! From the moment you cross the threshold, it’s clear: this isn’t just a museum—it’s a sanctuary dedicated to all things cat. Cats are everywhere: ceramic cats, wooden cats, cats dangling from the ceiling, lounging on the walls, and peeking mischievously from behind glass.
But the true stars of the show? Six live cats who call this quirky museum their home. As you step inside, you’re immediately greeted by the “Director”—a regal feline stretched out across the coziest, warmest radiator. At first, the Director seems blissfully asleep, but as soon as you enter, this furry boss perks up, giving you a discerning look as if to decide whether you’re worthy of entry into his kingdom. Congratulations—you’ve passed the inspection.
Wandering through the museum’s halls, you’ll stumble upon countless artistic depictions of cats, each corner brimming with feline creativity. While some of the real kitties are peacefully napping in their beds or hiding behind flower pots, one mischievous feline seems to have a different agenda. You catch it eyeing the next room—one that houses a small zoo. Intrigued, you follow its gaze and discover rabbits, snakes, snails, hamsters, and a remarkably chatty parrot that enthusiastically greets you with a cheerful “Good day!”
While the animals are clearly well cared for, their cages may leave you feeling a touch conflicted. You know I am not a fan of keeping animals in cages myself. That aside, the whimsical décor and playful cat-themed artwork throughout the museum make it feel like a temple of cat appreciation—a place where cat lovers can marvel at the devotion to their furry friends.
Not a cat person? No problem. Šiauliai has a wealth of other museums waiting to be explored. Just keep in mind that most are closed on Sundays, so if you’re visiting on a weekend, plan your visit on a Friday or Saturday.
What’s hidden in the heart of the Iron Fox of Šiauliai?
Near a tranquil lake in the city center, the captivating Iron Fox sculpture stands tall in its silver glory. Its striking presence draws you closer, but it’s what lies within that truly intrigues—a hidden capsule tucked inside its heart, holding a message for future generations. What secrets might it contain? The enigma is sure to spark the imagination and curiosity of any traveler.
A Stroll Through Šiauliai’s City Center
Once you’ve snapped a photo of the Iron Fox, why not take a leisurely walk to the city center? It’s not too far away. Head in the direction of the church spire, passing a column crowned with a golden archer sculpture. Fun fact: this column doubles as a giant sundial!
St. Peter and Paul Cathedral of Šiauliai
Climbing the steep steps, you arrive at the beautiful 17th-century Catholic Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul. The snow seems to complement this magnificent structure flawlessly. While you might expect the white snow to blend with the cathedral’s light stone, it actually enhances its elegance, making it stand out even more against the winter landscape. Unfortunately, a service is underway, so we’ll have to return another time to explore the interior.
Šiauliai Boulevard
Did you know that Šiauliai was the third city in Europe to convert a major central street into a pedestrian street? Let’s head to that iconic spot—the Šiauliai Boulevard. As you stroll along, keep an eye out for fascinating little details, like whimsical sculptures tucked along the street. For instance, glance up, and you might notice iron cat sculptures perched on rooftops. It seems this charming city has a special fondness for our feline friends!
Now, the sun is about to set soon, so let’s head to Pakruojis Manor to witness the famous lanterns.
Pakruojis Manor Lantern Festival: A Walk Through a Wonderland
Please note: the theme of the decorations varies each year, so although the vibe is the same, you’ll see different characters and different stories than the ones that were there in 2022.
Prices and working hours in 2022.
The Pakruojis Manor Lantern Festival offers an enchanting escape, turning a cold winter evening into a mesmerizing journey. Much like the familiar glow of Christmas lights, this festival tells a story of light overcoming darkness, but with a unique and whimsical twist. In the manor’s courtyard, dragons come to life, while at the entrance, all 12 Chinese zodiac animals await your arrival. Be sure to snap a photo with your zodiac animal as you enter this luminous wonderland!
Unforgettable Highlights of the Lantern Festival
The further you explore, the more enchanted you become. On one side, ornamental peacocks shine with iridescent feathers, while on the other, delicate flower projections twirl and shimmer across the ancient walls of the manor. Just when you think you’ve seen it all, a camel appears, offering rides to children in the winter night. It’s a surprising twist— who would expect a camel amidst the winter chill?
But it’s the lantern pandas, with their tiny cubs, who truly steal your heart. They’re so cute, that you’ll find yourself wanting to cuddle them. Their innocence and charm are impossible to resist.
Alongside the stunning Asian lanterns, you’ll also discover statues adorned with twinkling light garlands, Christmas trees, a carousel for children, and even a sledding hill for the brave to slide down. It truly feels like diving into a fairytale!
Be sure to visit the island where the lights seem to come alive in an enchanting dance. Dreamcatchers hang from the trees, hammocks invite you to rest, and colorful, moving lights twinkle like fireflies. It’s a place that feels like a dream, where time slows down, and you can lose yourself in the wonder of it all.
And for the adventurous, there’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to walk through a glowing crocodile. Step inside, and find yourself swallowed by its shimmering light, only to emerge on the other side, unscathed.
The Festival Market of Pakruojis Manor – A Taste of Winter Magic
No walk through this winter wonderland is complete without something warm to hold in your hands. At the festival market, steaming cups of tea and mulled wine are served fresh from bubbling cauldrons, warming you from the inside out as you continue your journey through the lights.
And as you explore the stalls, the market tempts you with a feast for the senses—rich cheeses, sweet halvah, and gingerbread cookies shaped like mushrooms, chestnuts, and corn cobs. Each treat is a little reminder of the magic of the season, and as you take a bite, you’ll savor not just the flavors, but the memories you’re creating.
Explore the Historic Pakruojis Manor
While the lanterns are undoubtedly the stars of the show, don’t forget to step inside the historic buildings scattered across the estate. You can wander through the old stable or explore the distillery, where mysterious, ancient machines stand like relics of another time. What is this thing?
I’ll be honest—there weren’t as many historical exhibits as I had hoped for, but since the lanterns are the highlight of the event, it’s easy to overlook.
Thoughts?
First of all, I must say that this was a wonderful introduction to the holiday season, but it could just as easily be the perfect way to wrap it up. Even though the Christmas theme is subtly tucked around the corner, many of the beautiful lantern displays explore much warmer, more fiery themes (really, what could be hotter than a dragon?). Secondly, I have to admit that I got more than I expected – the grounds are truly vast, and just when you think you’ve seen everything, there’s always another corner waiting to be discovered. Highly recommended!
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