Experience Christmas Spirit
A 3D fairy tale on Christmas Eve by Saulius ZiuraVilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing
The timeless tradition
The Christmas trees of Vilnius are famous for their original themes, unique decorations, and magical atmosphere.
Christmas magic in VilniusVilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing
For many years now, the Lithuanian capital’s Christmas tree has been recognized as one of the most beautiful in the world. It even dictates fashion trends globally.
Magical winter in Vilnius by Saulius ŽiūraVilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing
Back to the roots, 2023
In 2023, Vilnius embraced a natural Christmas tree, showcasing its commitment to sustainability and tradition.
Magical winter in Vilnius by AHOYVilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing
The tree's simple beauty served as a reminder of the holiday's core values, and as an invitation to look back to intangible values.
This year, a natural coniferous tree was decorated, donated to the city by its citizens. At the foot of the tree, there was also an arrangement of huge golden gifts and a special viewing platform, which allowed a closer look at the tree.
Vilnius 700th Birthday Christmas TreeVilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing
The jubilee tree, 2022
The occasion was special, so the Christmas tree had to be special too - an elegant three-story anniversary cake was erected in the city's main square and decorated with 700 candles.
Vilnius 700th Birthday Christmas TreeVilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing
Vilnius' 700th birthday
At the centre of the composition was a Christmas tree decorated with golden toys and sparkling garlands. Throughout the month, the tree delighted and amazed Vilnius residents and visitors, inviting them to celebrate.
Christmas tree in Vilnius 2021 - Queen of WinterVilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing
The queen of winter, 2021
Vilnius Christmas tree with a huge Christmas star shining at the top aroused curiosity and hope.
Inspired by the beauty of winter nature and the patterns of real snowflakes, the illuminated tree features a swirl of 96 snowflakes, white spruce trees, and mirrored surfaces that have been magnified more than 1,000 times, in different sizes and patterns.
The modern Christmas tree of 2020 in Vilnius by Saulius ZiuraVilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing
The modern christmas tree, 2020
Christmas felt surreal in 2020 with people spending the festive season indoors, but the Christmas tree in Vilnius kept its magic alive, setting the mood and spreading joy both in Cathedral Square and online!
The tree’s design captured social distancing extremely well, but still managed to bring people together for the Christmas season.
The modern Christmas tree of 2020 in VilniusVilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing
The traditional symbol became an embodiment of Vilnius – modern and creative, yet able to keep traditions at heart.
Vilnius Christmas tree 2019 – ChessVilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing
Chess, 2019
The Christmas tree checkmated all others around the world and was awarded the honour of most beautiful tree in Europe.
Vilnius Christmas tree 2019 – Chess by Evaldas CingaVilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing
Like a queen in a royal blue dress and silver cloak, the Christmas tree perfectly reflected the connection between modern life and history – chess was a popular game among the nobility and the rulers of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania when Vilnius was first founded.
Christmas tree 2018 – Time by Saulius ZiuraVilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing
Clockwork snowflakes, 2018
Named among world’s the top ten most beautiful trees, the Christmas tree reminded everyone about the passing of time.
Moving clock gear-snowflakes pulsated at the pace of the respective clock gear and stopped briefly every 15 minutes, while the Christmas tree itself flashed every hour, corresponding with the time of day.
Vilnius Christmas tree 2017 – PurpleVilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing
Vilnius' purple christmas, 2017
Vilnius's 2017 Christmas tree, adorned in purple, took home the title of Europe's most beautiful tree.
Vilnius Christmas tree 2017 – PurpleVilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing
The Christmas tree sheltered the entire Christmas village under its cloak of 70,000 bulbs and 900 decorations, creating a cosy atmosphere.
The Christmas tree’s purple colour was a bold choice, as it is not normally a popular colour for Christmas decorations in Lithuania.
Vilnius Christmas tree 2016 - EmeraldVilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing
Emerald glow, 2016
In 2016, Vilnius's Christmas tree dazzled with its emerald glow, earning a place on The Huffington Post's list of the world's most beautiful trees!
It almost seemed as though the emerald Christmas tree, hiding under a shimmering cloak of 50,000 bulbs, was floating above Cathedral Square. The tree itself was 27 metres tall and the total width of its composition was 50 metres.
Christmas tree 2015 – The world as one homeVilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing
The world united as one home, 2015
Vilnius's Christmas tree earned international acclaim in 2015, being featured on The Guardian and The Huffington Post's lists of the most beautiful trees globally!
This was the first Christmas tree in Vilnius where you could go inside and enjoy listening to Lithuanian fairy tales. The Christmas tree invited people to remember this magical season during their childhood and imagine a cosy fairy tale house.
Christmas Tree: LightingVilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing
2024: A Christmas Bauble
Decorating the Christmas tree is a cherished tradition, but in 2024, Vilnius turned the tree itself into a toy. Inside a giant, bubble-shaped ornament stood a 15-meter live spruce, dazzling visitors with golden decorations and sparkling LED lights.
Beyond its beauty, the installation carried a meaningful message of sustainability: over 80% of the materials used were recycled or designed for reuse.
Christmas Tree: LightingVilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing
A specially adapted platform also ensured that people with mobility impairments could experience the tree’s magic up close, making the celebration truly inclusive.
Magical winter in Vilnius by AHOYVilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing
2023: A Gift from Nature
After a long time, a natural Christmas tree from nature returned to the city. The 16-meter tree was gifted to the city by a local resident in 2023, and surrounded by sparkling gift boxes, it reminded everyone of the joy of giving.
It encouraged people to give each other not material things, but what is most precious: attention, conversations, friendship, support, and gratitude.
A special observation platform allowed people to get a closer look at the tree, view the Christmas village located in Cathedral Square, and take photos.
You are all set!
Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.