One of the best cities to enjoy the magic of Christmas is Vilnius, Lithuania. Between its Christmas markets, festive decorations around the city, cozy restaurants and bars and the winter wonderland it boasts this time of the year, Vilnius is surely a place that will make your days merry and bright in December.
Visiting Europe during the month of December is magical. Every year, I enjoy doing a Christmas market trip to dreamy European cities. There is something special about all the beautiful wooden stalls that brighten up an Old Town’s square along with the mulled wine and sweet treats that you can get from them all; all the happy faces that wander through the charming streets and the heartwarming ambiance it boasts.
I started traveling to Europe during the holiday season in December 2017 when I visited Lapland, Finland with Crawford Concierge.
In 2018, I visited Munich and Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria; Salzburg and Hallstatt, Austria; Budapest, Hungary; Bratislava, Slovakia and Vienna, Austria. This was my very first solo trip to Europe!
During December 2019, I started my Christmas trip in Kraków, Poland and then made my way to Prague and Česky Krumlov, Czechia; Nuremberg and Rothenburg ob der Tauber in Bavaria along with Frankfurt and Cologne in Germany. I also did this trip solo!
The Christmas season of 2020 had me participating in all the magical New York City activities in December.
In 2021, I enjoyed the Christmas season in the Baltic’s on a solo adventure. I visited the Christmas markets in Tallinn, Estonia; experienced a winter wonderland in Riga, Latvia and enjoyed the holiday magic in Vilnius, Lithuania.
In this article, discover the best Christmas spots in Lithuania and the top things to do in Vilnius in December.
**Please note that this blog post uses affiliate links meaning that if you make a purchase via my affiliate link, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only promote and talk about products and services that I have used and like. During my time in Vilnius, Radisson Blu hosted me for two nights. During my first night, I stayed at Radisson Blu Lietuva and during my second night, I stayed at Radisson Blu Royal Astorija.
Pin the Below Image to Keep Handy
Visiting Vilnius, Lithuania in December:
If you’re wondering where is Vilnius, it is the capital of Lithuania, which is situated in the Baltic States.
Getting to the Baltic’s was easy! I took a flight from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport to Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport in Estonia with a layover in Helsinki. Here are the best things to do in Tallinn for one day. You can find affordable flights through Skyscanner!
The best ways to get around the Baltic States is via bus through the Lux Express. (I took the bus from Riga to the Vilnius Shopping Centre Panorama bus stop.) Whenever I travel around Europe through public transport, I always use Omio to get the best price for train and bus tickets. If you’re looking to explore beyond the big cities in the Baltic’s, I recommend renting a car. I flew home from Vilnius International Airport back to JFK with a layover in Frankfurt.
Out of the three cities I visited during my Christmas market trip to the Baltic’s, Vilnius was the largest. Once you’re in the Old Town, it is easy to get around by walking. If you’re unable to walk to your destination in Vilnius, I recommend downloading the app Bolt. It is the Baltic’s version of Uber and it is affordable to use and get around. I used it to get from the bus stop at the mall to my first hotel as well as from the second hotel I stayed at to the airport.
Once you’re in Vilnius Old Town, you’re going to want to walk everywhere since all the buildings and parks are stunning!
Where to Stay in Vilnius:
Radisson Blu is a luxury hotel chain in Europe and their hotels offer a comfortable and memorable experience for all!
Radisson Blu Lietuva:
I had a wonderful time staying at Radisson Blu hotels during my time in Vilnius in December. Like I mention above, during my first night, I stayed at Radisson Blu Lietuva, which is a stylish and contemporary hotel with a restaurant, bar and rooftop. It also has a wellness center where you can enjoy spa treatments, a Nordic sauna and also work out at the fitness center.
Radisson Blu Lietuva is situated in Vilnius City Center, on the banks of the River Neris and it is a short walk from the Old Town. I loved how beautifully decorated Radisson Blu Lietuva was for the holiday and it was the perfect hotel to come back to after a long day out in the cold.
During my night at Radisson Blu Lietuva, I stayed in the Royal Suite! It was spacious, clean, cozy and offered incredible views of Old Town Vilnius. The suite was amazing! It also came with a kitchenette, dining room, living room and bedroom with a large en-suite bathroom. I slept amazing in the king-sized bed it had!
The other rooms you can choose from at Radisson Blu Lietuva are the Standard Room, Superior Room, Superior Room – Old Town View, Premium Room, Suite, Suite – Old Town View, Junior Suite with Balcony – Old Town View, Junior Suite with Sauna, Presidential Suite and the Family Room.
In addition to my incredible suite and all the amazing amenities Radisson Blu Lietuva had, there was also an incredible buffet breakfast in the morning that consisted of typical European breakfast items like croissants, pastries, smoked salmon and local fish, grain and rye bread with berry spreads (lingonberry is popular in the Baltic’s), fresh fruits and veggies, cold cuts, eggs, sausages and more. The hotel’s breakfast takes place in the Riverside Restaurant every morning.
Other great spots to enjoy food and drinks at Radisson Blu Lietuva is the Skybar and Lobby Bar. The Skybar is a great place to socialize, enjoy a crafted cocktail with amazing views of the capital city and dance to the hotel’s DJ on Fridays and Saturdays. On the other hand, the Lobby Bar is a beautiful spot to get cozy and warm up with a cup of coffee or a mulled wine.
Radisson Blu Royal Astorija:
During the second night of my Vilnius trip in December, I stayed at Radisson Blu Royal Astorija, which is situated in the heart of Old Town and not too far from Vilnius Airport. It is an elegant, early 1900s hotel.
Radisson Blu Royal Astorija is a stunning and classic 5-star hotel that is conveniently located near a lot of Vilnius’ restaurants, museums and markets! It also features a French brasserie, bar and beautiful views of the colorful buildings in the Old Town. You can also enjoy a nice workout at the hotel’s Royal Health Club and take a swim in the indoor pool or relax in the hot tub.
During my stay at Radisson Blu Royal Astorija in Vilnius, I stayed in the Premium Room – Old Town View. It was a beautiful and spacious room that included a cozy king bed, a massive window with views of the Church of St. Casimir, an en-suite bathroom and a large desk! It was an incredible room to stay in. (Plus, I was treated with delicious pavlova, which is a meringue-based Russian dessert that melts in your mouth like cotton candy.)
The other wonderful rooms that Radisson Blu Royal Astorija offers are the Individual Room, Standard Room, Superior Room – Old Town View, Premium Room, New Style Premium Room, New Style Premium Room with Patio, Junior Suite, Junior Suite with Patio, Astorija Suite and Presidential Suite.
Radisson Blu Royal Astorija also has a great buffet breakfast every morning at Astorija Brasserie.
Visit Vilnius Restaurants that are Decorated Festively:
One of the best parts about visiting Vilnius in December, during the Christmas market season, is that all the restaurants are decorated beautifully for the holiday! Businesses around Vilnius go all out for Christmas and you cannot miss out on experiencing the magic that is everywhere.
Farmer & The Ocean:
A delicious and cozy farm to table restaurant in Vilnius, that is perfect to enjoy a nice dinner at, is Farmer & The Ocean. It is located on one of Old Town Vilnius’ main streets – Vilnaus g.
Farmer & The Ocean is the perfect place to cozy up during a cold December night in Vilnius. There are candles everywhere, beautiful decorations and the food is delicious! During my first night in Vilnius, I had a red wine while I savored the herring toast with beets, carrot spread and cabbage as an appetizer. I also enjoyed the octopus risotto for my main meal. Everything was incredible!
Restoranas Lokys:
A trip to Vilnius in December is not complete without savoring an authentic Lithuanian dinner at Restoranas Lokys. Situated in Vilnius Old Town, on the festive Stikliu g. street, Lokys is a second-generation family restaurant that boasts a menu narrating the Lithuanian noblemen who would feast on forest foods.
Overall, I loved visiting Lokys during my last evening in Vilnius because it was decorated beautifully for Christmas and it also had a cozy and warm ambiance to it.
For dinner, I had a local Lithuanian beer with crayfish soup along with rye and grain bread as an appetizer. My main meal was a delicious boletus (mushroom) dumplings dish with caramelized onions. It was amazing!
Augustus ir Barbora Love Story Café:
In addition to festive restaurants, Vilnius has a lot of beautiful cafés and bakeries that will keep you warm, cozy and jolly during your Vilnius Christmas market trip.
One of the best places to spend an afternoon at is Augustus ir Barbora or Love Story Café. It is located on the popular Stikliu g. street and every year it is decorated differently for the holiday. During the Christmas 2021 season, Love Story Café was decorated with beautiful mushrooms, Christmas lights, ivy and flowers. The inside of the café has stunning rose trellises and flowers hanging from the ceiling. It is known as one of the most “Instagrammable” spots in Vilnius!
Not only is Love Story Café a wonderful spot to enjoy sweet treats such as cakes, pastries and hot cocoa, it is also a bar! During my time at this adorable spot, I had an incredible mulled wine and it was served to me in a pretty glass. I loved it!
The name of this café commemorates the love story between Barbora Radvilaiė, who was the Grand Duchess of Lithuania, and Žygimantas Augustas, who was the King of Poland, in the 16th Century.
Poniu Laimė:
Another adorable Christmas café to visit in Vilnius in December is Poniu Laimė. It is a French café and pastry shop where you can enjoy a cup of coffee/tea, French desserts such as macaron cakes and more.
Located on the corner of Stikliu g. street, Poniu Laimė had an adorable candy cane and macaron display to admire on the outside during the 2021 Vilnius Christmas season. Just like Love Story Café, they change their outdoor Christmas display every season.
I came to this lovely spot to warm up during one afternoon while I was making my way around Old Town Vilnius. I had a comforting cappuccino with a decadent chocolate cake. Everything was delicious!
Vilnius in December – What to do in Vilnius in Winter:
Stroll around the Vilnius Christmas Market:
One of the best parts of visiting Vilnius in December is making your way around the Christmas markets. You can find Christmas market stands in Cathedral Square, which is the main one in the city; Old Town, which is in front of the Town Hall and in Lukiškes Square.
What is cool about Vilnius’ Christmas markets is that there is a train that takes people around the city to see all the decorations and market stalls! There are also festive concerts to enjoy.
I loved all the beautiful white Christmas stands in Vilnius, they are unique compared to all of the other market stalls around Europe. Overall, it is free for all to enjoy the Vilnius Christmas markets and they run from 10am to 8pm during weekdays and 10am to 9pm on weekends during the holiday season. What is also nice about the Lithuanian markets is that they run from the end of November until the beginning of January every year!
At the Vilnius Christmas market, you can savor everything from mulled wine to hot cocoa and chimney cakes to Dutch pancakes. Other great treats and food you can get at the Christmas markets in Vilnius are roasted chestnuts, crepes, gingerbread cookies, grilled sausages and local cheeses to name a few.
What is also great about the Vilnius Christmas market is that there are so many special things you can buy for yourself and loved ones back home! At these beautiful stalls, you can find wool clothing and apparel, jewelry, candles, homemade sweet treats, Christmas village houses, trinkets and other home décor.
The Christmas market in Vilnius during the month of December is something you cannot miss out on. It is the most magical part of the city, especially during a winter wonderland, which is what I experienced when I visited the Vilnius Christmas market in 2021.
One of the best parts of the Vilnius Christmas markets are the Christmas trees. Every year, Cathedral Square boasts a Christmas tree with an original theme that has unique decorations. In 2021, Cathedral Square’s Christmas market had a modern Christmas tree installation. It was so cool!
In the Vilnius Town Hall Square, there is another beautiful tree to admire. What was nice about this Christmas tree was that I could enjoy its beauty from my hotel room at Radisson Blu Royal Astorija.
Enjoy the Christmas Decorations on Stikliu Gatvė Street:
Another reason why Vilnius in December is the best is because of all the dreamy Christmas decorations on Stikliu g. street. Almost every single restaurant, café, store and bar is decorated festively on this charming street!
Some of the best decorations to see on this lovely block are the ones at Augustas ir Barbora Love Story Café, Lokys and Poniu Laimė, like I mention above. Other great Christmas spots to check out on this jolly street are Stikliai Restaurant, the lit up Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer display in a courtyard off the street and many more.
Another great spot to admire stunning Christmas lights, decorations and displays in Vilnius is along Gedimino pr. street in Old Town.
Participate in a Vilnius City Tour:
Vilnius is a fascinating Eastern European city that has a lot of history to it. One of the best things to do during a Christmas trip to Vilnius in December is to participate in a walking city tour!
Some facts about Vilnius is Lithuanian legend has it that Vilnius was built on a dream. In 1323, the Grand Duke of Lithuania Gediminas established a wooden castle on a hill and named the city below it Vilnius. The name Vilnius was taken after the local Vilnia River.
After the 14th Century, Germany took over the city and destroyed it along with the castle. The Teutonic Knights, who destroyed the city, were defeated at the Battle of Grunwald. It was one of the largest battles in medieval Europe.
The city of Vilnius was rebuilt with city walls in the 1500s and later on, the Russians took it over in 1655 before the Swedish occupied it in the early 1700s. After the Third Partition of Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth in 1795, Vilnius was taken over by the Russian Empire.
In the World Wars, the Germans occupied Vilnius until 1944 when the Soviet Union took back control of the city. Lithuania was acknowledged and gained independence in 1991. In May 2004, Lithuania joined the European Union.
Most Lithuanians are Roman Catholic and the official language is one of the oldest in the world.
Some of the best historical spots to check out in Vilnius are below:
- Gates of Dawn: One of the most important landmarks in the city of Vilnius is the Gates of Dawn. It is the only remaining portion of the former city wall. Nowadays, the Gates of Dawn features a chapel that holds the Madonna of Mercy. It also has the Virgin Mary without baby Jesus.
- Gediminas’ Castle: Even though most of Gediminas Castle no longer exists, you can still visit the medieval tower.
- St. Mikalojaus Church: This beautiful Gothic styled, Roman Catholic church is the oldest in Vilnius.
- Vilnius University: Founded in the late 16th Century, Vilnius University is the oldest university in Eastern Europe. It is beautiful and boasts a stunning botanical garden to admire.
- Palace of the Grand Duke of Lithuania: This picturesque reconstruction of the Grand Duke Palace has a large museum that you can walk around and learn all about Vilnius’ history.
During a trip to Vilnius, Lithuania, I recommend purchasing the Vilnius Pass to get freebies and discounts within the capital city!
If you’re wondering where is Vilnius, it is located in Southeastern Lithuania, around 45 minutes from the Belarus border.
Capture Incredible Views of Vilnius at Gediminas Tower:
The city of Vilnius is picturesque and in December, the views are even better with snow! One of the top places to capture panoramic views of Vilnius is by climbing Gediminas’ Hill and going up to the tower.
Visiting this spot is perfect during sunset, but you can still admire the amazing red roofs, church towers and narrow streets of Old Town Vilnius. As you climb up the tower, there are numerous exhibits that you can go in and learn all about the history of Vilnius.
It costs 5 euros to enter the tower as an adult, 2.50 euros for students and senior citizens and it is free for Vilnius Pass holders.
Have Fun at the Vilnius Museum of Illusions:
A fun and interactive museum to visit during a trip to Vilnius in December is the Museum of Illusions. Located in the Old Town, steps from Radisson Blu Royal Astorija, this great museum is a blast as it features riveting displays and helpful staff that will explain each illusion.
Inside the Museum of Illusions is a 2D café where you can enjoy and grab a warm beverage and treat!
To get into Vilnius’ Museum of Illusions, it costs 11 euros for adults, 9 euros for students, 36 euros for a family ticket and it is free for children under seven years old.
Looking for other cities with great Christmas decorations? Look below:
I hope you all enjoyed discovering the best Christmas and non-Christmas things to do in Vilnius, Lithuania during the month of December and reading about my experience at Radisson Blu Lietuva and Radisson Blu Royal Astorija. If you have any questions, please email me at info@browneyedflowerchild.com.
Basic Facts of Lithuania:
Currency: Euro, Capital: Vilnius, Time Zone: Eastern European Standard Time
Looking for the best agency to book your next bespoke travel experience? Contact Crawford Concierge!
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One of the best cities to enjoy the magic of Christmas is Vilnius, Lithuania. Between its Christmas markets, festive decorations around the city, cozy restaurants and bars and the winter wonderland it boasts this time of the year, Vilnius is surely a place that will make your days merry and bright in December.
Visiting Europe during the month of December is magical. Every year, I enjoy doing a Christmas market trip to dreamy European cities. There is something special about all the beautiful wooden stalls that brighten up an Old Town’s square along with the mulled wine and sweet treats that you can get from them all; all the happy faces that wander through the charming streets and the heartwarming ambiance it boasts.
I started traveling to Europe during the holiday season in December 2017 when I visited Lapland, Finland with Crawford Concierge.
In 2018, I visited Munich and Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria; Salzburg and Hallstatt, Austria; Budapest, Hungary; Bratislava, Slovakia and Vienna, Austria. This was my very first solo trip to Europe!
During December 2019, I started my Christmas trip in Kraków, Poland and then made my way to Prague and Česky Krumlov, Czechia; Nuremberg and Rothenburg ob der Tauber in Bavaria along with Frankfurt and Cologne in Germany. I also did this trip solo!
The Christmas season of 2020 had me participating in all the magical New York City activities in December.
In 2021, I enjoyed the Christmas season in the Baltic’s on a solo adventure. I visited the Christmas markets in Tallinn, Estonia; experienced a winter wonderland in Riga, Latvia and enjoyed the holiday magic in Vilnius, Lithuania.
In this article, discover the best Christmas spots in Lithuania and the top things to do in Vilnius in December.
**Please note that this blog post uses affiliate links meaning that if you make a purchase via my affiliate link, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only promote and talk about products and services that I have used and like. During my time in Vilnius, Radisson Blu hosted me for two nights. During my first night, I stayed at Radisson Blu Lietuva and during my second night, I stayed at Radisson Blu Royal Astorija.
Pin the Below Image to Keep Handy
Visiting Vilnius, Lithuania in December:
If you’re wondering where is Vilnius, it is the capital of Lithuania, which is situated in the Baltic States.
Getting to the Baltic’s was easy! I took a flight from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport to Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport in Estonia with a layover in Helsinki. Here are the best things to do in Tallinn for one day. You can find affordable flights through Skyscanner!
The best ways to get around the Baltic States is via bus through the Lux Express. (I took the bus from Riga to the Vilnius Shopping Centre Panorama bus stop.) Whenever I travel around Europe through public transport, I always use Omio to get the best price for train and bus tickets. If you’re looking to explore beyond the big cities in the Baltic’s, I recommend renting a car. I flew home from Vilnius International Airport back to JFK with a layover in Frankfurt.
Out of the three cities I visited during my Christmas market trip to the Baltic’s, Vilnius was the largest. Once you’re in the Old Town, it is easy to get around by walking. If you’re unable to walk to your destination in Vilnius, I recommend downloading the app Bolt. It is the Baltic’s version of Uber and it is affordable to use and get around. I used it to get from the bus stop at the mall to my first hotel as well as from the second hotel I stayed at to the airport.
Once you’re in Vilnius Old Town, you’re going to want to walk everywhere since all the buildings and parks are stunning!
Where to Stay in Vilnius:
Radisson Blu is a luxury hotel chain in Europe and their hotels offer a comfortable and memorable experience for all!
Radisson Blu Lietuva:
I had a wonderful time staying at Radisson Blu hotels during my time in Vilnius in December. Like I mention above, during my first night, I stayed at Radisson Blu Lietuva, which is a stylish and contemporary hotel with a restaurant, bar and rooftop. It also has a wellness center where you can enjoy spa treatments, a Nordic sauna and also work out at the fitness center.
Radisson Blu Lietuva is situated in Vilnius City Center, on the banks of the River Neris and it is a short walk from the Old Town. I loved how beautifully decorated Radisson Blu Lietuva was for the holiday and it was the perfect hotel to come back to after a long day out in the cold.
During my night at Radisson Blu Lietuva, I stayed in the Royal Suite! It was spacious, clean, cozy and offered incredible views of Old Town Vilnius. The suite was amazing! It also came with a kitchenette, dining room, living room and bedroom with a large en-suite bathroom. I slept amazing in the king-sized bed it had!
The other rooms you can choose from at Radisson Blu Lietuva are the Standard Room, Superior Room, Superior Room – Old Town View, Premium Room, Suite, Suite – Old Town View, Junior Suite with Balcony – Old Town View, Junior Suite with Sauna, Presidential Suite and the Family Room.
In addition to my incredible suite and all the amazing amenities Radisson Blu Lietuva had, there was also an incredible buffet breakfast in the morning that consisted of typical European breakfast items like croissants, pastries, smoked salmon and local fish, grain and rye bread with berry spreads (lingonberry is popular in the Baltic’s), fresh fruits and veggies, cold cuts, eggs, sausages and more. The hotel’s breakfast takes place in the Riverside Restaurant every morning.
Other great spots to enjoy food and drinks at Radisson Blu Lietuva is the Skybar and Lobby Bar. The Skybar is a great place to socialize, enjoy a crafted cocktail with amazing views of the capital city and dance to the hotel’s DJ on Fridays and Saturdays. On the other hand, the Lobby Bar is a beautiful spot to get cozy and warm up with a cup of coffee or a mulled wine.
Radisson Blu Royal Astorija:
During the second night of my Vilnius trip in December, I stayed at Radisson Blu Royal Astorija, which is situated in the heart of Old Town and not too far from Vilnius Airport. It is an elegant, early 1900s hotel.
Radisson Blu Royal Astorija is a stunning and classic 5-star hotel that is conveniently located near a lot of Vilnius’ restaurants, museums and markets! It also features a French brasserie, bar and beautiful views of the colorful buildings in the Old Town. You can also enjoy a nice workout at the hotel’s Royal Health Club and take a swim in the indoor pool or relax in the hot tub.
During my stay at Radisson Blu Royal Astorija in Vilnius, I stayed in the Premium Room – Old Town View. It was a beautiful and spacious room that included a cozy king bed, a massive window with views of the Church of St. Casimir, an en-suite bathroom and a large desk! It was an incredible room to stay in. (Plus, I was treated with delicious pavlova, which is a meringue-based Russian dessert that melts in your mouth like cotton candy.)
The other wonderful rooms that Radisson Blu Royal Astorija offers are the Individual Room, Standard Room, Superior Room – Old Town View, Premium Room, New Style Premium Room, New Style Premium Room with Patio, Junior Suite, Junior Suite with Patio, Astorija Suite and Presidential Suite.
Radisson Blu Royal Astorija also has a great buffet breakfast every morning at Astorija Brasserie.
Visit Vilnius Restaurants that are Decorated Festively:
One of the best parts about visiting Vilnius in December, during the Christmas market season, is that all the restaurants are decorated beautifully for the holiday! Businesses around Vilnius go all out for Christmas and you cannot miss out on experiencing the magic that is everywhere.
Farmer & The Ocean:
A delicious and cozy farm to table restaurant in Vilnius, that is perfect to enjoy a nice dinner at, is Farmer & The Ocean. It is located on one of Old Town Vilnius’ main streets – Vilnaus g.
Farmer & The Ocean is the perfect place to cozy up during a cold December night in Vilnius. There are candles everywhere, beautiful decorations and the food is delicious! During my first night in Vilnius, I had a red wine while I savored the herring toast with beets, carrot spread and cabbage as an appetizer. I also enjoyed the octopus risotto for my main meal. Everything was incredible!
Restoranas Lokys:
A trip to Vilnius in December is not complete without savoring an authentic Lithuanian dinner at Restoranas Lokys. Situated in Vilnius Old Town, on the festive Stikliu g. street, Lokys is a second-generation family restaurant that boasts a menu narrating the Lithuanian noblemen who would feast on forest foods.
Overall, I loved visiting Lokys during my last evening in Vilnius because it was decorated beautifully for Christmas and it also had a cozy and warm ambiance to it.
For dinner, I had a local Lithuanian beer with crayfish soup along with rye and grain bread as an appetizer. My main meal was a delicious boletus (mushroom) dumplings dish with caramelized onions. It was amazing!
Augustus ir Barbora Love Story Café:
In addition to festive restaurants, Vilnius has a lot of beautiful cafés and bakeries that will keep you warm, cozy and jolly during your Vilnius Christmas market trip.
One of the best places to spend an afternoon at is Augustus ir Barbora or Love Story Café. It is located on the popular Stikliu g. street and every year it is decorated differently for the holiday. During the Christmas 2021 season, Love Story Café was decorated with beautiful mushrooms, Christmas lights, ivy and flowers. The inside of the café has stunning rose trellises and flowers hanging from the ceiling. It is known as one of the most “Instagrammable” spots in Vilnius!
Not only is Love Story Café a wonderful spot to enjoy sweet treats such as cakes, pastries and hot cocoa, it is also a bar! During my time at this adorable spot, I had an incredible mulled wine and it was served to me in a pretty glass. I loved it!
The name of this café commemorates the love story between Barbora Radvilaiė, who was the Grand Duchess of Lithuania, and Žygimantas Augustas, who was the King of Poland, in the 16th Century.
Poniu Laimė:
Another adorable Christmas café to visit in Vilnius in December is Poniu Laimė. It is a French café and pastry shop where you can enjoy a cup of coffee/tea, French desserts such as macaron cakes and more.
Located on the corner of Stikliu g. street, Poniu Laimė had an adorable candy cane and macaron display to admire on the outside during the 2021 Vilnius Christmas season. Just like Love Story Café, they change their outdoor Christmas display every season.
I came to this lovely spot to warm up during one afternoon while I was making my way around Old Town Vilnius. I had a comforting cappuccino with a decadent chocolate cake. Everything was delicious!
Vilnius in December – What to do in Vilnius in Winter:
Stroll around the Vilnius Christmas Market:
One of the best parts of visiting Vilnius in December is making your way around the Christmas markets. You can find Christmas market stands in Cathedral Square, which is the main one in the city; Old Town, which is in front of the Town Hall and in Lukiškes Square.
What is cool about Vilnius’ Christmas markets is that there is a train that takes people around the city to see all the decorations and market stalls! There are also festive concerts to enjoy.
I loved all the beautiful white Christmas stands in Vilnius, they are unique compared to all of the other market stalls around Europe. Overall, it is free for all to enjoy the Vilnius Christmas markets and they run from 10am to 8pm during weekdays and 10am to 9pm on weekends during the holiday season. What is also nice about the Lithuanian markets is that they run from the end of November until the beginning of January every year!
At the Vilnius Christmas market, you can savor everything from mulled wine to hot cocoa and chimney cakes to Dutch pancakes. Other great treats and food you can get at the Christmas markets in Vilnius are roasted chestnuts, crepes, gingerbread cookies, grilled sausages and local cheeses to name a few.
What is also great about the Vilnius Christmas market is that there are so many special things you can buy for yourself and loved ones back home! At these beautiful stalls, you can find wool clothing and apparel, jewelry, candles, homemade sweet treats, Christmas village houses, trinkets and other home décor.
The Christmas market in Vilnius during the month of December is something you cannot miss out on. It is the most magical part of the city, especially during a winter wonderland, which is what I experienced when I visited the Vilnius Christmas market in 2021.
One of the best parts of the Vilnius Christmas markets are the Christmas trees. Every year, Cathedral Square boasts a Christmas tree with an original theme that has unique decorations. In 2021, Cathedral Square’s Christmas market had a modern Christmas tree installation. It was so cool!
In the Vilnius Town Hall Square, there is another beautiful tree to admire. What was nice about this Christmas tree was that I could enjoy its beauty from my hotel room at Radisson Blu Royal Astorija.
Enjoy the Christmas Decorations on Stikliu Gatvė Street:
Another reason why Vilnius in December is the best is because of all the dreamy Christmas decorations on Stikliu g. street. Almost every single restaurant, café, store and bar is decorated festively on this charming street!
Some of the best decorations to see on this lovely block are the ones at Augustas ir Barbora Love Story Café, Lokys and Poniu Laimė, like I mention above. Other great Christmas spots to check out on this jolly street are Stikliai Restaurant, the lit up Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer display in a courtyard off the street and many more.
Another great spot to admire stunning Christmas lights, decorations and displays in Vilnius is along Gedimino pr. street in Old Town.
Participate in a Vilnius City Tour:
Vilnius is a fascinating Eastern European city that has a lot of history to it. One of the best things to do during a Christmas trip to Vilnius in December is to participate in a walking city tour!
Some facts about Vilnius is Lithuanian legend has it that Vilnius was built on a dream. In 1323, the Grand Duke of Lithuania Gediminas established a wooden castle on a hill and named the city below it Vilnius. The name Vilnius was taken after the local Vilnia River.
After the 14th Century, Germany took over the city and destroyed it along with the castle. The Teutonic Knights, who destroyed the city, were defeated at the Battle of Grunwald. It was one of the largest battles in medieval Europe.
The city of Vilnius was rebuilt with city walls in the 1500s and later on, the Russians took it over in 1655 before the Swedish occupied it in the early 1700s. After the Third Partition of Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth in 1795, Vilnius was taken over by the Russian Empire.
In the World Wars, the Germans occupied Vilnius until 1944 when the Soviet Union took back control of the city. Lithuania was acknowledged and gained independence in 1991. In May 2004, Lithuania joined the European Union.
Most Lithuanians are Roman Catholic and the official language is one of the oldest in the world.
Some of the best historical spots to check out in Vilnius are below:
- Gates of Dawn: One of the most important landmarks in the city of Vilnius is the Gates of Dawn. It is the only remaining portion of the former city wall. Nowadays, the Gates of Dawn features a chapel that holds the Madonna of Mercy. It also has the Virgin Mary without baby Jesus.
- Gediminas’ Castle: Even though most of Gediminas Castle no longer exists, you can still visit the medieval tower.
- St. Mikalojaus Church: This beautiful Gothic styled, Roman Catholic church is the oldest in Vilnius.
- Vilnius University: Founded in the late 16th Century, Vilnius University is the oldest university in Eastern Europe. It is beautiful and boasts a stunning botanical garden to admire.
- Palace of the Grand Duke of Lithuania: This picturesque reconstruction of the Grand Duke Palace has a large museum that you can walk around and learn all about Vilnius’ history.
During a trip to Vilnius, Lithuania, I recommend purchasing the Vilnius Pass to get freebies and discounts within the capital city!
If you’re wondering where is Vilnius, it is located in Southeastern Lithuania, around 45 minutes from the Belarus border.
Capture Incredible Views of Vilnius at Gediminas Tower:
The city of Vilnius is picturesque and in December, the views are even better with snow! One of the top places to capture panoramic views of Vilnius is by climbing Gediminas’ Hill and going up to the tower.
Visiting this spot is perfect during sunset, but you can still admire the amazing red roofs, church towers and narrow streets of Old Town Vilnius. As you climb up the tower, there are numerous exhibits that you can go in and learn all about the history of Vilnius.
It costs 5 euros to enter the tower as an adult, 2.50 euros for students and senior citizens and it is free for Vilnius Pass holders.
Have Fun at the Vilnius Museum of Illusions:
A fun and interactive museum to visit during a trip to Vilnius in December is the Museum of Illusions. Located in the Old Town, steps from Radisson Blu Royal Astorija, this great museum is a blast as it features riveting displays and helpful staff that will explain each illusion.
Inside the Museum of Illusions is a 2D café where you can enjoy and grab a warm beverage and treat!
To get into Vilnius’ Museum of Illusions, it costs 11 euros for adults, 9 euros for students, 36 euros for a family ticket and it is free for children under seven years old.
Looking for other cities with great Christmas decorations? Look below:
I hope you all enjoyed discovering the best Christmas and non-Christmas things to do in Vilnius, Lithuania during the month of December and reading about my experience at Radisson Blu Lietuva and Radisson Blu Royal Astorija. If you have any questions, please email me at info@browneyedflowerchild.com.
Basic Facts of Lithuania:
Currency: Euro, Capital: Vilnius, Time Zone: Eastern European Standard Time
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4 Comments
Wow. Vilnius, Lithuania is so beautiful! The Christmas markets, decorated trees, cathedrals and hotels look amazing~ They really do it up for the holiday season~ so magical. Looks like you had a wonderful time! Thank you for bringing this stunning city to life in your very informative blog! Hope to get there one day ~ 💚🎄♥️🏘 Love you, mom xoxo 👩♥️
Beautiful photos! I was in Lithuania in December 2017 for my son’s wedding, I recognize many of the places you visited, and I loved the Christmas market! Thank you for sharing your experience.
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Wow. Vilnius, Lithuania is so beautiful! The Christmas markets, decorated trees, cathedrals and hotels look amazing~ They really do it up for the holiday season~ so magical. Looks like you had a wonderful time! Thank you for bringing this stunning city to life in your very informative blog! Hope to get there one day ~ 💚🎄♥️🏘 Love you, mom xoxo 👩♥️
It really is a beautiful city! I loved it so much. The hotels were definitely the best spots to stay at during the Christmas season. 🙂
Thank you mom and love you too!
Beautiful photos! I was in Lithuania in December 2017 for my son’s wedding, I recognize many of the places you visited, and I loved the Christmas market! Thank you for sharing your experience.
Thank you Connie! It’s such a beautiful country and city. I really enjoyed visiting during the holiday season. 🙂