Shopping for Christmas presents doesn't have to mean crowded high streets, endless queues, and a growing list of names you haven't crossed off yet. This year, you can make it part of a festive ferry trip. When you sail with DFDS from Dover to Calais or Dunkirk, Duty Free becomes the first stop on your journey: somewhere to slow down, browse, and discover something special at sea. With big savings vs with the UK high street, it's the easiest way to get your Christmas list sorted, with a little something left over for you.
Why shop Duty Free at Christmas?
Christmas is the season for giving, and it's also the season when budgets feel stretched. Duty Free helps you do both: find gifts you're proud to give and still save on the things you'd buy anyway. You'll find our Duty Free offers in two places:
- On board our ferries. Turn travel time into treat time during the crossing from Dover to France.
- At our port shops in Calais and Dunkerque, ideal for bigger festive shops, with parking right outside so you can load the boot with ease.
Wherever you shop, our helpful staff will be on hand to guide you to the perfect bottle of bubbly for Christmas dinner, and we regularly have wine and whisky tastings onboard and in our French Duty Free port shops, so you can try before you buy. There's an extra festive bonus too, and the more you spend, the more you save. Our tiered rewards scheme means every euro goes further, whether you're shopping on board or at our Calais and Dunkerque port shops.
On board and in our port shops
Spend €150 in the onboard Duty Free shop or in our Calais and Dunkerque port shops, and you'll receive a free day trip to use another time.
Only in our Calais and Dunkerque port shops
Our two port shops unlock two extra reward tiers, so a bigger festive shop goes even further:
- Spend €250 and you'll get 10% off your shop, plus a free day trip on the ferry.
- Spend €350 and you'll receive 20% off your shop, plus a free day trip on the ferry.
Planning a big Christmas stock-up? Our French port shops are the perfect place to make the most of these rewards, with parking right outside so loading up the car is easy.
Come back in the new year to explore, return to restock after the celebrations, or simply enjoy knowing you've made the most of every cent spent.
What to buy for everyone on your list
Whatever kind of Christmas shopper you are, there's something waiting for you on board or at the port.
For the gift-giver: you'll know it when you see it
Fragrance is a festive favourite, and our range is full of much-loved scents. For her, you might choose Dior J'Adore, Carolina Herrera La Bomba Intense, or Gucci Flora Gorgeous Jasmine. For him, Dior Sauvage, Rabanne One Million, and Giorgio Armani I Will are firm favourites.
Look out for our selected gift sets from names like Prada, Valentino, Armani, Versace, all ready to be wrapped and placed under the tree.
For skincare fans, Clarins Double Serum and Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair make thoughtful presents that feel like a real treat.
Need something for a teacher, a colleague, or your Secret Santa? Molton Brown hand washes, L'Occitane hand creams, and Sol de Janeiro travel sets are easy picks that still feel special, and a Rituals shower gel makes a lovely little extra.
Take your time, browse the shelves, and find the gift that feels just right for him or her.
For the holiday hero: everything (and a little extra)
You're the one who always has everyone covered. Stock up on premium spirits like Tanqueray gin, Johnnie Walker whisky, and Grey Goose vodka for festive cocktails. Then add fine wines for the Christmas table, and a bottle of Moët & Chandon Champagne or prosecco for the big toast.
Looking for something a little different? Our craft beer selection is worth exploring too, from Beavertown's Neck Oil IPA to French craft favourites you won't spot on the UK high street.
To round off the Christmas meal, Anthon Berg Chocolate Cocktails make a fun after-dinner treat, or pick up Milka and Ritter Sport, two continental favourites that are easy to share.
Oh, and don't forget the stocking fillers and smaller treats. Haribo and Kinder are always a hit with children, while Toblerone in festive flavours like Crispy Caramel and Gold makes a sweet surprise for the grown-ups.
LEGO® sets make brilliant gifts for loved ones of all ages, and little ones will love our DFDS mascots, a cuddly Polar Bear and cheerful Captain Bear.
For the bargain hunter: the savings you sail for
With amazing savings compared with the UK high street, case deals, and mix and match offers on wine, Duty Free is made for savvy shoppers.
If you're hosting this year, buying in bulk could save you a real chunk of money, so you can stock up on Ferrero Rocher for the coffee table while you're at it.
For the plan-ahead purchaser: always one move ahead
Like to have everything wrapped up ahead of time? With Reserve & Collect, you can browse from home, choose your gifts, and pick a collection time. Then simply collect and pay at our Calais or Dunkerque port shop before you sail home. You can also browse a selection of our Duty Free offers in the DFDS Sail & Save magazine.
How much Duty Free can you bring home?
With your own car on board and unlimited luggage, there's plenty of room for the whole list. When you enter the UK, each passenger aged over 18 can bring back:
- 18 litres of still and sparkling wine
- 42 litres of beer and cider
- 4 litres of spirits and other liquors over 22% ABV or 9 litres of fortified wine and other alcoholic drinks less than 22% ABV
- Up to £390 worth of non-alcoholic goods, such as fragrances, cosmetics, and toys
Don’t forget, you'll need to show your ferry booking number at the till, so keep it close.
A Christmas day trip to France
Sail from Dover to Calais in around 100 minutes, or to Dunkirk in about two hours. Take a break on board and scope out the Duty Free deals on offer. Then, enjoy a long French lunch, wander around the local shops before heading home with your gifts in tow.
A festive short break
Fancy more time to soak up the seasonal spirit? A short break gives you time to explore France in your own car. Looking to head a little further afield? Belgium is less than 30 minutes from Dunkirk’s port, so you can pack even more into your trip. Then stop by one of our Duty Free port shops on the way home and fill your boot.
Explore three-day short breaks
This Christmas, turn travel into treats
From the moment you step on board to the last bag you load into the boot, your Christmas shopping can feel like part of the celebration. Whether you're ticking off a long list, hunting for a bargain, or picking up something just for you, we'll be ready to welcome you.
