Vilnius Christmas Town
Kalėdų miestelis Katedros aikštėje54°41′ N 25°17′ EVilniusfrom Nov 28Seasonal
The Christmas town on Cathedral Square suits families and anyone who wants to see Vilnius's famous tree up close with a hot chocolate in hand. It runs for about a month. Go Vilnius has announced the 2026 market from 28 November to 27 December, and it opens on the night the tree lights up.
Vilnius Christmas Town runs November 28, 2026 to December 27, 2026 · announced by a tourism board (source)
Advent SundaysGaudete, 13 DecemberChristmas Eve
The tree is the reason most people come to Katedros aikštė (Cathedral Square). Vilnius changes the design every year, and Go Vilnius says its chess-themed tree, dressed like a queen in royal blue, was named the most beautiful in Europe. The 2025 tree was a natural spruce for the third year running, given to the city by residents of Pagiriai and decorated by the firm Lumidėja.
Vilniaus kultūros centras runs the festival, and in 2025 it rebuilt the Christmas town with more space between the stalls and a two-storey carousel brought from Italy. The stalls sell souvenirs and festive hot chocolate. That year the city also brought in a €2 deposit on cups at the Christmas town and at the rink on Town Hall Square, during its year as European Green Capital.
Worth knowing
- Return your cup at a collection point on Cathedral Square or by the rink on Town Hall Square to get the €2 back.
- The tree lighting is the busiest evening of the season, and LRT broadcasts it for anyone who would rather watch from a warm room.
Quick answers about Vilnius Christmas Town
When is the Vilnius Christmas market 2026?
Go Vilnius has announced the 2026 Christmas market on Cathedral Square from 28 November to 27 December. It opens with the tree lighting on Saturday 28 November.
Is the Vilnius Christmas town open after Christmas?
The market closes on 27 December 2026, according to Go Vilnius. In 2025 the rink on Town Hall Square stayed open until 1 February 2026 and the tree stayed lit until 6 January. The Christmas train runs until 6 January 2027.
How much is the mug deposit at Vilnius Christmas Town?
The deposit on a mug at Vilnius Christmas Town was €2 each (2025). You get it back when you return the mug, or keep the mug instead.
In the journal and guides
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Seventy-nine markets open on 24 December 2026, and most of them close by 18:30, so do your last shopping before dark.
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Which Christmas markets are open after Christmas?
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Which Christmas markets in Europe are open on Christmas Day?
Vienna and Colmar give you the most choice on 25 December 2026, and Tivoli reopens for the day with fireworks at 20:45.