Planning to visit Vilnius in December? Good news! Here’s our monthly guide to most of the events and cultural happenings taking place in Vilnius in December.
It’s the last month of the year and that means that the Christmas spirit truly arrived in the city. The streets are bright, the city center is buzzing with charming Christmas markets, wonderful shows, and concerts. So don’t think much, pack your things and visit magical Vilnius in December.
30th of November: Lightning of Vilnius Christmas tree
Each year the main Vilnius Christmas tree is lighted in the heart of the city, Vilnius Cathedral Square. This Christmas tree is the biggest in Lithuania and technically the most complicated one.
The lightning of the Christmas tree will be followed by a live festive Christmas concert where a lot of Lithuanian celebrities participate.
The tree will stay until the 6th of January, so there will be plenty of time to enjoy it together with a cozy Christmas market around.
30th of November- 1st of February: Vilnius Ice Rink
This winter, Vilnius invites residents and visitors to lace up their skates at the Vilnius Ice Rink — set in the Town Hall Square (Rotušės aikštė).
Running from 30 November 2025 to 1 February 2026, the open-air rink spans roughly 900 m² and is designed as a wave-shaped, festive ice skating wonderland. Each skating session lasts 45 minutes, with a full schedule of sessions most days. Kalėdos Sostinėje+1 For pricing: children under 5 skate for free; for others, a 45-minute session with personal skates costs €4 (children) or €6 (adults), and with rental skates — €6 for children or €8 for adults.
Around the rink, the square transforms into a cozy winter stage — decorated with festive lights, Christmas atmosphere, and vendors offering warm drinks and treats — making it a perfect place for a winter evening stroll, a fun outing with friends or family, or a romantic skate under the lights.
As the ice rink is a popular activity, buy the tickets in advance to reserve the session.
The whole month of December: Christmas markets
Traditionally, the main Vilnius squares, Vilnius Cathedral Square and Vilnius Town Hall, will be buzzing with Christmas markets accompanied by Christmas songs, hot-wine, cinnamon smell and colorful gingerbread.
The whole month of December: Christmas Concerts
“Musical Christmas” at “White Piano Hall”
The concerts in white Piano Hall are special, because of the place. Located in the former Franciscan Monastery this concert hall creates the magical atmosphere for Christmas music. This year a wide range of concerts for different tastes from Classics and Romanticism to Gospel and Jazz will take place there.
Check the program here.
Buy tickets here.
Christopher’s Christmas
Christopher’s summer festival is one of the biggest music festivals in Lithuania. A few years ago it started organizing festive winter season concerts and does it well! It is one more opportunity to feel Christmas spirit in Vilnius. This year carefully selected programs offer different genres of music from well-known films (such as Harry Potter, Amelie, Pirates of the Caribbean, Schindler’s List) to the passionate tango and brilliant musicals.
Check out the program here.
The whole month of December: The Christmas Train
The Vilnius Christmas Train has become a part of a holiday tradition inviting the smallest passengers and their parents to take a magical ride inside the joyful Christmas train.
The train station is located at a special stop opposite Cathedral Square. Price – 5 Eur. You can also buy ticket here.
Working hours:
I–IV, VII 12:00–20:00
V–VI 11:00–22:00
The whole month of December: The Christmas Carousel
This holiday season, Vilnius brings festive charm to Cathedral Square with its bright and beautifully decorated Christmas Carousel. Operating from 30 November 2025 to 3 January 2026, the Italian-made, double-decked carousel lights up the square with warm colors, music, and classic holiday design. A ride costs €6 per person, making it a cheerful and enchanting stop for families and visitors enjoying the city’s Christmas atmosphere.
No need to book it in advance, just show up at the spot, buy the ticket and take the cheerful ride!
1st of December: Beginning of Advent
Have you know that despite Advent calendars starting on December the 1st, the real begin of Advent can fall as early as November 27 or as late as December the 3rd.
And here is the explanation.
In religious tradition, Advent is the period of four Sundays before Christmas, so traditionally it starts on Sunday. Celebrating it with an Advent wreath is a popular Christian custom. One candle is lit each Sunday as a part of the Advent services. The middle or separate candle is lit on Christmas Day and represents Jesus, the light of the world.
Advent means “Coming” in Latin, so for Christians, it’s the time of concentration, fasting, and preparation of the coming of Christ at Christmas.
6th of December: Cheerful Christmas Run
Since 1976 the Vilnius Christmas run invites hundreds of male and female runners to jog around the old town in freezing temperatures. Most of the participants prepare special clothing for a race. The crowd of Santa Claus, Snowflakes and Dwarfs will rock the city center of Vilnius. For that reason, it is super fun not only to participate but also to watch the crowd! The strongest runners will run 12 km that symbolizes 12 months of the year.
Winter is cold, running is warm!
Registration and more information here
6th, 20th, 27th of December – Christmas walking Tours
Visiting Vilnius during the Christmas season? It’s the perfect time to experience the city at its most magical. This year, our team has created a special holiday edition — a bright and festive Christmas Walking Tour that leads you through the most charming and beautifully decorated corners of Vilnius. Along the way, you’ll discover both old and modern holiday traditions that make this season so unique. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss!
Tour dates:
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6 December at 11:00
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20 December at 15:00
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27 December at 15:00
Price: €25 per person.
The tour will take place on three Saturdays of December:
- 6th of December at 11:00
- 20th of December at 15:00
- 27th of December at 15:00
The price – 25 eur per person.
Please read more about it here.
The 12th and 13th of December: Great Christmas Fair in Vilnius
The whole day in Litexpo exhibition center will be dedicated to Christmas gifts market. More than 200 salesmen from the whole Lithuania and neighboring countries will offer their food, drink, clothes, little things for home and other cozy gifts.
The place: Litexpo Exhibition center.
The entrance is free.
The 13th of December: Most Christmassy Day
To be updated soon
From 20th to 22nd of December: Uptown Christmas: Last minute Market
Traditionally arts’ factory “Loftas” just a few days before Christmas organizes the last minute market for those who run, rush and did not find the right gifts yet. Like the organizers say, this is nontraditional Christmas fair with trendiest designers and creators gifts and original Christmas soundtracks. Don’t expect to hear the “boring shopping mall Christmas music” here.
More information can be found here.
The entrance is free.
The 24th, 25th and 26th of December – public holidays
Christmas in Lithuania
Did you know that Lithuania was the last pagan country in Europe till 14 th century? Nevertheless, today, according to the last census most Lithuanians (74% ) consider themselves being Catholics.
Maybe because of this fact or for other cultural reasons, Christmas is truly the most important celebration through all the year in Lithuania. We have three full days off! The longest official holidays in a year. Can you imagine this? Public holidays from 24th to 26th dedicated entirely to family time.
Preparation for Christmas usually begins in December. People decorate their houses, search for presents, think about their family members. Even though the Christmas is commercialized with hundreds of decorations, lights, overpriced markets and fake discounts, this time of the year is still very special. Most importantly, it brings all the family together. It’s a time to apologize, forgive and reconnect. So let’s put all the commercial stereotypes aside and concentrate on the true meaning of Christmas.
24th of December: Christmas Eve
The Christmas Eve is probably the most important from all the days in Lithuania. The whole day family members work hard at home, prepare dishes, scrub the house. Once evening begins to fall it’s tradition to all the family members to gather together and share the blessed Christmas wafer.
25th and 26th of December – Christmas
Christmas morning is the most thrilling moment of all — everyone rushes to the Christmas tree at the crack of dawn to see what Kalėdų Senelis, the Lithuanian Santa Claus, brought during the night. After this joyful ritual, excited children and their parents gather around the table once again, ready to continue celebrating and spending time with family members. On this day, a festive meal is prepared, with roast turkey or pork usually taking centre stage on the Christmas table.
In general both Christmas days are usually more relaxed and social. Many people visit relatives, meet friends, enjoy long walks in the city or nature, and continue sharing festive meals. It’s a calm, joyful day that allows everyone to extend the warmth of Christmas just a little longer.
Last tips about the weather in December
If you visit Vilnius in December, have in mind that the weather is the lottery. It can be cold, rainy or snowy. Most people wear warm gloves, waterproof heavy coats, and caps.
Warm socks and good shoes is a must for comfortable walks in a chilly weather. So before your trip to Vilnius, check the weather forecast very carefully and prepare accordingly.