Are you planning on spending Christmas in Europe? The continent is full of festive destinations to suit every family. From snow-capped mountains and traditional winter festivals to sunnier climes, your perfect break is within easy reach.
Travelling by ferry not only means a more relaxed way to start your festive break, but you can pack as many presents as you like in the car – and bring back treats from the great choice of Christmas markets in Europe, too!
Spending Christmas in France
If you want to guarantee a white Christmas, France should be at the top of your Christmas holiday wish list. Head to a resort in the Alps for endless festive activities, including skiing, sledging, mulled wine, and cosying up in a traditional chalet, all of which make for a delightful Christmas. Kids will love Les Arcs, where Santa paraglides into town, and Vars, where you can find elf workshops, a Christmas village, and festive shows.
Prefer a warmer Christmas? France is also the ideal destination for a spot of winter sun. Stay on the Cote d’Azur for a beautiful Christmas by the beach – there may not be soaring summer temperatures, but it certainly won’t be as chilly as the UK. You might be surprised that both Nice and Cannes host their own Christmas markets too, and towns on the Cote d’Azur definitely know how to decorate for the festive period!
Spending Christmas in the Netherlands
As well as traditional Christmas markets, and the grand arrival of Sinterklaas, the Netherlands has a heap of traditional festive activities, which makes it a great place to spend Christmas. Dutch traditions include the Midwinter Horn Blowing event, where a horn of up to four feet long is blown and can be clearly heard from far away. The most popular place to see this is in Twente, where groups have walked together for 40 years to the sound of these horns on the 23rd December.
Nearby, the city of Deventer lets you step back into the 19th century with the annual Dickens festival, which is perfect for book fans spending Christmas in Europe. Walk alongside the author’s most popular characters, enjoy roast chestnuts and listen to choirs. Alternatively, a 30-minute drive from our Rotterdam port is Gouda, where you can stay for the traditional Gouda Candle Night. During this special evening, all lights are turned off and candles are lit for a picture-perfect wintry glow.
Spending Christmas in Belgium
Christmas is a time for spending time with family and friends in Belgium, and this includes indulging in Christmas food together, of course! Begin your break in the magical city of Bruges, which is just an hour from Calais port. Wander through the Christmas market stalls, explore the pretty cobbled streets, and stock up on enough chocolate to get you through the festive period! Continue your foodie trip in Bruges by enjoying some traditional moules frites (mussels and chips), followed with a chocolate and cream topped waffle. Delicious!
If you’re staying in Brussels, a tour of the local chocolatiers is a must. Munch on the delights from the inventor of the praline, Neuhaus, or buy loved ones a beautiful selection box from Laurent Gerbaud or Pierre Marcolini. No matter whereabouts in Belgium you spend Christmas, you’re sure to find a Christmas market where you can sip Flemish gin, nibble on traditional waffles, and browse charming stalls for guaranteed Christmas spirit.
Ready to plan how you will be spending Christmas in Europe? Book your spot on one of our ferry crossings today. Travelling by ferry means that you can take as much luggage as you like, so you can take all of your home comforts, and Christmas gifts, to ensure that you have the best Christmas ever.
