“Nikolajs Timrots is an
American-Latvian who spent his whole life in the Washington, DC area until
relocating to Vilnius this past September. You may remember him from such hits
as 2019’s “Grybukai.” He is now in that awkward stage where he knows enough about
Vilnius to know how little he actually knows about Vilnius.”
Christmas markets in Europe are amazing. It’s a well-known fact. You can get
hot booze, eat tasty food, look at some pretty lights, hear some Christmas
music, and get your Christmas shopping done, all in one stop. Vilnius is no
different! But there’s something about the layout of the old town here that
makes it extra magical.
Let’s
start in Cathedral Square. This is a big open plaza next to, you guessed it, Vilnius
Cathedral, which is just below what is likely the most famous landmark in
Vilnius, Gediminas Castle. However, for the month of December, this square
becomes the site of Vilnius’ official Christmas tree, and most popular
Christmas market.
For
the last few years, the arrangement has been a ring of booths around the
Christmas tree itself, making for a stunning setting. It looks amazing as you
approach, and even more so as you walk around the market itself under the
lights strung up overhead! The theme for 2019 seems to be chess- oddly, I
didn’t see anything about that at the market itself or online- but it makes for
a really eye-catching light display!
The
food and drink selection is outstanding. All kinds of boozy teas, non-boozy
teas, boozy coffee, non-boozy coffee, hot wine, hot chocolate, regular
chocolate, gingerbread cookies, and fresh-made waffles and crepes. My personal
favorite is šaltalankių arbata (buckthorn tea), with or without herbal liqueur. There are also all kinds of
stocking stuffers to take back home with you. Oh, and toys with lights. Boy,
are flashy light devices popular, especially with the kids.
Head west toward the center of Old
Town on Gedimino prospektas, and you will be treated to a really beautiful
avenue covered in lights as far as the eye can see, as this street is almost
perfectly straight for two kilometers. The ice white lights and the color of
the streetscape make for a most pleasant walk, especially if you’re lucky
enough to do this when it’s closed to cars! Even passing by on a cross street
on my way to and from work each day is a real treat, especially since it’s only
light for about 7 hours this time of year. Since the sun doesn’t ever seem to
come out to say hello, having lights everywhere at night is a real mood
booster!
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| Source here |
Hang a left onto Vilniaus gatvė to catch more Old Town sights and
lights. Eventually, you will reach Town Hall Square, the other big Christmas
market in town. This location is nice because it truly feels like you’re in the
middle of Old Town, and instead of white wooden huts, the little shops are in
clear, geodesic domes, which help give the appearance of a true winter
wonderland!
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| Source here |
The best part of all of this is you
can really feel the spirit anywhere in the city. If you like Christmas, you’ll
love that many stores start playing Christmas music and selling for the
holidays as early as late October! And because there are many Orthodox
Christians living here and visiting, decorations and music continue through
January 6. For a non-traditional Christmas celebration, go visit the historic
Lukiškės prison for a unique experience,
and some perspective on what it might be like to not see Christmas lights for a
long time. And finally, when you come visit Vilnius, don’t forget to visit the
famous confiscated items tree in the airport!
Linksmų Kalėdų/Merry Christmas!
Paldies
Nikolaj, for taking us on a tour of this year’s Vilnius market! One of the things
I miss most about living in France is this particular season – the lights, the
markets, the boozy and non-boozy coffee… Vilnius has long been on my travel
bucket list, and the more I hear about winter in Lithuania, the more I think
this might be the way to experience it for the first time. What do you think?
Thank
you for joining us today on 24 Days of a Baltic Christmas! Stay tuned for Day
23, a peek at some exquisite Latvian Christmas ornaments!
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