Eurostar opens travel bookings for the Christmas period

A Guide to the best of  Europe’s Christmas Markets by rail

LONDON, 2016-Jul-20 — /Travel PR News/ — Now that travel bookings are open for the Christmas period, it’s the perfect time to plan a festive getaway to Europe with Eurostar.

Holidaymakers looking to experience the magic of Christmas can choose from a range of traditional markets from across the continent, all within easy reach by Eurostar. Whether passengers want to hear  the sound of carol singing in Cologne or buy baubles in Bruges to decorate the tree, it’s the ultimate way to get in the festive spirit.

The holiday feeling starts from the moment travellers step on the train, as they sit back and relax in comfort with plenty of space to unwind. The city-centre to city-centre travel on board Eurostar takes visitors right to the heart of the markets and the generous luggage allowance means there is plenty of room to bring back all those Christmas gifts.

Travellers looking to book their festive trip can do so now on Eurostar.com.

FRANCE
Lille
A Winter Wonderland awaits, complete with a giant Ferris wheel and an 18-metre high Christmas tree, all located in the main square.
Journey time: 1hr 20mins
Markets open:  18/11/2016 – 30/12/2016
Tickets from: £29 one-way*

Strasbourg
One of the oldest markets in France, it has been welcoming visitors since 1570. With a total of 12 markets, shoppers will be spoilt for choice with countless festive offerings.
Journey time: 5hrs 7mins (via Paris with a simple connection from Gare du Nord to Gare de l’est)
Markets open:  25/11/2016 – 31/12/2016
Tickets from: £50.50 one-way*

Paris
Shoppers can wander through the Christmas village on the Champs Elysées where they can marvel at the market stalls and view the elaborate Christmas lights display.
Journey time: 2hrs 15mins
Markets open:  14/11/2016 – 04/01/2017
Tickets from: £29 one-way*

BELGIUM
Brussels
The Plasirs d’Hiver, or Winter Wonders,  are on throughout the city offering a variety of attractions from merry-go-rounds and ice skating rinks, all topped off with an incredible light show projected onto buildings across the city.
Journey time: 2hrs, 1 min
Markets open:  25/11/2016 – 01/01/2017
Tickets from: £29 one-way*

Bruges
The quaint town offers a myriad of market stalls, set in the market square. An ice skating rink can be found on Simon Stevinplein.
Journey time: 3hrs 29mins (via Brussels)
Markets open:  18/11/2016 – 01/01/2017
Tickets from: £34.50 one-way*

GERMANY
Cologne
A quick connection in Brussels takes travellers to the heart of Cologne. Shoppers can indulge in a traditional pretzel while exploring one of the seven Christmas markets on offer, the largest boasts the tallest Christmas tree in the Rhineland.
Journey time: 4hrs 11mins (via Brussels)
Markets open: 21/11/2016 – 23/12/2016
Tickets from: £45 one-way

For more information, visit our Christmas Markets section or call 03432 186 186.

-ENDS-

Notes to editors:
*Based on a return journey

 

About Eurostar

1. Eurostar is the high-speed train service linking St Pancras International, Ebbsfleet International, Ashford International, Paris, Brussels, Lille, Calais, Disneyland Resort Paris, Avignon and the French Alps.
2. The current Eurostar train was first introduced into service in 1994 carrying 750 passengers and operating at speeds of up to 300kph.  Since then, the fleet of 28 trains has carried more than 150 million passengers between London and the Continent.  Following their refurbishment these trains will continue to form a core part of the Eurostar fleet. The new e320 will carry around 900 passengers at speeds of up to 320kph.
3. Eurostar was established in 1994 as a partnership between three railway companies: SNCF, SNCB and LCR (London and Continental Railways). On 1 September 2010, Eurostar became a single, unified corporate entity owned by three shareholders: SNCF, SNCB and LCR. LCR’s holding was transferred to the Treasury in 2014, and sold by the UK government to a consortium comprising Caisse de Depot et Placement du Quebec (CDPQ) and Hermes Infrastructure on 28th May 2015.
4. Eurostar is a founder member of Railteam, a partnership between Europe’s leading high-speed train operators that is developing simpler ways to book and travel on the fast-expanding, European high-speed rail network.
5. Eurostar and Eurotunnel are entirely separate companies.  Eurostar operates high-speed passenger trains, while Eurotunnel operates vehicle shuttle services and the Channel Tunnel itself. Eurostar is Eurotunnel’s biggest customer.

 

Lucy Treble | Senior Press Officer
Eurostar International Limited
Times House| Bravingtons Walk| London N1 9AW
T: +44 (0)207 843 5403
M: +44 (0)7850 924 619

SOURCE:  Eurostar International Ltd.

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