An Eastern European delight awaits you at this spot, with baroque architecture featured throughout, mixing the old with the new in perfect unison.

A visit to Vilnius, in Lithuania, will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a fairytale with a cornucopia of cobblestone streets and a medieval vibe felt throughout.

Its diverse style, multicultural population and stunning architecture make it the perfect place for a cheeky weekend getaway.

The city was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site back in 1994, and boasts one of Europe’s largest and best-preserved old towns.

Best of all, this stunning city also has an impressive Christmas market where you can find all the festive trinkets needed with delicious food and a true sense of magic felt throughout.

Vilnius is the capital of Lithuania and boasts a number of titled, including that of 2009 European Capital of Culture. It also ranked 24th on the fDi Intelligence’s 2021/22 Global Cities of the Future list.

The city’s name originated from the river Vilnia, the Lithuanian word for ripple, which flows through the centre of the city.

This European gem is at the confluence of the Vilnia and Neris rivers in southeastern Lithuania.

Visitors can enjoy endless strolls along its river, with a number of romantic bridges crossing the Vilnia which offer a dynamic mix of dense greenery and cosy slopes to perch on.

Those preferring to explore Vilinius’s historical delights will be in for a treat with the neoclassical Vilnius Cathedral and its Gothic St Anne’s Church.

The Gates of Dawn, the Presidential Palace and the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights are all must-see attractions for history buffs.

The top of Gediminas Towers provides stunning views overlooking the whole of Vilnius, with the Three Crosses Monument in Kalnų Park providing views of the castle tower and the city’s river. 

Christmas in Vilnius begins on November 29, when the festive mood really kicks in with a number of traditional events taking place in the city, including the Christmas tree lighting in the Cathedral Square, a Christmas train and the International Christmas Charity Fair, among many others.

The region is famed for its love of Christmas and was even named one of the most magical Christmas cities in Europe in 2019–2022. 

Vilnius was also included in the European Top 5 and featured in the list of the 25 best places in the world to celebrate Christmas.

Vilnius’s Christmas Market is held in the city’s Cathedral Square and takes place from November 29 to December 29.

Here you will be surrounded by a contagiously joyful atmosphere, delicious food and drinks and all things Christmassy.

One review on TripAdvisor summed up the region perfectly, saying: “A lovely area with a superb Christmas Market which contained plenty of fascinating food, drink and local craft stalls. 

“The large Christmas tree centerpiece was stunningly decorated and provided an outstanding backdrop. Visited a few times during my visit to Vilnius and thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere each time.”