Vilnius in Winter

As the festive season reaches its peak and the first snowy days arrive, the Vilnius Film Office invites you to explore a new film tourism route. This time, the journey leads through wintry filming locations from films and TV series—places where snowy scenes were shot, sometimes using real snow and sometimes artificial. The map features Christmas commercials, internationally acclaimed films, and various TV series that have immersed the Lithuanian capital in a winter atmosphere.

Sweet Christmas in Rasų Kolonija

This time, we suggest starting the route in an unusual yet exceptionally charming location—Rasų Kolonija. It is one of the most authentic and least altered districts of Vilnius, renowned for its residential complex reminiscent of Swiss villas. The area attracts not only architecture enthusiasts but also filmmakers—most recently, it stood in for a Norwegian city, and it has also hosted numerous historical and documentary productions.

Designed in Vilnius at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, the residential complex is distinguished by multi-pitched roofs, wooden details, Swiss villa-style architecture, and neoclassical décor. Rasų Kolonija is sometimes referred to as the “Garden of Eden” of Vilnius. This is hardly surprising—the original concept envisioned a garden city, an idea still reflected today in its greenery and residents’ gardens. It is an especially cinematic location, capable of transforming into different countries and time periods.

Rasų Kolonija has also been embraced by advertising creators. The houses and picturesque streets served as the backdrop for a Christmas commercial by the French chocolate and confectionery brand Révillon, enchanting viewers with its festive atmosphere.

A longer stroll through Rasų Colony is well worth it—it was also the filming location for the short film Paslaptis (The Secret) by director K. Drazdauskas. The story centres on two primary school girls, Julė and Aida, who, after arriving late to class, miss the chance to write their letter to Santa Claus. The film tells a story of friendship and a Christmas miracle—one that any of us can help create.

Soldiers on Šv. Dvasios Street

From Rasų Kolonija, follow Rasų Street and then M. Daukša Street towards Šv. Dvasios Street. A decade ago, the BBC and the American company The Weinstein Company filmed a six-part television adaptation of Leo Tolstoy’s War and Peace in Vilnius, directed by British filmmaker Tom Harper. One of the producers, Harvey Weinstein, also worked on some of Quentin Tarantino’s most famous films, including Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction. Several scenes were shot on what was then a slightly different—but strikingly wintry—Šv. Dvasios Street, through which marching soldiers once passed.

The Philharmonic as a Luxury Hotel

Continue towards the city centre and stop by the Lithuanian National Philharmonic. Founded in 1926, it is one of the oldest and most prestigious music institutions in Lithuania. The building, located in Vilnius Old Town, was completed in 1905 and is considered one of the capital’s finest examples of Historicist architecture.

The Philharmonic has long been an important stage for both Lithuanian and international musicians, hosting concerts, festivals, and other events. When performances are not taking place, the building’s interiors and exterior are frequently used by filmmakers—it has appeared in numerous films and TV series.

One of the most recent is Weihnachten im Olymp, a film produced by Germany’s public broadcaster ZDF, which will transport viewers into the Christmas season.

The story follows nine people who, for personal reasons, remain overnight in the luxury shopping centre “Olymp” on Christmas Eve after closing hours. They are united by a shared sense of loneliness and alienation—both in society and within their own families. Misunderstood, disappointed, and longing for connection and recognition, they unexpectedly find warmth, support, and love in each other’s company on Christmas night.

The leading roles are played by German actors Mariele Millowitsch and Joachim Kròl, while one of the key locations is the Lithuanian National Philharmonic, whose exterior transforms into the luxury shopping centre “Olymp”. Viewers will also spot a Christmas train passing by the Philharmonic along Aušros Street.

A Christmas Showdown at the Town Hall

From the Philharmonic, head down Didžioji Street—you will soon reach Vilnius Town Hall and the square in front of it. This location was chosen by Orange, an international telecommunications company from France, to create a festive atmosphere.

In the Christmas commercial, an impressive choral showdown unfolds between children dreaming of a new smartphone and parents concerned about their digital safety. The singing performers stand in none other than Town Hall Square, which for this occasion was decorated for Christmas in October. A festive atmosphere was created using artificial snow, decorations, and costumes.

A Strike in Snowy Vilnius Streets

Stroll along the Christmas-decorated Vokiečių and Vilniaus streets until you reach one of the city’s most important spaces—Gediminas Avenue. Stockholm, Malmö, Hamburg, Copenhagen, dystopian English cities—Gediminas Avenue has played many roles over the years.

In wintery Vilnius, filming also took place in 2024 for a TV series based on a novel by Danish author Peter Høeg, transporting viewers to a dystopian future. Major scenes were shot in Vincas Kudirka Square and along Gediminas Avenue, where a protest was staged, crowds marched, and prop police vehicles lined the streets. Nearly 160 professionals worked on set, with more than half of the crew coming from Lithuania.

Cold and Harsh Stranger Things at Lukiškės Prison

Conclude the route at the cinematic Lukiškės Prison. Walk along Gediminas Avenue to Lukiškės Square, cross it diagonally, and then turn onto J. Savickis Street.

While the world awaits the final episodes of Stranger Things, it is worth remembering that scenes for the fourth season were also filmed at Lukiškės Prison. Snow-covered and harsh, the location remained true to its original purpose, portraying a detention facility on screen.

With a history spanning more than a century, Lukiškės Prison was once one of the most modern in the Russian Empire. Used during the World Wars, the Soviet era, and Lithuania’s independence period, the prison has preserved many of its original interior and exterior elements. Perhaps this is why it continues to attract so much attention from filmmakers today—its former cells, corridors, and offices are considered exceptionally cinematic.