While many people are looking for the perfect Christmas sweater this season, Lithuania’s capital Vilnius is decking out its monuments with hand-knitted holiday costumes for the Christmas season.
The capital sculptures wear scarves, socks, hats, cloaks, and various other festive accessories. The project aims to create a cozy atmosphere by bringing warmth and a festive atmosphere to the city. And in line with the motto “Unexpected Magic”, Vilnius conveys a sense of wonder through these decorated sculptures, turning them into magical symbols of the festival.
According to Vilma Daubarienė, Director of Go Vilnius Tourism at the Vilnius Tourism and Business Development Agency, everyone wants to believe in miracles during the holiday season, and Vilnius helps make that happen.
“Next year, Vilnius is set to become the green and Christmas capital of Europe. We are already preparing for it by combining sustainability with the holiday spirit and adding a touch of magic” – Vilma Dauvariene says Mr.
Vilnius celebrates its creative energy and feel-good festive season by dressing beloved national symbols, historical figures and quirky urban art in festive, handmade costumes, as well as animals and inanimate objects. He added that it is also based on the pagan belief that it can come to life on Christmas Eve. Added some extra magic to this project.
The effort to create cozy costumes for the memorial soon became popular among the local knitting community. Out of 30 applicants, 10 talented knitters were selected to bring this vision to life, creating ornaments from eco-friendly materials such as wool and rope.
One of the knitters involved in the project, Jurate Jaselyuniene, expressed excitement about the idea and the opportunity to dress up the city’s sculptures.
“I have been thinking for a while how fun it would be to decorate the Vilnius sculptures with patterned scarves for Christmas, and with this project I decided to wrap one of my scarves around Kristijonas Donelaitis himself. I was given the opportunity to see the monument of Kristijonas Donelaitis, a very important Lithuanian writer, at Vilnius University.The book he holds in his hand is also one of my favorite activities. ” shared journalist and knitting line founder Jurate Jaselunene.
Highlights of this initiative also include the Monument to Grand Duke Gediminas on Cathedral Square, which is now elegantly decorated with Christmas scarves.
The wings of the angel sculpture in Vilnius Užupis are often associated with the image of the city and are dressed in a red sweater.
The famous Lithuanian female writer Cemaite is known not only for her unique writing style, but also for embodying the image of a traditional Lithuanian grandmother. To honor her legacy, the creators of the initiative decorated her memorial with knitted baskets and scarves.
Contemporary Lithuanian artist Jurga Ivanauskaite, known for her love of cats and angels, created a cat sculpture inspired by her in her honor. The “Christmas Knit” project playfully depicts a fallen Christmas tree and a cat wearing a bright red hat getting into a minor accident.
A monument featuring Lithuanian hounds reimagines them as Santa’s reindeer. Native to Lithuania, this breed dates back to the medieval Grand Duchy. Known for their high energy, Lithuanian Hounds are perfect for the role of Santa’s assistant.
In Vilnius’s newly developed Paupys district stands an impressive gorilla sculpture inspired by the motifs in the paintings of internationally known Lithuanian painter and composer Čiurlionis. The giant gorilla, which usually rests in a bath, has been playfully recreated for Christmas this year, sitting on a festive sleigh.
Go Vilnius has created interactive sculptures so that visitors can explore these and many other decorated sculptures. Vilnius Christmas map, We’ll take you to major landmarks, activities and photo spots around the city.
With its festive spirit, artistic flair and cultural heritage, Vilnius offers a special holiday experience where iconic sculptures and landmarks come to life in a way that celebrates both the season and the city’s vibrant community. .
The city has been awarded the European Christmas Capital of the Year 2025 by the Christmas Cities Network, supported by the European Parliament. This recognition celebrates the city’s embrace of sustainable and endearing holiday traditions that restore a welcoming sense of community and connection.
