December in Vilnius has its own kind of magic — the city glows with lights, smells like hot wine, and buzzes with festive plans. But with so much happening, it’s natural to ask: what to do in Vilnius at Christmas to keep the holidays warm, cozy, and not overly sweet? Where should you go to feel the Christmas spirit without getting lost in the crowds?
These suggestions are for anyone who wants to enjoy the season at their own pace: stroll through the illuminated city, stop by a café scented with cinnamon, catch a show with the kids, or simply warm up with a cup of mulled wine. Because Christmas in Vilnius isn’t just beautiful — it’s lively, warm, and still a little bit wild.
Take a Walk Through Festively Decorated Vilnius
Vilnius at Christmas looks like something straight out of a movie — glowing, cinnamon-scented, and inviting you not to rush but to slow down. So if you want to feel the holiday magic, start with a walk through the city’s most charming spots. If you’re wondering what to do in Vilnius during the festive season, begin with a simple stroll around Cathedral Square or Stiklių Street.
Gediminas Avenue and the G9 Shopping Centre
Continue along Gediminas Avenue — everything here smells like Christmas. Stop by the small market at V. Kudirka Square, admire the decorated trees and shop windows, and when you look up, you’ll see G9 wrapped in thousands of twinkling lights.
Pilies Street and the Narutis Hotel
From Cathedral Square, head into Pilies Street. This is where Christmas truly lives — tiny cafés, glowing window displays, and signs reading “Dear Vilnius” hanging from the buildings. Don’t miss the iconic Narutis Hotel — its façade looks straight out of a winter fairytale this year.
Senatorių pasažas
Make your way to Senatorių pasažas on Dominikonų Street — a real Christmas oasis. Here, lights, trees, and festive scents blend into one magical experience. It’s no surprise that every December the passage fills with people photographing the decorations or stopping for a holiday dessert.
Stikliai Hotel and Ponių Laimė Café
Just a few steps away you’ll find the iconic Stikliai Hotel. Every December it attracts attention for its elegant façade, but this year all eyes are on the neighbouring Ponių Laimė café. It has become an Instagram star — everyone stops to take a photo here. The decorations are so impressive that even at night the café looks like a movie set.
Stiklių Street and Augustas ir Barbora Love Story Café
Continue along Stiklių Street — another spot that looks straight out of a fairytale. Augustas ir Barbora Love Story Café fills the street with romance and festive charm. Its pink accents and warm lights attract both locals and tourists, making it one of the most beautiful Christmas locations in Vilnius.
The Christmas Tree in Town Hall Square and Hotel Pacai
Finish your walk at Town Hall Square. The Christmas tree glows softly, surrounded by the scents and music of the nearby market. A bit further along Didžioji Street, admire Hotel Pacai, which surprises visitors every year with new décor — this season it features an icy, Snow Queen–inspired design.
Warm Up With a Cup of Mulled Wine Under the Stars
Christmas isn’t complete without the bustle, delicious aromas, and clouds of mulled wine steam rising from wooden stalls. During this time Vilnius transforms into a true festive scene, where every corner invites you to pause, enjoy, and — intentionally or not — pick up a little something for yourself or someone else.
Cathedral Square Christmas Market
This is the heart of the holiday season — where Christmas spirit lives from the first light to the last crumb of a gingerbread cookie. The Christmas Market traditionally takes place in Cathedral Square and runs from late November to the end of December.
Here you’ll find everything: Lithuanian treats, handmade gifts, hot chocolate, and classic mulled wine that warms even the coldest evening.
Among the lights and music, it’s easy to get lost — but even easier to feel like a kid again.
Senatorių Pasažas
When you want a little less crowd but just as much Christmas atmosphere, stop by Senatorių pasažas. In the inner courtyard you can admire the decorations and enjoy mulled wine under the open sky. Live music often fills the space along with the scents of cinnamon and citrus — the perfect stop after an evening stroll through the Old Town.
Kalėjimo Rezidencijos Christmas Market
Looking for something alternative? The Christmas market at Kalėjimo rezidencija (Lukiškės Prison) is one of the city’s most unique winter events. It blends festive mood with creative energy — local artists’ works, handmade jewellery, creative workshops, and even DJ sets between strings of lights. This is where Christmas takes on a modern, stylish personality — less tradition, more edge.
Stop by a Café That Smells Like Christmas
During the festive season, Vilnius cafés turn into tiny pockets of magic — with hot chocolate, steaming coffee, and windows glowing with fairy lights. If Christmas spirit had an address, it would be these places.
Sugamour
This spot feels like a sweet postcard from Paris, right in the heart of Vilnius. During the holidays, its window displays become a true attraction: Christmas desserts, pink décor, and sparkling cakes so beautiful you almost feel guilty eating them. Stop here for a cup of hot chocolate or a festive pastry while the city outside sinks into lights.
Chaika
A Vilnius classic, where the air smells not only of coffee but also of nostalgia. This vegan café charms visitors with its retro atmosphere, vintage toys, and the friendly smile behind the counter. In winter, it’s essential to try a spiced hot drink or their legendary cinnamon waffles — the perfect duo for a Christmas morning.
Augustas ir Barbora Love Story Café
One of the most photogenic spots in the city, where Christmas looks straight out of a movie. Bathed in soft pink lights, the café oozes romance and fairytale charm — ideal for warming up with a cup of coffee for two or after a stroll along Stiklių Street.
Ponių Laimė
Small, but impossible to miss. Its façade is wrapped in Christmas garlands, playful decorations guard the door, and inside you’ll find warmth, music, and an effortlessly cozy atmosphere. Order a dessert and enjoy that rare moment when the world outside slows down.
What to Do in Vilnius at Christmas With Kids
Christmas is the perfect time to head out with the little ones and share a bit of seasonal magic together. The Christmas Train in Cathedral Square is still one of the biggest hits for kids — simple, but it brings so much joy that they often want to ride again. The ice rink at Town Hall Square is another favourite, offering fun, inevitable slips, and hot chocolate afterwards.
Looking for something more spectacular? Visit the Botanical Garden Light Park, where everything sparkles and glows at night like a real fairytale. A newer destination is the Riešė Light Park, where lanterns, installations, and giant Christmas trees create a total wow-effect even for adults.
On weekends, stop by the Energy and Technology Museum workshops, where children can make something fun and learn how light comes to life. Simple, joyful, and delightfully pressure-free — just good time spent together.
Listen to Live Music
Tamsta
When the city dresses up for Christmas, music sounds even better — from festive jazz evenings to big seasonal concerts. In December, Tamsta becomes a centre of holiday energy, hosting performances that make it almost impossible to stay seated. The audience sings along, the atmosphere buzzes, and every show feels like a celebration.
Jazz Cellar 11
If Christmas, for you, means good music, a warm atmosphere, and the gentle clink of glasses, then Jazz Cellar 11 is where the festive season truly comes alive. Located right in the heart of Vilnius, this underground venue transforms into a jazz oasis every winter. Here you’ll hear everything from classic jazz to soul and blues, and in December the stage features some of the best Lithuanian and international musicians.
Evenings here tend to stretch late — a glass of wine, a little improvisation, and a mood that feels like the good old days.
