The annual International Christmas Charity Bazaar will take place this weekend

Wednesday morning at the British Embassy commenced in a festive mood as representatives of the embassies residing in Lithuania presented the 19th International Christmas Charity Fair, which will be held on 4 December at Vilnius Town Hall, according to a press release.

Every year, the organisers of the Bazaar organise a festive breakfast at one of the embassies, allowing guests to see in advance what the embassies have prepared for the charity event.

According to Vaida Kisieliūtė, President of the International Women’s Association in Vilnius, the preparation for the fair is important not only because of the festive mood but also because of the noble cause for which the whole community comes together.

“Although today we only see a fraction of the products of all the stands that visitors will see at the Bazaar. We hope that visitors to the event on Saturday will feel the festive spirit, get swept up in the wave of Christmas goodness, and actively participate in the Bazaar. This is a great opportunity to buy unique Christmas gifts for your loved ones and help those in need. This year, the funds raised at the Christmas Bazaar will be donated to ten organisations that help people in need”, says V.Kisieliūtė.

Representatives of embassies from Germany, Italy, Great Britain, Iceland, Romania, Russia, and  Croatia presented their country’s stands, which will also be open for visitors on the day of the event at Vilnius Town Hall at the festive breakfast and served refreshments. Guests will meet Santa Claus as the British School children perform Christmas Carols.

According to Neringa Young, the event’s producer, it is a real challenge to organise an International Christmas Charity Bazaar in a pandemic period.

“The event, which is taking place for the nineteenth year in a row, attracts not only the residents of Vilnius but also guests from all over Lithuania. It is true that when organising such an event in a pandemic period, we had to think through various scenarios to ensure a safe environment. This year, all the activities of the Bazaar will be divided and will take place at different times in different areas of the Town Hall. Therefore, the Bazaar will occupy not only the Town Hall but also the entire Town Hall Square,” says Mr Young.

During the Bazaar, guests will be able to take part in the annual raffle, thus contributing to a noble cause and having the chance to win many valuable prizes. Among them are as many as 15 professional massage vouchers, a handmade painting and even an interactive chair with an integrated sound system donated by Tele2.

This year’s International Christmas Charity Bazaar is under the patronage of the country’s First Lady Diana Nausėdienė. Twenty-three countries will present their national traditions at the Christmas Town and International Schools and members of the International Women’s Association. In total, more than 30 colourful stands with unique products from all over the world will be waiting for visitors.

Visitors will be welcomed at the Bazaar all day long. In the evening, ambassadors or embassy representatives together with the city officials will light the city’s Christmas tree in Town Hall Square.