Where to spend a magical Christmas vacation in Europe: the most affordable option

Visiting Christmas markets on the eve of the holiday is a wonderful winter tradition that will give you vivid emotions and a Christmas atmosphere. Popular destinations are usually crowded with tourists. You will have to stand in lines for a long time and fight your way through the crowd.

However, there is a lesser-known European capital that is called the most affordable and Christmas destination. You can find yourself in a winter fairy tale without spending a lot of money on hotels and expensive food. Experts told us where to spend a magical winter vacation in Europe.

To help travelers choose an affordable vacation destination, tourism experts have published new data.

The most budget-friendly destination in 2024 was the capital of Lithuania, Vilnius. In this city, travelers can buy a cup of coffee for 2 euros or a bottle of local beer for 3 euros, GoVilnius reports.

Vilnius is a city that truly comes to life during the holiday season, combining ancient traditions with bright light displays, festive events, and the iconic Christmas tree on the Cathedral Square.

Christmas markets begin in late November and last until the Three Kings' Day on January 6. The Lithuanian capital has a reputation as one of the most magical Christmas destinations in Europe, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience the magic of the season in a city rich in culture and history.

The Vilnius Christmas tree is known for its creative themes and spectacular design. Each year, the Christmas tree decorations are inspired by different aspects of Lithuanian culture or historical milestones.

For example, in 2022, in honor of the city's 700th anniversary, the Christmas tree was decorated with a grand three-tiered structure decorated with more than 700 candles. The 2019 Christmas tree was a kind of chess piece of a queen with rows of pawns standing guard.

The Christmas tree lighting ceremony, which will take place on November 29 on Soborna Square, is the official start of Christmas celebrations in the city.

There is a friendly rivalry between Vilnius and Kaunas, Lithuania's two largest cities, each competing to showcase the most beautiful and creative Christmas tree, adding an element of play to the holiday season.

One of the cultural highlights is the Christmas City Fair, offering visitors the opportunity to sample traditional Lithuanian cuisine, learn about local crafts, and purchase holiday gifts, including handmade jewelry, unique decorations, and mouth-watering treats.

There are also many other fairs in the city, such as the Vilnius Akropolis Christmas Market (November 29-December 30), Nordika Christmas Market (November 25-December 31), and Europa Christmas Market (December 9-15).

In addition to the markets, the entire city is transformed into a winter wonderland, with thousands of lights illuminating the streets and businesses, especially in the Glass Quarter, decorated with exquisite holiday displays.

Visitors can also enjoy magical experiences such as riding the Christmas trains that travel through the city or ice skating in the open air under the glow of holiday lights.

On Christmas Eve, families often prepare a meal consisting of 12 different dishes, each representing a month of the coming year.

Traditional dishes include milk with poppy seeds, Kūčiukai (Christmas Eve cookies), Spanguolių Kisielius (hot or cold cranberry drink), dumplings with mushrooms, and many others.

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