We Can Start Waiting For 700 from the 25th January
On 25 January 2022, Vilnius will be starting the countdown to its 700th anniversary. Think it’s a bit too early? Good things are never too early!
After all, we all start waiting for the weekend on Wednesday, so it only makes sense to start looking forward to Vilnius’ 700th now. Let’s get started and make the wait exciting! On 25 January 2022, a special clock will illuminate, adding a new thread to the cloth of the city’s history and counting down the time until the new century of Vilnius begins. On the week of 25-30 January 2022, breath-taking events, amazing state-of-the-art solutions, greetings from and to the world, a blend of the past and future of the city, sweet moments and unforgettable views await. Feel the moment in your hearts and become ambassadors for the Vilnius’ upcoming anniversary. Spread this celebratory message around the world.
Vilnius Light Festival
25-29 January 2022 5:00-11:00 p.m.
Vilnius Old Town
On 25 January 1323, Gediminas, the Grand Duke of Lithuania, sent his now-famous letters worldwide, putting little-known Vilnius in the spotlight and on the map of Europe forever. This date is now considered Vilnius’ birthday. To celebrate the city’s 699th birthday, the Vilnius Light Festival will illuminate the streets, squares and courtyards of the Old Town. The light installations are so impressive you’ll want to share them with friends on social networks, further spreading the name of Vilnius worldwide.
Even though the city will be celebrating its 699th year, Vilnius has kept a modern face while creating a harmony between historic architecture and modern art and technical solutions. The traditional Vilnius Light Festival has been delighting audiences with lights for years. This time, it will illuminate the city and help kick-off the countdown to its 700th anniversary. See the lights and let the world know Vilnius is celebrating. Admire and rediscover different spaces in the city during this birthday week – even familiar spaces will shine new during the Vilnius Light Festival.
More information about Vilnius Light Festival
Lighting Ceremony of the Anniversary Clock
25 January 2022 5:00 p.m.
Cathedral Square
When the clock strikes to mark Vilnius’ birthday this 25 January 2022, only one year will be left until the city’s 700th anniversary. On this special occasion, an exclusive clock guardian – a light man – will visit the city. The 4.5-metre-tall man of light is an invited birthday guest. He will light up the city and put a spark in people’s hearts. On the night of Vilnius’ birthday, the clock guardian will light up a symbolic clock. From then on, you will always be able to see how much time is left until Vilnius’ 700th. The image on the dial changes constantly, morphing and forming a new time – the number of days left until the festive anniversary in 2023. Watching time go by in advance of this milestone celebration promises to be a mesmerising experience. The clock guardian won’t leave Vilnius after the lighting ceremony, either. You can meet him during the Vilnius Light Festival on 25 January 2022.
Vilnius 700 Legend: The night hot-air balloon fire and light show
25 January 2022 7:00 p.m.; 26 January 2022 7:00 p.m.; 27 January 2022 7:00 p.m.
Kalnų park
Colourful balloons soaring in the sky is already an integral part of Vilnius, and symbolises the city’s freedom and modern lifestyle. But have you ever seen hot-air balloons at night? Hot-air balloons see a lot of interesting occurrences while flying over Vilnius Old Town, so this time they want to tell the history of Vilnius in their own way. Welcome to Vilnius 700 Legend, an impressive show of fire, lights and music. To celebrate Vilnius’ 699th birthday, hot-air balloons will create an unforgettable show, this time on the ground using lights, fire and music. The message of Vilnius’ birthday has already spread through Europe – now, hot-air balloons from all over Lithuania and other European countries will send their greetings by participating in this unique event. The show is like candles on Vilnius’ birthday cake! So come up with a birthday wish for Vilnius and let the balloons take it to where wishes come true.
Event partner Directorate Of The State Cultural Reserve Of Vilnius Castles.
Vilnius 700 Legend: Move Your Legs Orienteering Game
25-30 January 2022
Vilnius Tourist Information Centre, Pilies Str. 2
In celebration of its 699th anniversary, Vilnius will reveal its treasures to all curious people. During Vilnius’ birthday week, embark on a special journey of discovery – Vilnius700 Legend: Move Your Legs orienteering game. Assemble a team and get ready to unlock the city by finding objects, answering questions and visiting specific places while learning about its legends and historical facts. The game is a perfect exercise for both the body and the brain – you will learn many interesting facts about the Lithuanian capital and get creative while solving logical challenges. Choose a route according to your team’s skills – experts, guides and historians have created fun routes for adults and families. Join the game, have fun and receive a symbolic commemorative prize to remember Vilnius’ birthday by. Discoveries and a good time are waiting for you in Vilnius!
You will be able to pick up the legend of the game at the Vilnius Tourism Information Center (Pilies St. 2) from January 25.
Let’s meet!
Tourist Information Center
Pilies g. 2, LT-01124 Vilnius
Ph. +370 5 262 9660
E-mail [email protected]
I–VII 9.00–12.00, 13.00–18.00