Having stepped up from a day trip to Brugge xmas market, to a longer drive to Dusseldorf xmas market. SWMBO found out about Valkenberg. See the link for what looks like an very interesting market setup.

http://www.christmasmarkets.com/Holland/valkenburg-christmas-market.html

Driving estimate is 3hrs 15 mins, according to google maps to Valkenburg aan de guel from Calais.

Am posting to see if there is any interest this year as these markets tend to be the 4 weekend leading up to xmas, the best weekends would be 1/12 or 8/12.

I would suggest a similar arrangement to the last year of car share up to 4 people to split ferry / train & fuel cost, also like last year I will happliy sort out finding overnight stay close by, looking for bed & breakfast for around £50 for a double/twin room. This could quite easily keep the budget down.

Given this is not as far as Dusseldorf but still a bit of a trek to do in 1 day, my suggestion would be to travel across the Friday evening & return Sunday, however if people just want to do sat night i will be happy to sort accordingly.

Please post you interest here for now & when summer hols is over in September I will ask for firm interest, and date.

I lived there for about six months a few years ago and its a good place for a few beers and during Christmas there is usually lots of office parties, 3hrs15mins will be only if you drive like a granny, I have done Amsterdam in 2hrs