Choosing to spend the holidays in Lithuania means stepping into a season where long-standing traditions meet modern festive life. From sparkling Christmas trees to intimate meals shared with loved ones, the holiday spirit offers comfort, warmth, and memorable moments.
Whether it’s your first winter in Lithuania or not, these three tips will help you feel more festive during the holidays.
The holiday season in Lithuania always begins with festive Christmas tree lighting ceremonies. The main Christmas tree of the country stands in Cathedral Square in Vilnius, which was named the European Christmas Capital in 2025.
Each year, this place becomes a sparkling wonderland, with the tree’s elaborate design drawing visitors from across the country.
The Vilnius Christmas tree is surrounded by the Christmas market – take a stroll through it, taste sweet desserts, drink mulled wine, and buy handmade gifts for your loved ones.
Don’t stop after seeing the main tree – discover the most originally decorated places in other parts of Vilnius – this year, there is a special map for that. Follow the route through the Old Town and capture photos that will make your 2025 album stand out.
To make the experience even more memorable, consider taking the special Christmas train from Kaunas to Vilnius or the other way around.
This year, they feature patterns and lighting inspired by music, so expect instruments and Christmas songs.
The holiday season in Lithuania is closely linked to food. During December, cafés and bakeries decorate their spaces and offer seasonal treats with cinnamon, oranges, and poppy seeds, making them perfect stops during winter walks. Try Caffeine for warm festive drinks or Kasdienybės for a cosy spot in the city centre, known for matcha and sweet baked goods.
If you have a sweet tooth, Rotušės Square offers plenty of festive activities. On 21 December, from 14:00 to 16:00, you can join a cosy, hands-on workshop to bake and decorate Christmas gingerbread. And if that day doesn’t work for you, no worries – similar workshops take place on 22, 23, and 25 December at the same time, giving you more chances to try your hand at making holiday sweets.
During this season, keep an eye out for kūčiukai – you can find them in all local stores or try making them yourself. It’s not that hard!
If there is one dish that truly reflects how Lithuanians approach Christmas Eve, it’s herring. You’ll notice it appearing again and again on the table, each time prepared differently – marinated, mixed with onions, carrots, mushrooms, or beetroot.
If you get the chance, give it a try – even if it looks unusual at first.
Each year, all Lithuanians dream about a white Christmas, so wondering whether the holidays will be with snow is an annual thing. Sadly, according to the reports from the Lithuanian Hydrometeorological Service (LHMT), the most recent year with snow on Christmas was in 2012. In other years, snow either appeared only in certain regions or lasted for just one day. So, chances are slim this year.
Since you can’t rely on the weather to create a festive mood, try making it yourself by enjoying winter activities.
Head to the Vienybės Square in Kaunas, where you will find a real ice-skating rink surrounded by holiday lights and cheerful music, creating a magical atmosphere regardless of the weather. Another option for ice-skating enthusiasts is Raudondvaris in the Kaunas district. You can reach it by public transport, so dress warmly and prepare to try out your ice skates there as well!
If you are feeling adventurous, try Druskininkai Snow Arena. It is a slightly more expensive activity, but perfect for those who love winter sports, adrenaline, and want to experience snow. Here you can enjoy skiing or snowboarding, rent equipment and lessons for beginners, making it accessible for everyone.
