During the winter break, we decided to take a trip to the Baltic countries and Finland to explore new cultures and experience their festive traditions.
We began our trip in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, and planned to visit Riga, Tallinn, and Helsinki during our two-week journey.
How to reach Vilnius:
It mainly depends on where you're traveling from. The city is well-connected by train, bus, and flight.
As we were traveling from Munich, Germany, we took a flight to Vilnius Airport. The airport was relatively small compared to other European capitals, and it took us less than 30 minutes to exit the airport, including luggage collection.
How to reach Vilnius city from the airport:
By Public Transport:
The airport is within the city, so there are plenty of options for public transport. You can take a bus that goes directly to the city center, and from there, transfer to another bus depending on where you're staying.
However, be aware that buses can get very crowded during rush hours, which can make it difficult to manage luggage.
By Uber or Bolt:
During our trip, we used Bolt frequently, an alternative to Uber and much cheaper than in other European cities.
How to prepare for the Christmas Market visit in Vilnius:
1. Dress Warmly:
Winters in Vilnius are freezing cold so you need to layer up with warm clothes, scarves, hats, and gloves.
2. Try Local Treats:
There are lots of different Christmas tradition delights such as kūčiukai (small Christmas Eve pastries).
3. Shop for Handcrafted Gifts:
You can also find unique, handmade items like woolen socks, wooden ornaments, and Lithuanian amber jewelry.
Must-Try Foods at the Vilnius Christmas Market:
1. Kūčiukai:
Kūčiukai is a small, sweet pastry that is a traditional Lithuanian Christmas Eve dish. It's served with poppy seed milk.
2. Šakotis:
Šakotis is a tree-shaped cake delicious and crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
3. Piparkukai:
Piparkukai is a spiced gingerbread cookie that has sweet icing and it's a popular treat during Christmas.
4. Grilled Sausages:
Grilled Sausages are served with mustard and fresh bread.
5. Potato Pancakes:
Potato Pancakes are crispy and golden pancakes served with sour cream.
6. Cinnamon Pastries:
Cinnamon Pastries are warm pastries filled with cinnamon and sugar.
Christmas Festivity in Vilnius:
Christmas in Vilnius is like a fairytale – twinkling lights, cobblestone streets, and Christmas huts covered in snow – it’s magical.
The streets in the city center, historical architecture, and shops are lit up with Christmas lights. You can sense the festivity in the air from the smell of cinnamon pastries.
The small, cozy cafes and restaurants have charming Christmas decorations and fully embrace the holiday spirit.
But, from where you can start exploring the Christmas markets in Vilnius:
The Vilnius has a 3 main Christmas Markets:
Cathedral Square (Katedros aikštė)
Town Hall Square (Rotušės aikštė)
Bernardine Gardens (Bernardinų sodas)
1. Cathedral Square:
The main Christmas market in Vilnius is set up at the very heart of the city, at Cathedral Square. One of the city's main landmarks, Vilnius Cathedral and its bell tower, is surrounded by festive Christmas vibes.
One of the main highlights of the Vilnius Christmas market is its Christmas tree, which is considered one of the most beautifully decorated in Europe. Every year, the tree looks different from the previous year, showcasing the creativity of Lithuanians.
The Christmas tree is grand, with an artistic centerpiece, and decorated with thousands of lights.
In the square, there are various Christmas stalls selling handmade crafts, holiday decor, and warm food like kūčiukai (a traditional Lithuanian Christmas Eve dish).
Most families are with their children, enjoying the festive atmosphere.
There is also an ice rink in the middle where both locals and tourists can experience the Christmas spirit.
2. Christmas Market at Rotušės aikštė - Town Hall Square:
You can take a short walk from Cathedral Square to Vilnius Town Hall Square, known as Rotušės aikštė. It’s a relatively small Christmas market, but charming and more local, offering an intimate experience.
The market mainly features Christmas stalls where you can buy artisanal Lithuanian gifts, such as amber jewelry, woolen mittens, and unique Christmas ornaments.
3. Bernardine Gardens:
The Bernardine Gardens are located near the historic Bernardine Monastery. These gardens are adorned with Christmas lights and decorations, making them a unique alternative to traditional Christmas markets.
While they differ from the typical market atmosphere, the gardens often feature food vendors and outdoor performances.
Explore the festivity in the streets of Vilnius City Center:
That’s not all about Christmas in Vilnius; you can also enjoy the holiday festivities by participating in the following activities:
1. Christmas Train in Vilnius:
You can hop on the special Vilnius Christmas train, which offers a scenic ride through the city center, allowing you to explore different parts of the area.
2. Concerts and Performances:
You can also enjoy concerts during the Christmas season in Vilnius. The Vilnius churches and concert halls organize Christmas-themed musical performances, ranging from classical to folk.
3. Craft Workshop:
If you want to experience Lithuanian culture firsthand, you can learn how to make traditional Lithuanian Christmas crafts and baked goods at various workshops held in local cultural centers in Vilnius.
Ending Note:
The Christmas market in Vilnius is truly magical and it provides an ultimate Christmas experience from delicious traditional foods to lively performances.
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