Whether you opt for gluhwein or glogg, panettone or stollen - nothing beats the atmosphere of a European Christmas market.
A stress-free way to reach locations in Belgium, France, Ireland and Holland is by ferry, with plenty of crossings operating throughout winter. And travelling by car means passengers can bring back as many goodies as they please.
So which are the top spots to visit by ferry?
Brussels' Plaisirs d'Hiver (Winter Wonder) runs until January 1. In 2014, it was voted the third best Christmas market in Europe with an impressive sound and light show to go along with market stalls, an ice rink and ferris wheel.
P&O Ferries and DFDS Seaways all operate ferry services from Dover to Calais, and DFDS Seaways also goes to Dunkirk. Travelling from the north of England is also easy, with P&O Ferries running a service from Hull to Zeebrugge in Belgium.
France has a rich history of Christmas markets and there are a number of destinations across northern France that can be incorporated into day trips, mini-cruises and mini-breaks.
Two markets that really stand out are the ones at Lille (now until December 30) and Reims (until December 24). More than 80 wooden chalets offering all manner of festive goodies and culinary delights are set up in Lille's Place Rihour.
The historic city of Reims, in Champagne, is a charming destination with around 125 stalls and street entertainment forming the foundation of its Christmas market. There is also the opportunity to visit the UNESCO World Heritage sites that mark where French kings had their coronations for hundreds of years. It is also reportedly where the first French Christmas celebration was held, when, in 496AD, three thousand warriors were baptised on Christmas Day.
P&O Ferries and DFDS Seaways both sail from Dover to Calais, which is only an hour and 10 minutes from Lille and two-and-a-half hours from Reims.
Visitors to Holland this winter are guaranteed to return full of Christmas joy. Options include the popular light festival in Amsterdam (December 1 - January 22), where illuminated decorations create a festive trail, and Valkenburg (now until January 8), the oldest and largest underground Christmas market held in caves with an 18th century chapel and mural paintings.
Stena Line sails from Harwich to Hook of Holland, and DFDS sails from Newcastle to Amsterdam.
Ireland is brimming with yuletide magic. The Waterford Winterval Christmas Market (until December 23) is only an hour and a half drive from Dublin. There are more than 30 attractions, including the chance to take a horse-drawn sleigh on a special Christmas trail through the city.
P&O Ferries sails from Liverpool, while Irish Ferries operates from Holyhead to Dublin.
A stress-free way to reach locations in Belgium, France, Ireland and Holland is by ferry, with plenty of crossings operating throughout winter. And travelling by car means passengers can bring back as many goodies as they please.
So which are the top spots to visit by ferry?
Brussels' Plaisirs d'Hiver (Winter Wonder) runs until January 1. In 2014, it was voted the third best Christmas market in Europe with an impressive sound and light show to go along with market stalls, an ice rink and ferris wheel.
P&O Ferries and DFDS Seaways all operate ferry services from Dover to Calais, and DFDS Seaways also goes to Dunkirk. Travelling from the north of England is also easy, with P&O Ferries running a service from Hull to Zeebrugge in Belgium.
France has a rich history of Christmas markets and there are a number of destinations across northern France that can be incorporated into day trips, mini-cruises and mini-breaks.
Two markets that really stand out are the ones at Lille (now until December 30) and Reims (until December 24). More than 80 wooden chalets offering all manner of festive goodies and culinary delights are set up in Lille's Place Rihour.
The historic city of Reims, in Champagne, is a charming destination with around 125 stalls and street entertainment forming the foundation of its Christmas market. There is also the opportunity to visit the UNESCO World Heritage sites that mark where French kings had their coronations for hundreds of years. It is also reportedly where the first French Christmas celebration was held, when, in 496AD, three thousand warriors were baptised on Christmas Day.
P&O Ferries and DFDS Seaways both sail from Dover to Calais, which is only an hour and 10 minutes from Lille and two-and-a-half hours from Reims.
Visitors to Holland this winter are guaranteed to return full of Christmas joy. Options include the popular light festival in Amsterdam (December 1 - January 22), where illuminated decorations create a festive trail, and Valkenburg (now until January 8), the oldest and largest underground Christmas market held in caves with an 18th century chapel and mural paintings.
Stena Line sails from Harwich to Hook of Holland, and DFDS sails from Newcastle to Amsterdam.
Ireland is brimming with yuletide magic. The Waterford Winterval Christmas Market (until December 23) is only an hour and a half drive from Dublin. There are more than 30 attractions, including the chance to take a horse-drawn sleigh on a special Christmas trail through the city.
P&O Ferries sails from Liverpool, while Irish Ferries operates from Holyhead to Dublin.
Source: AAP
