Indulging in the festive spirit at a Christmas market, surrounded by the delightful aroma of spiced mulled wine and charming wooden stalls filled with unique gifts, is a magical experience. Among the various Christmas markets across Europe, one stands out as a budget-friendly option for a winter getaway.
While many European countries boast spectacular Christmas markets set in picturesque towns against mountainous backdrops reminiscent of a scene from a movie, the costs can often be prohibitive during the festive season. However, there is no need to compromise on a European winter wonderland experience.
Riga, the capital of Latvia, is a European destination that offers the enchantment of Christmas at an affordable price point, with direct flights starting from only £20. Known for its pedestrian-only medieval Old Town and stunning Art Nouveau architecture, Riga provides everything one could desire for a festive winter retreat.
A major attraction during this season is the traditional Riga Christmas Market in Dome Square, featuring a bustling array of stalls offering a variety of wintery street-food delights and authentic Latvian cuisine. Visitors can enjoy mulled wines, festive cocktails, and explore the crafts of local Latvian artisans.
The market also serves as an excellent source of inspiration for Christmas shopping, offering handcrafted gifts such as beeswax candles, gingerbread, socks, wool gloves, and DIY kits for creating wreaths and other decorative items. The festive ambiance is further enhanced by music performances, including DJ sets on Fridays, choirs and ensembles on Saturdays, and folk music on Sundays.
Riga, known as the ‘Art Nouveau capital of Europe,’ charms visitors with its colorful homes lining the streets and vibrant cultural scene. The city is replete with shops and cozy restaurants serving traditional Latvian fare, alongside the lively Livu Square with its bars and nightclubs.
Apart from its enchanting atmosphere, one of the key draws of Riga is its affordability. According to the annual Post Office Christmas Markets Barometer, Riga ranks among the most cost-effective European destinations for a two-night weekend Christmas market experience, in contrast to pricier options like Copenhagen and Vienna.
For a two-night stay for two during the Christmas market season in Riga, inclusive of B&B accommodation and direct flights or Eurostar travel, the total cost amounts to £377.00. Overall, a weekend escape for two in Riga would cost £555.50, or £277.75 per person, making it a significantly cheaper alternative compared to Copenhagen and Vienna.
Direct return flights from various UK airports to Riga are available at affordable rates, such as starting from approximately £87 per person from London Stansted, around £20 from Leeds, £25 from Manchester, and £22 from East Midlands Airport (EMA). These reasonable flight prices make Riga easily accessible for travelers seeking an affordable winter getaway.
Laura Plunkett, the head of Travel Money at the Post Office, emphasized the importance of considering currency exchange rates and overall travel costs when planning a holiday to a European Christmas market. With careful planning and budget-conscious choices, travelers can save substantial amounts and enjoy a memorable winter escape without breaking the bank.
