9 October 2017
With a range of markets in some of the most beautiful European cities, a festive trip is bound to create a magical start to the Christmas season.
With warm apple cider and mulled wine, ice skating and carol singing around the tree, there’s no better way to get in the Christmas spirit. From indulging in warm waffles in Bruges to gift shopping on the Champs-Élysées, a Eurostar winter break offers something for everyone.
The holiday feeling starts from the moment travellers step on the train, as they sit back in comfort with plenty of space to relax and unwind. The city-centre to city-centre travel on board Eurostar takes visitors right to the heart of the markets and the generous luggage allowance means there is plenty of room to bring back all those Christmas gifts.
BELGIUM
Ghent
Ghent’s city centre will be turned into a winter wonderland from early December. Featuring an ice-skating rink under the City Pavilion and a giant Ferris wheel in front of St Bavo’s Cathedral you can enjoy a view of the city from the air. There will also be a Christmas market at Korenmarkt where you can enjoy local delicacies whilst you shop.
Fastest journey time: 3 hours 30 minutes (via Brussels)
Markets open: 8 December 2017 – 7 January 2018
Tickets from: £35 one-way* with an ‘Any Belgian Station’ ticket
Antwerp
The Christmas market in Antwerp offer visitors great winter pleasure. Each year the Grote Markt, Suikerrui, Handschoenmarkt and the Groenplaats are all transformed into a festive market. The Groenplaats hosts the ice rink which is surrounded by various food and drinks stalls. Here, you can enjoy a hot chocolate and a glass of Glühwein in front of the City Hall. On the Steenplein, there is also a Ferris wheel and tubing slide overlooking the river Scheldt and the city.
Fastest journey time: 3 hours 30 minutes (via Brussels)
Markets open: 9 December 2017 – 7 January 2018
Tickets from: £35 one-way* with an ‘Any Belgian Station’ ticket
Brussels
The Brussels Christmas market is hailed as one of the most inventive in Europe. Running from 24 November until 31 December, the Plaisirs d'Hiver or ‘winter pleasures’ market is located across a 2km trail featuring a wide range of chalets and stalls. An ice skating rink and a nightly sound and light show in the Grand Place offer entertainment for all.
Fastest journey time: 2 hours
Markets open: 24 November – 31 December 2017
Tickets from: £29 one-way*
Bruges
The beautiful market square of Bruges is transformed every winter with an abundance of colourful lights and illuminated festive stalls crammed full of Christmas goodies. Around 30 traditional stalls sell everything from speciality foods, to sweet treats, to unusual hand-made Christmas decorations.
Fastest journey time: 3 hours 20 minutes (via Brussels)
Markets open: 24 November 2017 – 1 January 2018
Tickets from: £35 one-way* with an ‘Any Belgian Station’ ticket
FRANCE
Lille
Only an hour and a half from London St Pancras, Lille is the perfect place to do your Christmas shopping. The main square is transformed into a Winter Wonderland with an 18-meter high Christmas tree and visitors can enjoy the seasonal sights of the city from a giant Ferris wheel.
Fastest journey time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Markets open: 27 November - 26 December 2017
Tickets from: £29 one-way*
Paris
From mid-December, Notre Dame will be home to one of the most spectacular Christmas markets in Paris. The Cathedral will be lit up with festive lights and the square will feature over 50 stalls. There will also be a giant Christmas tree to gather around with carol singers.
Fastest journey time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Markets open: 15 December – 24 December 2017
Tickets from: £29 one-way*
Strasbourg
The Strasbourg Christkindelsmärik is the oldest Christmas market in France, dating back to 1570 so it is no surprise that the city considers itself the capital of Christmas. The market spreads out across the centre of the town, around Cathedral square and Place Broglie where hundreds of stalls will feature ornaments, toys, food and mulled wine to keep you warm as you browse.
Fastest journey time: 5 hours 45 minutes (via Paris)
Markets open: 24 November to 24 December 2017
Tickets from: £50 one-way*
GERMANY
Cologne
A quick connection in Brussels takes travellers to the heart of Cologne. Shoppers can indulge in a traditional pretzel while exploring one of the seven Christmas markets on offer. The largest market boasts the tallest Christmas tree in the Rhineland.
Fastest journey time: 5 hours 30 minutes (via Brussels)
Markets open: 27 November – 23 December 2017
Tickets from: £45 one-way*
For more information or to book Eurostar tickets visit www.eurostar.com or call the Eurostar contact centre on 08432 186 186.
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Notes to Editors