Christmas Day 2025

Description

Christmas Day in Lithuania is a national public holiday. It falls on December 25 each year. People have the day off from work and school. Banks and many businesses are closed.

For many Lithuanians this day marks a Christian celebration. It remembers the birth of Jesus. Churches hold services to reflect on faith and hope. The holiday has deep religious meaning for believers.

Beyond religion, Christmas Day is a time for family and quiet reflection. The day gives people a chance to rest and be together. It also strengthens bonds between relatives across generations.

Christmas has cultural importance in Lithuania. It connects modern life with long standing beliefs and history. The holiday helps keep community values and shared memories alive.

Officially, Christmas Day is protected by law as a public holiday. It is one of the most important yearly observances in the country. People treat it with respect and calm.

Traditions

In Lithuania families gather on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day for quiet, warm time together. Homes often have a decorated fir tree. People sing carols and children may perform short plays or recite poems for treats.

A special Christmas dinner is served with many traditional dishes. Kūčiukai are small sweet pastries eaten with poppy seed milk. Fish, especially herring, and beetroot salad are common. Meals often have an even number of dishes for good luck.

Before eating, families sometimes place a few extra plates at the table for absent relatives or guests who might arrive. People also share a single wafer called kalėdaitis and wish each other health and peace.

Attending a church service remains important for many. Neighbors visit, exchange wishes and small gifts, keeping old customs alive.

Travel Tips

Many shops, banks and some museums are closed on Christmas Day. Public transit runs a reduced holiday schedule and taxis fill up early. Book any restaurants or transport in advance and carry cash for small shops and markets that stay open.

Wear warm, slip resistant shoes for icy sidewalks and plan routes with live transit updates. Enjoy quiet walks in parks, see city lights safely, and keep your embassy and local emergency numbers handy. Be polite to locals and avoid noisy places during evening quiet hours.