From the first week of Advent, the traditional Christmas Markets fill many Northern European cities with a wonderful and joyful atmosphere. They create an enchanting festive season atmosphere and are becoming increasingly popular.
Brightly coloured market stalls; the glow of fairy lights and candles; the delicious scent of hot Glühwein; and freshly-baked biscuits, create a special Advent atmosphere.
Shop for hand-made decorations, traditional specialities and special gifts, that you can't find at home. A Christmas Market school trip is a perfect opportunity to take your students abroad for an excursion with a difference.
Introduce your students to the different lifestyles and culture of another country in a magnificent setting at a wonderful time of year!
Christmas markets are affordable and are a great way for Students of MFL to practise their language skills. Popular destinations are: Lille, Aachen and Paris
Lille Christmas Markets
The biggest Christmas Market in Northern France, Place Rihour comes alive and transforms into a spectacular winter wonderland. With around 80 stalls selling local produce and crafts, it is an ideal opportunity to grab those exceptional Christmas gifts! The Christmas Craft Market also features a majestic big wheel that rotates to sounds of Christmas carols. A truly magical experience.
Other noteworthy attractions that can become part of your school trip are Lille Cathedral, Palais des Beaux Arts and the Museum of Fine Arts.
Aachen
The Aachen Christmas Market is Germany's nearest Christmas Market to the UK. Aachen's festivities will be found on the squares and streets surrounding its Cathedral and Town Hall. The area is transformed into a magnificent Christmas City, with approximately 125 stalls. There is an enormous choice and Aachen is particularly renowned for Aachen Printen, a kind of gingerbread, potato fritters and marzipan bread.
The Aachen Cathedral is a 'must see' attraction and looks even more spectacular during the Christmas festivities. In addition, Suermondt Ludwig Museum and Couven Museum are popular excursions for school groups.
Paris
Christmas is a wonderful time of year to visit the capital. During this time, Paris shows the world why it deserves to be called "Ville de lumieres" city of light. The largest of Paris' Christmas Markets are located on the Avenue des Champs-Elysées, La Défense and Saint-Sulpice. The stalls sell an array of delights and students will find plenty to do here.
La Défense boasts an outdoor ice rink at this time of year. The renowned Paris attractions, including the Eiffel Tower, the Paris Story and Notre Dame Cathedral, are among the many excursions we can arrange as part of your school trip.
Sample Itinerary
Day 1:
Depart school and connect with your channel crossing. Arrive at your chosen destinations late afternoon and check into your accommodation. Time permitting visit a Christmas Market in the evening.
Day 2:
Visit the Christmas Markets and look around the destinations most famous attractions.
Day 3:
Spend the morning at leisure. Depart for the port early afternoon and connect with your return crossing.
