If you’re heading to Europe in December, there’s one thing that will absolutely be on your itinerary: Christmas markets.
From the UK to Hungary, from Portugal to Denmark, no one does Christmas markets quite like the Europeans.
Think fairy lights, warm mulled wine, giant crepes, ornaments, rides and cute wooden huts as far as the eye can see.
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Christmas markets are a must-do in Europe in December. (Getty)
But as we all know, Europe isn’t always the most budget-friendly place to take a holiday.
Thankfully, the UK’s Post Office Travel Money has crunched the numbers to find the best-value city for any traveller who wants to visit an authentic Christmas market.
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Some of the best Christmas markets around the world
Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, came out on top, where a festive-themed getaway will cost just $1,031.
This is based on prices for a two-night weekend stay, including flights from the UK, accommodation, transfers, evening meals and festive drinks and snacks.
Obviously, Aussies also have to factor in the cost of flying to the UK as well.
If you book now, you might even be able to score a great Black Friday deal.
Vilnius is a charming city in the Baltics. (Getty)
The city may not be as well-known as places like Paris or Budapest, but Vilnius is a great spot for a low-cost getaway – especially if you’re interested in history and culture.
The city’s charming UNESCO-listed Old Town, with its cobblestones and 700-year-old buildings, is the perfect backdrop for a Christmas market.
It’s also home to a spectacular Christmas tree, which was voted the most beautiful in Europe two years running.
In fact, Vilnius was crowned the European Christmas Capital 2025, recognised for its ability to to blend Christmas traditions with modern innovation.
During December, the quaint Old Town is also home to an ice skating rink and a Christmas train which takes kids on tours through the festive streets.
Travel blogger Kristin of Tiny Footsteps Travel said she was blown away by Vilnius, calling it “one of the prettiest holiday markets I’ve ever been to”.
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It has a famous Christmas tree, decorated differently each year. (Getty)
Riga, in neighbouring Latvia, took the second spot on the list, with an average cost of $1124. Bratislava in Slovakia came in third, while Gdansk and Warsaw, both in Poland, rounded out the top five.
Meanwhile, Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, was the most expensive of the 15 cities on the list compiled by the Post Office.
Two three-course meals for two with a bottle of wine typically cost $618 in Copenhagen and just $280 in Vilnius, according to the study.
Copenhagen isn’t the cheapest option. (Getty)
While European summer and Christmas time have typically been peak periods for Aussies to travel to the northern hemisphere, people are choosing instead to travel during the ‘shoulder season’.
From roughly mid-October to mid-December, shoulder season for travel to Europe comes with fewer crowds, comfortable temperatures, and – most attractively – huge savings on airfares and accommodation.
And with most Christmas markets kicking off in late November, it means travellers can make the most of the festive season without having to fork over the big bucks.
European towns and cities that are magical at Christmas
