The key facts
- The 'Europe's Slowest Marathon' will take place in Vilnius on 12–13 December 2026, participation without registration
- Distances range from 3 km to 42.195 km, plus 10 and 21 km; digital maps available until 3 January 2027
- The festive season in the city opens on 28 November with the Christmas tree lighting
An anti-running marathon without registration
The tourism development agency Go Vilnius has launched the 'Europe's Slowest Marathon' campaign, encouraging visitors to leisurely explore the Lithuanian capital during the Christmas season instead of getting caught up in the usual pre-holiday rush. Participation is open to city residents and tourists, and no registration is required. The main days are the weekend of 12–13 December 2026, while digital route maps will be available until 3 January 2027.
Distances and route
The routes range from 3 km to the classic 42.195 km, with 10 km and 21 km distances also offered. They pass along the city's main Christmas locations and through lesser-known corners of the compact, walk-friendly Vilnius. Among the stops are Senatorių Pasažas ('Senators' Passage'), a historic courtyard where you can try the popular cinnamon bun, and the 'Užupis Cat' sculpture in the bohemian district. The routes also touch streets with festive names: Žiemos (Winter), Šerkšno (Frost), Sniego (Snow) and Elnių (Deer).
Quote from the organisers
'Christmas has turned into a season when we are constantly rushing from one task to another. We wanted to turn this idea on its head,' said Eglė Girdziauskaitė, head of communications at Go Vilnius. According to her, in Vilnius there is no need to hurry anywhere: the city is compact, distances are short, and the Old Town, included in the UNESCO list, shines with lights, cosy cafés operate in historic courtyards, and the Christmas tree on Cathedral Square creates a magical glow.
Other festive events
The festive season in Vilnius will open on 28 November with the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony. The programme also includes: a Christmas market on Cathedral Square from 28 November to 27 December, a Christmas ice rink on Town Hall Square from 29 November to 25 January, and a Christmas train running through the Old Town from 28 November to 3 January.
