Driving home for Christmas

 

There's nothing like a Christmas Market to get you in the Christmas Spirit.

Wooden stalls, twinkling lights, the smell of mulled wine, chestnuts roasting, local and traditional crafts, and jewellery.

Take your car to Ireland, Britain or France and experience the magic of a Christmas market for yourself.

And when you travel by ferry there’s no such thing as excess baggage charges so you can pack a treeful of treats for the festive season.

Book your sailing today and make this festive season one to remember.

Irish Ferries - Sea Travel Differently

Christmas Markets - Ireland

Winterval - Waterford City

Waterford City’s runs Thursdays through to Sundays from 21st November up to 23rd December. Families can glide across Winterval On Ice, explore the Winterval Christmas Markets with seasonal treats and crafts, or marvel at the thrilling Winterval Circus. The Glow Fairylight Garden and the new MAXI Express Train promise unforgettable, magical journeys, while Santa’s Magical Sleigh Ride in Virtual Reality brings a touch of Christmas wonder like never before. Waterford City is about 90 minutes’ drive from the port of Rosslare.

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Yulefest - Kilkenny City

Celebrate Christmas in Kilkenny with Yulefest from 29th November to December 23rd. Against the historical medieval backdrop of Kilkenny Castle, visitors to the festival can expect festive treats, creative crafts, live music and family entertainment each weekend along with special events each week such as music concerts, art workshops, and lots more!  Kilkenny City is about an hour and a half’s drive from Dublin Port or Rosslare Port .

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Wonderlights - Dublin (Malahide & Marlay Park), Cork (Fota House)

Experience dazzling landscapes with spectacular lighting displays and immersive projections. Suitable for all ages and all trails are fully accessible. Each magical venue also offers a food and drinks village so you can experience the wonder even after the trail is over.

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Christmas Markets - France

Arras Christmas market

Arras Christmas market takes place from 28th November to 30th December 2025 and is one of the biggest and best in France renowned for its festive atmosphere. Within easy reach of Calais, the Grand’Place in Arras full of Flemish architecture, is transformed into a Christmas wonderland with traditional carousels, a big-wheel, a sledge run and ice-skating, alongside traditional stalls full of local crafts and gourmet delicacies. Top tip: Come on December 6th, when St Nicolas bravely abseils down the belfry. The Belfry can also be visited for panoramic views of the town.

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Amiens Christmas market

From the 21st November to the 30th December 2025, the Christmas market covers a full two kilometres of the largely pedestrianised centre conveniently located near landmarks like the famous Jules Verne House, and the beautiful Gothic Amiens Cathedral with unique Chroma light-and-sound show each night. Stock up on unique Christmas presents, festive decorations and sweet treats from the 130+ chalet-style stalls. There are street performers, old-time carousels, a skating rink and a Santa’s parade to help keep everyone entertained!

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Lille Christmas market

The Lille Christmas Village will open its doors from 19 November to 30 December 2025. For six weeks, the Place Rihour will be transformed into a magical place, with its wooden chalets and sparkling lights! As well as a 50m Ferries Wheel with a breathtaking view of the illuminated city, there is Santa’s chalet, performances every Thursday evening and enchanting rides for the whole family.

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Paris Christmas markets

This year, Paris will host several enchanting Christmas markets, with key dates ranging from mid-November to early January, featuring festive foods, crafts, and holiday cheer including the following:

  • Tuileries Christmas Market: from 16th November to 5th January 2026, the largest Christmas market in central Paris is located in the Tuileries Garden. It features a mix of carnival rides, food stalls, an ice rink, festive decorations and of course Santa Claus, making it a popular destination for families and visitors alike.
  • La Défense Christmas Village: from 13th November to 28th December, La Défense is one of the largest festive markets in the Paris region, with around 300 chalets offering a variety of artisanal gifts and seasonal treats and an ice rink, set against a backdrop of sparkling lights and the stunning architecture of La Defense's surrounding skyscrapers. Plus, you can enjoy the lovely holiday lights along La Défense’s Esplanade, a wide pedestrian-only walkway stretching 1km between the Grande Arche and the Seine River.

     

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Rouen Christmas Market

Rouen’s Christmas Market takes place from 21st November to 28th December on the square in front of the cathedral. 45+ chalets line the square, selling local crafts, decorations, and delicious Normandy delicacies. With carousels, live music, and seasonal performances, it’s a must-see for families and holiday lovers. And don’t miss the evening light show on the cathedral and take a stroll through “Rouen Givrée,” the city’s winter festival with ice-skating and events throughout the centre. Rouen is less than a 3 hours drive from Cherbourg Port and less than 2 and a half hours from Calais Port, perfect for a little holiday escape!

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Caen Christmas Market

From 23rd November to 28th December, Caen’s city centre transforms into a festive wonderland with more than 70 wooden chalets across Place Saint-Sauveur, Place Bouchard and Rue Froide. Visitors can browse handcrafted gifts, gourmet treats, and regional specialties while enjoying the magical Christmas lighting and the aroma of mulled wine. There’s also an ice-skating rink, a giant Ferris wheel and children’s entertainment, including Santa’s chalet and festive workshops. Visit after dark for beautifully illuminated facades of Caen’s historic buildings and the spectacular light projections on the Abbaye-aux-Hommes. Caen is approx. a 90 min drive from Cherbourg Port.

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Christmas Markets - Britain

Cardiff Christmas Market

Visit the Cardiff Christmas Market from Thursday 13 November to Tuesday 23 December around the city’s main shopping areas, it's perefct to pick up an original piece of artwork, jewellery and fused glass.

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Manchester Christmas Markets

Friday 7 November and close on Monday 22 December. You'll find a number of Christmas Markets including Market Street offering bespoke crafts and gifts. Cathedral Gardens with a huge, covered ice rink (8 November to 1 January). Piccadilly Gardens will be transformed into the Winter Gardens, expect foodie favourites. Enjoy a beer, spirit, or hot drink and sing along to classic tunes.

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