Crafting The Perfect Christmas Travel Itinerary
Start by selecting your destinations wisely. Cities like Paris, Amsterdam, and Cologne are renowned for their spectacular Christmas markets. Each offers a unique flair, from handcrafted gifts to traditional festive treats.
Timing your trip to coincide with special market events or sales can ensure the best shopping opportunities. For example, the famous Strasbourg Christmas market opens on 22nd November and runs until 30th December, whilst the Cologne Christmas market, with its 150+ stalls, opens on 25th November. If you're planning to visit multiple cities, be sure to plan your itinerary accordingly to maximise your time at each destination!
To simplify your travel arrangements, our Christmas Market packages offer the ideal solution. With a variety of destinations available across our 4 routes from the UK to Europe, our packages allow you to bundle ferry and hotel bookings, taking the hassle out of planning and ensuring you focus on shopping and relaxation!
Visit the magical Christmas markets | DFDS
Tips for Shopping Success
European cities are home to markets, boutiques and department stores brimming with holiday cheer. But a few considerations can go a long way when it comes to making the most of your shopping experience:
Plan your shopping list
It's important to have a shopping list to avoid overspending or purchasing unnecessary items. Consider who you need to buy gifts for and their preferences, as well as any specific souvenirs or decorations that may be on your wish list. This will help you stay focused while browsing and avoid any impulse purchases.
Set a budget
As tempting as it may be to buy everything in sight, consider setting a budget before embarking on your festive shopping spree. This should prevent overspending and allow you to prioritise your purchases.
Beat the crowds
The time of year, month, or even day you choose to shop can be an important factor in snagging those special deals and making your shopping time truly rewarding.
To avoid getting overwhelmed by the crowds, try visiting markets and shops during weekdays or earlier in the day when they're typically less busy. This will allow for a more relaxed shopping experience and give you the chance to interact with vendors and learn about their products.
Don't Miss Out On Duty Free
Travelling by ferry means you can take advantage of the Duty Free shopping opportunities both onboard and at port. With a wide selection of products, from alcohol, cosmetics and fragrances to toys, electronics and confectionery, you can find great deals on your favourite brands and add savings of up to 50% vs UK high street prices to your Christmas shopping haul.
If travelling from the south of England, our Dover-Dunkirk or Newhaven-Dieppe routes offer slightly longer journey times to France than Dover-Calais, making them ideal for maximising the onboard experience. Or, from the north, our overnight ferry from Newcastle to Amsterdam allows for a relaxing evening of shopping, dining and entertainment before arriving in the Netherlands.
Top tip: why not spend time browsing the Duty Free shop during your outbound voyage to Europe and make your purchases when you return?
Port Shopping Before Your Return Journey
As you prepare for your return journey, don’t miss the opportunity for Duty Free shopping at our port shops in Calais and Dunkirk. A standout feature of port-side shopping is the extensive selection of wines, beers, and spirits on offer. Whether you're selecting the perfect drink for your holiday table or gifts for loved ones, the variety and quality are impressive. Engage with in-store experts who can offer insights and even arrange tastings to help you pick the perfect holiday selections.
Making the Most of Your Duty Free Allowances
With unlimited baggage allowance on our ferries, you can take full advantage of Duty Free shopping and stock up on all your festive favourites. It's important to know your Duty Free allowances for entering the UK when returning from your trip - you may be surprised at how generous these are!
Each person can bring back to the UK:
18 Litres of wine
42 litres of beer
4 litres of spirits
£390 worth of other goods including perfume and souvenirs
Top tip: If travelling with a group, pool your Duty Free allowances to make the most of your savings! For more information on what you can bring into the UK and Europe check out our Duty Free FAQs.
Reserve & Collect
Did you know you can browse and select items from our port shops online before even stepping onto the ferry? By reserving your Duty Free purchases in advance with our Reserve & Collect service, you can avoid the hassle of rushing through last-minute purchases and simply collect your shopping before your return crossing.
This not only saves time but ensures a stress-free shopping spree by allowing you to focus on enjoying the voyage and the dazzling Christmas markets at your destination!
For more details, visit our Reserve and Collect page.
Beyond Shopping: Other Festive Activities
While Christmas shopping may be the primary focus of your trip, there are many other festive activities to enjoy in European cities during the holiday season. Consider attending a traditional Christmas concert or show, ice skating at an outdoor rink, or indulging in local cuisine at a cosy restaurant.
You can also take in the dazzling Christmas lights and decorations adorning the streets and buildings, creating a magical atmosphere everywhere you go. And don't forget to try some mulled wine or hot chocolate while browsing the markets - it's an essential part of the European Christmas market experience!
Check out some of the top Christmas experiences and attractions available via GetYourGuide.
Book Your Festive Shopping Trip Today
Travelling by ferry makes it easy to combine the joy of travel with the thrill of shopping this festive season. So, pack your bags, set sail, and let Europe fill your heart with holiday cheer whilst ticking off that all-important Christmas shopping list!
