The festive season in the European Capital of Christmas 2025 officially opened, with thousands gathering in a sparkling Vilnius to celebrate as the city’s Christmas tree was lit. Vilnius was named Capital of Christmas by the European Parliament’s Christmas Cities Network in large part thanks to its iconic Christmas trees, which have become internationally renowned. The Vilnius Christmas tree was ranked first by European Best Destinations for two consecutive years.
Every year, Vilnius adopts an original theme for its Christmas tree that sets trends, with past themes including fairytales, birthday cakes, and clocks. This year’s tree embraces a traditional aesthetic featuring red and gold colors, resonating with a growing desire for nostalgia and authenticity during the holidays.
In PwC’s 2025 Holiday Outlook, survey respondents mentioned a wish to return to tradition amid economic uncertainty, with rituals and meaningful experiences prioritized even if holiday spending decreases.
“This is a special Christmas for Vilnius as we are the European Christmas Capital and the European Green Capital. Our tree this year sends a message to the whole continent that this is the season for genuine emotion and quality time. Joyful moments spent together are the most precious Christmas gifts we can have, and this stunning natural spruce, decorated in an original and classical way featuring red and gold colors, will create many of these moments for residents and visitors alike,” said Mayor of Vilnius, Valdas Benkunskas.
An authentic 205-square-meter installation that is 20 meters high
With the Old Town of the city adorned in sparkling lights and forest-inspired motifs, revellers gathered in the Cathedral Square for the unveiling of this year’s 20-meter Christmas tree, decorated with 25,000 warm white LED lights and 400 ornaments, showcasing an authentic, timeless aesthetic.
Visitors can enjoy the tree from a purpose-built, 3-meter-high viewing platform before exploring the surrounding Christmas market.
The entire structure for the Vilnius Christmas tree covers 205 square meters. It includes a platform, reminiscent of stepping onto a red carpet, allowing visitors to walk along it and take photographs. This platform stands 3 meters high and extends 17 meters in width.
For the 3rd consecutive year, the tree itself is a natural spruce, donated to the city by residents of Vilnius District.
A new tradition this year – Vilnius Christmas Before Christmas
The lighting of the Christmas tree kicks off an especially packed Christmas season for the Lithuanian capital, which includes a brand new tradition – Vilnius Christmas Before Christmas.
This one-day event, taking place on December 13, is aimed at everyone who can’t wait for Christmas. The whole city will be transformed as revellers enjoy a variety of special activities designed to evoke the magic of Christmas through the eyes of a 5-year-old. Highlights include festively decorated trains bringing visitors into the city, a special Christmas currency, a free Christmas card postal service, a 200-strong choir, free guided tours and much more.
Holiday Highlights in Vilnius
Throughout the festive season, visitors can enjoy the Vilnius Christmas Town in Cathedral Square which has the tree as its focal point. Open from November 29 to December 28, this Christmas market features 48 wooden huts arranged in a promenade style. Here, local businesses and artisans will be serving up a range of delicacies, including brightly colored candies, gingerbread, and mulled wine. The market is also ideal for buying unique Christmas gifts made by artists and artisans, such as scented candles, amber jewellery, and handmade wooden toys.
Another festive highlight in the square is the two-storey Christmas carousel which stands 10 meters high and has been created by Italian artisans in a traditional style.
Other festive features in Vilnius to look out for include the ice rink in Town Hall Square and the Christmas train that transports visitors on a 20 minute ride through Vilnius’ sparkling Old Town streets.
An easily-accessible Christmas capital
Vilnius is easily accessible via direct flight from Frankfurt, Copenhagen, Helsinki, and many other major cities across Europe, making it a perfect Christmas stop-off.
For those wishing to explore further, Vilnius also serves as a perfect base for regional holiday adventures, especially with Christmas-themed trains running throughout the festive period. Travellers can experience fairytale-inspired carriages on trains by LTG Link, Lithuania’s national railway, to popular destinations in Lithuania, including Kaunas, Klaipėda, and Trakai. Festive trains will also be available to Mockava, from where visitors can continue their journey by rail to Warsaw and Krakow. Vilnius also has convenient rail links to Riga and Tallinn.
