Best Christmas Markets in Europe for Families

For years, visiting a Christmas market in Europe has been on my bucket list. It is a magical experience I’ve always wanted to have. There’s just something about twinkling lights, the scent of roasted chestnuts, and rows of charming wooden stalls selling festive treats and handmade crafts that feels like stepping into a fairytale. Now that my kids are a little older, I finally feel ready to make this dream a reality and explore the best Christmas markets in Europe as a family. We’re currently planning it for the holiday season in 2025, and now is the time to start planning it with how competitive and pricey flights and hotels can be for this popular tourist season.

To make the most of this long-awaited trip, I’ve been doing plenty of research to uncover which Christmas markets are not only beautiful but also family-friendly. From meeting Santa to enjoying kid-approved activities like carousel rides and cookie decorating, there are so many incredible options to choose from. The Christmas markets of Europe have something for every family. Here’s what I’ve discovered; let’s dive in!

Nuremberg Christmas Market (Germany)

Nuremberg is home to one of the most famous Christmas markets in the world, and it’s incredibly family-friendly. This city has been hosting its Christmas market for 400 years. Children will love the dedicated Kinderweihnacht (Children’s Christmas) section, complete with a carousel, a mini Ferris wheel, and a bakery where they can make their own gingerbread cookies. The market is steeped in tradition, and its charming wooden stalls sell everything from handcrafted ornaments to festive toys.

Location: The Christmas Market for Children in Nuremberg (Kinderweihnacht) is set up at Hans-Sachs-Platz.

Start Date: Typically starts around November 24

End Date: The market closes on December 24, so plan your visit before then.

Opening Hours Children’s Christmas Market “Kinderweihnacht”: Opening times are usually Monday – Sunday: 10 am – 9 pm and Christmas Eve, December 24: 10 am – 2 pm. You can confirm the information here, or visit their official website.

Pro Tips:

• Visit on weekdays and arrive early to avoid crowds, dress warmly, and plan breaks at the Sternenhaus to rest while enjoying a show. The Sternenhaus is a popular family-oriented cultural venue in Nuremberg, it is next to the Christmas Market and offers a magical cultural program for children.
• Bring a reusable cup for hot chocolate refills to save money and reduce waste.

Vienna Christmas Markets (Austria)

Vienna’s Christmas markets are renowned for their charm and festive atmosphere. From rides and open play spaces to delicious treats, each market offers unique activities that make the holiday season magical for kids. Here are the best Vienna Christmas markets for families:

Karlsplatz Christmas Market

The Karlsplatz market stands out as one of the most family-oriented in Vienna.

Kid-Friendly Highlights:

• Children’s carousel
• A few farm animals like sheep in pens
• A straw-floor play area where kids can run and have fun
• Food stalls offering oversized pretzels, roasted almonds, and chocolate-covered treats

Rathausplatz Christkindlmarkt

Vienna’s main Christmas market is located in front of the city’s historic town hall.

Kid-Friendly Highlights:

• A giant merry-go-round at the entrance
• Advent-themed decorations and nativity scenes in the surrounding park
• Ice skating paths lit with festive lights
• Additional rides and activities tailored for children

Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market

The Schönbrunn Christmas Market is set against the stunning backdrop of Schönbrunn Palace, surrounded by popular tourist attractions.

Kid-Friendly Highlights:

• A small artificial ice skating rink (children under 14 can use it for free before 2pm)
• Carousel
• Little train ride
• Open areas for children to play

Families can enhance their visit with stops at the Children’s Museum or the always popular Vienna Zoo.

Vienna Christmas Markets General Information

Start Date: Mid to late November, usually around November 17.

End Date: The main markets close on December 26, but some transition into New Year’s markets, staying open until early January.

Opening Hours: ​​Standard opening times are 10 am to 10 pm, but the market closes at 6:30 pm on December 24.

Pro Tips:

• Keep kids happy with chocolate-covered pretzels, roasted almonds, or chocolate-dipped strawberries available at most markets.
• Eat first, then take advantage of activities like ice skating, where kids can burn off energy.
• Don’t miss the free entertainment, like choirs, a cappella groups, and brass ensembles.
• Go earlier in the day or on weekdays to avoid crowds and allow more time to enjoy the kid-friendly activities.

Learn more about Vienna Christmas Markets here.

Rovaniemi Santa Claus Village (Finland)

This is technically not a christmas market, but it is the ultimate Christmas experience and one that’s at the top of my bucket list. Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland, is known as the official home of Santa Claus. Highlights include:

• Meeting Santa in his office
• Crossing the Arctic Circle
• Snowy landscapes and the chance to send postcards from Santa’s Post Office

Start Date: Santa Claus Village is open year-round. It opens every day, including Christmas Day.

Pro Tip: Rovaniemi can be pricey, so try to book accommodations in advance and look for package deals.

Santa Claus Village official site

Christmas in Tivoli Gardens (Denmark)

Tivoli Gardens is a magical place year-round, but during Christmas, it transforms into a winter wonderland. The market features Scandinavian-style stalls, snow-dusted decorations, and themed rides. Kids will adore meeting Santa and exploring the enchanting light displays. There are more than 25 rides for families to enjoy. Plus, the family-friendly eateries ensure everyone can enjoy themselves, without worrying about picky eaters.

Start Date: Mid November, usually around November 15.

End Date: After New Year, around January 5. Here is the official calendar

Pro Tips:

• Plan for a weekday afternoon to enjoy both daylight and illuminated displays. You can check sunrise and sunset hours here, it is usually around 3:30 pm.

• Dress warmly for Copenhagen’s winter chill and indulge in Danish treats like:
  • Æbleskiver: small, round, pancake-like balls typically cooked in a special pan. They are fluffy and slightly crispy on the outside and are served warm with powdered sugar, jam or sometimes a dollop of whipped cream
  • Gløgg: the Scandinavian version of mulled wine, for kids there is a non-alcoholic version made with fruit juices

• There is an entrance fee, so plan to buy your tickets ahead of time on the website: Christmas in Tivoli official website

Christmas Markets in Alsace (France)

Alsace, nestled in northeastern France, transforms into a magical wonderland during the Christmas season. This charming region, already known for its picturesque villages and half-timbered houses, reaches its peak splendor as the holidays approach. Streets are adorned with twinkling lights and garlands, creating an atmosphere straight out of a storybook. Alsace is beautiful year-round, and it’s known to have some of the Best Christmas Markets in Europe.

When exploring the towns of Alsace, choosing a central base is the best way to make the most of your trip. Staying in one town and venturing out to others allows you to experience the region’s charm without the hassle of constantly packing and unpacking. One of the most recommended places to stay is Colmar, a city with a central location and excellent transportation options to nearby villages.

However, as this time of year is particularly busy, it’s often advised to have your own car to travel between the different towns. This way, you can avoid the challenges of crowded public transportation, especially when traveling with kids. You can book your car here.

Start Date: Usually the end of November, but each market has its own opening date.

End Date: Most of them close at the end of December.

Official Alsace Christmas website

Here’s a brief guide to the top markets in Alsace and what they offer for families:

Colmar

Colmar hosts six distinct Christmas markets:

1. Place des Dominicains
2. Place de l’Ancienne Douane
3. Place Jeanne d’Arc
4. Le Marché des Noël des Enfants à la Petit Venise (this is the most kids-friendly market)
5. Le Marché intérieur du Koïfhus (this market is inside, making it an ideal stop if it’s freezing)
6. Le Marché gourmand

Bonus: Place Rapp is a square that usually add some stalls.

Eguisheim

This small, circular village is ideal for families looking for a quieter experience.

Highlights for Kids: The advent calendar at Place du Château opens a new window daily. Street music and occasional performances add to the charm.

Kaysersberg

Voted “Favorite Village of the French” in 2017, Kaysersberg is home to a Christmas market that was named the “Best Christmas Market in France” in 2022. Kaysersberg is a family favorite and offers a range of activities. Plan ahead, though, because this market doesn’t open every day.

Highlights for Kids: Artisan demonstrations and workshops to create Christmas wreaths (must be reserved in advance).

Ribeauvillé

Known for its medieval-themed Christmas market, Ribeauvillé is lively and unique.

Highlights for Kids: Animated performances featuring jugglers, dancers, and musicians bring the market to life.

Strasbourg

Known as the “Capital of Christmas,” Strasbourg offers a wide array of markets across 13 locations.

• Place Broglie: features around 70 stalls offering a variety of items, including holiday decorations, handcrafted leather goods, chocolates, and other artisanal and gastronomic products. This historic market has been held in the same location since 1570, making it one of the oldest and most traditional markets in Alsace.
• Place du Château: Located near the cathedral, it has a carousel and plenty of kid-friendly food options.
• Place Kléber: Home to a 30-meter Christmas tree with light and music shows, a must-see for families.
• Other Christmas markets in Strasbourg: Place de la Cathédrale, Marché de les délices D’Alsace, Place du Marché-Aux-Poissons, Place du Temple Neuf, Place Saint-Thomas, Place Benjamin Zix, Village de l’Avent, Marché Off (Place Grimeissen), Rue Gutenberg and Rue des Hallebardes

Tips for Visiting Christmas Markets with Kids

Plan Ahead

Visiting Christmas markets is a popular activity in Europe, and planning ahead can help make your trip more affordable. Be sure to book flights, accommodations, and a rental car at least six to twelve months in advance. Check out Viator, where there’s a page dedicated to Holiday Market Tours Around the World.

Timing Is Everything

Visit Christmas Markets early in the day or on weekdays to avoid the crowds. Most open around 10-11 am and remain open until 7-8 pm. This way, you can explore at a leisurely pace and enjoy the activities without long waits, and you can take advantage of more daylight. In some of these locations, the sun will set as early as 3 pm.

Layer Up

Winter in Europe can be freezing, so make sure everyone in the family is dressed in warm layers. Don’t forget hats, gloves, and scarves! Many markets have heated tents or indoor cafes where you can take a break and warm up. Here is a list of some of the winter trip essentials we recommend.

Prepare Your Kids

Christmas markets are often bustling with crowds, so it’s essential to prepare your kids for the experience. Talk to them about staying close, holding hands, and what to do if they get separated. You can read my article about Preparing Toddlers for New Experiences.

Pack Snacks and Drinks

While the markets offer plenty of food, having a few snacks and a water bottle on hand can be a lifesaver, especially if your kids get hungry while waiting in line for an activity or attraction. One of our favorite places to grab snacks in Europe is at a specialty cheese shop. You can have them cut the cheese into slices for the kids, and they often also sell bread and nuts to go along with your snack. The cheeses are always delicious and high-quality.

Plan for Breaks

Exploring a market can be tiring for little legs, so plan breaks to sit down, enjoy a treat, or watch a festive performance. Many markets have seating areas where you can relax and soak up the holiday spirit. Consider bringing a stroller. On our recent trip to Europe, we found this stroller wagon to be a great option as a two seater that can fit through narrow European streets and doorways. Plus, the all-terrain wheels make it perfect for cobblestones and snow.

Set a Budget

Between the delicious treats, handmade gifts, and fun activities, it’s easy to overspend. Decide on a budget beforehand and involve your kids in the decision-making process, teaching them about responsible spending. You can even give them 10€ each and challenge them to get their favorite treats within their budget.

Final Thoughts

Visiting the best Christmas markets in Europe as a family is a bucket list experience we hope to make a reality very soon. The magic of twinkling lights, the warmth of holiday treats, and the joy on our kids’ faces as they explore these festive places are memories we can’t wait to create.

We look forward to the day we can visit the markets of Alsace, Vienna, or Nuremberg, soaking in the holiday spirit as a family. With thoughtful planning, we hope to make this journey seamless and unforgettable. Until then, the research and anticipation are all part of the joy of dreaming big for the holidays. Here’s hoping this dream becomes a reality for us and for you soon!

If you want to share your European Christmas Market experience, feel free to email me or send me a message on Instagram.