Vilnius, Lithuania, marked a festive milestone on 13 December 2025 by launching a unique currency as part of its "Vilnius Christmas Before Christmas" event. This initiative, in collaboration with the Bank of Lithuania, invited residents and visitors to exchange childhood Christmas memories for limited-edition notes. These notes, valid only for the day, could be used at over 40 participating venues across the city for festive treats.
The event, which celebrated Vilnius as the European Christmas Capital of 2025, featured a ceremonial first minting by the Governor of the Bank of Lithuania outside the central bank's Money Museum. Gediminas Šimkus, Chairman of the Board of the Bank of Lithuania, remarked, "This is a rare moment that is simultaneously serious and playful, when the world of finance meets a city in festive celebration."
The currency, reminiscent of childhood tokens like pine cones, was available at five locations, including the Money Museum and the Christmas market. Participants could swap the notes for treats such as hot chocolate and sweets.
The event also included a choir of over 200 voices, transforming Vilnius into a citywide family celebration. Eglė Girdzijauskaitė, Head of Communication at Go Vilnius, expressed hopes for this to become a new tradition.
Vilnius continues its festive celebrations with Christmas markets, an ice rink, and more until 6 January. Meanwhile, Barcelona was announced as the European Christmas Capital for 2026, highlighting its rich traditions and sustainable celebrations.
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