Christmas is almost upon us, and Brits looking for a winter getaway that won’t break the bank might want to look outside of the usual hotspots.
To help travellers choose an affordable destination wisely this year, the Post Office has released new data ranking affordable city breaks in Europe.
Crowned as the most-budget friendly spot for 2024, was Lithuania’s capital, Vilnius, which according to the report, has flights from some UK airports for just £21.99 this November and December.
In this city, travellers can buy a cup of coffee for £1.80 or a bottle of local beer for just £2.47, making for an affordable day out, according to GoVilnius.
Vilnius is a city that truly comes alive during the holiday season, blending long-standing traditions with dazzling light displays, festive events, and its iconic Christmas tree in Cathedral Square.
Celebrated annually from late November until Three Kings Day on January 6th, Vilnius has earned a reputation as one of the most enchanting Christmas destinations in Europe, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience the magic of the season in a city rich in culture and history.
A central part of the holiday experience, the Vilnius Christmas tree has become a beloved symbol of the season, known for its creative themes and spectacular design.
Each year, the tree’s decorations are inspired by various aspects of Lithuanian culture or historical milestones.
In 2022, for example, the tree celebrated the city’s 700th anniversary, with a grand three-tiered structure adorned with over 700 candles.
Past trees have included imaginative designs, such as the 2019 tree inspired by a Queen chess piece, complete with rows of pawns standing guard.
The tree lighting ceremony, which takes place on November 29 in Cathedral Square, marks the official start of the city’s Christmas celebrations.
Along with the lighting, there’s a friendly rivalry between Vilnius and Kaunas, the two largest cities in Lithuania, each competing to showcase the most beautiful and creative Christmas tree, adding a playful element to the holiday season.
One of the cultural highlights is the Christmas Town Market (November 29 – December 29), held in Cathedral Square. This seasonal market offers visitors the chance to experience traditional Lithuanian cuisine, local crafts, and festive gifts, including hand-made jewellery, unique decorations, and mouth-watering treats.
There’s also a variety of other fairs around the city, such as the Akropolis Vilnius Christmas Fair (November 29 – December 30), the Nordika Christmas Fair (November 25 – December 31), and the Europa Christmas Fair (December 9–15).
In addition to the markets, the whole city transforms into a winter wonderland, with streets illuminated with thousands of lights, and businesses, especially in the Glass Quarter, adorning their windows with elaborate holiday displays.
Visitors can also enjoy magical experiences like riding on Christmas trains that weave through the city, or skating on the open-air ice rink, all under the glow of festive lights.
On Christmas Eve, families often prepare a meal consisting of up to 12 different dishes, each representing a month of the coming year.
Traditional dishes include Poppyseed Milk, Kūčiukai (Christmas Eve cookies), Spanguolių Kisielius (a hot or cold cranberry drink), and Mushroom Dumplings, among many others.