From this week, the CUP shopping center located by the Neris River in Vilnius is the hubbub of the Christmas market. Having chosen such a pre-holiday format for the first time, the shopping center is giving priority to sustainability, community, and charity this year, and is supporting sellers first-hand. In all five floors of the shopping center, you can buy original handmade textiles, leather, cosmetics, food and other products, or even a dreamy old record or a book.
The symbol of the fair is a Christmas tree made of woolen socks and gloves
"We feel how much people today need close, warm communication, which would become a counterweight to the former forced isolation or constant anxiety-supporting messages. Such warmth can also be transmitted through handmade items that we purchase directly from the producers themselves, especially if we have a sincere conversation with them. This becomes possible by nurturing the good traditions of fairs. They also fit in with today's relevant sustainability ideas and charity initiatives," says Ona Nevinskienė, manager of the CUP shopping center.
As the epicenter of the Christmas fair, she names the mall's Christmas tree of 2023 pairs of hand-knitted woolen socks and patterned mittens, both for viewing and purchase. This is one of the most sustainable Christmas trees for Vilnius residents and guests of the capital, which has become a symbol of this fair.
On the first floor of the CUP, food products are sold in the areas designated for the fair. They complement the pre-holiday menus of cafes and restaurants located in the shopping center or the mood created by decorations, news, and surprises.
From a letter from Santa Claus to an old plaque
The mood of fellowship, generosity and charity of the fair will be supported by the Christmas mail of VšĮ "Vaiko raidos klinika". Clinic volunteers will offer to purchase an original product in the shopping center - a letter from Santa Claus in a special envelope. The sender's address is given in the place of residence of this character loved by children - Lapland.
The purpose of the non-profit rehabilitation clinic that distributes such letters is to help sick, disabled and needy children. Help is provided to children with impaired physical and emotional development, who have experienced injuries or suffer from other illnesses, who have emotional, psychological or behavioral difficulties at school or kindergarten.
A personalized letter from Santa asks the child to be good and not be afraid to dream. The letter can be purchased for 10 euros, which will be used for the rehabilitation of children, the purchase of modern equipment, the development of specialists, the assimilation of new methods, the improvement of facilities and other initiatives and projects for the benefit of children. For an additional 3 euros, you can purchase a letter sending service or drop the letter into your home mailbox yourself. If there is no one at home who believes in Santa Claus, the child development clinic offers to buy this letter for a resident of an orphanage. The organization "Nobody's Children" will ensure that the letters reach such children.
The shopping center CUP contributes to this charity campaign by not charging its organizers a fee for the shopping area.
During the fair period, there is a long book day
The fair, open daily from 11 a.m. to 20 p.m., will continue until Christmas, the last day being December 23. The largest number of trade places at the fair is located on the fifth floor of the CUP.
The Christmas market offers a wide range of woolen and other textiles, including tablecloths, purses, jewellery, cashmere scarves, natural cosmetics, as well as Christmas decorations including Advent wreaths. King cakes, meat and smoked fish products in food outlets.
The idea of sustainability will be supported by sellers of used books and new music records.
"We are located in the heart of the capital, where there is no shortage of literature fans, people who like to read, who cherish the principles of ecological life and the sharing economy. That's why we cooperate with the "Sena.lt" brand, every first Saturday of the month is a book day at our place. During the Christmas fair, there will be a long book day - read books will be available for purchase every day. I hope that both this shopping center and the entire fair will become spaces where people meet and share human warmth and good mood," says O. Nevinskienė, manager of CUP shopping center.
