Holidays

Festive breaks to Lille

Christmas getaway

Holidays

Route

Dover - Dunkirk

Create your own festive break to Lille

Give your Christmas shopping a little je ne sais quoi this year with a festive break to the beautiful city of Lille.

Sail with your car from Newcastle to Amsterdam, Newhaven to Dieppe or Dover to Calais or Dunkirk and spend a night or two exploring the city’s amazing Christmas market, wonderful architecture and fantastic museums. Explore the wooden chalets of Lille’s Christmas market, open every day from 23 November to 30 December. There are unique treats from across the globe, including Poland, Canada and, of course, France itself.

Daily crossings

Travel with your vehicle

Great shopping opportunities

Tailor your trip

Dunkirk

Dover

Week 5

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Regular sailings for the current week listed in local time

Please note that timetables may change subject to weather conditions.

Lille Christmas Market

Each winter the Place Rihour, in the centre of Lille, is wonderfully decorated and packed with over 80 Christmas market stalls selling food and drink, arts and crafts and other traditional festive items.

There’ll be sweet treats to enjoy, plus mulled wine and other delicious French produce.

The huge, 50 foot Ferris Wheel in the centre of the market provides an amazing panoramic view of both the market and the city.

Onboard Experience

Duty Free Shop onboard Dover-Calais Route

Duty Free Shopping at Sea

Browse a selection of fragrances, cosmetics, confectionery and more from big name brands, as well as wine, spirits and souvenirs in our onboard shop, at a fraction of mainland prices.

Family Lighthouse Cafe onboard Eastern Channel Ferry

Restaurants

With fish & chips, curry and vegetarian options always on the menu as well as cooked breakfasts and light bites, there is something for everyone. Please note, 7 Seas Restaurant is always open and Lighthouse Café will be open during busier crossings.

Relaxing

Relax and unwind on your crossing in the Premium Lounge with complimentary drinks and snacks. To make your crossing even smoother, Priority Boarding allows you to be one of the first to board and disembark. Premium Lounge is only available on selected crossings. Please check before travelling.

Pirates Island kids club onboard Dover-Calais

Family Travel

Visit our Pirates’ Island play area to keep the kids busy during the crossing. Our onboard app, Jack’s Treasure Hunt will also keep them occupied, as they follow our mascot around the ship to find his treasure.

Ship Overview

Find out more about the vessels that operate on our Dover to Calais route.

Free Onboard WiFi

Stay connected with our free and fast on-board WiFi. Our long-range directional WiFi provides a more reliable and enhanced browsing experience.

Travel Guides

Paris Christmas Markets

Experience the festivities in the beautiful city of Paris. Sail from Dover to France and get ready to explore the decorated streets of Europes' most romantic city.

European Christmas Markets

Enjoy Christmas celebrations across Europe and choose a DFDS crossing from Dover to France or from Newcastle to Amsterdam.

Lille

Explore museums and beautiful architecture in the largest city in northern France.

Amiens

Visit Amiens, a popular weekend destination with many historical sights, including Notre-Dame Cathedral.

Arras

Explore historic and architectural attractions in Arras in Northern France.

Bayeux

Explore the famous tapestry in northern French town of Bayeux.

Festive Lille

The biggest city in the north of France, Lille is nevertheless something of a hidden gem. European Capital of Culture in 2004, the city has an amazing heritage of art and museums, including the Palais des Beaux Arts, which includes pieces by Monet and other famous 20th century artists, and LaM, the museum of modern art, which includes brilliant pieces by Mogdiliani, Picasso and many more. A French city with a Flemish accent, Lille’s architecture is a stunning mixture of classic styles.

Award Winning Ferry Crossings

We are proud to have been voted World’s Leading Ferry Operator 2022 at this year’s World Travel Awards for the 12th year in a row! We have also won Europe's Leading Ferry Operator 2012-2022 and World’s Best Ferry Operator Website 2021-2022.

Thank you to everyone who has supported us and voted for us for over 12 years. Let’s sail the seas together with world class service!

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Prices are subject to availability. Telephone booking fees apply. Terms and conditions apply.