Holidays

Festive breaks to Germany

Holidays

Route

Dover - Dunkirk

CREATE YOUR OWN FESTIVE BREAK TO GERMANY

Nowhere does Christmas markets with quite as much aplomb as Germany. Up and down the country, market stalls come out offering numerous delights; from hand crafted toys, tree decorations, candles and lambskin shoes. Gluhwein is heated for the festive season and aromas of gingerbread and sausage fill the air.

German Christmas markets provide an incredible atmosphere mixed with unique and authentic stalls. With DFDS book a ferry crossing on either of our routes from Dover to France or our route from Newcastle to IJmuiden, near Amsterdam, and you can drive to Germany in just a few hours.

Daily crossings

Excellent onboard facilities

Delicious onboard cuisine

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Dover

Dunkirk

Week 21

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Regular sailings for the current week listed in local time

Please note that timetables may change subject to weather conditions.

Cologne and Düsseldorf

Cologne has 7 markets to choose from across the city, including a Fairytale Market, all connected together by a special train. Head to the aptly-named Rudolfplatz for the Fairytale market and marvel at the range of gifts on offer, with everything from traditional toys to winter clothing all available on stalls surrounded by magicians, jugglers and glassblowers showing off their skills.

Düsseldorf, just a short drive from Cologne, has a truly international Christmas market, with different themed stalls from all over the world throughout the city. The stalls are lovingly decorated and stock gifts, souvenirs, arts and crafts from all corners of the globe for a unique market experience.

Koblenz and Bremen

There is also a festive market at Koblenz, which attract tourists from all over the world each year. Koblenz is one of Germany's oldest cities and becomes a romantic Christmas wonderland for the festive season, ideal for couples and families wanting to get swept up in the atmosphere of the season.

The market in Bremen is one of the most attractive in Germany, with around 170 stalls to choose from and even a walk-through advent calendar on display. The city's river banks become a mini Christmas village with the aroma of freshly baked bread and smoked fish in the air for an unforgettable Christmas shopping experience.

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

Cologne Christmas Markets

Explore the stunning city of Cologne during the festive season. Access the city on a ferry crossing from Dover to France or from Newcastle to Amsterdam.

European Christmas Markets

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

Christmas in Bremen

Do you fancy a different kind of Christmas holidays this winter? Experience the historic city of Bremen with lots of entertainment to indulge in.

Christmas in Hamburg

During the Christmas period, the whole of Hamburg between the Elbe and the Alster lake is lit with colorful lights, filled with the aroma of mulled wine and ginger cookies, music and markets fill the streets.

Dusseldorf

Visit Dusseldorf to be captivated by the amazing architecture and fantastic art museums.

Dresden

Explore one of the greenest cities in Europe with historical old town and rich cultural life.

Aachen & Stuttgart

Aachen's Christmas market centres around the cathedral and transforms the area into a funfair of light and colour. Traditional Aachen baked goods such as Domino Stones or Spekulatius (ginger or marzipan bread) come fresh from the oven. Stuttgart's market takes place beneath the stunning Old Palace. Head Inside the palace for more festivities, as you wander through market stalls selling food, drink and gifts.

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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