Christmas markets in Europe with kids 2023: top 10

Christmas markets with kids are pure magic: lights, carousels, gingerbread and a giant tree in the middle of an old town square. Our top 10 for 2023 are Nuremberg, Vienna, Strasbourg, Colmar, Cologne, Dresden, Salzburg, Budapest, Zagreb and Tivoli in Copenhagen. Here is why they work for families, plus tips on travel, food and keeping everyone warm.

Why now: the start of the Christmas market season

Mid-November is the moment to book: most big markets open in the second half of November or around the first Sunday of Advent, 3 December 2023. Family rooms in market cities sell out quickly, especially for weekends in December.

If you can, plan a weekday visit. Markets are much calmer during the day from Monday to Thursday, which makes a big difference with prams and small children.

Top 10 Christmas markets with kids in Europe

Germany and Austria have the most traditional markets, Alsace has the prettiest towns, and Budapest and Zagreb offer great value. Check opening dates and times on the official websites before you go.

Price level for a family day (food, drinks, a few rides): budget = under about €50, mid-range = about €50–100, premium = over €100. Approximate, prices change.

See Christmas trips on the Kid.ooo map

Germany

The Nürnberger Christkindlesmarkt is one of the most famous in the world, and next to it is a children's Christmas market with old-fashioned carousels and a small steam train. At the Weihnachtsmarkt am Kölner Dom, the huge tree stands in front of the cathedral, and several other markets are a short walk away. Dresden's Striezelmarkt is one of the oldest in Germany, with a giant wooden Christmas pyramid and the famous Stollen cake.

Austria

The Wiener Christkindlmarkt in front of Vienna City Hall has a carousel, decorated trees in the park and, traditionally, workshops for children. The Salzburger Christkindlmarkt on the Cathedral Square has views of the fortress and carols in the evening.

France

Strasbourg calls itself the Capital of Christmas, and the giant tree on Place Kléber is a highlight for kids. Nearby Colmar feels like a fairy tale, with several small markets, including one especially for children, and canals lit up at night.

Budapest, Zagreb and Copenhagen

In Budapest, the markets on Vörösmarty Square and in front of St Stephen's Basilica are lively, with light shows and an ice rink. Advent Zagreb has won European awards for its atmosphere, with an ice park, concerts and food stalls all over the city. In Copenhagen, Tivoli Gardens turns into a Christmas world with rides, lights and Nordic decorations.

Find kids attractions in Vienna on the Kid.ooo map

Getting there with kids: car, train and stops

The train is the most relaxing way to reach most market cities, because the stations are close to the old towns. Nuremberg, Vienna, Cologne, Salzburg and Strasbourg are all well connected by rail.

• By train: book family tickets early, reserve seats and travel outside the Friday rush.
• By car: use park-and-ride, as parking in the old towns is limited and expensive.
• Combine cities: Strasbourg and Colmar, or Vienna and Salzburg, are easy to combine in one trip.

Where to stay: family-friendly stays

Stay within walking distance of the market, so you can go back for a nap or warm up between visits. Apartments with a kitchen let you prepare a simple dinner after an afternoon of market snacks. Ask for cots, high chairs and a room away from the street, because markets can be noisy in the evening.

Where to eat with kids

Market food is half the fun: grilled sausages, potato pancakes, crêpes, waffles and warm apple juice. Many markets sell children's punch without alcohol. For a proper meal, eat at lunchtime in a family restaurant and keep the market for the afternoon and early evening.

Find kid-friendly restaurants near the markets on the Kid.ooo map. For more sweet ideas, see our gelato, churros and crêpes guide.

Rainy-day plan B

When it rains or the cold gets too much, every market city has a good museum or indoor attraction nearby. In Vienna, the Haus der Musik lets children conduct a virtual orchestra. In Cologne, the chocolate museum is a short walk from the cathedral. In Copenhagen and Nuremberg, toy and science museums are good choices for a few warm hours.

If you are combining markets with snow, our family ski resorts guide lists resorts within reach of Salzburg and Strasbourg. And if your kids loved the pumpkins at Tivoli, read our Halloween in Europe guide for next autumn.

Packing checklist

Warm layers and waterproof boots matter more than anything else.

• Thermal layers, hats, scarves and gloves (plus spare gloves)
• Waterproof boots with warm socks
• Hand warmers and a thermos of tea
• A baby carrier for crowded evenings
• Reflective bands or a small torch for dark afternoons
• A tote bag for gingerbread and decorations

For adventurous family travel ideas, follow @mumpacktravel on Instagram.

Save your Christmas market trip in Kid.ooo

Kid.ooo is a free kid-friendly places map where parents share playgrounds, cafés and attractions across Europe. Use it as your family travel app for Europe: save the market, a warm café and an indoor playground nearby before you go.

Plan your Christmas market trip on the Kid.ooo map

Missing a place you loved? Add it to Kid.ooo and help the next family planning a Christmas market weekend.