- Lithuania is becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination among Poles who are attracted by the magical Christmas markets in the run-up to Christmas.
- In Vilnius we can admire the impressive Christmas tree, which in recent years has been repeatedly recognized as the most beautiful Christmas tree in Europe.
- For the Christmas atmosphere, it is worth visiting the Christmas markets in Kaunas
- More important information can be found on the Onet home page
The material was created during a trip organized as part of a business collaboration with Lithuania Travel
150 km from the Polish border there is a winter wonderland with its extraordinary Christmas atmosphere from 1 December. It is worth going there just before Christmas and visiting the beautiful exhibitions. Of course, a must-see is the fair in the capital, but it's worth visiting the Christmas markets in Kaunas. The Christmas season, when Vilnius transforms into a unique winter wonderland, becomes the perfect time for an unforgettable city break.
One of the most magical Christmas cities
The Christmas tree has become a symbol of Christmas in Vilnius and throughout Lithuania, and in recent years it has often been recognized as the most beautiful in Europe. That is one reason The “Christmas Capital” of Lithuania is recognized as one of the most magical European cities.
In fact, as we walk around the old town, we can feel the Christmas atmosphere at almost every step.
Decorated streets of the Old Town in Vilnius
Christmas tree on Cathedral Square in Vilnius
Market stalls are set up around the Christmas tree where you can find all kinds of products associated with the holidays – From various decorations, through local Christmas dishes, to a fragrant cup of mulled wine. With a little luck you can meet the saint here. Santa playing Christmas hits on trumpet.
Saint Santa Claus plays at the fair
A great idea is to climb the bell tower located in Cathedral Square after dark. One of its windows faces the exhibition. The view from this place is truly magical! You can enter until 6 pm (you must leave the bell tower by 6 pm) and it costs 6 euros for a regular ticket (approx. PLN 26) or 4 euros for a low-cost ticket (approx. PLN 17).
View of the fair from the bell tower
What are the prices at the Vilnius Fair?
To burn off the calories absorbed at the fair, you can head to the ice rink, which is just around the corner. You can rent equipment on site and enjoy carefree fun on the atmospheric illuminated slide.
Ice rink near the fair in Vilnius
There is also a stop next to Cathedral Square from which a special Christmas train runs. The engine, as if taken straight from a fairy tale, takes passengers along the beautiful streets of the old town with Christmas carols.. Of course, you can go for a walk instead of a ride, but I noticed that the attractions are mainly used by families with children. You have to pay 5 euros for such a ride, and children up to 90 cm tall can enter for free.
The Christmas Train
And not just Vilnius. A less obvious gem
About an hour away from Vilnius is Kaunas – Lithuania's second most populous city. With its rich history, Kaunas also opens Christmas markets before Christmas. At Town Hall Square I expected to be similar to Cathedral Square in Vilnius, but The exhibition in Kaunas turned out to be completely different.
Instead of the usual wooden stalls, transparent capsules were placed around the square, with small lights shining on them after dark. At the booths you can not only buy delicacies or mulled wine, but also meet Saint. Take advantage of creative workshops run by Nicholas or the animators. It's a real paradise for kids!
Attractions for children at the fair in Kaunas
I was delighted with the Christmas tree, which was decorated in keeping with the main theme of the entire exhibition this year: angel wing feathers.
Extraordinary atmosphere at the exhibition in Kaunas
But what would a fair be without mulled wine? Of course, the fair in Kaunas also includes the iconic drink. Price? Same as in Vilnius – 5 euros for a small cup. As for snacks, the real hit is the spargos, which are tiny deep-fried doughnuts. You had to pay 4-5 euros for a cup of this delicacy depending on its capacity. On such a frosty evening, the fluffy donuts were delicious.
Desserts at the Kaunas fair
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