What will this year’s Advent markets be like in Vilnius? Program and important information in one place

Wondering which non-traditional European city to go to this year for the pre-Christmas atmosphere? 

Try the Baltics and fall in love with the Christmas markets in Vilnius.

In the article, we will tell you what awaits you here. 

Christmas markets in Vilnius

When it comes to Christmas, the Lithuanian capital, Vilnius, has several aces up its sleeve—for example, one of the most beautiful Christmas trees in the world, lavishly decorated with a new motif every year. Vilnius Christmas markets, with a variety of fun events, take place in two main locations in the city.

Christmas markets in the city center

Where and when will it all break out?

Vilnius Advent Fair Program

There are technically two different ‘market’ areas at the Vilnius Christmas Markets – one located in Cathedral Square and the other in front of the Town Hall. It only takes about 10-15 minutes to walk between them, so you can easily visit them back and forth. In addition, there is also a special Christmas train between the Cathedral and Town Hall Square every 30 minutes.

The Christmas Market at the City Hall is small but magical. The stalls are located inside glass snow globes, selling mulled wine, biscuits, and handcrafted gifts.

Both Christmas markets in Vilnius have their own Christmas trees. The Christmas Tree at Cathedral Square is beautiful and huge! To get a good photo of the Christmas Tree from above, get a ticket up the Bell Tower and try to take a photo through the mess wire covering the windows. 

The tree is decorated according to a different theme every year. From musical notes one year to detailed clock parts another year, this tree’s rich decorations are one of the highlights of any Christmas visit to Vilnius.

A fairytale house, a giant clock dial, and a birthday cake with 700 candles – these are some of the inventive designs of the Christmas tree of Vilnius over the last decade:

Of course, you’ll also find a number of wooden stalls selling typical food and drinks, as well as handmade gifts and ornaments to take home. In addition, you can look forward to many fun attractions for children.

A fair known as the International Christmas Charity Bazaar is held near the Vilnius Town Hall. Goods collected by the city’s embassies are sold here. This market has a little bit of everything, from handmade items to delicious snacks – with proceeds going to local charities.

You can get a better idea of ​​the Christmas markets in Vilnius by watching the following video.

Vilnius Christmas Markets - Lithuania. Ultimate City Walking Tour and Travel Guide. 4K HDR 60fps.

Interesting places in Vilnius

Vilnius boasts one of the best-preserved historical centers in Europe and can be considered one of the most beautiful cities of art. The old town is almost entirely protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In December, it gets dark in Vilnius around four o’clock in the afternoon. This gives you plenty of time to wander around the illuminated city.

Vilnius Cathedral

Vilnius Cathedral is worth a visit, primarily for its historical significance. It was built on the site of a sacred fire temple dedicated to the thunder god Perkunas and is considered to be the first place of worship dedicated to Catholicism, and thus the point from which the Christianization of Lithuania began.

The cathedral was built in an austere neoclassical style from 1779 to 1793. The belfry is very unusual, being separate from the cathedral.

Gediminas Castle

Today’s Gediminas Tower is a remnant of the old Vilnius Castle. Built-in the 9th century, the castle served not only as the residence of the Grand Duke of Lithuania but also as a key building of the city’s defense system from 1323.

The tower that you can see now is the result of a renovation and houses a museum. The national flag hung on the roof of the tower has a great symbolic meaning for all Lithuanians.

Over the centuries, it was torn down first by the Poles, then by the Nazis, and finally by the Russians, but the Lithuanians always put it up again. From the top of the tower there is a wonderful view of Vilnius and its surroundings.

Jewish Quarter

When the Nazis entered Vilnius in 1941, there were about 40,000 Jews living in the city. At that time, the Lithuanian capital was also called “Lithuanian Jerusalem.” When the Nazis were driven out by the Red Army in 1945, only a few hundred Jews remained in Vilnius, almost all of whom survived because they fled to the forests around the city.

Until the Nazi invasion, Jews in the city lived freely in their own quarter. Today, most of the buildings in the Jewish Quarter house institutions and organizations commemorating this period.

Why to Choose Vilnius For The Christmas Markets?

There are some reasons for choosing Vilnius for the Christmas Markets this year:

• cheaper to visit compared to other European cities
• a city we have not visited before
• supposedly quieter than some of the other European Christmas Markets

A Christmas Market Fairytale comes to its end

If you are looking for a Christmas market that offers a magical and intimate experience, we highly recommend considering Vilnius. This charming city, steeped in rich history and exuding a festive spirit, is sure to captivate your heart and leave you with a profound sense of wonder and appreciation for the enchanting beauty of the holiday season. From the cobblestone streets adorned with twinkling lights to the traditional crafts and heartwarming local delicacies, Vilnius offers a truly immersive and unforgettable holiday experience.

Get inspired by this video and visit Vilnius – you won’t regret it!

Amazing holiday wishes from unexpectedly amazing Vilnius