Top 5 European Cities for Festive Christmas Shopping

Ho, ho, ho... the holiday season is coming! No blue Christmas for you, because you’re on the hunt for unique Christmas gifts, and we’ve gathered the coziest shopping tips for you! London, Paris, Amsterdam, Düsseldorf, or Lille? You can reach these cities quickly and easily by train.

1. London: one big winter wonderland 

Harrods, Liberty, Selfridges, Oxford Street, Regent Street... London is bursting with shopping venues. At Fortnum & Mason, the Christmas experience is a cherished tradition. In this Victorian department store nestled in the bustling shopping district, you can admire the whimsical Christmas decorations and the impressive life-sized advent calender that graces the facade. 

The range of hampers brimming with festive goodies, Christmas crackers, and holiday tableware is truly remarkable, and the scones at the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon are nothing short of divine. With cheerful Christmas tunes playing in the background, the atmosphere is simply magical. Here's a tip: grab the Strawberry & Champagne Preserve along with the Fortnum's Famous Tea selection and have it beautifully wrapped in a personalized Santa sack!

With Eurostar, you can travel from Brussels to London in just 2 hours and 1 minute.

 

2. Paris : the city of (Christmas) Light

During the Christmas season, the City of Light truly lives up to its name. Everywhere you look, you'll see twinkling Christmas lights, stunning winter displays, and multipe Christmas markets. The grand department stores in Paris also immerse you in the festive spirit every year. 

Imagine Santa Clauses in every color, Christmas trees in all sizes, an abundance of glitter, twinkling string lights, and stunning holiday displays. For a truly festive experience, be sure to visit Printemps Haussman, Le Bon Marché, La Samaritaine, and of course, Galeries Lafayette with its magnificent dome. 

With Eurostar, you can travel from Brussels to Paris in just 1h22 minutes.

3. Amsterdam, whether your Christmas list is long or short

Magical window displays, a spectacular Christmas tree, a festive table setting, quirky Christmas ornaments by Vondels, and much more: The Bijenkorf on Dam Square in Amsterdam captures every Christmas lover's heart.

Looking for the ultimate Christmas gift or that perfect centerpiece but feeling lost in the five-story department store? No worries! Book an appointment with a Christmas shopper and let them guide you to the best finds. Then complete your holiday experience with a bite and a drink from one of the Christmas market stalls.

Travel directly from Brussels to Amsterdam with Eurostar and InterCity trains.

From 15 December 2024, the InterCity Brussels - Amsterdam will be replaced by the new Eurocity Direct.

4. Düsseldorf : the ultimate holiday experience

For Christmas shopping in Düsseldorf, head to Galeria Kaufhof. The building itself is an architectural gem, and the window displays along with the Weihnachtswelt are equally impressive. From Christmas cards, wrapping paper, decorations, and stocking stuffers to festive lights: no Christmas cliché is overlooked here.

Nothing says Christmas in Germany quite like a visit to the Christmas markets. Shop for a classic nutcracker or festive stockign at Kurt S. Adler, ejoy the jingle of holiday bells, and cozy up at a wooden chalet with bratwurst, fire-grilled salmon, and a steaming mug of hot chocolate. Mit Sahne, bitte!

You can reach Düsseldorf from Brussels by Eurostar in just 2 hours and 14 minutes.

5. Lille: for shopaholics & foodies

In the ultra-modern business district, you'll find Westfield Euralille, home to over 100 stores. Here, you can meet Santa and shop for cozy pajamas at Undiz, sustainable gifts at Nature & Découvertes, and glamorous holiday makeup at Sephora.

The festive hustle and bustle continues in the city center. You'll find it at the Christmas markets on Place Rihour and Grand Place, as well as at Méert - a true institution in Lille. The Belle Epoque style of the tea salon is a feast for the eyes, and the filled waffles with Madagascar vanilla are a treat for.. well, all your senses. Indulge yourself at the adjoining patisserie with a bûche de Noël to take home or enjoy on the train (delete as you prefer).

With TGV INOUI, you can travel from Brussels to Lille in just 34 minutes.