Lille Christmas Market by Eurostar For The Day + Optional Wine or Beer Tasting

Who wants to join me for a festive train trip to Lille to explore its beautiful Christmas Market in the heart of the city centre? It’s the perfect opportunity to soak up the Christmas atmosphere, enjoy festive treats and shop for unique and unusual gifts for loved ones. During the afternoon, there will also be an optional wine or beer tasting experience for anyone who fancies adding something extra to the day. Come solo or with friends and enjoy a fun, festive day out in Lille. A LITTLE ABOUT LILLE Lille is the vibrant capital of northern France, just 1 hour 20 minutes from London by Eurostar. With beautiful Flemish baroque architecture, cobblestone streets, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, it hosts one of France’s oldest and largest Christmas markets — over 90 wooden stalls, a giant tree, and festive lights that transform the city into a winter wonderland. Famous for moules-frites, warm waffles, spiced speculoos biscuits, and hot spiced wine, it’s the perfect festive day trip. ITINERARY MORNING — ARRIVAL & OLD TOWN STROLL Train departs London St Pancras around 7am arriving at Lille, just a five-minute walk to the city centre and the main Christmas markets. On arrival let's grab a hearty breakfast in one of the lovely cafes From the station, walk straight into the heart of the Old Town, Vieux Lille. Wander the cobblestone lanes before the crowds arrive — admire the colourful facades, historic buildings, and quiet squares. Stop for breakfast at a local café — try a warm croissant and coffee, or perhaps a freshly made waffle dusted with sugar, a Lille speciality. By 10am, make your way to the Grand Place — the main square and home to the largest Christmas market. Being there as the stalls open means you get to explore peacefully, take beautiful photos without crowds, and enjoy the festive atmosphere before it gets busy. Browse the 90+ wooden chalets filled with handcrafted gifts, ornaments, candles, and local produce. Sip a hot spiced wine as you walk, and soak up the sights and smells of the season. MIDDAY — LUNCH & MARKET EXPLORATION Around 12:30pm, head deeper into the market to sample the delicious food on offer. There are plenty of options — from grilled sausages and warm pretzels to hearty stews and savoury tarts. Alternatively, step into a traditional estaminet, a cosy Flemish-style bistro, for a proper sit-down lunch. Try moules-frites, the classic mussels and chips dish, or carbonnade flamande, a rich beef and beer stew that’s perfect on a crisp November day. Don’t forget to try maroilles cheese, a creamy local speciality, or a sweet speculoos biscuit for dessert. After lunch, continue exploring the market stalls and the surrounding streets. There are smaller markets in nearby squares too — each with its own unique character. Browse handmade jewellery, knitted scarves, wooden toys, and beautifully wrapped chocolates — perfect for picking up Christmas gifts. The atmosphere builds through the afternoon, with street performers, carol singers, and buskers adding to the festive buzz. AFTERNOON — WAZEMMES MARKET & SHOPPING Around 2:30pm, take a short walk to Marché de Wazemmes, Lille’s famous covered market. Even in November, there’s a wonderful festive feel here — stalls overflowing with fresh flowers, seasonal produce, cheeses, and baked goods. It’s a lively, authentic taste of local life and well worth a visit. On your way back to the city centre, wander through the shopping streets. Lille has everything from high-street favourites to beautiful independent boutiques and antique shops. There are plenty of spots to stop for another warm drink — perhaps a rich hot chocolate or another glass of vin chaud — as you soak up the atmosphere. EVENING — FESTIVE LIGHTS & FINAL MAGIC As the sun sets around 5pm, the whole city transforms. Thousands of twinkling lights illuminate the Grand Place, the Christmas tree glows brightly, and the market stalls sparkle against the darkening sky. This is truly the most magical time of day — the atmosphere becomes warm, intimate, and incredibly festive. It’s completely different from the daytime experience and absolutely not to be missed. Spend your final couple of hours wandering the lit-up streets, enjoying the evening buzz, and perhaps picking up any last-minute gifts or treats. Stop for dinner at a brasserie overlooking the Grand Place — watch the carousel turn and the crowds mingle as you enjoy one final delicious meal before heading back. DEPARTURE Make your way back to the station around 6pm for your return train. The Eurostar back to London St Pancras, leaving you with wonderful festive memories and bags full of treats and gifts. PRACTICAL INFORMATION 💶 Currency: Euros (€) — cash and cards are widely accepted, but we recommend carrying a small amount of cash for market stalls. PASSPORT You will need your passport If you’re travelling from the UK to Lille, France by Eurostar, you need a valid passport. English is widely spoken throughout the tourist areas. Expect temperatures around 5°C to 10°C — it’s crisp and cold, so do pack a warm coat, hat, gloves, and comfortable walking shoes. The markets are open from 10am until 8pm, with some staying open a little later in the evening. Everything in the city centre is easily walkable, so no need for public transport during your day. Price £150 non refunded unless cancelled minus booking fees, price is likely to rise as the date gets closer (Price Dated 22/08/2026) PRICE HAS NOW INCREASED TO £160 as from 17/09 PLEASE DO NOT RSVP UNLESS YOU HAVE PAID, OR YOUR RSVP WILL CHANGE TO NOT GOING Here is the link to make payment below via meetup https://www.meetup.com/passionate-about-travelling-food-and-events/events/316213288/edit/ OR VIA EVENTBRITE https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1998550791216?aff=oddtdtcreator Includes: return train ticket to Lille Meeting new people Escape out of London Good vibes Getting out of your comfort zone Not Included Food or drinks Beer, Wine and Cheese tasting , additional fee TBC MEETING POINT MEETING POINT: St Pancras International — The Meeting Place (under the giant clock / Lovers Statue, upper concourse) Nearest Tube: King's Cross St Pancras Arrive by: Between 6am -6.15AM train departs 7am Eurostar to Lille — check-in closes 30 mins before departure! Can't find us? Call/text me on 😊 WhatsApp group All attending will join the WhatsApp group to discuss the day, with full addresses of wine and beer tasting which is optional Please note you don't have to stick to this itinerary on the day, please do your own thing if you wish or join the group. My number just in case 07957320516 Social Media & Photos We love capturing the day! Group photos may be shared on Meetup and Instagram. If you’re camera-shy, just step aside during group shots Follow us: 👉 Instagram 👉 Facebook Group 👉 https://chat.whatsapp.com/CmembV4Us1t23glqolnuZw Hope you are able to join us.