Christmas in Vilnius is one of the most atmospheric winter experiences in the Baltics. The compact Old Town fills with lights, festive stalls, warm drinks, family activities, and seasonal events. In 2026, the Vilnius Christmas season officially begins on 28 November. The celebrations continue through Christmas, New Year, and early January. Visitors can explore the Vilnius Christmas Market, see the famous Christmas tree, skate in Town Hall Square, ride the Christmas Train, and discover several special events. This guide covers the Best Christmas events in Vilnius in 2026, confirmed dates, family activities, and practical tips.

Christmas in Vilnius 2026: Key Dates

Here are the most important confirmed dates for the 2026 festive season.

Event	Dates	Location
Christmas Tree Lighting & International Charity Bazaar	28 November 2026	Cathedral Square & Town Hall Square
Vilnius Christmas Market	28 November–27 December 2026	Cathedral Square
Christmas Carousel	28 November–6 January 2027	Cathedral Square
Christmas Train	28 November–3 January 2027	Vilnius Old Town
Vilnius Ice Rink	29 November–25 January 2027	Town Hall Square
Slowest Christmas Marathon	12 December 2026	Starts at Cathedral Square
Design Square	15–20 December 2026	Vilnius
Maltesers’ Soup Day	17 December 2026	Vilnius
New Year’s Eve	31 December 2026	Cathedral Square

The complete official Christmas programme is expected on 12 November 2026.

Vilnius Christmas Tree Lighting

The Vilnius Christmas Tree Lighting traditionally marks the beginning of the festive season. In 2026, the ceremony takes place on Saturday, 28 November, in Cathedral Square. The event is currently scheduled to begin around 19:00.

The design of the tree remains secret until the official unveiling. That surprise has become part of the Vilnius Christmas tradition. Previous trees have featured imaginative concepts ranging from fairy tales to giant clocks. Vilnius has become internationally known for its unusual Christmas tree designs. The tree will remain in Cathedral Square until 6 January 2027.

When: 28 November 2026
Where: Cathedral Square
Best for: First-time visitors, couples, families and photographers.

If you visit Vilnius for only one Christmas weekend, this is a strong date to choose.

Vilnius Christmas Market 2026

The Vilnius Christmas Market 2026 opens together with the Christmas tree on 28 November. The market occupies Cathedral Square and remains open until 27 December 2026. Wooden Christmas houses sell festive food, drinks, handmade products, decorations, and gifts. Expect seasonal sweets, gingerbread, hot chocolate, warm festive drinks, candles, amber products, and handmade souvenirs.

The setting makes the market particularly special. Vilnius Cathedral stands beside the square, while the illuminated Christmas tree dominates the centre. Unlike some of Europe’s largest Christmas markets, Vilnius remains relatively compact. You can combine the market with the Old Town without spending hours travelling between attractions.

Vilnius Christmas Market Opening Hours
The announced opening hours are:
Monday–Wednesday: 12:00–20:00
Thursday: 12:00–21:00
Friday–Saturday: 12:00–22:00
Sunday: 11:00–20:00

Special Christmas opening hours apply on 24–26 December.
When: 28 November–27 December 2026
Where: Cathedral Square

The Slowest Christmas Marathon

One of the most unusual and best Christmas events in Vilnius in 2026 is completely new in spirit. The Slowest Christmas Marathon takes place on 12 December. This is not a traditional race. There is no reason to run, chase a personal record, or finish quickly. The idea is exactly the opposite: explore festive Vilnius slowly.

Participants can choose routes of:
• 3 km;
• 10 km;
• 21 km;
• 42.195 km.

The routes lead through festive streets, courtyards, cafés, and lesser-known corners of Vilnius.

Participants complete playful challenges and discover Christmas stops along the way. The event starts at Cathedral Square at 12:00 and participation is free. It is an excellent option for visitors who want to experience Christmas beyond the main market.

When: 12 December 2026
Where: Start at Cathedral Square
Price: Free

Vilnius Christmas Ice Rink

Ice skating returns to the heart of the Old Town in 2026. The Vilnius Ice Rink opens at Town Hall Square on 29 November and remains there until 25 January 2027. The open-air rink covers almost 900 square metres. A skating session lasts 45 minutes.

This is one of the best Christmas activities in Vilnius for families, couples, and groups of friends. Town Hall Square is also surrounded by restaurants and cafés. That makes it easy to combine skating with dinner or a warm drink afterwards.

When: 29 November 2026–25 January 2027
Where: Town Hall Square

The rink stays open long after the Christmas Market closes, making it a good option for January visitors too.

Christmas Train Through Vilnius Old Town

Travelling with children? Vilnius Christmas Train is one of the easiest ways to see the decorated Old Town. The train begins operating on 28 November 2026 and continues until 3 January 2027. The main stop is near Cathedral Square at Šventaragio Street 2.

Its route passes some of the most attractive streets in central Vilnius, including Pilies and Didžioji streets. The experience is particularly enjoyable after dark, when the Old Town lights become more visible.

When: 28 November 2026–3 January 2027
Where: Start near Cathedral Square

For families looking for Christmas things to do in Vilnius with kids, this should be near the top of the list.

Christmas Carousel in Cathedral Square

A traditional two-storey Christmas carousel returns to Cathedral Square. The carousel stands beside the Christmas Market and main city tree. Its classic design, lights, colourful figures, and location make it one of the most photogenic family attractions. The carousel operates throughout the festive period.

When: 28 November 2026–6 January 2027
Where: Cathedral Square

It is particularly convenient for families because the market, Christmas tree, carousel, and Christmas Train are all located close together.

Design Square: Christmas Shopping from Lithuanian Designers

Visitors looking for more original Christmas gifts should keep 15–20 December in their travel plans. Design Square brings together Lithuanian designers and makers. It is a good place to look beyond standard souvenirs and discover locally made products. Expect fashion, accessories, home objects, gifts, and contemporary Lithuanian design.

When: 15–20 December 2026
The detailed 2026 programme and location should be reconfirmed closer to the event.

Christmas Run in Vilnius

For visitors who prefer a more energetic Christmas tradition, the annual Vilnius Christmas Run is expected on 5 December 2026. Participants traditionally run through decorated central Vilnius in festive clothing. Santa hats, costumes, and Christmas accessories create a much more playful atmosphere than a standard city race. The event is suitable for both serious runners and visitors looking for an unusual Christmas experience.

When: 5 December 2026
Where: Central Vilnius

Check the final route and registration details before travelling.

International Charity Bazaar

Christmas in Vilnius also includes several charity traditions.
The International Christmas Charity Bazaar is planned for 28 November, the same day as the Christmas Tree Lighting. The event traditionally brings together international communities, embassies, volunteers, and charitable organisations. Visitors can find food, gifts, and products connected with different countries. Funds raised support charitable causes in Lithuania.

When: 28 November 2026
Where: Town Hall Square, from 12:00.

This event offers a different experience from the main Christmas Market and reflects Vilnius’s increasingly international character.

New Year’s Eve at Cathedral Square

If your Christmas city break continues through New Year, stay for 31 December. The main public New Year celebrations take place around Cathedral Square and the Cathedral Bell Tower.
A special visual projection is planned for the Bell Tower. The historic centre becomes busy before midnight, so arrive earlier if you want a good view.

When: 31 December 2026
Where: Cathedral Square and Bell Tower

Is Vilnius good choose for visiting at Christmas?

Yes, especially if you prefer a compact European Christmas city.

Vilnius combines a UNESCO-listed Old Town, a well-known Christmas tree, seasonal markets, winter activities, restaurants, and relatively short walking distances.

It is also easy to add a second experience outside the city.

You could combine your Vilnius Christmas trip with:

• husky trekking;
• seasonal dog sledding;
• a countryside sauna;
• SPA;
• forest accommodation;
• Trakai Castle visiting;

This makes Vilnius suitable for both a short weekend and a longer winter holiday.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Christmas in Vilnius start in 2026?
The official Christmas season starts on 28 November 2026 with the Christmas Tree Lighting.

When is the Vilnius Christmas Market 2026?
The main Christmas Market runs from 28 November to 27 December 2026.

Where is the Vilnius Christmas Market?
The main market is located in Cathedral Square.

When is the Vilnius Christmas Tree Lighting?
The Christmas Tree Lighting takes place on 28 November 2026.

Is the Vilnius Christmas Market free?
Entry to the Christmas Market itself is free. Individual attractions, food, drinks, and purchases have separate prices.

Is Vilnius good for Christmas with children?
Yes. The Christmas Train, carousel, market, tree, and ice rink make Vilnius particularly family-friendly.

Is there an ice rink in Vilnius at Christmas?
Yes. The Town Hall Square ice rink operates from 29 November 2026 until 25 January 2027.

What are the best Christmas events in Vilnius in 2026?
Highlights include the Christmas Tree Lighting, Christmas Market, Slowest Christmas Marathon, ice rink, Christmas Train, carousel, and Design Square.

Can I combine Christmas in Vilnius with winter activities?
Yes. Vilnius Relax can combine a city stay with huskies, winter nature experiences, SPA, private tours, and other activities.

Plan Your Christmas Trip to Vilnius with Local Experts

The best Christmas events in Vilnius in 2026 make the city ideal for a winter weekend or longer festive holiday. Visit the Christmas Market, admire the famous tree, skate in the Old Town, ride the Christmas Train, and explore Vilnius at a slower winter pace.

Vilnius Relax has more than 12 years of local travel experience. We can organise private transfers, tours, winter activities, countryside experiences, and tailor-made programmes across Lithuania.

Tell us your dates, group size, and interests.

Contact Vilnius Relax for a free consultation and personalised Christmas itinerary in Lithuania.