Christmas holidays 2019 in Vilnius
Snowflakes fall, dusting rooftops and cobblestone streets with a layer of pure white. Candles and strings of lights illuminate cafe windows, inviting passersby in for a hot mulled wine. Winter is an enchanting time in Lithuania with dozens of seasonal attractions. Christmas holidays in Vilnius will be an unforgettable memory to treasure for years to come.
Not every Christmas is a snowy one, but it is easy to get into the seasonal spirit. Vilnius during holidays is becoming a magical Christmas town with the lights in every street. Dozens of Christmas trees, ice skating, Christmas train and, of course, Christmas markets.
Vilnius Christmas Tree
The world-famous Vilnius Christmas Market is an absolute must-see during a holiday visit! It spreads out at Cathedral Square around a towering, glowing Christmas tree. Christmas in Vilnius starts with the Christmas Tree lighting ceremony on 30 November at 7 p.m. following a free concert at Cathedral Square.
Lovely gifts include hand-knitted shawls and mittens and socks, aromatic candles, woodwork, etc. And take a break from shopping with traditional delicacies like zeppelins with sour cream. Perfect on a crisp winter day!
Also, don’t forget to take some time and go down the Gediminas Avenue, where you will find an incredible ice skating place with traditional Christmas songs and lights.
Traditional and alternative Christmas markets in Vilnius
If you get hungry, you can have a snack at one of the Christmas markets and save time looking for Christmas gifts. Here’s a great little tip: locals love shopping at the Christmas fairs as well. So take a minute and watch what they get!
Christmas markets will pop-up at various times all around town. First, there’s the Litexpo Christmas Market on 7-8 December. There will be a range of Lithuanian traders’ food and drinks as well as presents and ideas for the festive atmosphere. Over 500 sellers will help to complete your wishlist. By the way, free admission.
The Design Square will be open in the centrally-located Vinco Kudirkos Square through 17-22 December. If design and fashion are your evergreen passion, head there and you’ll find a market that specializes in thoughtful gifts handcrafted by Lithuanian designers.
Vilnius Train Station is becoming an alive and more and more popular alternative place for various types of events in Vilnius. Festive Station – that’s how this alternative and independent Christmas market in the train station is called. This year you can visit it during the period 6 December 2019 – 1 January 2020. Located at the first platform of the train station, an independent Christmas market offers an alternative market with a different perspective: techno music instead of Jingle Bells, food trucks with burgers and burritos instead of hot waffles and an artificial Christmas tree instead of gorgeous main Christmas tree on the Cathedral Square.
Want something more interesting? Imagine yourself drinking a hot chocolate beer in the 1970s wagon or enjoying a cheese fondue in the real modern train restaurant. Also, in Festive Station, various concerts, performances for adults and children are held. Thus, there is no doubt that this independent Christmas market in Vilnius has to be on your bucket list.
Winter Events
Despite this being the darkest time of the year, Vilnius is glowing with warmth, light and buzzes with positive energy. Every evening offers new opportunities to take part in enchanting winter events in the city’s concert and theater halls, churches, pubs and nightclubs.
Even if you don’t understand a word of Lithuanian, you can still participate in the Christmas Eve Mass at the Cathedral or the Bernardine Church on 24 December. It’s a rare and magical experience that happens only once a year. Even though the mass is in Lithuanian, it’s an experience that will leave anyone feeling elated. Locals come here for the town’s only living nativity scene. To top it all off, a Christmas story is recounted in 3D on 25-29 December. Seeing the Cathedral come to life with accompanying music is a feast for the eyes and ears of children and adults alike.
Jerulita is inviting you to join our 3 days Christmas Market Tour. Come and experience Vilnius’ winter full of magic with us!
Jerulita team would be happy to organize unforgettable winter holidays for you! By the way, you can also read about alternative places to visit in Vilnius here.
It doesn’t matter if you are more traditional “Home Alone” and a hot chocolate person or modern adventurer, Vilnius has everything that you like. From a wonderful Christmas tree to the traditional and alternative markets – fulfill your soul with happiness because it is time to celebrate!
