Christmas Markets

The Christmas Markets are an excellent opportunity for a cross-curricular school tour and with a wide variety of destinations can easily encompass both German and French, as well as religious studies and history. Where better for your pupils to practice their language skills and develop greater cultural understanding than in the real-life context of Europe’s festive markets? All trips come with festive cheer as standard, so why not contact us today to book your trip to the Christmas Markets?

For the latest travel advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) for Germany and France, including information on security and local laws in addition to passport and visa requirements, please click here for Germany or here for France.

Birthplace of the Christmas Markets’ tradition, there is nowhere better than Germany to experience this centuries-old custom.

Cologne

Cologne, or Köln, is world-famous for its markets and has no less than seven across the city. Sitting in the shadow of one of Europe’s finest gothic cathedrals and resting-place of the three Magi no-less is the Domplatz market, and nearby there is another enchanting market in the pretty streets and squares of the old town. There are also markets at the harbour and the Stadtgarten, while the Neumarkt boasts the Market of Angels, and the Rudolfplatz the Fairytale Market. Why not complete your pupils’ Christmas Markets experience with a festive boat trip on the Rhein and a visit to the Chocolate Museum or interactive Sports and Olympic Museum? Throughout Cologne, the traditional stalls of the traders and craftsmen fill the streets and quaint little alleyways with the colours, sounds and smells of Christmas and offer the festive shopper a selection of high quality, unusual products and culinary delights from all over the world. For more information on hotels and excursions in Cologne, please click here.

Aachen

The Christmas Markets in Aachen preserve the best of German Christmas traditions, and date back to the thirteenth century. Savour the sensational aroma of roasted chestnuts and Glühwein which fills the air, as you browse the many stalls full of traditional festive produce. Set in the idyllic surroundings of the ancient city centre, once Charlemagne’s capital, this is without doubt an unforgettable German experience, which will provide your pupils with endless opportunities to practice their language skills and immerse themselves in Germanic culture. For more information on hotels and excursions in Aachen, please click here.

Of course, Germany is full of Christmas Markets, and should you wish to visit any not listed here, such as Berlin, Essen or Düsseldorf, please just contact us.

Bruges

Bruges is the main city of West Flanders, and, as the best-preserved mediaeval city in Belgium, is a truly enchanting destination at Christmas. Soak up the romantic atmosphere of the ‘Venice of the North’, whilst you explore this ancient and fascinating city and its richly decorated streets. During the festive season, the city is home to a sensational Snow and Ice Sculpture Festival, and a large ice rink dominates the Grote Markt, providing a wonderful back-drop to the city’s varied and interesting
markets.

Ghent

Why not treat your pupils to the historical splendour of Ghent, a city full of heritage and culture. Built around its romantic waterways, the city’s Christmas Markets sit in front of the world famous Sint-Baafs Cathedral, known for its impressive altarpiece painting – the “Adoration of the Mystic Lamb”. Great views of Ghent can be taken in from the top of the tall Belfry tower, while nearby is the imposing Gravensteen Castle and the 13th century Church of St Nicholas. Folk and rock performances, live jazz, as well as Christmas carols add to the festive atmosphere and will ensure your pupils return to the UK full of festive cheer.

For more information on hotels and excursions in Belgium, please click here. If you would like to visit any Belgian Christmas Market not listed here, such as Ypres, please contact us.

Paris

Is there anywhere more magical than Paris at Christmas time? The city’s famous night-time illuminations take on a festive aspect over the winter months and provide a glorious back-drop to the many markets which appear throughout the city. From the splendour of the large market which lines the Avenue des Champs-Elysees, to the more intimate markets in Montparnasse and Montmartre, the extent of Paris’ markets should not be underestimated. Where better to buy your festive goodies, and practice your language skills, than in one of the world’s most beautiful cities? For more information on hotels and excursions in Paris, please click here.

Lille

The northern French city of Lille comes alive at Christmas, with markets full of festive spirit! Lille, the historic capital of Flanders with its famous Old Town, has for centuries been home to some of Europe’s most illustrious markets and each year the Place du Général de Gaulle is transformed into a winter wonderland, with a towering Christmas Tree as its centrepiece. There is also a ferris wheel which gives you breath-taking views of the city. The 3,900 shops in the city compete to have the most original window decorations and offer something for every taste and every budget. For more information on hotels and excursions in Lille, please click here.

The Magic of Disney

The most magical place on earth becomes even more magical at Christmas time and is an ideal complement to your school trip to the Paris Christmas Markets. It snows several times a day on Main Street USA, and Sleeping Beauty’s castle is transformed at night into a glittering crystal palace. Decorations and festive cheer fill the park, while your pupils can enjoy some of Europe’s most famous rides, including
Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain!

Should you wish to visit any of France’s other Christmas Markets, including Strasbourg and Amiens, please contact us.

London

Why not celebrate the festive season a little closer to home and visit the Christmas Markets in London? From the magical Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park to the extensive markets under the London Eye on Southbank, the capital transforms for the festive season into a vibrant showcase of the best British and Continental Christmas traditions. Once you have picked up all of those must-have gifts, why not finish off the day with a show in the West End or a ride on the London Eye? Whatever your subject, London can offer it all, and we can tailor-make your tour to include any other London excursions you might wish. For more information on hotels and excursions in London, please click here.

If you would like more information on trips to any of Britain’s other Christmas Markets, please click here.