The evenings may be long and dark, but as the Christmas tree lights up, the question “What’s the plan for the NYE” starts doing the rounds.
Perhaps you fancy seeing in the New Year quietly, curled up with a good book, reflecting on the year that flew by, tangerine in hand, with the TV for company. Or maybe you’re itching for the festive buzz of a house party with friends. You might even be one of the city’s cab drivers, gearing up for the busiest night of the year.
All valid choices. But if you feel drawn to the city’s buzz, Kaunas has plenty to offer this New Year’s Eve. From concerts and performances to dinner and neighbourhood festivities, all you need to do is pick your experience – or even squeeze in a few! And remember, time together is the best festive gift, so you’ve still got time to pop some tickets in Santa’s sack.
ROOM AT THE INN – AND DINNER TOO
If you find yourself saying “No staying in this New Year,” Kaunas has plenty of hotels offering full festive programmes with accommodation, dinner, great company, and celebratory vibes.
Monte Pacis invites you to welcome 2025 in one of Lithuania’s most cinematic settings. Savour time with loved ones, reflect at the Holy Mass, enjoy exquisite food and drinks, and make your midnight wishes by a blazing bonfire, all while the city’s fireworks light up the sky from afar.
For a quieter escape from the city’s festive hustle, head to Moxy Centre Kaunas. Here, you can ring in the New Year with a special concert by Džordana Butkutė.
Or, for a sophisticated yet lively evening, enjoy a delicious dinner with accordion tunes at Radisson Hotel Kaunas while soaking in the festive city atmosphere.
DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY – WALTZ OR SALSA, YOUR CALL
Feeling reflective? Start the evening with gratitude and a moment to pause. A Thanksgiving Mass for the year gone by will be held at Kaunas Cathedral.
Looking for thought-provoking conversation starters before the midnight fun? Why not begin your night with a theatre performance? Choose from Akmenys jo kišenėse(dir. Gytis Padegimas) at Kaunas City Chamber Theatre or the bold and engaging drama Dviejų Korėjų susijungimas(dir. A. Areima) at the National Kaunas Drama Theatre (this one is English friendly!).
For those looking to end the year quietly – Hogas has made it a tradition not to celebrate New Year’s Eve with loud festivities. Instead, they offer a cozy space for those who prefer a peaceful evening or need a hearty meal and some downtime before heading off to a lively party after midnight.
For music lovers, the city’s rich concert offerings will keep your feet tapping into the new year. Start as early as 4 pm with the New Year’s concert by Kristina Zmailaitė and Edmundas Seilius in the elegant Art Deco surroundings of Romuva, or head to the Kaunas Philharmonic for a mesmerising evening of music.
FIREWORKS AND FESTIVE FEELS
From table swaying to full-on dance floor grooves, Kaunas will cater to every rhythm this New Year’s Eve. Performances from Saulius Prūsaitis, Rondo, Edmundas Kučinskas, Martynas Kavaliauskas, choirs, opera soloists, DJs, orchestras, and even acrobats will light up the city’s stages.
Don’t miss the main event at the city’s Christmas tree, featuring open-air dancing with DJ Mamania, a fiery spectacle by the Fire Theatre, and flaming cubes merging into art. At midnight, look skyward to marvel at the city’s fireworks – a fitting farewell to the Year of the Dragon and a warm welcome to the Year of the Green Wood Snake, starting a calm and thoughtful new chapter (but still with a fiery flourish!).
HERE’S THE LOWDOWN
For your convenience, we’ve compiled a chronological programme of Kaunas New Year’s Eve events. Plan your night, make your picks, and let Kaunas be your perfect NYE destination. (The list is not exhaustive, so keep an eye out for hidden gems!)
Let’s make this New Year’s Eve one to remember – see you in Kaunas!
16:00–18:30
New Year’s Concert with Gourmet Snacks and Fine Wine Tasting
Kristina Zmailaitė and Edmundas Seilius – C’est Magnifique
Location: Kaunas Cinema Centre Romuva
More information and tickets
16:00–18:00
Concert: “Happy New Year!”
A collection of the most beautiful arias from operas and operettas, plus cheerful pieces for harmonica and orchestra.
Location: Kaunas State Philharmonic
More information and tickets
17:30–20:00
Martynas Kavaliauskas Concert
Location: Kaunas “Girstutis” Cultural Centre
More information and tickets
18:00
Thanksgiving Mass for the Past Year
Location: Kaunas Cathedral Basilica
18:00–21:40
Theatre Performance: Dviejų Korėjų susijungimas – The Merger of the Two Koreas (EN-friendly)
Location: National Kaunas Drama Theatre
More information and tickets
18:00–24:00
No New Year’s Eve Vol. 3
Location: Hogas
More information
19:00–20:20
New Year’s Concert in Viennese Waltz Style
Featuring soloists Ingrid Kažemėkaitė and Egidijus Bavikinas, with the VMU Chamber Orchestra conducted by Maestro Vytautas Lukočius
Location: VMU Great Hall
More information and tickets
19:00–22:00
New Year’s Concert at Kaunas State Musical Theatre
The programme includes arias, duets, ensembles, songs, and dances from popular operettas, renowned musicals, and films.
Location: Kaunas State Musical Theatre
More information and tickets
19:00–22:00
Play: Akmenys jo kišenėse by Gytis Padegimas
Location: Kaunas City Chamber Theatre
More information and tickets
19:00–23:00
Festive Buffet with Accordion Music
Location: Radisson Hotel Kaunas Restaurant
More information
19:00–2:00
New Year’s Eve at “Soul.Laisvė” Restaurant
Location: Soul.Laisvė Restaurant
More information
19:00
2025 New Year’s Celebration at “Soul” Restaurant (Town Hall Square)
Location: “Soul” Restaurant
More information
20:00–23:30
Saulius Prūsaitis and “Rondo” 2024 Concert Show
Location: Kaunas Žalgiris Arena
More information and tickets
21:00
2025 New Year’s Celebration at Kaunas Sports Hall
Kaunas City Symphony Orchestra led by Constantine Orbelian, along with acclaimed Lithuanian performers Liudas Mikalauskas, Vytautas Juozapaitis, Evelina Juozapaitienė, Ieva Juozapaitė, Anželika Cholina’s Dance Theatre, and the “Champagne” Kaunas Choir, promise an unforgettable evening at the legendary Kaunas Sports Hall.
Location: Kaunas Sports Hall
More information and tickets
22:00
New Year’s Eve at the Moxy Hotel with Džordana Butkutė
Location: Moxy Hotel
More information
23:00–01:00
Open-Air New Year’s Eve Party
Location: Vienybės Square
More information
23:59
Clockwork Apricot: Night at the Museum
Location: Mykolas Žilinskas Gallery
More information and tickets
