These are the cheapest cities for a Christmas market break in 2025

Two Baltic cities named cheapest places to visit Christmas This year the market broke on the budget.

Post Office Annual”Christmas Market Barometer”It turns out that British holidaymakers looking for affordable Christmas markets this year should look no further than the cities vilnius And riga,

Both cities are cheaper for a two-night weekend break than last year’s most budget-friendly destination, Slovakia’s capital. bratislavaDue to which prices have seen an increase of more than 11 percent in 2025.

The league table was calculated by combining the cost of return flights, two nights in three or four star accommodation, airport transfers, two evening meals with wine, coffee, festive drinks and, most importantly, Christmas market snacks.

a break in Lithuanian capital vilnius The total cost is £509, which is slightly lower (-0.4 per cent) than last year.

Vilnius’ Christmas Market will open on 29 November and run until 28 December. Along with its usual traditional Christmas market, “Design Square” will open in Vinko Kudirkos Square, showcasing over 40 local designers to promote original art and sustainable shopping.

The city’s festivities also extend to the ice rink set up in the Town Hall Square.

Vilnius is also famous for its Cathedral Square Christmas Tree, which is known for its creative design. Last year, it was transformed into a glittering bauble surrounded by shiny, golden arches.

A break to Vilnius is more than eight per cent cheaper than runner-up Riga, Latvia’s capital, which will set you back £555 for a two-day stay.

The top five cheapest places for a European Christmas market, according to the Post Office

However, prices for food, drinks and airport transfers are lower in Riga (£178) than in Vilnius (£182).

Riga’s Christmas Market starts on 28 November, running until 4 January 2026. Those visiting for the festive holidays will find a traditional market with live music, including choirs on Saturdays and folk music on Sundays.

Visitors can taste traditional Latvian cuisine at the many food stalls, while purchasing unique gifts and handmade goods from local artisans.

Other cities mentioned in the ranking include Polish cities such as Gdańsk and Warsaw.

At the other end of the spectrum, the most expensive Christmas market destination was found to be Copenhagen, with an estimated two-night break costing £1,056.

Food and drink in the Scandinavian city averages £385 – double the price of the four cheapest cities.

Vienna, Prague, Tallin and Lille were also the most expensive.

The top five most expensive destinations for European Christmas markets, according to the Post Office

The Post Office said Prague has fallen victim to a shortage of three-star hotel accommodation and reduced flight capacity, meaning it is now down to 13th place compared to last year.

Laura Plunkett, head of travel money at the Post Office, said it was important for those considering booking a Christmas market break to consider the fall in the value of sterling.

“The pound’s decline against the euro is smaller than other European currencies – five percent compared with 10.6 percent against the Hungarian forint and 10.9 percent against the Swedish kronor.”

“The cost of flights and accommodation will also have a significant impact on the overall cost, so it is doubly important for holidaymakers planning a trip to take into account how the value of sterling, flight and hotel capacity and the cost of food will affect the overall cost.

Average price of European Christmas market break, 2025

According to the Post Office Christmas Market Barometer

Read more: The best Christmas markets in Europe