Visit Christmas markets, enjoy festive concerts and authentic Christmas Eve dinner
Experience the Christmas spirit and charm of the Baltic capitals, each offering a unique winter wonderland. Every year, Vilnius delights residents and visitors with a stunning Christmas tree that captures global media attention for its originality and unique decorations. For more information at luxuriousmagazine.com, bbc.co.uk, travelwires.com Riga, believed by many Latvians to be the birthplace of the Christmas tree, will captivate you with its enchanting Christmas market at Dome Square. Be sure to attend an organ music concert at the Riga Dome Cathedral. In Tallinn, the Christmas market will surprise you with its medieval atmosphere in the Old Town, festive decorations, mulled wine, and the Gingerbread Mania exhibition, where every piece of art is made from gingerbread.
Photo by ©www.govilnius.lt
Vilnius Named European Christmas Capital 2025!
Wonderful news for Lithuania—Vilnius has been crowned the European Christmas Capital 2025 in the awards organized by the European Parliament’s Christmas Cities Network. The judging panel was impressed by Vilnius’s festive transformation each year, with its beautifully decorated Old Town, community-driven initiatives, and the unique blend of traditional Christmas customs with modern innovations. The city’s commitment to sustainability and creative holiday solutions also played a key role in earning this prestigious title.
This recognition is expected to draw significant attention from travelers, and we are confident that this year’s festive program, enchanting decorations, and the iconic Christmas tree in the heart of the city will attract countless visitors to Vilnius. Plan your holiday getaway and experience the magic of Christmas in Europe’s most festive capital!
Highlights:
Christmas in Lithuania
- Vilnius City Tour featuring key Christmas time highlights such as the Christmas market on the Cathedral Square, Town Hall, the gothic St. Anne’s Church, Gediminas Avenue, and the Royal Palace of the Grand Dukes.
- Enjoy Christmas Eve rehearsal dinner, where you learn all about the Lithuanian Christmas Eve dishes, traditions and spells coming from medieval times.
- Attend a classic music concert at Lithuanian Opera and Ballet Theater, National Philharmonic Society or listen to Gospel songs & Christmas carols at St. John’s or St. Catharine’s Churches.
- Take a day trip to Trakai from Vilnius, home to the Karaim ethnic community and the only insular castle in Lithuania, dating back to the 14th century.
- Visit Kaunas, the second-largest city in Lithuania, known for its Christmas market and award-winning Christmas tree, celebrated each year as the most unique in Lithuania.
- In Vilnius one can enjoy various style Michelin star cuisine from historic Lithuanian to contemporary cuisine with Christmas themed menus.
- The Vilnius Christmas tree was recognised numerous times as the most beautiful or innovative Christmas tree in Europe.
Christmas in Latvia
- Discover Riga’s enchanting Christmas spirit as you explore the Christmas market at Dome Square. Don’t miss the House of the Blackheads, St. Peter’s Church, and the stunning Art Nouveau district.
- What goes better together than Christmas and chocolate? Savor the finest chocolates at the Laima Chocolate Museum in Riga.
- Enjoy a concert at the “European Christmas” festival in Riga, featuring music by Bach, Handel, Mozart, and jazzy Christmas carols.
- Go for a SPA retreat to Jurmala, a peaceful resort town only 30 km away from Riga. Indulge in relaxation and water treatments while soaking in the festive Christmas atmosphere.
- Escape the lights of the city into the arms of Kemeri National park near Jurmala and take an easy stroll down the woodboards discovering local wildlife in winter time.
Christmas in Estonia
- Stroll down Tallinn Old Town to discover the magic of the Christmas market with a Christmas tree, hot mulled wine and Estonian handicrafts. Visit St. Olaf’s Church, Kiek in de Kok, Toompea Castle, Viru Gate.
- Stumble into the revamped, trendy districts of Telliskivi, Noblessner and Rotermann for Christmas decorations and great restaurants.
- Visit the Estonian Open-Air Museum just outside of Tallinn that offers an unforgettable experience of a Christmas village with ancient winter games, traditions and rural life from the late 19th to early 20th century.
- Overnight in one of Estonian castles or manors, some featuring SPA centers with water relaxation areas offering Christmas themed activities and catering.
- Experience an Estonian sauna in Tallinn Iglupark or any other public sauna with a possibility to jump into the ice cold water of the Baltic sea.
- Try out winter activities such as skiing on ice rinks, husky sledges, cross country skiing followed by a warming mulled wine glass and gingerbread cookies.
- Experience fine dining in Estonian forest in winter time surrounded by snowy trees and the warming glow of a bonfire.
Travel Advisor Recommendations
“Christmas time is about being together with family and friends, sharing memories, and keeping traditions alive. Visit Vilnius to experience the local Christmas spirit and find inspiration. In December, enjoy concerts featuring classical music, gospel, and Christmas carols alongside like-minded people. Take part in a Christmas Eve rehearsal dinner and learn about the traditions and customs, including spells from Lithuania’s medieval past.”, – says Jolita Rezgyte, Travel Advisor at Estravel.
Visit the Baltics to discover local Christmas traditions and customs that might just become your own. Explore one of the capitals or combine two or three for a complete experience of the region. You are welcome to contact us with any questions and comments. We are happy to adjust the itineraries to your needs and expectations, ensuring an unforgettable exploration of the Baltic countries at Christmas time.
