Three Countries Christmas Markets

We catch the ferry to Calais and continue on to our hotel.

Three Countries Christmas Markets

Today we travel to the Maastricht Christmas Market which provides plenty of Christmas cheer with its carousel, Ferris wheel and numerous stalls featuring a variety of gifts and local treats. We then move on to sample the Christmas Market in Valkenburg, situated in this enchanting Dutch town’s ancient network of tunnels and caves and considered the largest and oldest underground Christmas market in Europe. We have time to enjoy dinner at a restaurant of our choice (not included) in the town before returning to the hotel.

Three Countries Christmas Markets

We explore unique offerings and rich traditions at the Christmas markets of Aachen in Germany and Liège in Belgium, completing our ‘Three Countries’ festive trip. Savour the opportunity to sample traditional delicacies from both countries, with German specialities such as bratwurst and flammkuchen, as well as Belgian treats – think waffles, chocolate and frites with mayonnaise!

Three Countries Christmas Markets

We check out of our hotel and head back to Calais for our return ferry home.

Wander the Aachen Christmas Market on the Katschhof, nestled between Aachen Cathedral (UNESCO) and the medieval Town Hall. Discover handcrafted ornaments and twinkling stalls, and warm up with mulled wine while sampling the city’s signature Aachener Printen gingerbread.

Charlemagne’s imperial chapel, with its shimmering mosaics and octagonal dome, provides a majestic backdrop that anchors Aachen’s Rhineland traditions. Lantern-lit facades, choral music, and the scent of roasted almonds create a nostalgic mood perfect for photos, thoughtful gifts, and a lingering taste of festive Germany.

Experience the Liège Christmas Village spread across Place Saint-Lambert and Place du Marché, where wooden chalets brim with crafts, sleigh bells jingle, and the air smells of waffles and chocolate. Taste Walloon flavours—gaufres de Liège, lacquemants, and frites with mayonnaise—paired with Belgian beer or a nip of péket.

Historic landmarks frame the festivities: the Prince-Bishops’ Palace rises over Saint-Lambert, while the Perron fountain symbolizes civic freedom nearby. Music, convivial crowds, and glowing lights capture Liège’s warm, sociable spirit beside the River Meuse.

Step into the Valkenburg Underground Christmas Market where candlelit passages wind through ancient limestone caves. Stalls glow beneath sculpted marlstone walls as artisans sell crafts, ornaments, and winter delicacies; the scent of pine and spice lingers in the cool subterranean air.

Formed by centuries of quarrying beneath the castle ruins, Valkenburg’s labyrinth hosts what is widely regarded as the largest and oldest underground Christmas market in Europe. Discover nativity scenes carved in the rock, listen to soft carols, and savour gluhwein in this atmospheric, otherworldly setting.

Explore the Maastricht Christmas Market as Vrijthof transforms into a festive village of chalets, an ice rink, and a glittering Ferris wheel. Browse artisan gifts while the aromas of gluhwein, cinnamon, and roasted nuts drift through the square, and enjoy carousel music echoing beneath the spires.

Set against the Basilica of Saint Servatius and Sint-Janskerk’s red tower, the scene blends medieval heritage with lively Dutch cheer. Sample regional treats such as Limburg vlaai and aged cheeses, and pause to take in views across Vrijthof square bathed in warm winter light.