Vilnius Cathedral Square will soon transform into a Christmas wonderland renowned across Europe. On November 28, the city’s biggest seasonal attraction will light up: the Vilnius Christmas Tree. The Christmas market will open alongside it, marking the start of “Christmas in the Capital”, Vilnius’s most spectacular and popular winter festival. The event attracts thousands of visitors and delights locals and tourists until Epiphany. As a result, visitors can enjoy at least five to six weeks of exceptional seasonal events. The celebrations bring a magical atmosphere to venues across the city centre and even to neighbourhoods further from the heart of Vilnius.
Christmas in Vilnius 2026 preparations are already underway. The city has announced key dates for the Christmas tree lighting, Christmas Market, ice rink and other seasonal attractions. Meanwhile, an international Christmas campaign invites visitors to experience Vilnius more slowly and more deeply during the festive season. Every year, the carefully curated “Christmas in the Capital” programme stands out for its commitment to tradition. In addition, it features high-quality entertainment and educational activities for the whole family.
Vilnius Christmas Tree
Location: Cathedral Square
Dates: November 28, 2026 – January 6, 2027
Christmas tree lighting ceremony: November 28, 2026
Vilnius will officially launch the 2026 festive winter season on Saturday, November 28, when the Christmas tree lights up Cathedral Square. The tree is the centrepiece of the Christmas celebrations in Vilnius and a beloved Christmas symbol for Lithuania. Visitors can stroll through the festive city and admire the enchanting Vilnius Christmas Tree in Cathedral Square until January 6, 2027, inclusive.
The Vilnius Christmas Tree has become an essential part of “Christmas in the Capital” and a beloved Christmas symbol throughout Lithuania. Each year, the city’s iconic tree impresses visitors with a new design. In fact, it regularly features on lists of the most beautiful Christmas trees in Europe and around the world. As a result, Vilnius has earned a reputation as one of Europe’s most magical Christmas destinations.
Vilnius Christmas market
Location: Cathedral Square
Dates: November 28 – December 27, 2026
The Christmas Market is an essential part of the “Christmas in the Capital” tradition. Renowned for its festive atmosphere, lively stalls, and tempting seasonal treats, the market will surely once again welcome visitors to Cathedral Square this year. Moreover, guests will have plenty of time to explore the stalls and soak up the seasonal ambiance, as the market will run from November 28 to December 27, 2026, inclusive.
Christmas Market opening hours:
- Monday–Wednesday: 12:00–20:00
- Thursday: 12:00–21:00
- Friday–Saturday: 12:00–22:00
- Sunday: 11:00–20:00
- December 24: 11:00–17:00
- December 25–26: 12:00–21:00
Christmas train
Boarding point: 2 Šventaragio Street, Vilnius
Dates: November 28, 2026 – January 3, 2027
The Christmas train will return to Vilnius Old Town on November 28, delighting residents and visitors throughout the festive season. Enjoy a fun ride and admire the beautifully decorated capital until January 3, 2027, inclusive.
The main boarding stop will be next to Cathedral Square, near the Ministry of the Interior building at 2 Šventaragio Street. Meanwhile, the circular route will follow these streets: Šventaragio Street – Pilies Street – Didžioji Street – Šv. Jono Street – Universiteto Street – Šventaragio Street.
Train operating hours:
- Monday–Thursday and Sunday: 12:00–20:00
- Friday–Saturday: 11:00–22:00
- December 24: 11:00–20:00
The Christmas train timetable will be published from November 12.
Christmas carousel
Location: Cathedral Square
Dates: November 28, 2026 – January 6, 2027
This year, a spectacular two-storey Christmas carousel will once again enhance the festive atmosphere in the Christmas Market area. Meanwhile, the attraction will offer visitors another way to enjoy the seasonal celebrations.
Crafted by skilled artisans, the carousel combines a modern structure with classic design. Meanwhile, warm lights, vibrant ornaments and colourful figures decorate this impressive 10-metre-high attraction. As a result, it creates an enchanting setting where visitors can enjoy the ride and spend at least five minutes immersed in a childhood fairy tale.
The carousel will operate from November 28, 2026, to January 6, 2027, inclusive.
Opening hours:
- Monday–Thursday: 12:00–22:00
- Friday–Saturday: 11:00–23:00
- Sunday: 11:00–22:00
- December 24: 11:00–20:00
Vilnius ice rink
Location: Town Hall Square
Dates: November 29, 2026 – January 25, 2027
Opening celebration: November 29, 2026
The festive Vilnius Ice Rink will surely return to the heart of Vilnius Old Town at Town Hall Square. As in previous years, this winter attraction invites locals and visitors to enjoy outdoor skating in a magical Christmas setting.
After skating, visitors can relax with hot drinks and delicious food while soaking up the festive atmosphere. Whether you are visiting with family or friends, the ice rink offers a wonderful way to enjoy winter in Vilnius.
The Vilnius ice rink at Town Hall Square will be open from November 29, 2026, to January 25, 2027.
Ice rink opening hours:
- Monday–Thursday: 10:00–22:00
- Friday–Saturday: 10:00–23:15
- Sunday: 10:00–22:00
Each skating session lasts 45 minutes. However, places in each session are limited.
Vilnius Christmas Run 2026
Christmas in Vilnius would not be complete without festive street celebrations, seasonal scents, sparkling lights and, of course, a Christmas run. On December 5, one of the city’s cosiest winter traditions will return to Vilnius Old Town. Rather than focusing solely on competition, the Christmas Run celebrates community spirit and festive cheer.
In addition, the event stands out for its joyful atmosphere and participants’ creative outfits. Runners dress up in Christmas costumes and other festive attire, adding colour and fun to the occasion. This year, however, the celebration promises to feel even more magical.
The event is scheduled to take place after dark, allowing participants to experience the sparkling Christmas lights and enchanting atmosphere of Vilnius streets. To make the event even more spectacular, organisers encourage runners to add illuminated accessories to their festive outfits.
These could include glowing hats, headbands, fairy lights or other light-up decorations. As a result, the runners will create a spectacular trail of Christmas lights through the city.
Register for the Vilnius Christmas Run 2026
New Year’s Eve in Cathedral Square
Location: Cathedral Square and the Vilnius Cathedral Bell Tower
Date: December 31, 2026
Welcoming the New Year by the Cathedral Bell Tower in Cathedral Square has become a cherished Vilnius tradition. In fact, every year, residents and visitors gather here to celebrate this special occasion.
On New Year’s Eve, the Cathedral Bell Tower comes to life with a colourful video projection installation. As a result, the spectacular display invites everyone to welcome the New Year together.
This year, the tower will feature a modern light installation. Moreover, it will be the ninth installation of its kind in recent years, offering a sustainable and contemporary alternative to fireworks. In this way, Vilnius continues to celebrate the New Year with a visually striking and environmentally conscious approach.
The installation will be on display from 22:00 on December 31, 2026, until 01:00 on January 1, 2027.
