Visit the 20m-tall Vilnius Christmas Tree in Lithuania. — DOMANTAS KANCLERIS
"World’s Best Christmas Tree" may be a bold claim, but it’s a statement that rings true for Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania.
It is tradition for the city to unveil a towering beautifully decorated Christmas tree at Cathedral Square every year.
With past designs that include a chess theme, a snowflake theme and a clock theme, it’s no surprise that the Vilnius Christmas tree has been ranked first by European Best Destinations for two years in a row.
Thanks to the tree being decorated differently each year, fans of the festive season often look forward to the city’s annual Christmas tree lighting event.
For this year, the Vilnius Christmas tree embraces a traditional aesthetic. Red dominates, with touches of gold – to reflect the nostalgia and authenticity that many seek during the holidays.
"This is a special Christmas for Vilnius as we are the European Christmas Capital and the European Green Capital. Our tree this year sends a message to the whole continent that this is the season for genuine emotion and quality time,” Mayor of Vilnius, Valdas Benkunskas, said in a press statement.
Using a natural spruce for the third consecutive year, the 20m-tall tree donated by the residents of Vilnius District to the city features 25,000 warm white LED lights and 400 ornaments.
Covering 205sq m, the entire structure includes the tree along with a 3m-high viewing platform – made to evoke the feeling of walking on a red carpet as visitors stroll along it to view the tree and take photos.
The Vilnius Christmas Tree can be admired from the 3m-high viewing platform circling it. — MANTAS GUDZINEVICIUS
The lighting of the tree, which took place on Nov 30, signals not only the start of Christmas celebrations in Vilnius but also the launch of a brand-new tradition called the “Vilnius Christmas Before Christmas”.
It is a one-day event that will take place on Dec 13. On this day, the whole city will be transformed, and visitors get to enjoy special activities themed like they are experiencing a magical Christmas from a five-year-old’s perspective.
Among some of the things that visitors can look forward to are festively decorated trains that will bring visitors into the city, a special Christmas currency, a free Christmas card postal service, a 200-strong choir, and free guided tours.
As the European Christmas Capital of 2025, the city offers tons of other exciting festive features, such as the ice rink in Town Hall Square and the Vilnius Christmas Town in Cathedral Square.
The Christmas town, which runs until Dec 28, comprises 48 wooden huts selling everything from delicious delicacies (such as gingerbread and mulled wine) to artisanal gifts like amber jewellery, scented candles, and handmade wooden toys.
There is also the two-storey 10m-high Christmas carousel, created in a traditional style by Italian artisans.
One more thing that can certainly be spotted here is a familiar figure, clad in red and perhaps carrying a sack full of gifts.
Of course Santa Claus has to make an appearance! But Santa is said to be appearing only for a limited time at the Vilnius festivities this month.
If you’re a big fan of the jolly fellow but you can’t make it to Vilnius in time (no herd of prancing reindeer to give you a ride), there are always other places you can visit to meet Santa Claus in person.
