Vilnius is set to host a unique Christmas event called the „Slowest Christmas Marathon” on December 12-13. This initiative encourages residents and visitors to slow down, explore the festive city at a leisurely pace, and savor the holiday moments. The event expands on last year’s successful „Vilnius’ Most Christmassy Day,” which drew thousands and involved over 40 local businesses and organizations offering special experiences and treats redeemable with festive currency.
This year’s „Slowest Christmas Marathon,” starting at 12 PM on December 12, will guide participants through a decorated Vilnius, with playful tasks and a focus on collecting Christmas moments rather than speed. The event emphasizes enjoying the journey over reaching the finish line quickly.
Eglė Girdzijauskaitė, Head of Communications at „Go Vilnius,” stated, „We want people to experience Christmas in Vilnius not just in the main city spaces, but also in small streets, courtyards, cafes, or museums that they might pass by daily while rushing. Last year, we were once again convinced that Vilnius’ greatest strength is its engagement in creative experiences – when residents, businesses, and cultural institutions become co-creators of the celebration. Such community involvement creates the authentic character of the capital and increases its attractiveness in the eyes of the world. We invite businesses and organizations to become part of this experience and together show how much Vilnius can offer to those who allow themselves to slow down.”
Participants can choose their own pace and route, with options for 3, 10, 21 km, or the full marathon distance of 42.195 kilometers. The routes will cover both well-known landmarks and often overlooked corners of the city, with special offers and experiences from initiative partners.
Local cafes, restaurants, shops, hotels, museums, galleries, cultural spaces, and other organizations are invited to join as partners, creating special festive offers, inviting to creative activities, or offering small gifts. This is an opportunity to be part of the official route, reach new visitors, and collectively create a vibrant, city-wide Vilnius Christmas experience.
Companies and organizations interested in participating as partners are requested to fill out the partner application form by November 5. More information and the registration form are available on the „Go Vilnius” website.
The „Slowest Christmas Marathon” is part of this year’s international Vilnius Christmas campaign and the „Christmas in the Capital” program. The campaign centers around a newly discovered type of person, the „Christmas Walker,” who chooses the most interesting path, notices city details, follows festive sounds and scents, and measures time not in minutes but in memorable moments.
The latest information on the festive season can be found on the website kaledossostineje.lt.
