Vilnius Crowned European Christmas Capital for 2025

Vilnius, the capital city of Lithuania, has officially secured the prestigious title of European Christmas Capital for the year 2025. This honor is bestowed by the European Christmas Towns Network, an organization operating with the backing of the European Parliament. The recognition stems from the city’s demonstrated ability to seamlessly blend long-standing Christmas traditions with contemporary urban characteristics, a balance highly commended by the international judging committee. The Network specifically lauded Vilnius for its dedication to fostering a festive atmosphere, the sheer beauty of its historic center—a designated UNESCO World Heritage site—and its proactive initiatives promoting sustainable development and strengthening community bonds.

The official launch of the Christmas season in Vilnius is slated for November 29, 2025, marked by the ceremonial lighting of the main Christmas tree situated in Cathedral Square. The centerpiece of the holiday celebrations, the Christmas market, is scheduled to operate from November 29 through December 28, 2025. The distinctive Christmas tree itself, renowned for its artistic, structural design, will remain on display until January 6, 2026. Furthermore, as part of the broader program, an ice rink will open on Town Hall Square, anticipated to welcome visitors until February 1, 2026, according to preliminary schedules. Organizers of the “Christmas in the Capital 2025” festival are ensuring a unified decorative scheme across all public areas, bridges, and major thoroughfares.

The central marketplace in Cathedral Square is set to feature approximately 40 stalls offering artisanal goods, while Town Hall Square will host a dedicated charity market. To inject novelty and encourage patronage of local crafts, a unique system involving seasonal currency—in the form of red pinecones—will be introduced for purchasing select items. A thematic Christmas train will provide transport, running along Pilies Street between Cathedral Square and Town Hall Square. Additionally, from December 1 to December 21, the Vincas Kudirka Square will host the Christmas Design Square, where over 60 Lithuanian and international designers will showcase their handcrafted creations. Injecting community spirit, the “Neighbors’ Christmas” initiative will deploy a minibus laden with treats to visit various city districts daily, starting November 30.

A notable element of this year’s program involves integrating the former Lukiškės Remand Prison into the festive offerings. This facility, which ceased operations as a penitentiary in 2019, has since been repurposed into the cultural hub known as “Lukiškės Prison 2.0.” The prison building, originally constructed in 1904 during the Russian Empire era, now functions as an art campus. It hosts studios for more than 250 artists alongside concert venues and various art installations. This transformation exemplifies Vilnius’s inventive approach to repurposing existing urban infrastructure for cultural enrichment, thereby imbuing a historic site with a completely new narrative.

Vilnius shares the spotlight in 2025 with other significant European locations.namely, Celje in Slovenia has received the title of European Christmas City, and Noja in Spain has been named the European Christmas Village. Last year, Vilnius successfully attracted close to 1.2 million visitors during the holiday season, positioning the city as an appealing alternative to major metropolises grappling with issues of overtourism. This latest accolade underscores the city’s commitment to delivering a high-caliber yet less congested Christmas experience, all while maintaining the exceptional quality of its seasonal offerings.