Vilnius, Lithuania is a magical yet underrated destination during Christmastime. The markets, activities, and decorations become more plentiful and cheery each year, making the city really come to life during the cold, dark winter. Plan your visit now for Vilnius’ Christmas celebrations, which are open from November 26 until December 29, 2016.
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Cathedral Square Christmas tree and market
A large and colorfully decorated Christmas tree, that is different each year, is set up in the spacious Cathedral Square, making it even more of a tourist attraction and hang out spot than throughout the rest of the year. In 2015, the Christmas tree was constructed in a way to allow children to enter it for a daily storytime. In 2014, the faux Christmas tree was decorated with large silver balls and sparkling lights. Who knows what the 2016 Christmas tree will look like!
Nestled around the Christmas tree are various wooden stalls selling a wide array of gifts and snacks. Purchase some handmade woolen socks and a cup of hot wine or beer to keep you warm. Another not to miss snack that you can purchase from the vendors at the Christmas market are hot mini doughnuts (called spurga in Lithuanian) topped with a generous sprinkle of powdered sugar (approximately 3 EUR/3.37 USD).
Events and market at the Rotuse
My favorite event during the Christmas season in Vilnius is the International Christmas Charity Bazaar held in the stunning Rotuse (Vilnius City Hall). This Christmas Bazaar is a one day charity event and will take place on Saturday, December 3, 2016. The International Christmas Charity Bazaar raised 143,235 EUR (159,754.29 USD) in 2015 and donated this money to hospitals and schools across Lithuania with the focus of improving facilities for children.
A small fee (approximately 1 EUR/1.12 USD) is required for entrance to this fun and charitable bazaar, but the fee is worth it as the sellers and cultural booths inside make for perfect Christmas shopping (and it is for a good cause!). The jam-packed stalls inside are sponsored by schools, expect crafts and books for sale, and international embassies, which sell packaged food, crafts, alcohol, and more.
On the same day, outdoors you’ll find a food market, also sponsored by embassies, which is free to attend. At this outdoor market, you’ll smell traditional foods cooking and be able to purchase hot wine and other hot beverages — visit the Ireland tent for coffee spiked with whiskey.
Decorations and activities
In addition to the beautiful Christmas tree and market village in Cathedral Square, there is also a Christmas tree and various events (to be decided) in Rotuse Square (City Hall Square). In previous years, there has been an ice skating rink and a maze in a portion of the square, and I’m sure 2016 will offer something just as exciting!
Children visitors will be excited for the Christmas train that gives rides around Vilnius. Rides last for approximately ten minutes and taken you on a route through the city to see the Christmas sights. This route changes depending on the year, but generally starts at the Rotuse and ends at Cathedral Square.
Christmas lights are also decorating Vokieciu gatve, Vilniaus gatve, Gedimino pr., and Pilies gatve. Walk all around the old town to enjoy the colorful lights and the quaint sights.
Plan your visit
The schedule has not yet been posted for the Christmastime events and activities, but do keep checking the Vilnius Events web page, as details will be posted in the coming months.
Keep in mind that Vilnius is cold in November and December and there may be snow or ice, so it is recommended that you bring warm clothes and non-slip boots (cobblestones are very difficult to walk on in bad weather). Book your tickets now in preparation for a great Christmas season in Vilnius, and find out what the Cathedral Square Christmas tree will look like this year!
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