While here in the UK we have some fantastic Christmas markets, mainland Europe also has some distinctive and highly festive markets. Unique Christmas gifts, delicious seasonal foods and beautiful decorations make visiting these markets a wonderful way to enjoy the festive period.

Taking your car by ferry from Dover to Calais is quick and fun, but if you’re in a hurry then a good piece of road trip Europe advice is to take your vehicle by EuroTunnel. Once in the French port of Calais, you are less than two hours' drive from some of Europe's finest cities – and their Christmas markets.

Brussels

Drive east from the coast and you'll be in the de facto EU capital in just under two hours (source for driving time: Googlemaps). The Christmas market here runs until the 5th of January. A broad choice of hotels and guest houses are available in this historic city.

http://www.christmasmarkets.com/Belgium/brussels-christmas-market.html

mpalis/bigstock.com

Lille

Beautiful wooden chalets and a giant ferris wheel mark Lille Christmas market out as a very special place to do some Christmas shopping. Unlike other markets which close a few days into the New Year, this one does close on the 30th of December – so you'll need to get down there quick!

Lille is 1 hour 10 minutes from Calais (source: Googlemaps).

 Kristen Elise/bigstock.com

http://www.christmasmarkets.com/France/lille-christmas-market.html

 

Bruges

As well as a wonderful Christmas market in Bruges (featuring its very own ice rink) running until January 2nd, there is also a Snow & Ice Sculpture Festival to enjoy, finishing on January 5th.

Bruges has a great deal to appreciate aside from the market; stunning architecture abounds in this historic Belgian city.

1 hour 18 minutes from Calais (source: Googlemaps)

http://www.christmasmarkets.com/Belgium/bruges-christmas-market.html