Christmas (Kalėdos)
About
Lithuania's Christmas public holiday runs Dec 24–26, centred on the Kūčios family supper on Christmas Eve and two quiet feast days. The city empties as families gather, though the Cathedral Square market and tree glow throughout.
Highlights
- Kūčios on Dec 24 features 12 symbolic meatless dishes including kūčiukai and herring
- Midnight mass (Bernelių mišios) fills churches across the country
- Vilnius Christmas Market and tree on Cathedral Square set the scene through the holiday
Practical tips
- Many shops close early on Christmas Eve — buy food and essentials in good time
- Public transport runs reduced holiday schedules over the three days
- Check opening hours for the 26th individually and book any festive restaurant meal well ahead
Sources
Other upcoming events
All Souls' Day (Vėlinės)
A public holiday for remembering the dead, observed the day after All Saints' with continued candle-lighting and graveside visits. Vėlinės has deep roots in Lithuanian folk belief.
All Saints' Day (Visų Šventųjų diena)
A solemn public holiday when Lithuanians visit cemeteries to light candles on family graves. Together with All Souls' Day it creates one of the most atmospheric times of the Lithuanian year.
Easter (Velykos)
Lithuania's most important Christian holiday, a two-day public holiday in 2027 celebrated with decorated margučiai eggs, egg-rolling games, morning resurrection mass and family feasts.