Vilnius, the second largest city in the Baltic states, located in southern Lithuania, is renowned for its festive Christmas celebrations. The entire city is adorned with twinkling lights, colorful decorations, and bustling streets filled with Christmas trees and musicians playing carols. Vilnius has earned the nickname ‘Capital of Christmas’ due to its extravagant holiday decorations and joyful atmosphere.
During a recent visit to Vilnius, I was captivated by the enchanting Christmas spirit that enveloped the city. Walking through the snow-covered streets, I was mesmerized by the shimmering lights and elaborate storefront decorations that exuded a magical ambiance.
A quick flight from London City airport, with round-trip fares starting at £33, transported me to this vibrant Baltic city steeped in history, boasting over 50 churches, underground spas, museums, and an arts district. Vilnius has also gained recognition as a filming location for popular series like Netflix’s ‘Stranger Things,’ with scenes from season four filmed in a historic 100-year-old prison.
The Old Town of Vilnius, one of Europe’s largest and best-preserved historical centers, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. This area also hosts the city’s iconic Christmas market, which is a major highlight during the holiday season.
Vilnius has been named the Capital of Christmas by the European Parliament’s Christmas Cities Network because of its world-class Christmas trees. The Vilnius Christmas tree has topped the European Best Destinations list for two consecutive years.
The main Christmas market in Cathedral Square, within the Old Town, features a remarkable 205-square-meter Christmas tree standing 20 meters tall. Visitors can explore wooden stalls offering delectable treats, mulled wine, and festive crafts, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
For those craving Lithuanian cuisine, the market vendors offer regional specialties like chimney cakes, sweet curd doughnuts, and various Christmas desserts, along with handcrafted goods perfect for holiday gifts. Vilnius hosts multiple Christmas markets, each with its unique charm, and visitors are encouraged to explore the picturesque Jewish quarter within the Old Town.
The Christmas market in Vilnius opened on November 29th and will run until January 6th, featuring additional markets at the railway station, Hale Market, and even a market inside Lukiški prison. To enhance the festive experience, the city introduced its own Christmas currency, allowing visitors to make purchases at the markets using red pine cone-shaped coins.
Other attractions in Vilnius include a towering Christmas carousel crafted in a traditional style, an ice rink in Town Hall Square, and a Christmas train offering scenic rides through the historic streets of Old Town Vilnius. Travelers can book direct flights to Vilnius from London City airport with airlines like LOT Polish Airlines, Ryanair, and Wizz Air.
Accommodation options in Vilnius, such as Hotel Pacai, start at €176 per night. For more information on Vilnius, visit the official website at govilnius.lt.
