Sponsored Editorial

It’s that time of the year again… Christmas is on the way! If you’re looking to get into the festive spirit and find unique gifts for your loved ones, there are some fantastic authentic Christmas markets to discover.

Whilst the markets here in the UK are lovely, our European neighbours really know how to put on a spectacular show, and this winter, you can enjoy a luxury travelling experience with P&O Ferries on the Dover to Calais route.

If you book with P&O Ferries by 13th December and travel by 14th December, you can reap the benefits of a day trip offer from just £39, plus six free bottles of wine, which can be redeemed from the Calais Wine Store.

To help you plan your perfect Christmas getaway this year, the P&O Ferries team have put together a list of some of the best Christmas markets and experiences in France, Belgium and Germany…

Bruges

Christmas in Bruges, Belgium is breathtaking, and just over an hour from Calais. From 25th November to 8th December, the historic city centre is totally transformed. You can browse an assortment of stalls, which offer all kinds of delicious local delicacies – from homemade hot chocolate, spiced glühwein and Belgian beers to cheeses and hearty seasonal dishes. Original, handmade gifts are in abundance and there are even choral concerts to enjoy, not to mention stunning light installations and the Lake of Love ice rink.

Brussels

The 2022 Brussels Christmas Market, taking place between 26th November and 2nd December, is set to be a glorious festive affair. The city’s Winters Wonders event has it all – picturesque cobbled streets filled with over 200 winter market chalets, bars and food stalls; fairground rides; light shows; an ice rink; and plenty of other family-friendly cultural activities.

Lille

The enchanting Christmas market in Lille (18th November – 30th December) has something for every member of the family. On the food and drink front, you can look forward to mulled wine, roasting chestnuts, gourmet cheeses, gingerbread and praline, whilst the kids can enjoy pony rides, Santa visits, face painting and reading of Christmas tales. There are 90 chalets offering artisan gifts and beautiful decorations, plus festive concerts and much more.

Rouen

In Normandy, the Christmas festivities wouldn’t be the same without Rouen Christmas Market (4th November to 25th December). More than 80 sites and streets are magically lit up, including Rouen Cathedral, which appears in all its glory, with an inviting Christmas village to the front offering a variety of local produce, traditional craft gifts, jewellery and ornaments. Visitors can experience concerts, games and music; an ice-skating rink on Place de l’Hôtel de Ville; a ferris wheel; and the Jardin des Neiges (Snow Garden), offering storytelling and creative workshops.

Cologne

If you fancy heading further afield, Cologne is perfect. Just under 5 hours from Calais, this 2,000-year-old German city is a hub of culture and medieval beauty. At Christmas, it dazzles. Across Cologne, from 21st November to 23rd December, you’ll find over 150 chalets with traditional German culinary delights and gifts; an ice rink and ice sports; circus performances; a mini train and captivating entertainment programmes for all ages. The Christmas gardens at Cologne Zoo are definitely worth a visit!

Ghent

Looking for original gift ideas and last-minute stocking fillers? Check out the GentseWinterfeesten, an authentic Christmas market in the heart of Ghent, Belgium – only a 1 hour 40 minute drive from Calais. From 8th December to 31st December, the port city becomes home to more than 150 jolly wooden huts. Alongside an ice rink, Christmas tree merry-go-round and Santa Clause visits, Ghent’s iconic medieval castle Gravensteen is transformed, offering an enchanting Winter Wonderland experience.

Paris

Paris is magical all year round, but especially at Christmas. Between 18th November and 8th December, the French capital – nicknamed ‘The City of Light’ – twinkles brighter than ever. As you browse for luxury gifts, shop windows dance with colourful Noël displays, and at the Christmas Village along Esplanade, there are 300+ festive chalets to discover. Try ice skating on the Eiffel Tower and take in the Paris Illuminations, which see iconic landmarks such as Champs Élysées and 150+ streets throughout the city adorned with beautiful light installations.

Amiens

Last but certainly not least is the Christmas market at Amiens, northern France, taking place between 26th November to 30th December 2022. There’s plenty to enjoy – 130 chalets selling a huge array of handmade crafts, original gifts and delicious food and drink, and 2km of Christmas festivities, with street performers, carousels, an ice rink and a Santa parade. The light and sound show at Amiens Cathedral is hugely popular too!

This winter, travelling with P&O will offer the ultimate ease and indulgence. Whilst on board, make sure to check out the Word Duty Free shop, which offers savings of up to 50% on high street prices for everything from alcohol, sweets and chocolates to perfumes and beauty sets. You can stock up on all your favourite festive tipples and treats for Christmas and enjoy some great savings on gifts.

For more details and to book a crossing, visit www.poferries.com.

Terms and conditions: Offer applies to Dover to Calais service only. Book by December 13th 2022 for travel by December 14th 2022. From £39 price applicable to outward travel Monday to Thursday. £39 price applicable to Saver ticket only. 6 bottles of Frontera wine per qualifying Dover-Calais booking made during the promotional period. If the advertised wine is unavailable, Calais Wine Store will select a substitute. You will need to bring your booking confirmation to claim your wine at the Calais Wine Superstore. Offer subject to restricted space and availability, applies to new bookings only and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Valid for travel for all vehicles and up to 9 passengers or a motorcycle and up to 2 passengers. Excludes motorhomes, vehicles towing a caravan and foot passengers and bookings made at port. P&O Ferries reserves the right to amend or withdraw all elements of the promotion without prior notice.