When the sun is circling its shortest days in the wintry sky, Neringa is turning on its lights and welcoming its guests to the Christmas inspired warmth of the Curonian Spit. Wherever you look, it is as if another festive postcard - starting with the picture-perfect lighthouses reminiscent of the nostalgic tree decorations of the days gone by.
To escape the rush of December, Neringa’s peaceful beaches and pine forests are always a refreshing idea. The Christmas spirit floats around the lagoon shores and centuries-old fishermen’s homesteads. In December, Neringa’s unique nature becomes a scenic backdrop to the plethora of festive happenings.
To begin your Curonian Spit adventure, embark on a free guided tour all about the winters of the dune dwellers (December 21 and 28). Experienced local guides will reveal stories about the intricacies of the local fishermen’s life, their seasonal customs and the cultural heritage of the traditional bunbinamoji smelt fishing.
To slow down the hectic days of December, find yourself in one (or all!) of the cosy events on offer - the Christmas village of Nida is brimming with live music: enjoy the fairytale concert by band “Warmth suits me” (Boxing Day) and join soloist Joringė and guitarist Mantas Nazarovas for s musical evening (Dec 21). The legendary Thomas Mann museum will host two concerts by composer and pianist Julija Aleksandra (Dec 20 and 21). Preila will welcome accordion fans (Dec 27), while Juodkrantė’s Evangelical Lutheran church will celebrate the final Sunday of Advent with a classical concert.
To commemorate the year’s main festivities with the sounds of favourite music is a loved tradition by many. There is more to explore in Neringa - from authentically Lithuanian folk music concerts by folk groups “Aušrinė” (Dec 13) and “Giedružė” (Dec 17) to classical recitals on New Year’s Eve with opera singers Beata Ignatavičiūtė, Mindaugas Rojus and string quintet in Nida’s Church of the Holy Virgin Mary. The last Saturday of the year will be seen off with a popular music concert of “Baltasis Kiras” in Nida, and the following Sunday will be enjoyed with opera singer Eugenijus Chrebtovas in Juodkrantė.
Catch the season’s cheer and greet Father Christmas at Nida’s Christmas tree lights switch on event (Dec 12), where an atmospheric Christmas village will welcome visitors to Neringa’s most famous delicacies: fish soup, pastries, sweets and more. December weekends are for crafting gifts full of heart, with your own hands: the Christmas dome in Nida’s town centre is offering workshops of holiday inspired lighthouses and weathervanes.
The biggest holidays of the year are a time of togetherness. Join the locals for a perfect chance to share the joy of creativity at free workshops of gingerbread (Dec 18, in Preila’s Community House), tree decorations and postcards (Dec 13, 14, 20 and 21 in Nida).
Oh, the New Year… There is so much hope, plans and anticipation that a new beginning brings. There is perhaps no better place for feeling anew - with a fresh sea breeze over your head, caressed by the dreamy pine forests, gazing at the heights of the soaring lighthouses. Dance the old year away at the Juodkrantė embankment near the Hill of Witches or celebrate with DJ Vladas and a laser show in Nida. Moreover, locals will host a traditional lunch of Curonian fish soup on the first day of 2025.
Gift yourself holidays in Neringa that will long be remembered as the most special moments of the festive season. Enjoy them like a precious catch of the day drifting peacefully in a fisherman’s boat at the lagoon shore, pulled out one at a time to brighten up the darkest days of winter and replenish your inner light.
Light up your Christmas in Neringa!
More events and information www.kulturossala.lt
Photo by A. Kundrotas