The time when Trakai invites you to get to know the city again and immerse yourself into a shaking, impressive cycle of Christmas events – "Trakai is the capital of Santa Claus". The cycle of events opens on the first weekend of December and lasts until the Three Kings. During the opening of the festival, a Christmas tree is lit, and the Mayor of the district symbolically hands over the management of the district to Kalėda,  who honorably takes over the responsibility and is situates himself in a residence on the castle’s observation deck. He helps to wish for Christmas miracles to every visitor. Various concerts, theatrical performances and gift fairs take place in different parts of the city. In the capital of Santa Claus, the meaning and joy of the celebration is experienced by everyone – from Trakai residents, local and foreign guests to youth and adults.

Christmas is associated with a variety of local, regional, and Christian traditions that span over the Advent time and the feast period in between Christmas and the Three Kings. This period reflects historically formed traditions of anticipation and celebration, into which new traditions are already intertwined. Advent afternoons and evenings, where people are singing Advent songs, dancing in circles and playing games typical of the period in Trakai and its district during the Christmas time. Various hand-made pieces are being produced and educations are held. During the evening parties, traditional Advent activities are remembered, the folklore is told, there is communication among people and dishes of fasting are being tasted. In the centers of all the elderships (in the main town) there are also Christmas-tree-lighting festivities, Christmas concerts, and thanksgiving evenings. Events for different age groups take place in different spaces. 

Do you know what Christmas smell like? Daily miracles – big and small, which are constantly happening in Trakai!