Exploring a new town or city at Christmas time can be magical.
With glittering lights, delicious food, mulled wine and ice skating rinks, it’s often the most beautiful time of year.
Travellers flock to European cities during the festivities to explore – from Paris to London, tourists are drawn in by the promise of endless activities.
But, unsurprisingly, this can lead to hoards of people clogging up the streets, particular in popular capital cities at this time of year.
For example, in 2024, Paris welcomed 22.6 million international visitors, while tourists accounted for 19 million overnight stays in Vienna.
With 80 per cent of travellers concentrated in just 10 per cent of destinations, major cities are affected by overtourism.
But there’s one European capital that’s managed to steer clear of these shoulder-to-shoulder crowds.
Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, has been crowned Europe’s Christmas Capital 2025 2025 by the Christmas Cities Network, supported by the European Parliament, GoVilnius reported.
There’s one European capital that’s managed to steer clear of shoulder-to-shoulder crowds
Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, has been crowned Europe’s Christmas Capital 2025
Just 1.2 million tourists explored the Lithuanian capital last year – a fraction of the numbers seen in Europe’s busiest hubs
Just 1.2 million tourists explored the Lithuanian capital last year – a fraction of the numbers seen in Europe’s busiest hubs.
With its dazzling Christmas tree, Unesco–listed Old Town and markets filled with mulled wine and handmade crafts, Vilnius delivers an intimate festive season.
But even more important, perhaps, is the rare gift of space to enjoy it – and, of course, shorter queues.
The festive season in Vilnius kicks off on November 29 with its most anticipated tradition – the lighting of the Christmas Tree in Cathedral Square.
From that point onwards, there’s no shortage of things to do in Vilnius.
The Christmas Market opens that evening too, promising an array of regional delicacies to visitors.
For example pastries, such as kūčiukai, which are traditionally eaten on Christmas Eve, and tree–shaped cake šakotis, along with curd cheese doughnuts, smoked sausages and gingerbread are among the offerings.
Like other festive markets across Europe, wooden stalls also overflow with artisan crafts and gifts, perfect for stocking up in time for Christmas.
With its dazzling Christmas tree, Unesco–listed Old Town and markets filled with mulled wine and handmade crafts, Vilnius delivers an intimate festive season
There’s no shortage of things to do in Vilnius during the Yuletide season
There’s also a charity bazaar and an ice skating rink that opens in the city.
On December 6, the Vilnius Christmas Run transforms the city streets into a playful parade of Santas, elves, and creatively costumed participants.
The season peaks on December 31, when fireworks, live music, and open-air celebrations light up the capital, welcoming the New Year.
Vilnius is easily accessible with direct flights from London Stansted, London City, and London Luton several times a week, and only takes 2 hours and 40 minutes.
Last December, 3,600 visitors from the UK experienced its markets, traditions, and welcoming festive spirit.
Source link
CHECK OUT: Top Travel Destinations
READ MORE: Travel News
