Day 1: Depart – York Christmas Market – Hull for overnight ferry
Depart North Wales and travel to York. Enjoy some time at leisure at the annual St Nicholas Fayre, one of the most popular festive markets in the country. Like stepping into a scene from a Dickens’ tale, the lively Victorian market stalls sell everything from local produce to traditional gifts and crafts. We continue to Hull for our overnight ferry crossing to Rotterdam. Relax and enjoy the on-board entertainment this evening.
Day 2: Arrival in Rotterdam and journey to Lille
After disembarking the ferry in Rotterdam, the journey continues south as we travel directly to Lille, arriving in the heart of this vibrant French city. We check-in to our hotel, the centrally located the 4-star Mercure Lille Centre Grand Place Hotel for a 2-night stay.
The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Lille’s enchanting Christmas Market awaits just a short stroll away, offering twinkling lights, festive stalls and the irresistible aromas of seasonal treats.
Day 3: Lille Christmas Market
A full free day in Lille which offers the perfect chance to immerse yourself in the city’s festive charm and rich cultural character.
The Christmas Market fills the central squares with twinkling lights, wooden chalets and the inviting aromas of seasonal treats, making it an ideal place to browse for gifts or savour local delicacies.
Beyond the market, Lille’s elegant old town invites leisurely exploration, with its cobbled streets, grand Flemish architecture and stylish boutiques. You might choose to visit the renowned Palais des Beaux‑Arts, relax in a cosy café, or simply wander through the lively streets soaking up the atmosphere.
Day 4: Arras Christmas Market
Today we journey to Arras where you can experience one of France’s most charming and atmospheric Christmas Markets at a relaxed, unhurried pace. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Grand’ Place, the market transforms the square into a festive village filled with twinkling lights, artisan stalls and the inviting aromas of regional treats. You can browse handcrafted gifts, sample local delicacies or simply enjoy the warm, traditional ambience that makes Arras so special at this time of year. With plenty of time to explore the surrounding historic streets and soak up the seasonal spirit, Arras provides a wonderfully authentic Christmas experience.
Day 5: Depart Lille – Antwerp Christmas Market – Rotterdam for overnight ferry
After breakfast we depart Lille and journey to Antwerp in Belgium. With almost 100 stalls and an impressive ice-skating rink, Antwerp is transformed into a wonderful Christmas market each season offering an array of foods, drinks, crafts and decorations. Enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and a glass of Glühwein, a real speciality of the Christmas market in Antwerp.
After a fantastic day, we make our way back to the Europort in Rotterdam for our overnight sailing to Hull. Enjoy the on-board entertainment this evening.
Day 6: Arrival in Hull – Manchester Christmas Market - Home
We disembark our ferry in Hull and make the return journey to North Wales, stopping en-route in Manchester. The city centre is jam-packed with unique and eclectic restaurants, bars, shops, museums, and galleries. The Christmas market located in the city centre, offers more than 220 stalls selling all kinds of festive food, drink, and gifts.