Vilnius in Lithuania, has been named this year’s Christmas capital, and is packed with festive trees, huts full of treats and it’s very own seasonal currency
An underrated city in Europe has been crowned as this year’s Christmas capital, complete with life-size Nutcrackers and traditional festive markets.
The city of Vilnius, Lithuania’s capital, has been named this year’s Christmas Capital of Europe, and for good reason. Unlike other major cities in Europe, all competing for the most Instagram-viral food stalls and underwhelming grottos, Vilnius celebrates the season with ‘pure charm’ and is a ‘glittery wonderland.’
It comes after the UK’s ‘best festive city’ has been revealed, complete with a giant Christmas market and hotels from just £40 a night. The Christmas market in the Vilnius spreads across one of the Old Town’s central squares — Cathedral Square.
It’s where you will also find the official Christmas tree, surrounded by festive decorations, tiny huts complete with sweet treats and local businesses all decked out in Christmas gear.
If you really enjoy festive trees, the Konstantinas Sirvydas Square, hosts a formidable 144 Christmas trees. Every year, the city also hosts ‘Christmas before Christmas.’ This is where festive events take place throughout the city before the big day.
This year, the festivities took place on December 13 with performances from carol singers, festive tours and even a holiday-themed train and bus.
No need for euros as the event depends on a special currency. This is a red pine cone which visitors can exchange for a warming cherry tea or a sweet treat, according to The Sun.
This year, the festivities took place on December 13 with performances from carol singers, festive tours and even a holiday-themed train and bus.
According to the National Geographic, the magical city was recognised by the European Christmas Cities Network as the Christmas Capital of Europe. It wrote that ‘the organization recognizes a different city each year “for their outstanding holiday traditions, commitment to community spirit, and creative festive experiences.’
There’s a lot more to do in the city than just festive fun. For instance, tourists can visit Lukiškės Prison, a historical prison complex found near the border of Vilnius’s Old Town and the business district.
It used to hold housed murderers, gangsters, and political prisoners, but is now an artistic campus that houses dozens of artists’ studios, a recording studio, a beer garden in the summertime, and a Christmas market during the holidays.
The National Geographic added: “Visitors can take a tour of the prison, which has served as the backdrop for popular TV series and movies, and a stage for massive concerts featuring artists such as M83, King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, and Denzel Curry.”
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