The Vilnius City Council is set to hold a traditional holiday tree planting event in the Christmas Forest, an initiative that has transformed into a cherished city tradition over the years. Citizens are encouraged to participate by planting their own holiday trees in the designated area, which currently features around one hundred existing trees from past planting sessions, with approximately thirty new ones added each year. The initiative fosters a sense of community and environmental stewardship among residents of Vilnius.

This year’s event will showcase uniquely decorated trees, adorned with natural ornaments created by local groups, schools, and individual residents, which reflects the growing popularity and recognition of the Christmas Forest as a significant public space. Gintautas Runovičius, the head of Vilnius City Environment Department, emphasized that the project not only beautifies the forest but also encourages creativity and community spirit as citizens come together to contribute.

During the planting event, the city’s park specialists will assist participants in planting the trees and provide helpful tips for care. Specific planting locations will be marked to ensure trees have adequate space to develop, with guidelines suggesting a distance of 4-5 meters from existing plants. This initiative not only adds to the greenery of Vilnius but also promotes a sustainable tradition that residents can participate in annually in the lead-up to the holiday season.