If you’re looking for a quiet but beautiful winter holiday destination, Lithuania in December is chilly but busy with events. There are many things to do but the city isn’t overcrowded and there is just enough Christmas spirit to make things interesting. The Vilnius Christmas market is the highlight of winter in Lithuania with Cathedral Square being home to one of the most stunning Christmas trees in the world.
While Vilnius is a relaxing city break getaway, if you’re planning a longer trip, consider adding the other Baltic States to your itinerary. Riga, Latvia and Tallinn, Estonia are close by yet very different cities both aesthetically and culturally. Combining all three locations will give you one of the most incredible Christmas travel experiences in Europe.
Vilnius Christmas Market 2021
Vilnius Christmas Market dates: 27th November 2021 to 7th January 2022 (confirmed).
Location: Cathedral Square and Vilnius Old Town.
Reason to visit: The incredible Christmas tree and decorations in Cathedral Square.
Specialties: Vilnius Christmas train takes you around the city to see the decorations and markets.
Travel tip: Walk up the Cathedral Belfry for great photos of Vilnius Christmas market.
Recommended tour: Vilnius Holiday Traditions
Winter events: Visit the Christmas Design Square for something unique to Vilnius.
Vilnius weather in winter: Temperatures average 0°C / -5°C (high / low) in December.
Plan your trip: Resources to plan your Christmas holiday or winter break.
Where to stay: Artagonist Art Hotel or search our recommended Christmas hotels.
Hotels near Vilnius Christmas Market
If you would like to stay in a convenient, central location, read our guide to hotels near Vilnius Christmas Market. We list a range of accommodation types that cater to all budgets. Take the guesswork out of where to stay and avoid disappointment.
Vilnius Christmas Market Traditions
To get an overview of Vilnius’s holiday traditions, I suggest starting with a city tour that focuses on Lithuanian Christmas traditions, customs and specialties.
With this tour, a local guide will take you around the Christmas markets in Vilnius with a 3-hour eye-opening tour. You’ll learn about the city, the Lithuanian people and you’ll get to try some delicious Christmas food and treats.
Vilnius is known for the unusual Vilnius Christmas tree and this is something you can learn about on a tour or ask a local resident while you are there. But you don’t need a guide to see the tree, it can be found in the main square and it’s a spectacular sight. It is one of the most beautifully decorated Christmas trees in Europe.
At the Christmas fair, of course, you will want to try Lithuanian Christmas food or purchase locally made Lithuanian Christmas ornaments which you can take with you to decorate your Christmas tree at home.
Lithuanian Christmas Food
It’s not only Christmas food but unique Lithuanian food available at the Christmas market and in surrounding cafes and restaurants.
Vilnius restaurants have seen a resurgence in traditional Lithuanian food which incorporates local ingredients and old traditions with a new, modern viewpoint. Visit one of these restaurants for some of the best food in Vilnius.
Things to Do in Vilnius in Winter
- Vilnius Christmas Tree – In the centre of Cathedral Square, in Vilnius’s historic World Heritage listed old town, is one of the most stunning Christmas trees, decorated in white ornaments with Lithuanian style.
- Cathedral Belfry – For a small fee you can walk up the cathedral belfry for the best views of Vilnius from above.
- Gediminas Tower – A different but equally wonderful view of Vilnius is available at Gediminas Tower (€5 euro entrance fee). The view is particularly special at sunset.
- Town Hall Square – Another Christmas tree and unique decorations are on show in front of Vilnius Town Hall. This smaller Christmas market is a little quieter although it can get busy on the weekends.
- Vilnius Train Station – A little unexpected is a Christmas market at Vilnius Train Station. This is a more contemporary market with modern music, food trucks (actually they are train carriages serving food) and Lithuanian art.
The 2021 dates have been confirmed for the Christmas fair. However, travel and health restrictions may be in place and can change at any time. Please be sure to confirm the entry requirements before you go. For more information on things to do in Vilnius in December, visit Vilnius Tourism.
Map of Vilnius
If you have visited Vilnius in December or Christmas in Lithuania and would like to share your experience, leave a comment below.
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