Christmas market school trips
Kick off the festive season with a Christmas market school trip. European markets are a great way to practise language skills whilst experiencing local yuletide traditions and customs.
- Key stage 2 – 16+
- December
Overview
Christmas market school trips - both a festive & language treat!
A custom that has only become popular in Britain in more recent years, the Christmas market is a cherished and major tradition on the Continent.
A Christmas Market school trip is not really about shopping, but more about giving students the chance to use the language they are learning in a real-life setting, while learning about regional traditions, trying local produce and soaking up the wonderful atmosphere. Our Christmas market school trips are ideal for younger students or schools looking for a shorter break.
Voyager School Travel has been organising Christmas market school trips for UK schools for many years and we know which markets are the absolute best to visit. When thinking about Christmas markets, we often think of Germany as a destination, but France, Belgium and Poland host some of the most beautiful Christmas markets, each with its own special regional flavour and tradition.
Take a look at our favourite Christmas market school trips. Then contact us with your budget and estimated group numbers and we'll organise the rest.
Read about Chafyn Grove's school trip to the Lille Christmas Market staying at Voyager's Moulin aux Drap residential centre.
Our favourite Christmas markets
Aachen
The Aachen Christmas Market is Germany's nearest Christmas market to the UK and can be reached from Calais in six hours by coach. Explore the city’s streets as they are transformed into a Christmas wonderland of lights, delicious treats and the famous gingerbread, Aachen Printe.
Amiens
Amiens Christmas Market is one of the biggest and best Christmas markets in northern France. With over 135 stalls there is a wide variety of produce and gifts from lead crystal glassware to famous Amiens macaroons - definitely worth a try!. Other attractions include an open air ice rink, merry-go-rounds, singers and shows. Finally "Cathedral in Colour" (La Cathédrale en Couleurs) - is a free light show from 1st December to 1st January.
Arras
Set in front of the magnificent Grand Place, the Arras Christmas Market is another substantial event easily accessible in Northern France. Around 90 stalls offer a smorgasbord of food, drink and gift ideas and are found in a dedicated market setting in the beautiful town square. other entertainment includes a skating rink, carousel, musical events and workshops.
Berlin
Thinking of heading to Berlin on your Christmas Market trip? We don't blame you, you're truly spoiled for choice when it comes to festive hotspots in the German capital. If you're staying central, you'll want to head for the Gendarmenmarkt or the medieval-themed Friedrichshain. If you don't mind heading a little further out via public transport, you're sure to be enchanted by Spandau's old town. The majority of markets run from the end of November up to Christmas.
Boulogne-sur-Mer
The historic town of Boulogne-sur-Mer has a Christmas market for only one weekend in December. Nevertheless it's a super event offering all the usual festive treats, plus local delicacies such as smoked herring and Christmas pudding. Ice sculptures, a jazz band, pottery demonstrations and local folklore all combine to make this something worth heading to.
Brussels
There is plenty of choice when it comes to Christmas markets in Brussels, from traditional, artisanal to gastronomic. There is something for everyone; there are markets all over the city, from cobblestone of the Grand Place to the lanes of the green city quarters and the castle. The markets are open late November until early January and features the usual delights of a Christmas market as well as an ice-rink.
Cologne
Cologne Christmas markets are some of the most famous in Europe. Each year Cologne holds seven Christmas markets around the city, the four biggest ones are located around the cathedral, Alter Markt and Heumarkt squares, ‘Market of Angels’ presents itself on the square Neumarkt under a magnificently shining star sky and near Rudolfplatz, every year, these markets attract about 2 million visitors. Each market provides great food and drinks but also shopping too from Christmas decorations to selling chocolate. It’s a great place to try out your German language skills!
Lille
During the festive season Lille is decked out in lights and colour and the town square is covered in a huge crown of garlards. Explore the market on Place Rihour with 90 wooden chalets selling regional arts and crafts such as traditional nativity scenes and decorations as well as gifts and festive food. Jump on the ferris wheel to take aerial photos of the festive lightshow and giant Christmas tree below. What makes Lille so popular with school groups is the town's proximity to Calais, making it an easy short break.
Strasbourg
Strasbourg is home to one of the most famous Christmas Markets in Europe, taking place since 1570! This market is filled to the brim with talented craftsmanship, tasty treats, Christmas food and even Winter boat trips. This trip allows students to practice their French Language skills whilst soaking up some wonderful history & atmosphere.
Included
Our European Christmas Market school trips include:
- Board and lodging as specified in your itinerary
- A detailed itinerary with pre-booked excursions
- Your choice of return travel; coach travel and channel crossing, or return flights and transfers
- All applicable tolls and taxes
- Free teacher to student ratio approx 1:8 (coach trips) / approx 1:10 (air groups)
- 24-hour emergency support
- Comprehensive travel insurance including COVID cover
- Booking flexibility with our Peace of Mind Promise
- Assistance with inspection visits
Extras to budget for:
- School to airport transfers and meals en route (if required)
- Visa charges and supplements for small parties, single rooms and additional adults
- Local tourist taxes which can only be paid in cash to the hotel
- Entrances other than those specified in your itinerary
- Hotel damage deposits
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