Little-known Christmas market with no crowds and £2 beers is 'Europe's best kept secret'

Christmas markets are a large spot to prime up gifts, tuck into delicious nutrient and drink, and soak up the festive ambiance - and there's 1 successful Europe that's a existent hidden gem

Nothing rather says 'Christmas' similar wandering done a festive market, your hands wrapped astir a steaming cupful of blistery cocoa oregon a solid of aromatic mulled wine, with the brushed glow of fairy lights overhead.

These days, Christmas markets are a staple successful astir each large UK municipality and city. But for those who've ticked disconnected their section festive fairs and are connected the hunt for caller yuletide adventures, there's a full big of options further afield successful Europe.

For intrepid travellers, immoderate of the astir magnificent Christmas markets are nestled successful the bosom of Europe.

Destinations specified arsenic Dresden and Vienna successful Germany, on with Prague's Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, connection a plethora of choices. Yet, there's a hidden gem successful Europe that's often dubbed "Europe's champion kept secret" erstwhile it comes to Christmas markets, reports the Express.

Vilnius, Lithuania's capital, delivers each the festive cheer of its much celebrated European cousins but without the hefty terms tag, cleanable for those connected a budget. The city's UNESCO World Heritage medieval Old Town is simply a fantastic alternate to Prague's well-trodden streets, boasting enchanting cobblestone pathways, vibrant facades, and striking Gothic structures.

Its yearly Christmas marketplace is simply a haven for those looking to dodge the throngs emblematic of much renowned spots. Here, visitors tin browse an array of handcrafted items, savour tasty nutrient and drinks and marvel astatine the dazzling airy installations.

One of the standout markets sits successful Cathedral Square, close nether the majestic Roman Catholic cathedral.

A 2nd marketplace is situated a kilometre distant successful Town Hall Square, boasting unsocial igloo-shaped stalls surrounding a towering Christmas tree. It's the cleanable spot to hunt for one-of-a-kind Christmas presents and seizure Instagrammable moments.

After exploring the market, you tin proceed your festive travel astir the city, adorned with further Christmas decorations similar nativity scenes, lights, and partition hangings.

Beyond its Christmas markets, Vilnius offers an array of affordable nutrient and portion options, including section beers for conscionable £2. The metropolis besides boasts a vibrant cafe civilization that rivals Paris, but without the steep prices for java and pastries.

For a much upscale eating experience, Amandus comes highly recommended connected Tripadvisor arsenic the apical good eating edifice successful Vilnius. The eatery serves modern takes connected Lithuanian classics and has earned a five-star standing from implicit a 1000 reviews.

Culture and past enthusiasts volition find Vilnius' museums and galleries intriguing, offering a lively arts country akin to Berlin's, minus the crowds. The cityscape is dotted with murals and installations, presenting a unsocial blend of modern creativity against the backdrop of the historical capital.