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Are you looking for somewhere new to experience the magic of Christmas this year? Lithuania’s fascinating capital city has some fun and quirky things to see and do over the festive season and what better way to spend the most wonderful time of the year?
Rockin’ around the Christmas tree
The Vilnius Christmas tree is a popular gathering spot and the centrepiece of the city’s Christmas celebrations. Set in Cathedral Square, the annual Christmas market operates around the tree. It’s a fun and jolly place to be in December, soaking up the sights and sounds of a Lithuanian Christmas.
The Christmas trees of Vilnius are famous for their original themes, and unique decorations. Last year’s showstopper was in the shape of a cake and 2023’s design is still shrouded in mystery for now.
For many years now, the Lithuanian capital’s Christmas trees have been recognised as some of the most creative in the world.
Vilnius Christmas tree lighting will take place on 1 December, 2023
Serving time at a Christmas Market behind bars
In addition to the main Christmas market, visitors can experience something really unique – a Christmas Market in a former prison! Lukiskes Prison no longer houses bad boy inmates but instead has become one of the city’s key event spaces.
Criminals, political prisoners, and exiles served their sentences from 1904 till 2019. The Prison complex survived both World Wars and the Soviet occupation.
It was reimagined and today it hosts many cultural, music and art events.
This year there are gastronomy based Christmas markets on specific dates (7-10 and 14-17 December).
Ice skating fit for a king
This year, and yet another unusual setting, an ice skating rink will be erected in the stunning inner courtyard of Valdovu Rumai, the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania. Previously, the palace was a political, diplomatic, administrative and cultural centre of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Imagine dancing across the ice knowing your skating on a part of history.
(Dates to be confirmed)
Christmas cookies… or fortune tellers?
Don’t forget to sample this sweet local delicacy that everyone bakes and eats during the festive season. You won’t need to don your apron and hit the kitchen, you can buy them in the shops. These little balls of poppy seeded dough, called kūčiukai, are usually washed down with a glass of cranberry…a taste of Christmas!
Local folklore will tell you that the cookies can foretell your romantic future. Grab a handful and count them and if you have an even number, it’s said you will find true love or even get hitched in the coming year. Get an odd number? You’ll just have to come back and try again next year.
Fiery fun at Liepkalnis Water Storage
This might not sound exciting at first glance but it’s super cool!
The historical underground water storage in the city is now a top visitor attraction and for Christmas it’s set to feature a unique fire installations exhibition.
One for the Insta
In Vilnius there’s a brilliant tradition where all the local businesses compete in a contest of the best Christmas decorations. It’s seriously competitive but the city looks magical as a result of their efforts. Visitors will be sure to get some stunning pics!
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