It finally came true – my dream of going to the Christmas Markets in Europe – with kids?! Haha, yes, Christmas Markets in Europe with kids, it can be magical, it will be magical, you just have to know when and where to go. Many markets will have that holiday charm you’re looking for, but they are not all as “kid-friendly” as the above picture shows (can you spot the kid in the bird cage?). I recommend markets with rides, balloon-making, children’s activities, and of course treats. Sprinkle in some outdoor winter fun and you’ve really got an adventure. Just when I thought our trip couldn’t get any better, we checked into a luxury kinder hotel with free sledding, waterslides, go-karts, trampolines, kids’ club, and spas. Now this is how you do Christmas Markets in Europe – with kids.
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Table of Contents
- How to Get There
- When to Go
- Salzburgerland: 4 days
- Vienna: 3 Days
- Munich: 2 Days
- Zugspitze: 4 Days
- ‘Mehr’ (‘More’ in German) Markets
How to Get There
As with many of my itineraries, this one is a loop, starting and ending in the same location, so the flight and rental car are much more affordable. We flew into Munich, and we planned on flying out of there, until record-freezing temps hit that Bavarian airport, and last-minute we pivoted and were able to fly out of Frankfurt instead.
This itinerary works best with a rental car. But I have other itineraries that are more conducive to public transportation, just contact me if you need help planning (I’m a travel advisor who specializes in Europe).
When to Go
The major Christmas Markets in Europe are usually from mid to late November until right before Christmas or into early January, like this one in Paris.
We took advantage of the American Thanksgiving break for cheaper pre-winter prices and had a memorable Thanksgiving dinner at our favorite family resort, Das Edelweiss in Austria.
It does not always snow in late November in Austria, so I was beyond excited when our trip turned into a winter wonderland so quickly! The driver (my husband), not so excited:
Actually, the roads were safe, cleared of snow, not difficult to drive at all. If snow dumped like that in the Tahoe area of Northern California, the traffic and roads would be horrendous. The Europeans know what they’re doing out there.
Salzburgerland: 4 days
Salzburgerland is the mountain region surrounding Salzburg. But every time we visit, we love our hotel Das Edelweiss so much that we can’t pull ourselves away from it to visit Salzburg itself. One of these days…
There are several kid-friendly resorts in the area, accessible by car or train. I have found some 5-star all inclusive resorts for under $400/night for a family of four. They even have free baby care. If only I’d known that six years ago! It’s nice having a little parenting break on these big trips.
If you stay at our favorite resort, you can take the gondola up in the winter and enjoy panoramic views from 1,954 meters high at Wolke 7, their latest restaurant. Or explore some of the other outdoor adventures in Grossarltal:
- free sledding
- free snow play area at Fischbacher Adventure Hill (bobsled, toboggan, tube and more)
- Top of Salzburg/Kitzsteinhorn panorama viewing platform, ice arena and free slide rental
- alpine coaster and playground in Kaprun (base of Kitzsteinhorn)
- horse-drawn sleigh ride
- torch-lit hike
- cookie making
- pony rides
- Salzburg or Hallstatt day trips
Vienna: 3 Days
Vienna is a beautiful, walkable city – one of the cleanest I’ve visited. It’s easy to get around. We can’t wait to go back and try some of their impressive-looking restaurants.
Vienna in the winter has plenty to keep you busy, with or without kids.
- Ice skating, either across from Intercontinental Vienna (email me for free perks and upgrades) or at the main Christmas market Rathausplatz
- Prater Park mini amusement park with rides
- visit the fun museum House of Music
- Take a biking or walking tour of Vienna with fun kid activities (read reviews before booking on Viator as I have not done all of their tours!)
- Schönbrunn Palace is a popular recommendation, but I personally thought this visit was a pricey waste of time. I wasn’t blown away in the winter. I thought the Christmas market during the day was dull and the garden was non-existent (obviously). I’ve heard that market is supposed to be great though. And if your kids want to dress up and learn a bit about the palace’s history, then maybe the child’s ticket is worth it?
- Christmas Markets – Karlsplatz for vintage rides and crafts, Rathausplatz for the main Ferris wheel market, Maria Theresien for a smaller low-key market great for finding a cute Christmas ornament and Gluhwein mug, and Stephansplatz where you can see the cathedral glow in changing colors
I have a full itinerary for three days in Vienna with details on the most kid-friendly Christmas markets.
Munich: 2 Days
- Christmas Markets: Stay in the city center at one of my favorite German hotels for a short 7-minute walk to Marienplatz, where the main Christmas market (Christkindlmarkt) takes place. This one felt a bit too cold and hectic with little ones (and no rides or activities didn’t help either). Next time I want to check out the medieval market.
- Sip mulled wine, kids punch, and snack on gingerbread treats while riding the Christkindlt tram through Munich
- Take a day trip to the Neuschwanstein Castle in Fussen for a magical winter photo op.
- Check out my Viator list for more ideas of guided tours in and out of the Bavarian hub
Zugspitze: 4 Days
Just when our daughter was needing a break from the crowded market in Munich, we headed to the mountains!
Did you know Zugspitze is the highest mountain in Germany? It feels like you’re on top of the world from up there!
Beautiful, but bone-chilling cold! Make sure you and the kids bundle up with the best winter gear to withstand the cold temps. I wrote an entire blog post on how to stay warm for a winter adventure.
Here are some other Zugspitze area itinerary ideas:
- Ride the gondola or cogwheel train to the “Top of Germany”
- Highline 179 suspension bridge and Ehrenberg Castle (check out Lumagica from November to February to see it glow and twinkle)
- Partnachklamm (Partnach Gorge), but be sure to check their site for closures. We didn’t get to visit it and see the dripping icicles because of a fallen tree!
- Visit the impressive Olympic Ski Stadium / Jump
- Sled for free at your hotel (Zugspitze Resort provides free sleds)
- if up for a challenge, stay the night in the igloo village, Iglu-Dorf
- or just enjoy the fondue inside their ice cave
If you do go to the top of Zugspitze, check the weather closely and their webcam so you time it on a clear day hopefully.
At the top of Zugspitze, you can rent toboggans, ski, or just enjoy the view from the indoor panoramic restaurant.
Get some yummy brats, fries, and drinks while you enjoy the views from Panorama 2962m. I know it doesn’t look like much, but it was really good.
Then be ready for a dizzying descent…just look at these views!
I’m exaggerating, it wasn’t too crazy, but you are up there – check out my video on IG.
Once the gondola landed, we headed back to your cozy modern alpine resort just across the parking lot and gazed at our balcony view:
The kids had a blast at their cinema, indoor climbing gym, kids club and racetrack…
…while my husband and I enjoyed some cozy alpine drinks in the lounge – our first date in months! Thank you kinderhotels.
‘Mehr’ (‘More’ in German) Markets
We had so much fun on our trip to European Christmas Markets with kids that we’re going back for more. This time we’re skiing and going to some local, less touristy Christmas markets. as well as Salzburg. I have to check out Salzburg’s!
I’d love to help you plan your next trip to Europe, no matter the season. Get in touch with me through my travel advisor page, and you’ll be sipping gluhwein and making candles with the kids in no time.
