Photo gallery - Christmas in Vilnius, Lithuania

Martyn Hayes
12 minutes ago
4 min read

Illuminated "VILNIAUS LEDAS" sign in front of a building with red lights. Night setting with decorative lights and reflections on wet ground. — A vibrant view of Vilnius Town Hall illuminated at night, with a lively ice rink in the foreground adorned with bright signage and festive lighting.

A photographic snapshot of the festivities in the capital of Lithuania

Thinking about a classy Christmas city break? You should definitely add Vilnius, Lithuania, to your list.

When the holidays hit, the city goes all out with the festive vibes. One thing that really stood out to me was how businesses deck out their doorways with Christmas decorations. It seemed like every door was draped in garland and baubles wherever I looked.

You'll definitely want to grab your camera for for the many festive sights around town. Plus, the Christmas market is totally worth checking out.

Scroll down to view a gallery of photos of Vilnius, Lithuania at Christmas

Here are some pics I took during the festive season.

Festively decorated building with red and green lights at night. Bright wreaths adorn the facade on a cobblestone street. Cozy ambiance.

Poniu Laime bakery, Vilnius, Lithuania — Poniu Laime bakery and cafe is beautifully adorned with bright, festive Christmas lights and decorations on Stikliu Street in Vilnius, creating a warm and inviting holiday atmosphere.

A narrow street with festive lights glowing warmly on buildings and trees. The atmosphere is cozy and vibrant with colorful autumn leaves. Vilnius, Lithuania — Stikliu Street in Vilnius beautifully adorned with vibrant orange, yellow, and green Christmas plant life, illuminated by enchanting fairy lights.

Street corner at night adorned with festive lights, red bows, and Christmas trees. Warm glow reflects on wet cobblestones, creating a cozy mood. Vilnius, Lithuania — A charming street corner in Vilnius beautifully decorated with festive lights and garlands, enhancing the inviting entrance of a bar on SV Ignoto.

Lit Christmas tree under a glowing arch with Cathedral Bell Tower tower nearby, surrounded by festive huts at night. Reflections on wet ground. Vilnius, Lithuania — Festive lights illuminate the Christmas market and towering tree near the iconic Cathedral Bell Tower in the heart of Vilnius, Lithuania.

Candle lantern glowing on wet cobblestone street at night. Festive lights adorn distant buildings, creating a calm, reflective mood. — A solitary candle burns brightly on a wet cobblestone street, illuminating a quiet, decorated alley with holiday lights in the background.

Brightly lit building adorned with yellow and orange floral decorations, wreaths, and garlands, creating a festive and warm ambiance. Stikliu Street in Vilnius, Lithuania. — A beautifully illuminated and festively decorated entrance to a restaurant on Stikliu Street brightens the Lithuanian capital.

Red ornaments and lights adorn a hotel's exterior during nighttime, creating a festive atmosphere. A sign reads "Hotel." — If you take a look up here and there, you can get a nice view similar to this one of red baubles with twinkling lights, turning this hotel entrance turns into a festive wonderland under a huge Christmas tree.

Festive alley with colourful lit Christmas trees, cobblestone path, and string lights overhead. Sign reads "Markostreet." Cozy night scene. — A charming cobblestone alleyway glows with festive cheer, adorned with colorful Christmas lights and decorated trees, creating a cozy and inviting holiday atmosphere.

Shopfront with green awnings, decorated with white bows and greenery. Red door at center, festive and inviting atmosphere. La Provence restaurant in Vilnius, Lithuania. — La Provence restaurant in Vilnius, Lithuania, is decked out with beautiful Christmas garlands and festive bows, giving off a cozy holiday vibe.

A large Christmas tree adorned with golden lights is framed by two glowing arches in a nighttime setting, creating a festive atmosphere in Cathedral Square, Vilnius, Lithuania. — A gorgeous festive tree decked out with twinkling lights stands proudly in Cathedral Square, Vilnius, making it the shining star of Lithuania's capital city.

Illuminated building at night with Christmas lights and trees. Vibrant blue and red window displays. Festive mood. Atis Hotel in Vilnius, Lithuania. — Artis Hotel beautifully illuminated with festive decorations, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere in the heart of Vilnius, Lithuania.

Festive facade with green door, decorated in red, green, gold ornaments, and stars. "MOMAKO" sign on a building with pastel walls. — The entrance of the Monako Old Fashion Club is festively decorated with lush Christmas garland and colourful baubles, creating a warm holiday ambiance.

None-Christmas photos

The holidays aren't everything when it comes to the Lithuanian capital. Sure, the city looks vibrant with all the festive decorations, but there's so much more to explore. You'll find history and stunning architecture all around. Check out these pics that really show off the city's vibe.

Curved street between old buildings with red roofs and weathered walls. Overcast sky adds a moody atmosphere. No people present. Vilnius, Lithuania — A narrow cobblestone street meanders through old buildings with worn facades and red-tiled roofs, giving off a charming and peaceful vibe.

Close-up of weathered roof shingles with a scalloped pattern, displaying orange and green mossy textures, creating a rustic feel. — Old tile shingles with spots of green moss give off a cozy, rustic vibe.

Statue of Saint Helena holding a cloth and flowers stands before a large golden cross against a plain gray background, evoking a solemn, reverent mood. Vilnius, Lithuania — Statue of Saint Helena holding a golden cross atop Vilnius Cathedral, symbolising her historical significance and faith.

Narrow cobblestone street with beige buildings on both sides, overcast sky, and vintage street lamps. Calm and empty urban scene. Vilnius, Lithuania — A narrow cobblestone street in Vilnius, with worn-out buildings and cloudy skies, gives off a vibe of history and quiet charm.

Statue of a bearded man gazing upward, wearing a hat and coat. Overcast sky and bare tree branches in the background. Mood is contemplative. — A sculpture of a water carrier looking up

Pathway through a forest with bare trees and reddish fallen leaves. The wooden boardwalk leads into a calm, overcast setting. — A wooden path twists through a bare forest covered in fallen leaves, surrounded by tall, leafless trees under a cloudy sky,

Beige building with arched details against a cloudy sky. A small chimney on top adds to the minimalist, calm atmosphere.

Corner of the Museum of Applied Arts and Design in Vilnius, Lithuania — The minimalist architecture of the Museum of Applied Arts and Design in Vilnius, Lithuania, showcases its clean lines and subtle arches under an overcast sky.

Monument with three tall crosses against a gray sky, viewed from below. Minimalist design with bare trees in the background.

Hill of Three Crosses in Vilnius, Lithuania — The Hill of Three Crosses monument in Vilnius, Lithuania, rises proudly against a calm, soft sky, showcasing the country's rich cultural heritage.

Narrow cobblestone street with warm-lit historic buildings. Wooden door and Ukrainian flag visible. Festive archway, calm nighttime scene. — A charming street in Vilnius, Lithuania, is lit up with festive lights hanging over a narrow cobblestone path. The warm, golden tones of the old buildings give off a cozy vibe, inviting people to wander around and take in its lovely architecture and fascinating history.

Three abstract figures in black robes and golden masks stand against a gray background, creating a mysterious, solemn atmosphere.

National Drama Theatre, Vilnius — At the National Drama Theatre in Vilnius, Lithuania, muses dressed in black robes with gold faces stand with a timeless and regal vibe.

Church facade with red and white detailing, twin towers, and overcast sky. Ornate carvings and emblems visible. Serene mood.

Saint Catherine's Church, Vilnius — The beautiful Saint Catherine's Church in Vilnius looks stunning against the calm sky, with its detailed architecture and twin towers stealing the show.

Circular room with brick walls, wooden floor, and ceiling. A glowing ring light hangs above dark wooden tables, creating a modern, serene vibe.

Desk with a circle light above it inside the Vilnius Cathedral Square Bell Tower — A simple desk setup under a glowing circular light inside the historic Vilnius Cathedral Square Bell Tower, showing off the cool mix of modern design with the old stone walls.

Cityscape of Vilnius, Lithuania with modern skyscrapers under cloudy sky, a river flowing through with a bridge, and mix of old and new buildings along the banks. — From Gediminas's Tower, you get an awesome view of Vilnius's modern skyline with the River Neris flowing through the city.

A weathered window with rustic wooden shutters on a textured brick wall; a warm light inside creates a cozy atmosphere. No visible text. — A charming vibe comes from the rustic window with its weathered wooden shutters on the worn brick and plaster facade, especially with the warm glow of a lamp inside.

Is Vilnius worth visiting at Christmastime?

Don't let Vilnius's Soviet past trick you. Nowadays, it feels like a capitalist's dream. To me, the city was like a giant Bond Street—modern, classy, upscale, and all those other fancy words you can imagine.

Make sure to wear your walking shoes because Vilnius's center is pretty spread out. But don't worry, if you get hungry, there are plenty of nice restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat.

The coolest thing about Vilnius during the holidays is how businesses deck out their doorways. Compared to other European cities, the Lithuanian capital really steps it up. The Christmas market also has a cozy vibe, with the tree being the main attraction.

Overall, Vilnius gave off a romantic vibe and seems perfect for a couples' getaway.