Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, has been crowned the European Christmas Capital for 2025 by the Christmas Cities Network, and new research shows it is also the most affordable festive destination in Europe. According to Skyscanner, travellers can fly there in December for as little as £35, while the annual Post Office Christmas Markets Barometer ranked Vilnius top out of 15 cities for best value.
The city’s Christmas tree, which has been voted the most beautiful in Europe on several occasions, will be illuminated in Cathedral Square on 29 November and remain on display until 6 January 2026. Visitors can explore the Christmas Market, skate on the ice rink in the Old Town, and take a Christmas train through the most festively decorated streets.
The Post Office barometer found that a two-night weekend break in Vilnius costs £509 on average, including return flights, accommodation in three- or four-star hotels, airport transfers, two evening meals with wine, coffee, festive drinks and Christmas market snacks. That price is 0.4% lower than in 2024, making it an unusual bargain while many other European destinations have become more expensive.
Vilnius is 8% more affordable than Riga, which came second in the rankings, and costs have risen by 1.8% in the Latvian capital. Laura Plunkett, head of travel money at Post Office, noted that sterling has weakened against several European currencies, falling 5% against the euro but 10.6% against the Hungarian forint and 10.9% against the Swedish kronor. She added: “Budget-conscious travellers stand to save hundreds of pounds if they choose carefully.”
Social media users have also praised the destination. Travel photographer Jacqueline, writing on Instagram as journeyby_jacq, described Vilnius as “pure magic without the crazy crowds”, adding that the city is “decked out from head to toe” during the festive season. Another user, Karolis, called it “a hidden gem” for experiencing Christmas, with amazing markets and decorations.
