Add some sparkle to your Christmas shopping

Have you started your Christmas shopping or stuck for gifts for loved ones? Then why not extend your journey across the channel with Norfolkline and visit the various Christmas markets in Brussels and France?

Ferries offer an affordable and comfortable way for families to travel to France and with prices starting at as little as £19* each way for a car and up to four passengers, families will be sure to sail away with Norfolkline this festive season.

Norfolkline operates the only direct Dover to Dunkirk route where people can travel across the channel in under 2 hours! And whilst you are restricted with what and how much you can take on a flight, with ferry travel you can take on board as much luggage as you want ensuring you can take all your Christmas goodies back with you for no extra charge.

Here are Norfolkline’s recommendations on the best things to do after your Christmas market fix in Lille, Brussels and Bruges:

LILLE CHRISTMAS MARKET

When 18th November through to 30th December 2009
Where Place Rihour, Lille, France

Browse the stalls, sample traditional French Christmas delicacies and even take a ride on the giant Ferris wheel which turns to the sound of Christmas carols at this Christmas market. Children can have their photograph taken with Father Christmas and take part in the various theatre games!

What to see in Lille

For those wanting more shopping, they can venture out of the town square to ‘Euralille Mall,’ a large shopping mall packed with designer goods at reasonable prices or visit ‘Palais des Beaux Arts,’ to see pieces by Goya, Donatello and Veronese and other works from the 15th and 16th centuries. Travellers can also finish off their day at the Les Trois Brasseurs a genuine French brasserie that brews its own beer on site.

BRUGES CHRISTMAS MARKET

When 24th November through to 31st December 2009
Where Market Square, Bruges, Belgium

The magical Bruges Christmas market takes place around the open air ice rink with a smaller market located on Simon Stevinplein. Families can visit the various festival market stalls packed with Christmas delights from delicious packaged chocolates to handmade decorations for a loved one back home and even relax at the many bars on offer and sip on the local beer

What to see in Bruges

When in Bruges why not take a trip down one of the meandering canals or go on a Quasimodo tour? Visitors can also see live comedy at The English Theatre of Bruges and stop off at the De Halve Maan (Straffe Hendrik) Brewery if thirsty.

BRUSSELS WINTER WONDERLAND

When 27th November 2009 through to 3rd January 2010
Where Place Sainte Catherine, Brussels, Belgium

Journey to ‘Place Sainte Catherine’ and search for unusual gifts, traditional decorations and sample local delicacies in one of Europe’s most popular Christmas markets! Families can also take to the ice skating rink and visit the Grand’Place which is decorated in festive lights and not to be missed!

What to see in Brussels

Often overshadowed by its more famous neighbours, Brussels is mixed with old and new as it offers ancient architecture, traditional provincial cooking, and historic art mixed with modern glass-and-steel buildings, nouvelle cuisine, and cutting-edge art. A small city, most tourist sites are within walking distance of the Grand Place which is one of the most beautiful medieval squares in Europe. For those comic fans, don’t miss the Museum of the comic strip. The home of Tintin, this museum houses an extensive collection of Tintin-related exhibits, alongside other Belgian comic strips. And if you don’t mind a pint, the Cantillon Brewery should also be visited.

Christmas Market special:

Norfolkline sail to Dunkirk from only £19.00 each way with a car plus four people*

For more information and bookings, visit norfolkline.com/ferry.

(*includes all surcharges and taxes)