The pretty city named Europe’s ‘cheapest’ to visit at Christmas | Europe | Travel
If you’re dreaming of a festive getaway without the crowds or breaking the bank, one European city has just been crowned the cheapest place in Europe to visit at Christmas, and you can fly there in December for as little as £35, according to Skyscanner at the time of writing. Vilnius, Lithuania‘s beautiful capital, isn’t just affordable; its Christmas tree has been voted the most beautiful in Europe multiple times, including in 2019 and 2020, and it has now been named the European Christmas Capital for 2025 by the Christmas Cities Network.
Vilnius begins its Christmas celebrations on November 29, when its spectacular Christmas tree is lit up in Cathedral Square. The enormous tree, a highlight of the city every winter, will remain in place until January 6, 2026, providing visitors and local residents with ample time to enjoy the festivities. People can explore the city’s charming Christmas Market, skate on the Vilnius ice rink set in the heart of the Old Town, and hop aboard the Christmas train, which winds through Vilnius’ most festive and decorated streets.
Out of 15 cities, Vilnius topped the list of Europe’s best-value festive escapes in the annual Post Office Christmas Markets Barometer thanks to its remarkably low cost of £509 for a two-night weekend break.
This figure includes the cost of return flights, two nights in three or four-star accommodation, airport transfers, two evening meals with wine, coffee, festive drinks and Christmas Market snacks.
Prices have remained largely unchanged since last year and have even decreased by 0.4% compared to 2024, making it a rare find during a period when many European cities have become more expensive. The city is 8% cheaper than Riga, the runner-up, where prices have gone up by 1.8% even if meals, drinks and airport transfers are lower in Riga than in Vilnius.
The report also found that prices have fallen in half of the cities surveyed, despite the value of the sterling having dropped against several European currencies.
Laura Plunkett, head of travel money at Post Office, said: “A short break to one of Europe’s colourful Christmas markets is an attractive holiday option at this time of year.
“However, sterling’s drop in value is an important factor for travellers to consider before booking a trip because this varies between currencies. The pound’s fall against the euro is smaller than against other European currencies – five per cent compared with 10.6 per cent against the Hungarian forint and 10.9 per cent against the Swedish kronor.”
She added: “Budget-conscious travellers stand to save hundreds of pounds if they choose carefully.”
Travel photographer, Jacqueline, journeyby_jacq, wrote on Instagram that Vilnius is “pure magic without the crazy crowds” during the festive season.
“This city is decked out from head to toe, almost every storefront has a stunning display, and the city is just oozing with charm.”
Another person on TikTok wrote: “November In Vilnius is a big Christmas vibe, lights in every corner, ice-skate rings being prepared and everyone looking forward to the Christmas markets. Christmas in Vilnius, Lithuania is worth the trip!”
Someone else called Karolis wrote: “Vilnius is a hidden gem if you want to really feel Christmas. Amazing Christmas markets, Christmas decorations and honestly just Christmas in Vilnius. With nominations of the best Christmas tree, it’s a place not to skip.”
