Vilnius Christmas Market: Everything You Need to Know (2026)
With the rise in worldwide popularity for European Christmas markets, I find that the Christmas market in Vilnius is a well kept secret. It’s smaller than some of the massive markets that you find in central Europe, with a fraction of the visitors. Vilnius has a very traditional Christmas feel, with its old town, slow pace, twinkling lights, lighter crowds, and a more calming and relaxed feel.
So if you’re thinking of trekking out to Vilnius for the Christmas market, no you’re not crazy! The markets in Germany and France look spectacular, but the market in Vilnius is smaller, calmer and has more of that Christmas feel that you can really enjoy, take relaxing strolls and feel at peace.
The date for the upcoming Vilnius Christmas Market this year will be: November 28th – December 27th, 2026
We didn’t mean to see Vilnius at Christmas specifcally, and I’m forever greatful we came here at this time of year. My husband and I are very seasoned travellers and wanted to see the Baltic countries, and Christmas just happened to be the best time for us to go. (I was working as a teacher and had vacation during the winter break.) I was blown away by Vilnius Christmas Market; it was heartwarming, beautful, and you could really feel the magic.
Useful Things to Know About the Vilnius Christmas Market
- There are technically two different ‘market’ areas at the Vilnius Christmas Market – one located in Cathedral Square, and the other outside the Town Hall. The walk between the two of them is only about 10-15 minutes, so you can easily walk back and forth, visiting them both.
- Both of the markets are amazing, and fairly small. So, I recommend to plan to do more in Vilnius besides just the markets. There are so many things to do in Vilnius during winter. In total, I think around 4 days is enough to enjoy the markets, plus see everything you’d want to see in Vilnius
- Weather in Vilnius in December generally falls between 0°C and -5°C. (32°F and 23°F.) Both rain or snow are possible at this time of year, although when we were there there was none of neither. It was just chilly.
- I highly recommend staying in Vilnius Old Town, especially during Christmas, so that you can get the most out of the attractions and the markets. It was useful being able to just walk from our hotel to both markets; we stayed at the Artagonist and it was an amazing hotel with a very elaborate and high quality breakfast buffet
Things to Do and See at the Vilnius Christmas Market
1. Two different Christmas trees
Both of the Vilnius Christmas market areas have their own tree. Similar to other Christmas markets, there is a new tree every year with slightly different features – but always much loved traditional ones that everyone looks forward to. The one by Cathedral Square is the ‘main’ tree – it usually stands over 100 feet tall, and is surrounded by the wooden rooftop vendor markets.
The Vilnius Christmas trees always have such unique and creative designs, and they’re becoming famous for it. I’m pretty certain that the Christmas tree you see in Vilnius will look different from any other tree you see worldwide. The above picture is their ‘chess-themed’ Christmas tree that they had when we were there. Look forward to seeing what their tree will look like in 2026!
2. Vendor Markets
The main vendor market is in the Cathedral Square area. You’ll find locals selling handicrafts, treats, presents, and artisan foods. We saw many hand-knitted socks, mitts and hats, Lithuanian candy, wooden carvings, and traditional Chrismtas treats that are eaten at this time of year.
One of our favourite things to buy at the vendor market was chocolate-covered fruit. We bought bananas, pineapple and even oranges all dipped in chocolate (pictured above) and they were delicious.
3. A Christmas train
We saw an adorable Christmas train that was ridden by children and their parents, playing Christmas carols in Lithuanian. I don’t believe adults can ride the train alone, but this might be fun to do if you’re in Vilnius with kids.
The train runs between Cathedral Square and Town Hall Square, and leaves every 30 minutes. Rides are free of charge. I think seeing the train go by is just as lovely as I can imagine it is to ride it! We didn’t ride it, but watching it go by was a really pretty experience.
5. Walk through beautifully lit up streets
In December, it gets dark in Vilnuis around 4:00-4:30pm. This gives you lots of time to wander around, enjoying the city by night. Vilnius was one of the most Christmasy cities I’ve ever visited. Their old town is 700 years old, and all of the narrow cobbled streets are so beautifully decorated for the season.
We spent so much time just walking around and admiring the little lights on all the streets. This is especially fun to do in the evening of course, after it gets dark. Personally, we thought it was also very beautiful at the twilight hour – when its not quite light or dark. The tip is to make lots lof time to walk around admiring the city between 3:30 and 4:30pm!
6. Snow globes selling mulled wine
In the town square area (the smaller Christmas market) there are a bunch of glass igloos where you can duck inside to buy some mulled wine. There aren’t usually a lot of seats inside the snow globes, but you get one if you’re lucky.
If there aren’t any available seats, then you can still take your mulled wine to go. The mulled wine in Lithuania often had orange liquor in it, and sometimes a slice of orange. Since seeing this tradition in Vilnius, we started adding sliced oranges to our own mulled wine at home.
7. Movies against the Cathedral
There are children’s movies played against the Cathedral in the main square leading up to the holiday season. They are just short movies, that most people are standing, crowding around to watch with kids sitting on shoulders. They are children’s movies, and they’re in Lithuanian.
8. Get your photos in front of the “Greetings” Sign
Also near the Cathedral Square Market was a large sign made with lit up small lights. Many tourists were lining up to get their photos in front of this sign. Each year, the exact features and what things look like during Christmas in Vilnius will vary. Vilnius has been making headlines recently for their unique trees and is making Christmas a priority. Check their Christmas market website for updates for new things added in 2026
9. Try some seasonal treats!
Lithuania has its own traditional Christmas dishes and treats which you can usually get at other times of year, but you’re very likely to see them during the holiday season. Look out for these treats as you wander through the markets.
- karštas vynas (mulled wine) It is usually made with Amarato liquor, has sliced orange, almonds and raisons in it. We had many of them during our visit, it was delicious
- meduoliai (gingerbread cookies) – they are a round, sort of puffy cookie. You may see them in vendor markets, but you can also find them in bags in the grocery store
- kūčiukai – a doughy pastry that is typically eaten on Chrismtas eve dinner. You can read about their history here.
10. Get a photo from above
One thing you will want to make sure you do in Vilnius (during Chrismtmas especially) is to enjoy the views of the city all lit up. From the top of Gedima’s Tower, you can see the city lit up and likely a view of the main Chrismtas tree far below, as seen here:
Gedimina’s Tower was build in the early 1400s, this tower is a historical site in Vilnius and worth the visit (Christmas or not.) It’s a bit of a ways from the city centre; you can either walk in 20 minutes or take a bus. From the top, you have the most amazing panoramic view of the whole city!
An alternative to get panoramic views of the city from above is to go to the Bell Tower, which is right beside the Cathedral Square Christmas Market (pictured below) It should cost around €5 per ticket, and you can see and take a photo of the main Christmas tree from above
Where to Stay During the Vilnius Christmas Market
- Budget: Happy Inn -A single bedroom apartment right in Old Town for an affordable price
- Mid-Range: Artagonist Hotel – This is we stayed during our Christmas trip to Vilnus and we loved it – it’s just steps away from the Town Square Christmas market. They served mulled wine in the lobby and we LOVED their best buffet breakfast
- Luxury: Conti Hotel –Short walking distance from many things right downtown. Has a buffet breakfast, as well as stylish suites
Other Things to Do at the Vilnius during the Christmas Market
Here are more things to do in Vilnius during the Christmas market to really get the experience and make for a memorable trip
Pro Tip: It gets dark between 4:30 and 5:30pm in Vilnius in December. We made our way to Gedmina’s Tower around 4pm. It was perfect, because we were able to watch it get dark, and see the city suddenly illuminate
1. Head to Trakai Castle
One of the upsides to visiting Vilnius in Winter is being able to see Trakai Castle on an island with a blanket of snow. The benefit of heading there in December is seeing this medieval castle all decorated for Christmas!
At Christmas time, the castle is decorated for the holidays. Its so beautiful, and one of the prettiest medievel castles with its stonny walls, medievel door arches, and with the Christmas decorations it feels like a fairy tale. We did a self-guided audio tour and walked all through the interior, and the exterior of the castle. We also stopped to grab a kibani, which is a traditional baked good of the Karaim people who live in the Trakai area.
Book your tour to Trakai here ($60 per person, 4-hour tour, hotel pick up included)
2. Head to the Uzupiz neighbourhood
Uzupis neighbourhood is worth visiting any time of the year, but during the holiday season, you’re likely to see some unique holiday decorations. The Uzupis neighbourhood is about a 20 minute walk from Old Town. We decided to walk there, but if you don’t want to walk, then taking an Uber is an option too.
For more ideas of things to do in Vilnius during the cold season, read my post on things to do in Vilnius in Winter
3. Go see the decorated Presidential Palace
We didn’t know about the Presidential Palace, and happened to just stumble upon it. It is closed at night, but it is always beautifully decorated for Christmas.
The word in the front linkėjimai, means “greetings.” If you’re interested in a way to learn about Lithuanian history, and warm up during the day, you can take a tour of the Presidential Palace. Guided tours are free of charge and can be booked here. (Page is in Lithuanian, but you can Google translate to your language.)
AN IMPORTANT TIP for Visiting Vilnius At Christmas
We found that oddly, it was hard to get into a restaurant during the Christmas season at Vilnius. Many of them had long line ups, or were completely full and we weren’t able to eat there. I recommend lining up for Etno Dvaras (traditional Lithuanian cusine located right downtown on Pillies street – amazing for winter) as its first-come first served. You can get in, you just have to wait. Other places turned us away all together, so I recommend just not getting your hopes up.
Vilnius can be combined with a trip to Latvia or Estonia, although you would need to drive. We rented a car in Vilnus, and drove it all the way to Tallinn and Riga. (9 hours one way.) If you do decide to do this drive, be sure to stop at Hill of the Crosses in Northern Lithuania, near the Latvian boarder. It’s not Christmasy perse, but its something you have to see when you’re in this part of the world!
What to Bring to Vilnius
- Be sure to dress warmly – hat, scarf, mitts, and good waterproof walking boots (as it can either snow, or rain in December.) It wasn’t as cold here as what we are used to in Canada, but as the city is very walkable – you’ll be outside a lot!
- Bring cash (in Euros.) We found many of the vendors took credit card, but it helps to have cash just in case.
Vilnius Chrismtas Market FAQ
Here are the most commonly asked questions about the Vilnius Christmas market
Is the Vilnius Christmas market good?
Yes, Vilnius Christmas Market is amazing. Part of what I love about it is that there are two different markets. While its very popular, it hasn’t quite hit the scale of the markets in Germany or France, and you can enjoy them without intense crowds.
Where are Vilnius Christmas markets?
There are technically two Christmas markets in Vilnius – the most well-known one is by the Cathedral Square. There is also another one about a 15-minute walk away from the Cathedral Square by the Town Square.
Are there Christmas markets in Lithuania?
Yes, Lithuania puts on amazing Christmas markets. There are many throughout the country – recently, their markets in its capital, Vilnius, have been getting some international attention for their very unique trees.
Final Thoughts on the Christmas Markets in Vilnius
Now you know about all the wonders of the Vilnius Christmas Market. It’s one of the prettiest holiday markets I’ve ever been to in my life. The old town in itself is an attraction, but decorated with festive lights, it’s such a special time to be in Vilnius. I hope that you have an amazing time celebrating Christmas in the beautiful, unique medieval town of Vilnius. We honestly loved it and would be so excited to return. We went to Vilnius Christmas Market with not too many expectations.