Europe’s Christmas Capital 2025 Is Not What You Think – It’s a Refreshing, Crowd-Free Surprise
Christmas in Vilnius still remains cozy and traditional, without big grounds, but with all the right Christmas ingredients – an-award winning Christmas tree, local markets, ice skating in medieval squares, and more. It offers an intimate holiday season without the stress of overtourism.
In Europe’s largest cities, Christmas often comes with shoulder–to–shoulder crowds, jammed squares, and endless queues. For example, in 2024, Paris welcomed 22.6 million international visitors, while tourists accounted for 20 million overnight stays in London.
With 80% of travellers concentrated in just 10% of destinations, major cities are affected by overtourism, which exhausts infrastructure, unsettles locals, and leaves visitors seeking for the wonder they expected to find.
Vilnius, the European Christmas Capital 2025, offers a different kind of experience. Last year, just 1.2 million tourists explored the city – a fraction of the numbers seen in Europe’s busiest hubs. With its dazzling Christmas tree, UNESCO–listed Old Town, and markets filled with mulled wine and handmade crafts, Vilnius delivers an intimate, festive season and the rare gift of space to enjoy it.
European Christmas Capital 2025 awaits
Celebrated for its festive spirit, rich cultural heritage, and strong community traditions, Vilnius has been named European Christmas Capital 2025 by the Christmas Cities Network, supported by the European Parliament.
Receiving the Christmas Capital of Europe title for Vilnius wasn’t a surprise – it has been previously recognised as a city for one of the best Christmas trees in the World.
The title recognises the city’s talent for blending history and creativity into a warm, welcoming celebration, setting Vilnius apart as one of Europe’s most enchanting holiday destinations.
Vilnius Christmas Tree: annual masterpiece to be revealed
The holiday season in Vilnius begins on November 29 with its most anticipated tradition – the lighting of the Christmas Tree in Cathedral Square. In 2024, the tree took the form of a toy, carrying a message of sustainability with over 80% of materials recycled or designed for reuse.
Traditional Christmas programme that includes a run with elves
Alongside traditional Christmas Market, a design square will open in Vinco Kudirkos Square from December 17 to 21, showcasing over 40 local designers to promote original art and sustainable consumption.
Vilnius’s festive season unfolds across its most historic landmarks. The ice rink opens on November 30 in Town Hall Square, where skaters glide beneath the neoclassical façade that has witnessed centuries of city life. A week later, on December 6, the Vilnius Christmas Run fills the streets with Santas, elves, and glowing costumes, turning the city into a moving parade of lights. The season peaks on New Year’s Eve with fireworks over the Old Town and closes on January 6, when the Three Kings procession winds from the Gates of Dawn to Cathedral Square, blessing the year ahead.
Holiday capitals within easy reach
Vilnius is also the perfect base for regional holiday trips. Sustainable rail links connect travellers to Riga and Warsaw, combining Vilnius’s authentic, crowd–free Christmas with the festive charm of nearby capitals.