It’s November, which means annual traditional Christmas markets are opening up across Europe.
From budget-friendly options in the UK to centuries-old alternatives across the continent, there’s something for all tastes.
Now, Europe’s best-value city break has been revealed – and it will cost just £500 for a two-night stay including flights and meals.
UK holidaymakers seeking a bargain Christmas markets break should head to the Baltic states, according to new research.
Lithuanian capital Vilnius was found to have the lowest price for a two-night trip for two people out of 15 European destinations analysed by Post Office Travel Money.
Vilnius was crowned as the best value in the Post Office’s Christmas Market Barometer.
The city’s average total was just £509, calculated by combining the costs of return flights, two nights of three or four-star accommodation, airport transfers, two evening meals with wine, coffee, festive drinks and Christmas market snacks.
Riga, in neighbouring Latvia, took the second spot with an average cost of £555.
Vilnius was crowned as the best value in the Post Office’s Christmas Market Barometer
Riga, in neighbouring Latvia, took the second spot with an average cost of £555
Vilnius and Riga are now cheaper for a two-night weekend break than last year’s best buy Bratislava, where prices have risen by over 11 per cent.
Vilnius is more than than eight per cent cheaper than in runner up Riga, where prices have risen 1.8 per cent.
However, prices for meals, drinks and airport transfers are lower in Riga (£178) than in Vilnius (£182).
The analysis took into account costs such as return flights, bed and breakfast accommodation, meals and refreshments bought at the markets.
Prices have fallen in about half of the destinations included in the study, despite sterling’s fall in value against European currencies over the past year.
Denmark’s Copenhagen was found to be the most expensive destination, with the basket of goods being more than twice as expensive there compared with Vilnius.
Two three-course meals for two with a bottle of wine typically costs £305 in Copenhagen and just £138 in Vilnius, according to the study.
Germany’s Berlin has risen from 11th place last year to take the eighth spot, as costs for flights and accommodation are down 22 per cent.
However, prices for meals, drinks and airport transfers are lower in Riga
It is the ‘best value western European city surveyed’, Post Office Travel Money said.
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.’
She added: ‘Budget-conscious travellers stand to save hundreds of pounds if they choose carefully.’
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Europe’s best-value city for a Christmas market break revealed – with two-night stays, flights and meals for £500
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