Vilnius Named European Christmas Capital 2025

Vilnius has been crowned the European Christmas Capital 2025 by the Christmas Cities Network, established by the European Parliament. This prestigious title celebrates Vilnius’ exceptional ability to blend cherished Christmas traditions with modern innovation, creating a magical holiday experience for all.
A Celebration of Festive Spirit
The international awards committee commended Vilnius for its dedication to cultivating the festive atmosphere, its breathtakingly adorned UNESCO-listed Old Town, and its initiatives promoting sustainability and community spirit. Simona Bieliūnė, Vice Mayor of Vilnius, expressed her pride: “This honour highlights the decades of Christmas traditions, events, and experiences that have made the season so special for residents and visitors alike. We aim to ensure everyone feels the warmth and joy of Christmas in Vilnius, offering unique gifts, unforgettable experiences, and countless ways to celebrate.”
A Global Christmas Destination
Vilnius’ iconic Christmas tree, known for captivating international audiences, continues to shine brightly on the global stage. National Geographic TV even spotlighted the decoration tradition as one of the most fascinating worldwide. Dovilė Aleksandravičienė, head of Go Vilnius, added: “Vilnius is already a top Christmas destination, attracting around 100,000 tourists during the festive season. As the European Christmas Capital, we look forward to welcoming even more visitors to experience the magic of our city.”
A Shared Recognition
Vilnius shares this honour with Celje (Slovenia), named European Christmas City, and Noia (Spain), recognised as the European Christmas Town for 2025. This year, the titles belong to Brno (Czech Republic), Waterford (Ireland), and Almansa (Spain).
The Christmas Cities Network celebrates Christmas’s cultural, social, and economic values across Europe, fostering connections through shared holiday traditions.