Vilnius in December – It’s Not Just Twinkly Lights!

Vilnius in December? It can’t be Christmas market time already, surely?! This year seems to be flying by and with Christmas just around the corner it’s time to think about European Christmas markets and which one to visit.

I love Europe in December and Christmas markets in particular. There’s something about the cold, frosty, sometimes snowy weather punctuated by decorated trees, twinkly lights and burning candles that makes me joyful (if not triumphant!) and is in stark contrast to the glorious Christmas summers spent at home in New Zealand.

When it comes to Christmas market destinations, I think the Baltic States can sometimes be overlooked in favour of the other European countries. This is a real shame as this part of Europe, with, amongst other things, its long history, impressive architecture and historic town centres has a lot to offer visitors. As such, Vilnius is definitely one Christmas market destination you should have on your radar.

In this post I’ll share what you can do in Vilnius in December. I’ll provide information about the Vilnius Christmas markets, answer some frequently asked questions and give you a few suggestions for other activities you can add to your Vilnius itinerary. I’ll also provide a general travel guide and some travel tips so you too can have a great time visiting Vilnius in December.

Frequently Asked Questions

Before I launch into talking about Vilnius in December, it’s helpful to answer just a few FAQs:

1. Is Vilnius worth visiting in December?

Yes! When I’m considering which Christmas markets to visit, I want to choose somewhere that not only has an enjoyable market vibe but is a place that has an interesting history and culture and with a variety of sights to keep a visitor happy. I had already visited Tallinn in Estonia and Riga in Latvia, so Vilnius Lithuania seemed an obvious choice. Visiting Vilnius did not disappoint and I highly recommend visiting Vilnius in December…read on for why!

2. Does Vilnius have a Christmas market?

Absolutely! The 2026 Vilnius Christmas markets will run from 28 November 2025 to 27 December 2026. 

3. Is there snow in Vilnius in December?

I have written a section below about the weather in Vilnius in December…read on for all the details…

4. How many days in Vilnius?

I would recommend staying between two to four days in Vilnius. I spent 2 nights there and packed in quite a lot. You could also spend just the one day in Vilnius of course, however if you are intent on visiting for the Christmas markets, then I would suggest staying longer.

Getting To Vilnius

Direct flights are available from London to Vilnius Airport (VNO) and take around 2.5 hours. I flew from London City airport with LOT Airlines. Direct flights are also available from other UK and European cities. You can check available flights and book here:

Train and bus travel from European cities is also possible.

Getting to/from the Airport

Vilnius international airport is about 6km from Vilnius city centre. In order to get from the airport to the city centre there are the following options:

1. Vilnius Public Transport

There are several buses operating between the city centre and the airport (and surrounding areas of the city):

• Bus 88 (airport – centre – Europa Square) runs every 20-30 minutes
• Buses 1 and 2 (airport – railway station) runs every 20-30 minutes
• Express bus 3G (airport – centre) runs every 10 minutes
• Night bus 88N (airport – centre – Europa Square) runs every 30 minutes between 22.30 and 5.30

The city centre bus station is located close to the train station.

Check the official Vilnius Airport website for details of the bus stops at the airport, current prices for tickets and ticket purchasing methods including the transportation Trafi app and Vilniečio card.

2. Train

A train runs regularly between the airport and Vilnius railway station. The train stop is located next to the airport terminal. Check the official Vilnius Airport website for the current timetable and ticket prices.

3. Taxi

Taxi services operate to and from the airport. The taxi stand is located next to the arrival terminal. I took a taxi although public transport will always be cheaper.

4. Car Sharing Systems

Car sharing service providers Bolt, Spark and Citybee all operate to and from Vilnius airport. Check the airport map on the official Vilnius Airport website for location information.

4. Private Transfer

If you prefer the comfort of knowing you have transport arranged, you can pre-book a private transfer although this will likely be the more expensive option.

Where To Stay

As with all European cities, there is a wide range of accommodation choices in Vilnius. I stayed at the Novotel Vilnius Centre which is located in the city center, a short walk from Cathedral Square. If you’re looking for other options, you can check availability and book here:

Currency

Lithuania is a member of the European Union and as such has adopted and uses the Euro (€).

A Bit About Vilnius

Vilnius is the capital city of Lithuania and was founded by Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas. The City was first mentioned in a letter dated 25 January 1323 written by the Grand Duke to various German and other cities inviting people to come and live in the Grand Duchy where they could practice their faith and trade without any restrictions. Because this letter contains the first reference to Vilnius, 1323 is considered to be the founding year of the City. Vilnius therefore spent 2023 celebrate its 700th anniversary!

Vilnius, and Lithuania generally, has had an eventful history. Invasions, wars, civil war, the establishment of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, annexations by Russia, occupation and finally independence in 1991 all mean that there is a lot to see and learn.

The medieval Vilnius Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Vilnius Christmas Markets

As with many European cities, Vilnius takes on a fairy tale feel to it in December. With Christmas lights and decorations everywhere, not to mention its beautiful Christmas tree, Vilnius at Christmas is magical.

The crowning glory in Vilnius’ festive season is, as I mentioned above, its main Christmas tree located in Cathedral Square. The 2019 Vilnius Christmas tree took on a chess theme, with the tree surrounded by various chess pieces. The Vilnius Christmas tree 2023 was a natural tree and the 2024 Vilnius Christmas tree was a bauble. And there 2026 tree? Well that remains to be seen! Vilnius is understandably proud of its Christmas trees – check out these images of their past trees and you’ll see why!

The main Christmas market is located in Cathedral Square. Here, wooden chalets/stalls surround the tree, each selling different products, from traditional Lithuanian food and drink through to the usual handmade items. Although not large in terms of the numbers of stalls, the atmosphere is typically Christmassy. When I visited, there was also a nativity scene on Cathedral Square.

A second, smaller Christmas market is located at Town Hall Square in Vilnius’ Old Town. 

The Christmas tree at Town Hall Square is smaller than that in Cathedral Square but just as much a focal point for the holiday season. The market here was a more modern affair with glass igloo structures housing the different stalls rather than traditional wooden chalets.

A little Christmas train usually runs between Cathedral Square and Town Hall Square during the Christmas market. Look out too for the open air ice skating rink, the location of which changes each year. In 2023, it was in the courtyard of the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania (learn more about that Palace below). In 2025 it was at Town Hall Square.

Vilnius Pass

As part of finalizing your itinerary, you may want to consider purchasing a Vilnius Pass. This pass will give you free or discounted access to various sites and activities. Check the official Vilnius Pass website for information as to pricing and inclusions.

What to See and Do

Whether you are planning a one day itinerary or a longer city break, there is plenty on offer to keep you busy. To help you get the most out of your visit, here’s my list of some of the things to see and do in Vilnius in December:

1. Join a Walking Tour 

I’m a big fan of walking tours. I believe they are a great way to get to know a city and a local! Check out Freetour and Guruwalk for free (tips based) walking tour options. 

Alternatively, you may want to consider these walking tour options:

2. Explore Cathedral Square

Cathedral Square is the main square in the Old Town. It’s a large, paved, open area which plays a prominent role in City life, not just as an easily recognisable meeting place but as a location for fairs, military parades, public gatherings, New Year celebrations and the like.

3. Visit the Cathedral Basilica of St Stanislaus and St Ladislau of Vilnius

Located to the side of Cathedral Square is the Cathedral Basilica of St Stanislaus and St Ladislau of Vilnius. Often referred to as Vilnius Cathedral, this is the main Roman Catholic Church of Lithuania. It is thought the site was used for worship in pre-Christian times, although construction of the current Cathedral began in 1779 and was completed in 1783.

4. See the Bell Tower

A few metres in front of the Cathedral stands the Bell Tower. At 57 metres tall (including the cross) it began life as part of the City’s defences in the 13th century. Although the lower parts of the Bell Tower are medieval, the upper most parts date from the 19th century. The clock at the top is the oldest in the City. You can climb up the tower for wonderful views over the City – the admission charge is currently €6 (concessions available). Check the official Bell Tower website for up to date visitor information.

5. Explore the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania

Behind the Cathedral you will find the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania. The original Palace dated from the 15th century but it was demolished in 1801. Construction began on this Palace in 2002 and was completed in 2018. It is in the Renaissance style to match the Cathedral. The site is of course much older, with stone structures having been located within the Palace area in the 13th and 14th centuries. There have also been suggestions that there was a wooden palace on the site at some point too.

The Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania houses a museum. There are 4 routes that visitors can choose from (or do all 4!). They cover the Palace history, archeology and architecture (route 1), restored interior (route 2), daily life and weaponry (route 3) and the exhibition centre (route 4). Prices differ depending on which route you choose but it will cost €15 for routes 1-4 (concessions are available).

Check the official Palace website for up to date visitor information.

6. Visit Gediminas’ Tower

Standing in Cathedral Square you can look up to Gediminas Hill and see Gediminas Tower on the top. Wooden fortifications were first built here by Gediminas, Grand Duke of Lithuania. The first brick construction dated from the early 15th century. The Tower (often referred to as Gediminas Castle or Gediminas Castle Tower) was rebuilt in the 1930s.

To access the Tower you can either walk up or take the funicular. The funicular is very cheap (€3 for a return trip) and worth the short trip. A visit inside the Tower will cost €8 (concessions are available as is seasonal pricing). On display are exhibits where you can learn about the history of the Tower and Vilnius generally. Panoramic views of Vilnius from Gediminas Hill are worth the visit alone, but be warned, when I was there it was really cold and windy and at one point it was -6 °Celsius!

Check the official Gediminas Castle Tower website for up to date visitor information.

7. Explore the Medieval Old Town

A medieval old town anywhere in Europe is a delight to wander around and Vilnius in December is no exception. Regarded as one of the largest surviving medieval old towns in Northern and Central Europe, its narrow, winding streets and beautiful architecture make it an easy place to spend a lot of time.

Pilies Street is the main street and its main squares are Cathedral Square and Town Hall Square. The latter is the site of Vilnius Town Hall. It is here that the smaller Christmas market I mentioned earlier is located.

City walls and gates were built around Vilnius between 1503 and 1522. Today, only the Gates of Dawn survive. From outside the gate you can see holes for shooting and a renaissance attic storey with two griffins holding the Lithuanian coat of arms. The Gates of Dawn are one of Vilnius’ most significant religious, historical and cultural monuments.

Walking from Town Hall Square to the Gates of Dawn takes you pass a number of architecturally beautiful buildings including the Orthodox Church of the Holy Spirit (a Russian Orthodox church), Church of St Theresa (Catholic Church built in 1650) and the Lithuanian National Philharmonic Society.

8. Explore the Jewish Quarter

The Old Town in Vilnius was once home to a large Jewish community but when Vilnius fell to the Nazis in 1941 about half the population were murdered in the Paneriai Forest with those remaining held in two ghettos.

The smaller of these two ghettos is home to an interesting project called “Walls that Remember”. Street art in the form of images based on photos of real people are displayed on the walls in an effort to bring back the former inhabitants of the streets. QR codes next to the images allow you to learn more. 

For those wanting to explore this area with a guide, then you may want to consider this tour:

9. Visit the Republic of Užupis

Užupis is a neighbourhood in Vilnius which declared itself an independent republic on 1 April 1997. Located within the Old Town, although across the Vilnia River, the Republic has its own flag and constitution – the latter is affixed to the wall running along Paupio Street and is an enjoyable read! My favourite part is Article 3: “Everyone has a right to die, but this is not an obligation”.

The Republic has long been a home to artists and has been compared to places such as Monmartre in Paris and Freetown Christiania in Copenhagen. Artwork, including sculptures, are located around the area.

10. Wander along Literatai Street

Another artistic part of Vilnius can be found in Literatai Street in the Old Town which, since 2008, has been adorned with artistic tributes to writers of different time periods who have lived and worked in Vilnius or who have a shared connection with the City or with Lithuania more generally. The name Literatai stems from the printers and bookshops that operated here at the start of the 20th century. 

11. Visit the Museums

Vilnius has a number of museums to visit in addition to those I have mentioned above. The Toy Museum, Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights (which focuses on the Soviet occupation of Lithuania) and MO Museum are all highly regarded. 

The Temperature in Vilnius in December

Vilnius in December is cold…well it is winter after all! The average temperature is -2.2°C (28°F) while the wind chill in exposed areas makes it feel much colder.

What to Wear in Vilnius in December

Given the cold temperatures and the fact that some sights in Vilnius are exposed, you will need to pack the following:

• a warm jacket
• hat
• scarf
• gloves 
• layers (including thermals, top and bottom!)
• waterproof, comfortable shoes
• an umbrella

Whilst snow isn’t guaranteed, it may snow when you’re in Vilnius in December. The snow certainly adds a touch of magic to the atmosphere generally and especially to the Christmas markets, but it can create some challenging underfoot conditions so make sure your shoes have traction! 

Extra Time?

If you have extra time to spend in Vilnius or the surrounding area or you’re looking for something more to do, then you may want to consider:

• hiking up the Hill of the Three Crosses for views over Vilnius
• a day trip to Trakai Castle
• joining a beer tour & tasting
• seeing the Presidential Palace and Vilnius University
• a day trip to the Hill of Crosses
• a hot air balloon trip
• something truly different such as driving a military tank!

You can review many more options and book here:

Final Thoughts

Although its Christmas markets are smaller and less crowded than markets elsewhere in Europe, Vilnius in December is so much more than twinkly lights and mulled wine (although those get my vote regardless!). It’s a 700 year old city with a rich past and an exciting future. Impressive architecture, interesting museums, quirky streets and its own independent Republic await those who visit this lovely Baltic city. Add to that the festive atmosphere that hangs over the whole city and you have all the makings for a perfect December city break.

Have I convinced you to visit Vilnius in December? If so, do check my Resources page for further help in planning your trip.

If you are interested in exploring the Baltic region further, do read my posts How to Spend 3 Days in Riga and 10 of the Best Things to Do in Tallinn Estonia.

Disclaimer: Information correct at the time of writing but do check before you visit.