Where to go for Christmas on a budget: Riga has become the most affordable destination in Europe

Planning a Christmas trip to Europe but want to spend as little as possible? Riga has been named the cheapest city for a festive weekend, offering atmospheric markets, delicious cuisine, and picturesque streets. Find out why the Latvian capital has become the leader among budget Christmas destinations

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Christmas markets with their wooden houses, the aroma of cinnamon, mulled wine, and Christmas baking are one of Europe's most vibrant traditions. They create a unique festive atmosphere that millions of tourists come to experience every year.

Despite the popularity of winter destinations, prices in European capitals often rise during Christmas. However, there is one city that the Mirror has named the cheapest for a Christmas trip. We are talking about the capital of Latvia — Riga.

When planning a Christmas weekend in Europe, ensure peace of mind during your trip with travel insurance from Visit Ukraine. With insurance, you can fully immerse yourself in the holiday atmosphere, enjoying the markets and architecture without worrying about unexpected expenses.

Riga is the most affordable Christmas destination in Europe

The old town of Riga enchants with its narrow streets, Gothic architecture, and medieval atmosphere. And the main winter location — the Riga Christmas Market on Cathedral Square — turns into a real holiday town every year.

Dozens of Christmas huts are set up here, where local craftsmen sell their wares, and food stands offer traditional Latvian dishes and hot drinks. The fair usually runs from November 28 to January 4.

What can you find at the Christmas market?

beeswax candles

gingerbread and other festive baked goods

warm socks and woolen gloves

kits for making wreaths and New Year's decorations

wooden and ceramic crafts

The atmosphere is complemented by an entertainment program:

DJ sets every Friday,

choir and ensemble performances every Saturday,

and Latvian folk music every Sunday.

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Why is Riga the cheapest Christmas city in Europe?

In addition to its beauty and festive atmosphere, Riga is also attractive for its affordability. The publication provided approximate costs for a weekend for two:

4 cups of coffee — £11.49 (≈ 635 UAH)

2 dinners for two with wine — £132.89 (≈ 7349 UAH)

2 airport-city center-airport tickets — £7.18 (≈ 397 UAH)

4 glasses of mulled wine — £14.37 (≈ 795 UAH)

4 servings of Christmas pastries — £12.57 (≈ 695 UAH)

Including accommodation and travel:

Weekend for two — £555.50 (≈ 30,722 UAH)

Solo trip — £277.75 (≈ 15,361 UAH)

For comparison:

Copenhagen — £1,056.55 (≈ 58,434 UAH)

Vienna — £926.41 (≈ 51,236 UAH)

The contrast is obvious: Christmas in Riga allows you to experience the European holiday atmosphere much cheaper than other popular winter destinations.

Which Christmas market is the most beautiful in Europe?

Although Riga is considered the most affordable winter city, another place is considered the most beautiful Christmas market in Europe — Zurich's Wienachtsdorf on Sechseläutenplatz square in Zurich, Switzerland.

The top three cities for celebrating Christmas are as follows:

Zurich, Switzerland — Wienachtsdorf

Vienna, Austria — traditional market squares near the Town Hall

Strasbourg, France — the city known as the Christmas capital

Riga is the perfect combination of festive atmosphere, affordable prices, and picturesque architecture. If you dream of a European Christmas but want to avoid high costs, the Latvian capital is an excellent choice.

To make your Christmas trip not only unforgettable but also safe, choose travel insurance from Visit Ukraine. It covers unforeseen situations — from medical expenses abroad to transport delays or lost luggage. With our insurance, you can relax and enjoy holiday markets, mulled wine, and winter walks without worrying about unexpected expenses.

Reminder! We previously wrote about how to choose the perfect Christmas market in Europe. Read expert tips and life hacks for travelers in our article at the link.

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