Things to Do in Vilnius in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Vilnius
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Christmas markets transform Old Town into a magical wonderland with mulled wine (glögi) stalls, handcrafted gifts, and the massive 20m (66ft) Christmas tree at Cathedral Square - peak atmosphere from December 1-23
- Hotel prices drop 40-50% compared to summer peak season, with luxury accommodations in Old Town available for €60-90 per night instead of €150-200
- Minimal tourist crowds mean you can explore Vilnius Cathedral, Gediminas Tower, and Užupis Republic without queuing - major attractions have 70% fewer visitors than July
- Snow-covered baroque architecture creates Instagram-perfect scenes, especially along Pilies Street and around the Gates of Dawn, with consistent snow cover from mid-December through February
Considerations
- Brutal cold with temperatures rarely rising above freezing - daylight lasts only 7 hours (sunrise 8:30am, sunset 3:30pm) making outdoor sightseeing challenging
- Many outdoor attractions close or have limited access - Gediminas Hill Tower has reduced hours, and some castle ruins become inaccessible due to icy conditions
- Frequent sleet and snow create slippery cobblestones throughout Old Town - expect 10 days of precipitation, mostly as snow or freezing rain
Best Activities in December
Old Town Walking Tours and Christmas Markets
December transforms Vilnius Old Town into a winter fairytale with UNESCO World Heritage baroque buildings draped in snow. The Christmas market at Cathedral Square (open Dec 1-Jan 6) features 60+ wooden chalets selling amber jewelry, linen textiles, and traditional Lithuanian honey cake (šakotis). Perfect timing as cold weather makes mulled wine and hot food stalls especially appealing, plus minimal crowds mean unobstructed photos of gothic spires.
Traditional Lithuanian Sauna and Spa Experiences
December's sub-zero temperatures make authentic Lithuanian pirtis (sauna) experiences incredibly rewarding. Traditional wood-fired saunas reach 80-90°C (176-194°F) - the perfect antidote to -4°C (24°F) weather. Many venues offer full cultural experiences including birch branch beatings (vanta) and ice plunges, followed by hearty traditional meals. Popular with locals during winter months as both social activity and health ritual.
Soviet History Underground Tours
December's harsh weather makes underground and indoor historical experiences ideal. Explore KGB Museum (former headquarters) basement cells, learn about Lithuanian resistance movement, and visit authentic Soviet-era bunkers. The cold weather adds authenticity to understanding how locals survived harsh conditions during occupation. Most tours include heated transportation between sites and warm indoor venues.
Traditional Lithuanian Cooking Classes
December is perfect for learning hearty Lithuanian winter cuisine - cepelinai (potato dumplings), šaltibarščiai (cold beet soup served hot in winter), and traditional Christmas dishes like kūčiukai cookies. Local cooking schools offer 3-4 hour classes in warm kitchens, teaching seasonal recipes that locals actually prepare during December holidays. Classes often include traditional Christmas Eve dinner preparation (Kūčios) techniques.
Amber Museum and Workshop Tours
December indoor cultural activities become essential with only 7 hours of daylight. Lithuania produces 90% of world's amber, and December is ideal for learning amber craftsmanship in heated workshops. Many venues offer 2-3 hour experiences combining museum visits with hands-on jewelry making. Perfect weather-independent activity that provides authentic Lithuanian cultural immersion while staying warm.
Traditional Christmas Concert and Church Tours
December brings exceptional classical music performances in Vilnius's stunning baroque churches, including St. Anne's Church and Vilnius Cathedral. Lithuanian Christmas traditions include unique caroling (kalėdaičiai) and organ concerts that take advantage of church acoustics. The cold weather drives locals to these warm, cultural indoor experiences, making December the peak season for authentic musical performances.
December Events & Festivals
Vilnius Christmas Market
Cathedral Square transforms into Lithuania's largest Christmas market with over 60 wooden chalets selling handcrafted amber jewelry, traditional linen textiles, and Lithuanian honey spirits. Features a 20m (66ft) Christmas tree, ice skating rink, and authentic food stalls serving cepelinai and mulled wine. Live folk music performances daily at 6pm.
Kūčios (Lithuanian Christmas Eve)
Most important Lithuanian celebration featuring 12-dish meatless feast including traditional kūčiukai cookies and poppy seed milk. Many restaurants offer authentic Kūčios dinners for visitors, while churches hold special midnight masses. Cultural centers often host demonstrations of traditional table blessing rituals.
New Year's Eve Fireworks at Gediminas Tower
Lithuania's largest New Year celebration centers around illuminated Gediminas Tower with fireworks display visible throughout Old Town. Free outdoor celebration includes live music, traditional food vendors, and midnight countdown. Indoor viewing parties available at restaurants with tower views.