4 Christmas markets school trips that spark festive joy
Present a host of cultural experiences to your students with these Christmas markets school trips
As the festive season approaches, Europe’s Christmas markets offer an unparalleled opportunity to immerse students in the rich traditions and vibrant cultures that feature on the European mainland. At Equity, we offer Christmas market school trips to four iconic cities: Lille, France, and Aachen, Berlin, and Cologne in Germany. The magical markets in these destinations transform them into bustling hubs of discovery, making them excellent options for school groups seeking festive cheer, historical insight, and hands-on cultural experiences.
In this blog, we’ll delve into the unique educational and cultural opportunities available at each destination, highlighting why they make for exceptional school trips. Read on and discover the perfect school trip for your school... Whether it’s the traditional charm of Aachen, or the bustling capital city of Berlin, there’s something for all groups to enjoy!
Why choose a Christmas markets school trip?
Christmas markets offer more than just festive cheer (though that's certainly a bonus!). On a school trip that includes visits to European Christmas markets, students will have the opportunity to:
• Enhance their understanding of European history, art, and culture
• Practise foreign languages in real-world settings
• Discover how other countries celebrate Christmas through decorations, food, and traditions.
Christmas markets school trips to… Aachen
Best for: Exploring European history, traditional German culture, and local craftsmanship.
Nestled near the borders of Belgium and the Netherlands, Aachen’s Christmas markets exude boundless charm, courtesy of its setting against the breathtaking backdrop of a UNESCO-listed cathedral.
This enchanting market transports students back in time with more than 100 stalls that showcase the best of local crafts, including intricately carved wooden ornaments, handmade toys, and delicious baked goods. Sampling Aachen’s famous printen biscuits – spiced treats unique to the city – comes highly recommended by our Equity team, who know you'll love these gingerbread-like treats.
A masterpiece of medieval architecture and the coronation site of Holy Roman Emperors, Aachen Cathedral introduces students to the rich history of the Carolingian Empire, providing a tangible link to lessons on European history. Close to the markets, there's also the Suermondt Ludwig Museum – an art museum – and ice skating, providing further education and activities during an Aachen trip.
Educational Highlights:
- Aachen Cathedral: Explore the coronation site of Holy Roman Emperors and discover its architectural evolution.
- Cultural highlights: Market stalls featuring locally-made printen biscuits and wood crafts are ideal for helping students understand the local culture through food and crafts.
Christmas markets school trips to… Lille
Best for: A cross-cultural festive experience.
Just a short journey from the UK, Lille’s Christmas market offers an ideal blend of cultural enrichment and festive charm, all set within a city renowned for its Franco-Flemish heritage. The market, located in the picturesque Place Rihour, is a delightful introduction to French traditions and language. Here, students can practise their French while interacting with friendly stallholders, providing an authentic and engaging way to improve their linguistic confidence.
Beyond the market, Lille’s cobblestoned streets, vibrant facades and grand Flemish architecture offer the chance to explore the city's Baroque and Renaissance influences. A stroll through Lille's old town also reveals an abundance of bakeries, each serving its own take on regional specialities such as crêpes and waffles. Finally, taking a ride on the iconic Ferris wheel offers not just panoramic views of the city, but also a thrilling way to understand Lille’s unique position as a cultural crossroads in Europe.
Educational Highlights:
- Art and Architecture: Lille’s old town offers the chance to explore Baroque and Renaissance architectural styles
- French Language Practice: Encourage students to practise their French while engaging with vendors and exploring the market
- Market Must-Sees: Place Rihour’s festive atmosphere is heightened by a grand Ferris wheel and over 90 chalets selling regional specialities such as waffles and artisan gifts.
Christmas markets school trips to… Berlin
Best for: Market-hopping around the city, and exploring European history.
Berlin’s Christmas markets perfectly encapsulate the city’s dynamic blend of history and culture, making it an exceptional destination for school groups. The Gendarmenmarkt, one of the most iconic markets in the city, provides a festive setting for exploring German traditions, while its location amid Baroque architecture adds a touch of grandeur. Here, students can browse stalls offering handcrafted goods – including blown glass ornaments and woollen scarves – while trying classic German fare, like bratwurst and stollen.
The historical significance of Berlin elevates students' experience further, with additional available excursions making this trip the ideal choice for those studying the Cold War or WWII. Students can visit sites such as the Berlin Wall Memorial or Checkpoint Charlie to deepen their understanding of Germany’s turbulent history, or opt to visit landmarks like Brandenburg Gate – a symbol of peace and unity. Even the markets themselves reflect Berlin’s multiculturalism, with international influences evident in the crafts and cuisines on offer.
Overall, Berlin does an excellent job of combining history and festive wonder at Christmastime, making it an exceptional destination for interdisciplinary learning.
Educational Highlights:
- Historical Context: Tie visits to Berlin’s markets with lessons on the Cold War, WWII, the Berlin Wall, and Germany’s reunification.
- Cultural Exchange: Explore how the markets reflect Berlin’s multiculturalism through diverse cuisines and crafts.
- Market Must-Sees: From the traditional Gendarmenmarkt to the more alternative RAW-Gelände Christmas market, Berlin offers experiences that cater to various student interests.
Christmas markets school trips to… Cologne
Best for: Traditional Christmas charm.
Dominated by the city's stunning Gothic cathedral, Cologne’s Christmas markets are the epitome of festive celebration, showcasing Germany's festive customs at their finest. It's here that school groups can expect a sensory delight that offers a combination of dazzling light displays, the scent of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts, and the sound of carollers singing.
Cologne's markets extend long beyond the cathedral, with several themed areas, such as the Harbour Market, bringing their own flair to the festivities. As one of Germany's most lavishly decorated markets, Cologne's offering will fill student groups with awe, as they indulge in luxurious hot chocolate, watch glassblowers and wreath binders perform their crafts, or enjoy ice-skating against the stunning backdrop of the Rhine River. There's also the opportunity to drop into the nearby Chocolate Museum, and find out more about this much-loved delicacy.
Educational Highlights:
- Cologne Cathedral: Introduce students to Gothic architecture and its enduring influence.
- Chocolate Museum: Discover the history of chocolate at this museum, which teaches students of the delicacy's importance in Aztec and Mayan culture and its introduction to European society, leading all the way through to the present day.
Unwrap the magic of Christmas markets
The Christmas markets in Aachen, Lille, Berlin, and Cologne offer students the opportunity to engage with far more than festive attractions – they’re also immersive cultural experiences that allow students to engage with history, art, language, and tradition in meaningful ways. Visiting these vibrant markets encourages exploration and discovery, offering an enriching backdrop for hands-on learning and cross-cultural understanding.
With Equity, organising a trip to one of these enchanting destinations is simple and straightforward. From booking world-class landmarks to exploring modern multiculturalism, our team is here to help. Get in touch today and start planning an unforgettable Christmas market adventure for your students.
To find out more about our Christmas markets school trips, or enquire about booking, please call us on 01273 648248. You can also fill out our webform, and our dedicated team will get back to you as soon as we can.
