Unwrap Vilnius’ Christmas Magic: Ice Skating in Heart of Old City, Artisanal Markets, and Gourmet Festivities
Vilnius is transforming into a festive wonderland this holiday season, including its iconic Christmas tree, holiday run, and alternative Christmas festivities at a former prison. This year is special, as the city also celebrates its 30th anniversary as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
October 23, 2024. Vilnius, the Lithuanian capital, is transforming into a sparkling wonderland of Christmas lights. The festivities will kick off on the 29th of November with the unveiling of the iconic Christmas tree in Vilnius Cathedral Square. Vilnius’ Christmas trees are known worldwide for their innovative designs that blend sustainability and technology–for example, using materials like spruce branches to create installations that sometimes even inspire global decorating trends.
This year is also exceptional, as Vilnius’ Old Town celebrates its 30th anniversary as a UNESCO World Heritage site. With its well-preserved medieval layout and harmonious blend of Baroque and other architectural styles, the city offers a magical backdrop for holiday celebrations.
Here is a preview of what Vilnius has prepared for visitors this year.
Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration
November 29, 2024
The lighting of the Christmas tree at Vilnius Cathedral Square marks the official start of the holiday season. It is one of the city's most anticipated events. Known for its creative and unique designs, Vilnius surprises locals and visitors with a new theme each year, often reflecting key events and celebrations in the city’s life. For instance, on the eve of the city's 700th anniversary, a few years ago, the tree featured birthday cake elements to celebrate the milestone. This year’s tree will be on display until January 6, 2025.
Christmas Market
November 29, 2024 – December 29, 2024
To add to the magic of the beautiful Christmas tree, Vilnius sets up a Christmas market next to it, making the whole place feel like a fairy tale. Visitors can enjoy the holiday spirit with the smells and tastes of homemade delicacies and drinks, and buy locally made gifts. Among the many holiday treats, visitors are encouraged to try traditional Lithuanian Christmas Eve cookies–small, poppy seed-studded dough bites. These vegan delicacies typically served with poppy seed milk or cranberry drink, are a Christmas Eve staple in Lithuanian families and are enjoyed for weeks before Christmas.
Vilnius Ice Skating Rink
November 30, 2024 to January 26, 2025
This year, the Vilnius ice skating rink will be set in a new location—the heart of the Old Town at Town Hall Square, where it will remain open until January 26th, 2024. The rink will feature a unique, non-traditional design, offering more than 400 m² of open-air skating space. Visitors can also enjoy hot drinks and culinary treats, making it a fun and cozy winter destination for both locals and tourists.
Vilnius Christmas Run
December 7, 2024
The fun-filled Christmas Run traditionally takes place in the evening, offering a great opportunity to enjoy the city's festive decorations. This run is counting its 49 years and is a tradition that unites all running enthusiasts: from seasoned runners to families with children. Participants dress up in their favorite holiday costumes–Santa Claus, snowmen, or reindeer–and join other runners for a race through the festive streets of Vilnius.
Lukiškės Prison Gastro Fair
December 13-15 and 20-22, 2024
For two weekends leading up to Christmas, a gastro market featuring unique and classic Christmas dishes will open in the historic Lukiškės Prison complex, now transformed into a vibrant artistic hub. Once a high-security prison, it now hosts 250 creators and offers concerts, tours, and a chance to explore a space that even served as a filming location for Stranger Things season 4.
Loftas Uptown Christmas Market
December 20-22, 2024
Knowing that many people leave their Christmas shopping until the last minute and often feel stressed about finding unique gifts, the art factory Loftas is organizing the seasonal Loftas Last-Minute Christmas Market. This event brings together local creators in fashion, design, and art, along with farmers, coffee roasters, craft beverage makers, and other Lithuanian producers. Loftas, one of the most active cultural venues in Vilnius, is well-known for its vibrant events, including festivals like Loftas Fest and Europavox.
Vilnius is postcard-pretty all year round, but during the Christmas season, it transforms into a magical place and warmly invites everyone to experience its unique blend of history, tradition, and festive joy.