Unlike in America, where many HOAs might determine where and how you can decorate outdoor or communal areas, it seems in Lithuania anything goes. A quick Google search reveals that Lithuanians love decorating during the holiday season.
The capital Vilnius has become famous for its award-winning Christmas trees. Every year, the giant tree boasts original themes, unique decorations and adds a touch of magic to the European city.
The Vilnius Christmas tree stands tall in the Cathedral Square, and has become one of the main symbols of the ‘Christmas Capital.’
In 2025, the 20-meter high tree was decorated with 25,000 warm white LED lights and 400 ornaments. Visitors could view it from a special 3-meter-high viewing platform.
"The entire structure for the Vilnius Christmas tree covers 205 square meters," reported Drift Travel last year. "It includes a platform, reminiscent of stepping onto a red carpet, allowing visitors to walk along it and take photographs. This platform stands 3 meters high and extends 17 meters in width."
In 2024, Vilnius turned the entire tree into a toy, and ensured that everyone could enjoy it. There was a specially-adapted platform that ensured those with mobility impairments were able to view the enchanting creation up close.
The city also went big on sustainability. More than 80% of the materials used were recycled or designed for reuse, reveals the city's official tourism body, Go Vilnius. "Inside a giant, bubble-shaped ornament stood a 15-meter live spruce, dazzling visitors with golden decorations and sparkling LED lights," adds the site.
10 years earlier, in 2015, Vilnius unveiled its first Christmas tree that visitors could step inside to enjoy Lithuanian fairy tales.
"The Christmas tree invited people to remember this magical season during their childhood and imagine a cosy fairy tale house. Snow-covered roofs, cosy lights illuminating windows and even a balcony reflected the main theme – the world is one home," explains the tourism body.
The tree earned Vilnius a spot on The Guardian and The Huffington Post's lists of most beautiful Christmas trees in the world.
Even during Covid lockdown in 2020, the tree did not disappoint. It was designed to capture social distancing, while still managing to bring people together for the Christmas season.
As LRT reports, "the Christmas tree took on futuristic shapes, resembling a deconstructed cone. A more traditional spruce was hidden inside. This was the year of the pandemic, so most people watched the lighting ceremony on TV."
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For those who don't know, Lithuania is in North-Eastern Europe and is the largest of three Baltic states. It marks the compass point where Northern, Eastern, and Western Europe converge. It's also where you'll find Bored Panda's headquarters!
The enchanting Christmas tree isn't the only reason to travel there. According to adventures.com, one of the drawcards is its affordability. Others are the delicious food, the beautiful greenery, the mineral spas, the unique traditions and of course, the architecture.
"Vilnius is an extraordinary city, with a variety of architectural styles and places to visit. Its gothic and baroque architecture makes it one of the most picturesque cities in Europe," notes the travel site, adding that Vilnius' vibrant nightlife is a must-see.
"You’ll come across lively pubs and bars, hidden terraces and romantic restaurants. Tumbledown buildings hide designer boutiques and high-end handicraft shops," explains the site.
But we'll fully understand if you want to book a ticket to Lithuania, and visit Vilnius, purely to bask in the Christmas magic and feast your eyes on the enchanting tree...
