Lonely Planet’s Top Destination 2025: Events and Highlights in Vilnius, Europe’s Green Capital

Recognized for its natural beauty, rich culture, and tradition, Lithuania has been named Lonely Planet’s top destination in Europe and second in the world, with Vilnius set to shine as the European Green Capital in 2025.

November 13, 2024 – Vilnius, Lithuania. Vilnius, highlighted by Lonely Planet for its 61% green spaces, embodies dedication to sustainability and urban development. The recognition highlights the city’s environmental efforts and paves the way for a year rich in culture and experiences. In celebration of its ongoing growth, the city has planned a lineup of events and a renewed list of must-visit sites.
 
Experience Vilnius in 2025 with Music, Food, and Colorful Celebrations

Vilnius is gearing up for an exciting year filled with events and festivals. Here’s a glimpse of what’s in store for the next year.

In the darkest time of the year, the Vilnius Light Festival, taking place from January 24 to 26, 2025, transforms the city into a dazzling spectacle of light installations and art displays. Visitors will discover art in surprising places –  from lively city squares to tucked-away corners – while exploring interactive installations that invite them to become part of the experience.

The Kaziukas Fair, held from March 7 to 9, 2025, is a cherished celebration of spring in Vilnius, with over 400 years of tradition. The crafts and food market honors Saint Casimir, featuring numerous stalls brimming with lovingly crafted wares and delicious local produce.

On May 17, Street Music Day transforms Vilnius into an outdoor concert hall as thousands of musicians take to the streets to perform. As the day progresses, viewers enjoy captivating performances, culminating in an improvised drum procession called “Drum2gether,” where everyone is welcome to participate and create a joyous finale to the festivities.

Vilnius once again invites visitors to the Pink Soup Fest on May 31 to celebrate the one-of-a-kind Lithuanian cold beet soup, šaltibarščiai, with tastings and culinary events. Beyond the traditional soup, visitors can indulge in creative variations, such as pink coffee and šaltibarščiai-flavored desserts. The city will also host pink-themed exhibitions and entertainment, making the colorful culinary celebration the hottest trend of the season.

The As Young As Vilnius festival on July 25, 2025, celebrates the youthful creativity and innovation of the city. Coinciding with St. Christopher’s feast day, Vilnius demonstrates that its 700-year history doesn’t diminish its festive energy. Attendees can enjoy free concerts spanning various musical genres, along with workshops and art installations.

On September 11, 2025, LOFTAS Fest, an urban music festival, will be held in a repurposed industrial space. The event showcases cutting-edge performances from well-known and emerging Lithuanian and international artists.

In November and December 2025, Vilnius transforms into a winter wonderland with festive markets, sparkling light displays, a Christmas train, and holiday concerts. Home to one of Europe’s most beautiful Christmas trees, the city offers a joyful atmosphere filled with cherished traditions and exciting experiences.

Experience Vilnius Sustainably and Find Local Connections

Discover the European Green Capital 2025, where a range of events, authentic initiatives, and attractions await, inviting you to connect with the city and its nature.

Visitors can explore Vilnius using eco-friendly transport options like trolleybuses, helping to minimize their carbon footprint. With numerous bike rental options, navigating the charming streets on a bicycle is easy too. Vilnius is a city where nature blends with urban life, offering a green, bike-friendly, and walkable environment. 

Exploring walking routes like the Pavilniai and Verkiai Regional Parks, Vingis Park, or the journey around the riverbanks of the Neris allows you to experience the city’s natural beauty firsthand. Whether strolling through the Vilnius University Botanical Garden or enjoying the city’s many gardens, walking through Vilnius offers an unforgettable connection with nature and history. 

Kayaking in Vilnius offers a unique way to explore the city from a different perspective. Paddlers can navigate the narrow Vilnele River, maneuvering around trees and rocks while enjoying views of the city’s parks, the Old Town, and modern districts. For a more thrilling experience, visitors can join a night kayaking tour on the Neris River, lighting their way with headlamps.

For more travel tips and authentic experiences, there’s the “Meet a Local” initiative that pairs visitors with Vilnius residents. The platform makes it easy to arrange meetups, fostering meaningful connections.

The Lithuanian capital is not just a destination; it’s an experience that invites visitors to engage with sustainability and celebrate the local culture. As Lonely Planet wrote, “Vilnius is a big breath of fresh air. From the confluence of the Neris and Vilnia rivers, Lithuania’s capital stands as a bastion of sustainability in the Baltics, with initiatives to protect the environment and its commitment to be climate-neutral by 2030.”