Europe's best-value city for a Christmas market break revealed - with two-night stays, flights and meals for £500

November 15, 2025 at 11:07 AM•2 min read•Editor,Erin Deborah Waks

Vilnius, Lithuania, has been identified as the best-value European city for a Christmas market break, offering two-night stays, flights, and meals for approximately £500, according to a Post Office Travel Money study. Riga, Latvia, follows as the second most affordable option, making the Baltic states attractive destinations for budget-conscious UK holidaymakers.

Key Points

1Vilnius, Lithuania, is the best-value European city for a Christmas market break at around £500 for two nights.
2The cost includes flights, accommodation, meals, and festive drinks for two people.
3Riga, Latvia, is the second most affordable option, slightly more expensive than Vilnius.
4Copenhagen, Denmark, is the most expensive destination for a Christmas market break.
5The study considered return flights, accommodation, airport transfers, meals, and refreshments.
6Prices have fallen in about half of the destinations included in the study, despite sterling's fall in value against European currencies.

A recent study by Post Office Travel Money reveals Vilnius, Lithuania, as the most affordable European city for a Christmas market getaway, with a two-night trip including flights and meals costing around £500. The research analyzed 15 European destinations, considering factors like return flights, accommodation, airport transfers, meals, and festive drinks. Vilnius emerged as the best value, surpassing last year's leader, Bratislava, due to rising prices in the latter. Riga, Latvia, secured the second spot, offering a similar experience at a slightly higher cost.

For UK travelers seeking budget-friendly Christmas market experiences, the Baltic states present a compelling option. Vilnius offers an average total cost of £509 for a two-night trip for two people, encompassing return flights, two nights of three or four-star accommodation, airport transfers, two evening meals with wine, coffee, festive drinks and Christmas market snacks. While prices for meals, drinks, and airport transfers are slightly lower in Riga (£178) compared to Vilnius (£182), Vilnius remains the overall more economical choice. Compared to last year, Vilnius is more than eight per cent cheaper than Riga, where prices have risen 1.8 per cent.

Despite the pound's decreased value against European currencies, prices have fallen in about half of the destinations surveyed, making Christmas market breaks relatively accessible. Copenhagen, Denmark, was identified as the most expensive destination, with costs exceeding twice those of Vilnius. The study highlights the significant savings potential for budget-conscious travelers who carefully consider their destination.

The Post Office Travel Money's research underscores the importance of comparing costs across different European cities before booking a Christmas market break. Factors such as flight prices, accommodation rates, and the cost of meals and drinks can significantly impact the overall expense of the trip. By opting for destinations like Vilnius and Riga, travelers can enjoy the festive atmosphere of European Christmas markets without breaking the bank.

This analysis provides valuable insights for airlines and travel agencies, highlighting the growing demand for affordable travel options. As travelers become increasingly price-sensitive, destinations that offer a balance of cultural experiences and cost-effectiveness are likely to attract a larger share of the market. The findings also emphasize the importance of currency exchange rates in influencing travel decisions, urging travelers to factor in these fluctuations when planning their trips.