Vilnius launches its first ‘Christmas Before Christmas,’ offering travellers an early, crowd-free festive escape filled with local traditions and seasonal events.
On 13 December, Lithuania’s capital city will debut Vilnius Christmas Before Christmas, a one-day celebration set to become an annual tradition. For travellers who want Europe’s festive charm without the packed markets, this is a refreshing alternative.
Vilnius welcomes just 1.2 million visitors a year, far fewer than larger European capitals like London or Paris. This means more room to explore, a relaxed pace, and a chance to enjoy real local traditions instead of squeezing through tourist crowds.
Here are some standouts travellers can look forward to during the Christmas Before Christmas celebration:
Christmas currency: For one day only, travellers can collect special festive tokens around the city and trade them for hot drinks, pastries, and other treats.
Free postcard mailing: Vilnius wants to revive the charm of handwritten holiday greetings. During the celebration, visitors can write a card, drop it into a festive mailbox in the Old Town, and let the city’s Christmas helpers send it anywhere in the world for free. No stamps, no queues.
Free guided festive tours: Join themed walks through the Old Town to learn about legends, traditions, and Lithuania’s seasonal customs.
144 decorated fir trees: In Konstantinas Sirvydas Square, 144 uniquely decorated fir trees will fill the new International Christmas Square. Each tree represents one of the city’s international communities, turning the space into a bright symbol of Vilnius’ diversity.
Easy to reach, easy to roam
Vilnius has direct flights from Frankfurt, Copenhagen, and Helsinki. Christmas-themed trains connect travellers to Kaunas, Klaipėda, Trakai, and onward to Warsaw or Kraków. Links to Riga and Tallinn make the region simple to explore.
An underrated Christmas destination
With early celebrations, calm streets, and a warm festive spirit, Vilnius offers a more relaxed way to experience the holiday season, something increasingly rare in Europe’s major holiday hotspots.
While it may be too late to plan an early Lithuanian Christmas escape this year, Vilnius remains a destination worth keeping on your radar, especially if you want the year-end festive magic without the usual tourist rush. Consider it a top pick for 2026.
All images provided by Go Vilnius.
