What to see and do in Calais at Christmas

Fantastic food and wine shopping, streets twinkling with glittering lights, an authentic Christmas market and a programme of festive events for all the family, delicious restaurants and – a dragon. It can only be Calais at Christmas.

Each year the town goes all out festive with a programme of events to tempt you to come and visit and enjoy a warm welcome. It’s just a short hop across, or under, the English Channel – no airport chaos – and you’ll find yourself in Calais town which has undergone a programme of renovation in the last couple of years with a sensational new seafront esplanade, spruced up monuments and a plethora of new restaurant openings.

It’s an ideal day out, or a lovely relaxing weekend at Christmas with heaps to see and do. Here’s what to see and do in Calais at Christmas …

Christmas Shopping in Calais – fill your boots!

Take the car and fill your boot with all you could wish for when it comes to shopping for great French food and wine. And yes, you can take cheese, meat and fish to the UK from France (it’s only the other way that there’s an issue with fresh produce).

And you will find that there are some seriously scrumptious gourmet food shops in Calais. At Maison des Fromages (1 Rue André Gerschell) – they have the most mouth-watering cheeses available. Shop until you drop in the town for chocolate, cassoulet, delicious patés and rillettes, sweets, biscuits and cakes. In rue Royale you’ll find some lovely boutiques and gift shops. Then there are the huge hypermarkets (Carrefour in Calais is the largest supermarket in the region), Cité Europe international shopping centre is on the outskirts of Calais, next to Le Shuttle terminal and there are several wine warehouses for all your French wines and spirits.

For something a bit different, Calais Lace Museum is a short walk from the centre of town and it’s well worth a visit. Celebrating the city’s famous lace industry, there’s a fascinating exhibition of haut couture, lingerie and lacy costumes through the ages. Plus, there’s a lovely shop, perfect for gifts that are just a little bit different. And if you’re looking for authentic crafts and something special for those whom you never know what to buy, then the gift shops and Christmas market are bound to offer unique presents with French flair.

You can also make savings on your purchases if you’re a non-EU resident. You can claim back the VAT on goods purchased for personal use and taken back to the UK from a retailer offering tax-free shopping (for example wine, clothes and jewellery shops) and where goods total more than £100. Ask for a VAT refund form when you buy, get your form stamped at customs before you leave France, and use the PABLO electronic VAT refund processing system at Le Shuttle and Calais Port.

The Christmas market and festive events

First – meet a dragon and wish him a Merry Christmas – or Joyeux Noel. Dragons speak several languages including English! From November 26 2023, to January 7 2024, the great winged dragon of Calais, all 82 feet long of him, will roam the seafront carrying passengers on his back and making merry! The dragon lives in a glass lair on the beach front, where you’ll also find a café and a shop full of whimsical gifts. Book your dragon ride tickets online (in English): compagniedudragon.com/en

The Christmas lights and illuminations will be sparkling in streets, squares and on the facades of buildings from November 25 2023 to 7 January 2024. And during this time there will also be a toboggan run plus a covered skating rink (bring your own gloves!) – get your skates on for this one! Actually, hire them at the skating rink – it’s just €2 for 30 minutes and the perfect way for kids to let off steam with all the excitement of the season going on.

The Christmas market takes place at the Place du Théâtre from 9-17 December with around 40 chalets selling gifts. A short stroll will bring you to Place d’Armes where traditional chalets offer street food, and a vintage 1900-style, double decker carousel. And as you wander the glittering Christmas market sip a vin chaud or a hot chocolate, enjoy a fluffy waffle or a tasty plate of alpine favourite – tartiflette, and enjoy the cosy ambiance.

Take a break

Friendly and hospitable restaurants serve a special winter menu throughout the season – from hearty stews and soups to gastronomic delights and the freshest of fresh fish and seafood.

You can look forward to a warm welcome, delicious festive fair, enchanting Christmas markets and a sprinkle of Christmas magic in Calais this December.