Post Office

This destination also has the most beautiful Christmas tree and it’s easy to see why

If you’re yearning for a festive break that won’t leave you skint or battling the crowds, one European city has just been hailed as the cheapest place in Europe to visit at Christmas. According to Skyscanner, you can jet off there in December for a mere £35.

Vilnius, the stunning capital of Lithuania, isn’t just a bargain; its Christmas tree has been voted the most beautiful in Europe on several occasions, including 2019 and 2020. It’s now been dubbed the European Christmas Capital for 2025 by the Christmas Cities Network.

Vilnius kicks off its Christmas festivities on 29 November, when its dazzling Christmas tree is illuminated in Cathedral Square. The colossal tree, a winter highlight in the city, will stay put until 6 January 2026, giving both visitors and locals plenty of time to soak up the holiday spirit.

Folks can wander around the city’s enchanting Christmas Market, glide on the Vilnius ice rink nestled in the heart of the Old Town, and hop on the Christmas train, which meanders through Vilnius’ most festively adorned streets.

Out of 15 cities, Vilnius clinched the top spot on the list of Europe’s best-value festive getaways in the annual Post Office Christmas Markets Barometer, thanks to its impressively low cost of £509 for a two-night weekend escape, reports the Express.

This price includes return flights, two nights in three or four-star digs, airport transfers, two evening meals with wine, coffee, festive tipples and Christmas Market nibbles.

Costs have stayed largely the same since last year and have actually dropped by 0.4% compared to 2024, making it an unusual bargain at a time when numerous European destinations have become pricier.

The destination is 8% more affordable than Riga, which came second, where costs have risen by 1.8% despite meals, beverages and airport transfers being cheaper in Riga than in Vilnius.

The research also revealed that costs have declined in half of the destinations examined, despite sterling having weakened 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 TikTok user shared: “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!”.

A different user named Karolis added: “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.”

Nothing says Christmas like a festive market packed with inspiring gifts and seasonal treats, and what better way to enhance your experience than an affordable European getaway to marvel at the magic

Wandering around a Christmas market with the aroma of spiced mulled wine and wooden cabins stacked with unique gifts is part of what makes the festive season so magical. And there’s one in Europe, where it’s been dubbed the cheapest for a winter getaway.

There is a catalogue of European countries offering some of the most spectacular Christmas markets, set within their enchanting towns with mountain backdrops that could easily resemble something out of a Hallmark movie. Nevertheless, some of these locations can come with a hefty price tag as costs are bumped up during the festive season, but that doesn’t mean we need to sacrifice our European winter wonderland.

One European destination that offers the magic of Christmas at a bargain rate is the capital of Latvia, Riga, with direct flights starting from just £20. The city, renowned for its pedestrian-only medieval Old Town and Art Nouveau architecture, offers everything you could wish for in a festive winter break.

The biggest appeal during this time of year is their charming and traditional Riga Christmas Market in Dome Square, packed with stalls and a thriving food scene with wintery street-food dishes and Latvian cuisine. Warming mulled wines are also available, along with festive cocktails, while visitors browse the stalls of local Latvian artisans.

And it might be one of the best places for some Christmas shopping inspiration, with a selection of handcrafted gifts such as beeswax candles, gingerbread, socks, wool gloves, and creative kits to create wreaths, wall decor and acrylic dishes. Adding to the magic of the Riga Christmas Market, which runs from 28 November to 4 January , will be music from a DJ every Friday, choirs and music ensembles performing on Saturdays and folk music on Sundays.

The city, considered the ‘Art Nouveau capital of Europe’, is nothing short of captivating with its charming, colourful homes decorating the streets and its lively cultural scene. What’s more, it’s filled with shops and cosy restaurants for a traditional taste of Latvia, and its bustling Livu Square, boasting bars and nightclubs.

Another hugely appealing factor about this European city is its affordability. The annual Post Office Christmas Markets Barometer found that Riga is one of the most affordable European destinations for a two-night weekend Christmas market experience, compared to Copenhagen and Vienna, which have been ranked as some of the most expensive.

The Post Office revealed how much you’re likely to spend in Riga during a two-night break for two during the Christmas market season, and it’s certainly good value for money. They revealed the following prices:

• Four cups of coffee from a cafe or bar = £11.49
• Two three-course meals for two (including a bottle of wine) = £132.89
• Two return bus/train transfers from the airport to the city centre = £7.18
• Four glasses of mulled wine, punch or Glühwein at the Christmas market £14.37
• Four pieces of cake/gingerbread/stollen at Christmas market £12.57

Additionally, the Post Office found that a two-night B&B stay in Riga and direct flights or Eurostar for two would cost a total of £377.00. With everything included, this weekend getaway for two in Riga would cost £555.50 in total, or £277.75 per person.

This is in stark contrast to Copenhagen in Denmark, which was estimated to set two people back a whopping £1,056.55 for the exact same amenities as above. Or £926.41 for the same two-night trip to Vienna in Austria.

Direct return weekend flights from London Stansted to Riga start from around £87 per person, while you can snap up a mid-week return flight from around £45. Meanwhile, you can grab a flight from Leeds to Riga for as little as £20, or a return for around £42.

Additionally, direct flights from Manchester start from around £25, or £45 for a return flight. You can also fly from the East Midlands Airport (EMA), near Nottingham, from £22 to Riga, or spend around £45 on a direct return.

You can check the best flights on the Skyscanner website here.

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, as it 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.

“The cost of flights and accommodation will also have a significant impact on overall costs so it is doubly important for holidaymakers planning a trip to do their homework to factor in how sterling’s value, flight and hotel capacity and meal costs will affect overall costs. Budget-conscious travellers stand to save hundreds of pounds if they choose carefully.”

Do you have a travel story to share? Email [email protected]

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is being rolled out across European countries

Travellers heading to Europe are being warned to be ready for major changes at airports as a new digital border system rolls out. With the changes starting in October, some will have already experienced the new system, while others won’t have.

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is gradually replacing traditional passport stamps across European countries and an expert is urging Brits to research the requirements and allow extra time for airport checks. Paul Paddock, CEO of Post Office Insurance at Post Office, has addressed four crucial questions about the new system to help British holidaymakers travel with confidence.

What is the EES?

Paul explained: “The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a new digital border control system for non-EU nationals entering the Schengen Area for short stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day period). It replaces manual passport stamping with electronic registration, improving border security and efficiency.

“Brits travelling to countries such as Spain, Portugal and Greece will now need to be prepared to have their passports scanned and biometric data taken at border control the first time they enter.”

What data is being collected and for how long?

Paul said that biometric information, including facial images (for all travellers) and fingerprints (for visa-exempt travellers only), will be collected. The system will also record passport information, entry and exit dates and locations, plus duration of stay. Information will be retained for three years for standard visits or five years if travellers overstay their permitted time.

Are there any exemptions to the EES?

Paul explained: “The EES does not apply to EU/EEA/Swiss citizens, non-EU nationals with specific residence permits and Monaco, Andorra, San Marino and Vatican nationals. Ireland and Cyprus are not part of the Schengen area where the system applies, so UK nationals travelling there will continue to be checked and stamped manually. Children under 12 will only have their facial image taken, not their fingerprints.”

How does EES work?

Paul said: “Travellers entering for the first time will undergo biometric registration at border kiosks or e-gates. This includes the system capturing a facial image, fingerprints (if visa-exempt), passport details and entry/exit information.

“For subsequent visits, the process will be faster due to the data already being stored. It’s important to note that no pre-registration is required – registration happens at the border during your first entry.

“Passengers may be impacted by facing longer queues initially due to biometric data collection, a process expected to take several minutes per person. Passengers should be encouraged to plan contingency options if travelling on a tight schedule (alternative routes or transport), as any teething problems or incomplete information could cause delays to miss flights, ferries, or connections.”

Preparing for EES border checks

Paul suggests this checklist:

1. Verify your passport expiry date (must remain valid for at least 3 months beyond your trip for EU destinations and be less than 10 years old)

2. Familiarise yourself with your destination airport’s EES setup (anticipate biometric checks)

3. Keep crucial travel documents at hand, including passports, travel insurance, accommodation confirmation, and proof of onward or return journey