Highlights
About This Deal
HighlightsEnjoy a comfortable journey to Bruges and back with reclining seats and onboard facilities for a stress-free travel
Delight in 6 hours of independent exploration across two enchanting Christmas markets** at Market Square and Simon Stevinplein, brimming with unique gifts and seasonal delights
Savor the flavors of Belgium with festive treats like warm Belgian waffles, spiced speculoos biscuits, rich hot chocolate, and local mulled wine or beers
Try out the open-air ice rink under glittering lights and marvel at the beautifully illuminated Market Square and its majestic Christmas tree
Perfect for Gifting! Give the gift of a magical European escape, offering a unique and memorable holiday experience
Onboard dining on the ferry (available for an additional charge)
Gratuities
Enjoy a comfortable journey to Bruges and back with reclining seats and onboard facilities for a stress-free travel
Delight in 6 hours of independent exploration across two enchanting Christmas markets** at Market Square and Simon Stevinplein, brimming with unique gifts and seasonal delights
Savor the flavors of Belgium with festive treats like warm Belgian waffles, spiced speculoos biscuits, rich hot chocolate, and local mulled wine or beers
Try out the open-air ice rink under glittering lights and marvel at the beautifully illuminated Market Square and its majestic Christmas tree
Perfect for Gifting! Give the gift of a magical European escape, offering a unique and memorable holiday experience
Onboard dining on the ferry (available for an additional charge)
Gratuities
What To Expect
Plan Your Visit
- Operating HoursCheck here for latest hours
- DurationEnjoy approximately 6 hours of independent exploration within Bruges, allowing ample time to discover the Christmas markets and city sights.
- Ticket ValidityAvailable on select dates in December 2025: 7th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 20th, and 21st
- Meeting PointsConvenient pickup points are available across Essex: Chelmsford (Boreham Services A12 at 02:55), Pitsea (McDonald's/KFC at 03:20), Stanford-le-Hope (BP/McDonald's A13 at 03:35), and Thurrock Services M25 (A13 Coach Park at 04:15)
Event Schedule
Departure from Chosen Pick-up Point
Your festive journey begins with an early morning departure from your selected Essex pickup point, ensuring a comfortable start to your day
Ferry Crossing to Calais, France
Enjoy a relaxing ferry crossing to Calais with Irish Ferries, offering duty-free shopping and panoramic views before your drive to Bruges (1 hr 15 minutes drive to Bruges)
Explore Bruges Christmas Markets
Spend approximately 6 hours immersing yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of Bruges' two main Christmas markets and charming medieval streets
Return Journey to Dover
Depart Bruges at 5 PM for the return ferry crossing from Calais to Dover, arriving around 10:45 PM for your onward coach journey home
How It Works
1. Grab the Deal
Buy your Groupon first!
2. Plan your Visit
Follow the link on your Groupon to select the date
3. Redeem your Mobile Ticket
Enter your Groupon code at checkout
4. Enjoy the Experience!
FAQsWhat makes Bruges a special destination for a Christmas market trip?
Bruges, known as the "Venice of the North," transforms into a magical winter wonderland during the holiday season. Its medieval streets, canals, and two main Christmas markets offer a unique blend of old-world charm, festive cheer, and delicious Belgian treats
What kind of festive treats and shopping can I expect at the markets?
You'll find a delightful array of festive treats, including warm Belgian waffles, spiced speculoos biscuits, rich Belgian hot chocolate, Duval or mulled wine, and Belgian beers. The market stalls also offer handmade crafts, artisan cheeses, and duty-free shopping opportunities
How long will I have to explore Bruges?
You will have approximately 6 hours of free time to explore Bruges at your own pace. This allows ample time to visit both Christmas markets, enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride or boat tour, and soak in the city's festive atmosphere
What are the travel arrangements for the trip?
The trip includes comfortable return coach travel from specified Essex pickup points. You'll enjoy a ferry crossing with Irish Ferries from Dover to Calais, featuring onboard facilities and duty-free shopping. All travellers booking together will be seated together on the coach
Can I go ice skating in Bruges?
Yes! The Christmas market at Simon Stevinplein features an open-air ice rink where you can glide under glittering lights, adding another layer of festive fun to your visit
What dates are available for this day trip to Bruges?
The day trip to Bruges Christmas markets is available on select dates in December 2025: December 7th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 20th, and 21st
What makes Bruges a special destination for a Christmas market trip?
Bruges, known as the "Venice of the North," transforms into a magical winter wonderland during the holiday season. Its medieval streets, canals, and two main Christmas markets offer a unique blend of old-world charm, festive cheer, and delicious Belgian treats
What kind of festive treats and shopping can I expect at the markets?
You'll find a delightful array of festive treats, including warm Belgian waffles, spiced speculoos biscuits, rich Belgian hot chocolate, Duval or mulled wine, and Belgian beers. The market stalls also offer handmade crafts, artisan cheeses, and duty-free shopping opportunities
How long will I have to explore Bruges?
You will have approximately 6 hours of free time to explore Bruges at your own pace. This allows ample time to visit both Christmas markets, enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride or boat tour, and soak in the city's festive atmosphere
What are the travel arrangements for the trip?
The trip includes comfortable return coach travel from specified Essex pickup points. You'll enjoy a ferry crossing with Irish Ferries from Dover to Calais, featuring onboard facilities and duty-free shopping. All travellers booking together will be seated together on the coach
Can I go ice skating in Bruges?
Yes! The Christmas market at Simon Stevinplein features an open-air ice rink where you can glide under glittering lights, adding another layer of festive fun to your visit
What dates are available for this day trip to Bruges?
The day trip to Bruges Christmas markets is available on select dates in December 2025: December 7th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 20th, and 21st
Fine Print
- December 7th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 20th, 21st 2025
- Subject to availability
- Vouchers are valid for redemption until 21st December 2025
- Essex Pickup Points: Chelmsford (Boreham Services A12) at 02:55, Pitsea (McDonalds/KFC) at 03:20, Stanford-le-Hope (BP/McDonalds A13) at 03:35, Thurrock Services (M25. A13 Coach Park) at 04:15
- Coach and ferry travel is included in the price
- Arrival back in Dover should be approximately 22.45. You will then return to your pick up point by coach. All times are estimated and cannot be guaranteed
- One voucher per person, All travellers who book together will be seated together on the coach
- May buy multiples as gifts
- Non refundable or transferable once redeemed with merchant
- Promo codes cannot be applied to this deal
- Valid passport required for all British citizens; Non-EU citizens may require a visa
- You must have a minimum of six-months left on your passport at the time of departure
- Comprehensive travel insurance is compulsory; not included with voucher
- Customers are only allowed to buy duty free goods purchased off the ferry on your return journey to bring into the UK. Due to weight restrictions the merchant has a limit of one box of alcohol per adult
- Once the booking is confirmed, the customer has then agreed to the Booking Terms and Conditions of Coach Innovations
About Coach Innovations
With its network of canals, Bruges is known as the Venice of the north, making it a popular destination to visit all year round. The festive season in Bruges includes Belgium's oldest Christmas Markets with over 130 stalls. As well as the cosy Christmas atmosphere there's a multitude of shops selling fine Belgian chocolates, coffee shops, bars and restaurants. A visit to Bruges wouldn't be complete without a guided boat tour or a horse drawn carriage around this beautiful Medieval city. Customers can also purchase goods from duty free on the ferry