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An international jury of the Christmas Cities Network assessed this year's projects and the cities' efforts to preserve and promote the Christmas spirit through cultural activities and initiatives, and decided to award the following cities: Barcelona, ​​Wales and Kirkop.

Thousands gathered in Vilnius' Cathedral Square for the lighting of the Christmas tree. The Lithuanian capital is famous worldwide for its award-winning Christmas trees, and this year's installment is a stunning natural spruce with a classic theme.

A new festive tradition is taking over the Lithuanian capital on December 13. The magical one-day pre-Christmas celebration is designed for everyone who has ever felt impatient for the holidays to arrive and aims to awaken the Christmas spirit experienced by a five-year-old.

Vilnius, titled the official Christmas Capital of Europe 2025, has presented its program of events for the festive season. Waiting for Christmas in the city will begin with the lighting of a natural Christmas tree in Cathedral Square, the opening of the skating rink in the Town Hall Square, events in the neighbourhoods inviting neighbours to gather, and the most Christmas-like day of all will take the residents and visitors of Vilnius back to their childhood.

Vilnius is celebrating the holiday season by dressing its iconic monuments in hand-knitted Christmas attire–eleven sculptures are wrapped in festive red garments. This creative initiative highlights the city’s cultural spirit, contributing to its recent title of European Christmas Capital 2025.

On Friday, November 29th, thousands of Vilnius residents gathered in Cathedral Square to witness the unveiling of the highly anticipated Christmas tree. This year's tree goes back to its roots: its design is based on the Christmas ornament as a symbol of tradition, joy, unity, and caring. Over the years, Vilnius' Christmas trees have earned international acclaim, often setting global trends in holiday decorations.

Kalėdinės mugės, dekoracijos, įvairios pramogos Vilniuje tik plečiasi, o šiemet iš miesto centro pasklido po visą sostinę ir nugulė į šventiškiausią žemėlapį. Vilniečiai ir miesto svečiai kviečiami pajusti pakilią žiemiško miesto atmosferą – nuo unikalių gastronominių patirčių bei meninių dirbtuvių iki kvapnių mugių ar dovanų miestelių.

Vilnius, the historic and vibrant capital of Lithuania, has been honored with the title of European Christmas Capital 2025 by the Christmas Cities Network. This recognition celebrates the city's outstanding dedication to fostering the holiday spirit through its unique blend of history, culture, and community engagement.

Every year during the winter season, urban spaces all over the world, from Hyde Park in London to Rockefeller Center in New York, are transformed into magical ice rinks, and Vilnius is no exception.

Just over a week before the lighting of the Vilnius Christmas tree, the official programme of festive events to be held in the city has been unveiled. The traditional winter festival Christmas in the Capital 2024 will start on the 29th of November and continue until the Three Kings’ Day.