Follow the Light!

Delve into Vilnius Light Festival

Get a sneak peek!

Light Festival in Vilnius by Eitvydas KinaitisVilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing

Let there be light in Vilnius!

The Vilnius Light Festival is the brightest annual event of Vilnius' birthday, replacing traditional birthday candles with an enchanting display of lights.

Light Festival in Vilnius by Eitvydas KinaitisVilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing

How it all started?

In 1323, on January 25th, Duke Gediminas sent one of his famous letters, as if illuminating this little-known northern land to the eyes of Europeans, and permanently placing Vilnius on the map of the Old Continent. This date is now considered the birthday of Vilnius.

Light Festival in Vilnius by Eitvydas KinaitisVilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing

Get ready for the show!

Light Festival in Vilnius by Eitvydas KinaitisVilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing

This date is now considered the birthday of Vilnius.

Light Festival in Vilnius by Eitvydas KinaitisVilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing

Now every year, during the Light Festival, Vilnius’ birthday is celebrated brightly,  just as this wonderful city of Gediminas deserves.

Light Festival in VilniusVilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing

On January 25th, as night descends upon the city, Vilnius undergoes a magical metamorphosis.

Iconic landmarks and historic architecture are washed with light revealing new faces of the sites.

Light Festival in VilniusVilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing

Modern light installations, new media art and the synthesis of architecture and light transform The Old Town and the central part of the city. 

Streets, squares and public spaces are flooded with spectacular lights, revealing all the charm of Vilnius city.

Light Festival in Vilnius by Eitvydas KinaitisVilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing

Lithuanian and world famous artists congratulate Vilnius on its birthday, adorning the city with lights. 

Vilnius is shining brighter than the brighter star while illuminations show the way to the Lithuanian capital to the whole world. 

Light Festival in Vilnius by Olga PosaškovaVilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing

Started in 2019, the Vilnius Light Festival has become a favorite event, drawing in hundreds of thousands of visitors who wander the streets in pursuit of glimpsing the intricate artistic wonders.

Light Festival in VilniusVilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing

During the years, more than 80 light installations from 16 countries have given visitors a chance to see popular landmarks and rarely accessible courtyards of the Vilnius Old Town in new light.

“Onion Skin” by Olivier Ratsi at the Light Festival by Olivier RatsiVilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing

Winter, the darkest time of the year in Lithuania, serves as a perfect backdrop for the Vilnius Light Festival. 

The celebration awakens the city from hibernation, creating a modern open-air art gallery. 

Light Festival in VilniusVilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing

Vilnius Light Festival transforms Vilnius into a luminous wonderland, showcasing a mesmerizing array of light installations, projections, and artistic displays that draw crowds.

The installations by festival regulars and new participants alike arouse the imagination...

Light Festival in Vilnius by Eitvydas KinaitisVilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing

... and invite the spectators to reflect on the messages, and to immerse into the installations.

Light Festival in Vilnius by Eitvydas KinaitisVilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing

There’s no one way to see the light works. For some the festival is like a pilgrimage with a marked route to visit all the light installations of the year.

Others opt for a spontaneous journey following the stream of people and uncovering delightful surprises along the way.

Light Festival in Vilnius by Eitvydas KinaitisVilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing

Walking at night under the open sky makes everything seem magical. 

It's even more other worldly experience as many of the installations are interactive, encouraging visitors to interact with and discover light forms.

Light Festival in Vilnius: Palace of Grand Dukes by Olga PosaškovaVilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing

The works of contemporary art kindle the imagination and expand the boundaries of perception about the concepts of time, objective reality, technology, matter, and space.

Light Festival in VilniusVilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing

Happening in a 700 year old Vilnius, the festival radiates a futuristic atmosphere. Modern technologies, augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and artistic creativity merge into illuminated art pieces.

Modern technologies, augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and artistic creativity merge into illuminated art pieces.

Light Festival in VilniusVilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing

Alongside the captivating light displays, the festival offers a bustling night-time entertainment scene. 

Live music performances, street food vendors, and cultural events fill the streets, becoming a celebration of culture and community.

Light Festival in VilniusVilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing

The Vilnius Light Festival is also a more sustainable solution than firework performances. It creates a spectacular sight for visitors that can be admired for longer minimizing their environmental impact. 

Gediminas TowerVilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing

It creates a spectacular sight for visitors that can be admired for longer minimizing their environmental impact.

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The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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