Christmas Markets School Trip
IBT Travel
What better way to get into the festive spirit than by visiting a spectacular Christmas Market in Europe. School groups can enjoy wandering through charming wooden stalls decorated with twinkling lights, browse handcrafted gifts, ornaments, and delicious delicacies like roasted chestnuts and hot chocolate. Not only that, it is the perfect opportunity for groups to engage and practice their language skills ' whether it be French, German or Dutch ' in a unique, delightful and heart-warming atmosphere.Take a trip to Amiens in northern France where you will find one of the largest Christmas markets, boasting a tremendous number of stalls in a fresh alpine setting ' Lille and Strasbourg too sparkle with enchantment during this time of year.
In Germany, leading Christmas markets can be found in Aachen, Koblenz, Cologne and the Black Forest where each market has its own touch of uniqueness that will leave a lasting impression for years to come.
Valkenburg, in the Netherlands, is a fantastic place to visit during the festive season for a trip to remember. The Velvet Cave, with its stunning decorations, mural paintings, 18th century chapel and charming market stalls, is the perfect setting to experience the Christmas atmosphere.
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Example Itineraries for our 2026 & 2027 trips
DAY 1
- Travel to Lille by coach via Short Sea Crossing
- Explore the Christmas Markets with optional extras including the Waffle Factory/Ferris Wheel
- Check into hotel with evening spent at Christmas Markets
DAY 2
- Guided tour of Lille (2 hours)
- Visit the Christmas Markets & complete Christmas Market worksheet
- Return to school via Short Sea Crossing
- Travel to Lille by coach via Short Sea Crossing
- Explore the Christmas Markets with optional extras including the Waffle Factory/Ferris Wheel
- Check into hotel with evening spent at Christmas Markets
DAY 2
- Guided tour of Lille (2 hours)
- Visit the Christmas Markets & complete Christmas Market worksheet
- Return to school via Short Sea Crossing
Which Curriculum Subjects do we cater for?
Cultural
Europe's Christmas markets offer a dazzling array of options, making it difficult for School groups to choose a favourite.
Lille, known for its vibrant blend of French and Flemish cultures, boasts a beautiful historic center and lively Christmas market featuring local crafts and treats like gaufres.
Amsterdam, with its picturesque canals and rich art scene, offers a unique blend of Dutch heritage, highlighted by its festive markets showcasing artisanal gifts and Dutch treats. Munich, the capital of Bavaria, is famous for its traditional Christmas markets, where visitors can savour bratwurst and mulled wine, all while experiencing the city's deep-rooted customs and festive cheer.
Finally, Berlin, a hub of contemporary culture and history, presents a dynamic Christmas market scene where visitors can enjoy diverse cuisines and arts, all against the backdrop of the city's iconic landmarks and vibrant street life.
Languages
Visiting Christmas markets offers school groups an enriching opportunity to improve their language skills through immersive experiences. As students interact with vendors, read signage, and engage in conversations, they practice essential vocabulary and phrases in real-life contexts. The multicultural atmosphere of the markets encourages learners to use the target language, boosting their confidence and fluency.
Additionally, school groups can participate in festive activities, such as workshops or guided tours, that foster language learning through hands-on engagement with local traditions and customs.
What size groups do we cater for?
Any group size is possible, please contact us to discuss your requirements
Access for visitors with disabilities?
Yes
Visitors with Special Educational Needs (SEN)?
Yes
Anything else?
Fully customised tour itineraries available
Who are IBT Travel?
When you choose to book with IBT, you are guaranteed support, assistance and a seamless delivery at every stage of your trip. We understand how challenging it can be to organise a trip for a large group, so we strive to be there for you when you need us.
With 40 years of sending groups on trips, we have unrivalled expertise in operating school tours. We know the cities and resorts we send our groups to inside and out; we get to know those who will be taking care of you when you arrive, and we know what makes a great trip.
We are an established business with a loyal customer base, excellent customer support and strong relationships with resort staff. We are there when you need us and provide all the information you need to have a great trip. We will make sure you are prepared and are always available to answer any questions you might have. Unlike many other operators, you will leave for your trip confident that should you need assistance, IBT Travel will be there for you.
Teacher Checklist
Risk Assessments Inspection Visits Free Places for Teachers Resource Packs LOtC Quality Badge ABTA Licence ATOL Licence School Travel Forum Assured Tailor your trip
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