VILNIUS, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- More than 20 foreign embassies and diplomatic missions took part in the annual Christmas Charity Bazaar at the Vilnius Town Hall on Saturday to raise money for charitable causes.

The Bazaar, organised by the International Women's Association of Vilnius (IWAV) in cooperation with the international diplomatic and business communities, has become the unofficial start of the Christmas season here, attracting many locals and foreign guests to attend.

The bazaar offered visitors rare chances to search for unusual and traditional gifts from around the world, like hand-made crafts and souvenirs, toys as well as foods and snacks from countries like China, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, India, Russia, Czech Republic, are also on offer.

According to the organizers, the Christmas Charity Bazaar has already raised more than 1 million euros for the charitable organizations across Lithuania since its inception in 2003.

The money raised at the event will be donated to 8 charity projects in Lithuania, with special attention to the disabled, young single-mothers, children in need and elderly people, the organizers said.

Last year's bazaar at the Vilnius Town Hall raised 95,000 euros for 10 charity projects.