Is there anything better to get you in the festive mood than a European Christmas market trip? The Christmas songs sung by local choirs, twinkling lights in the trees, steaming mugs of glühwein and the smell of bratwurst cooking and caramalised nuts roasting. It’s making my mouth water just thinking about it! 

We spent some time living in Germany when I was a child and so Christmas markets hold very fond memories for me. I was lucky enough to experience the magic of Europe’s most enchanting Christmas markets every year. So now I want my children to have memories of fairytale Christmas markets in Europe too! If you’re thinking of going on a mini trip this year, and want to know which are the best Christmas markets in Europe, read on for a festive weekend getaway that your kids will never forget.

Salzburg Christmas Market, Austria

Salzburg has fairytale vibes and this is never more true than when it is festooned with twinkling lights and festive garlands. It’s also a pretty compact city, so great for little legs. Let’s start the fairytale vibes by visiting the Christmas market at the Hohensalzburg fortress. You can either walk up the hill to the fortress (it’s steep but manageable and great for getting some wiggles out at the start of the day) or if you want to make it easier on yourselves, get the funicular to the top (3.5 one way or 5.7 return trip). Either way it’s fun for the kids!

The advent market is in the square and is free, but if you want to enter and look around the fortress itself you will need to pay an entry fee. This market has a small, intimate feeling and benefits from fantastic views over Salzburg. It looks picture perfect.

While you are there don’t forget to try the fresh Tarte Flambée that is made in the old fortress ovens, and for which this market is known. Tarte Flambée is a dough base, a bit like a pizza, topped with white sauce, raw onions and crisp bacon lardons. So good!

As you’ll see as you read through this blog post there are so many child-friendly things to do at European Christmas markets so I had to include this next one. The Children’s World of Christmas cannot be missed if you’re in Salzburg for a festive weekend. This thoughtfully curated experience is supported by the Scouts and gives children the opportunity to roast their own sausages by the fire, write to Santa and ride on the Christmas train, among other festive activities. There is also a fairy tale treasure hunt with the chance to win a prize at the end. The Children’s World of Christmas opens on 22nd November from 11.00 to 18.00.

How to get to Salzburg

Salzburg airport (SZG), also known as W. A. Mozart airport, is just 4km from the city centre. Alternatively you can fly to Munich airport (MUC) in Germany.

Munich Christmas Market, Germany

Munich is a fantastic family-friendly Christmas market destination because there is so much for children to get involved in here. The Christkindlmarkt at Marienplatz is said to date back to the 14th Century and has a beautiful 25 meter high Christmas tree, decorated with over 3000 candles. On Wednesdays there is live music at 4.30pm where you are invited to sing along to Christmas carols under the Christmas tree.

Just around the corner is the Kripperlmarkt with 10 stalls exclusively selling everything you would need for a traditional nativity scene. This is a great place to pick up a christmas souvenir as the stalls also include bavarian style nativity ornaments.

The Christkindltram is a decorated tram which will take you on a 30 minute journey through Munich’s old town. The cost of the ticket (4 euro per person) includes mulled wine for adults, and gingerbread and punch for the children. Catch the tram from the special stop at the fountain on Sendlinger-Tor-Platz. It is not possible to book and tickets are limited so you may want to get there early. The tram runs on Friday afternoons and daytime on weekends.

Finally, head to the Tollwood Winter Festival at Theresienwiese for a different Christmas market experience. As well as traditional German Christmas offerings you will find international stalls and food under colourful glowing roofs and beautifully lit sculptures. There is also a culture and children’s programme that is worth checking out for the free arts and crafts.

How to get to Munich

Less than two hour’s drive from Salzburg, you could feasibly visit Munich and Salzburg in the same trip. Munich has its own airport (MUC), also referred to as the Franz Josef Strauss International Airport, which is about 28km from the city centre.

Budapest Christmas Market, Hungry

Most tourists head to Stephen’s Basilica for a wander around the christmas market, and to admire the beautifully decorated christmas tree in front. From 17.30 the facade of the basilica features a lightshow that transforms the space and makes it magical. However, if you’re looking for a hidden gem at the Christmas markets, then head to the Advent Fair in Obuda (Old Buda). These fairs are only one during Advent weekends so check your dates before heading over. 

We love a trip to see some festive lights. If you do too, take a trip to Lumina Park which has over 200 festive light installations accompanied by music and interactive experiences. You can wander through the park after 16.30 and kids can enjoy magical worlds from Disney. This is a lovely sensory experience whatever age your kids are and a great pre-dinner activity. In 2025 there is also a Smurf themed lightshow on at Budapest’s ELTE Botanical Gardens- perfect for your littles Smurfs and Smurfettes!

If you have a Lego fan, Budapest also has a life-sized Lego tram, made from around 1.8 million Lego bricks. It’s in Deák Ferenc Square for photo opportunities and kids can even add their own Lego pieces to the foundation so they can say they were part of it. I love this playful and thoughtful addition to the festive celebrations and the reminder to build play into the every day.

Oh, and while you’re in Budapest, don’t forget to try the chimney cake. Watch as the vendor wraps sweet dough around a cylinder, cooks it while you wait and then sprinkles with a topping of your choice. We liked it best with sugar and cinnamon. Delicious!

How to get to Budapest.

From the UK it is easiest to fly into Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD), which is approximately 16km from the city centre. From the airport it is easy to get a bus, train or taxi into the city centre.

Berlin Christmas Market, Germany

Most Christmas markets in Berlin open around 24th November and run until Christmas Eve or the end of December. There are around 60 Christmas markets in and around Berlin but my favourites are:

Winter World which can be found on Potzdamer Platz. This one has similarities with Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, London in that it has fairground rides and tends to get busy and crowded. It’s fun for the kids (if they like fairground rides) and has lots of different food stalls so it’s a good one to go to later afternoon or early evening so you can graze your way around. The mushrooms with garlic sauce are absolutely delicious!

Charlottenburg Palace Christmas Market. If you’re looking for crafts and traditional gifts/ decorations with a beautiful backdrop then check out the Christmas market at Charlottenburg Palace and you won’t be disappointed. This was probably my favourite because the setting is just so stunning. We went in early afternoon and it was quiet enough that you could wander and browse without being pushed along with the crowd. I got some beautiful handmade silver earrings for my Mum there and couldn’t resist getting myself a bracelet too.

Spandau is separated from the rest of Berlin by the river Haval and takes a little longer to get to if you are staying somewhere central but it is well worth visiting. The Christmas Market is held in the picturesque old town and is the largest in Berlin with around 400 stands selling everything from food and drink to cosy knits. It’s another really pretty market, especially in the historic area around St Nikolai Church where local artisans set up their stalls. We spent most of a day there wandering the stalls and popping into a nearby cafe for coffee and cake when we needed to warm up. 

How to get to Berlin

It’s quickest and easiest to fly to Berlin from the UK with flights going into Berlin Brandenburg (BER). The airport is about 18km from the city centre with good train links between the airport and the city.

Bruges Christmas Market, Belgium

With its canals, beautiful architecture and tempting chocolate shops, Bruges is a great city to visit at any time of year. However, it’s extra magical under the glow of Christmas light installations and market stalls. The markets here are smaller and there aren’t as many as other cities, but with a wonderful festive atmosphere and lots of family friendly activities this is a great choice for families.

The market in Grote Mark (the city’s main square) is traditional and festive with the usual food, drink and gift stalls. It also benefits from an ice rink which the kids will love! It’s a classic activity when visiting a European Christmas market as they often have temporary rinks set up. Enjoy a spin on the ice while traditional Christmas carols play in the background. It’s an unforgettable experience.

The other market can be found in the Simon Stevinplein square and focuses more on crafts. 

If you need to warm up visit one of the local cafes for a decadent hot chocolate. Served as a mug of warm milk and accompanying chocolate chips to melt into the milk this is a sensory treat that the kids will really enjoy. The Choco-Story museum brings the history of chocolate to life with an audio-tour and, of course, tastings. The audio tour is available in 11 different languages and has a kids version.

How to get to Bruges

If you’re in or near London I’d recommend getting the Eurostar to Bruges. Just get a ticket that includes onward train travel from Brussels as you’ll need to change trains there. It’s a really quick and easy journey and the train station is not far from Bruges city centre. Once you’re in Bruges the city is really walkable so you won’t need additional transport.

If you prefer to fly, the nearest airport is Ostend-Bruges airport (OST) but this may have fewer flight options than Brussels airport (BRU). Another option with a direct shuttle bus  to Bruges is Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL).

My top tips for a successful Christmas market trip with kids

1. Go early. There will be fewer crowds and queues. For those with younger kids that might mean going in the morning or afternoon. If your kids are a bit older maybe you can wait until sunset to really make the most of the lights and festive vibes.
2. Bring a combination of cash and card. Some stalls will still only take cash and you don’t want to miss out on a tasty treat because of payment issues.
3. Don’t forget to bring hats and gloves for everyone! More than one hat or pair of gloves have been panic bought at a market because someone forgot theirs and this can be an expensive mistake to make.
4. Layer up. No one wants to have to go home because someone is underdressed and has got cold. I put the kids in snow suits with thermal layers underneath. This is especially important for kids who are less mobile and won’t keep warm by running or walking around.
5. Try all of the food and drinks. Festive food at Christmas markets are some of the best and we can always find a kid friendly version. A lot of the drink stalls also do warm fruity punch for kids so they get their own special festive drinks too.
6. Get a mug of glühwein or kids punch in the Christmas market mug and keep it as a souvenir. I’ve got quite a collection and I love getting them out every year to serve friends and family mulled wine at home.
7. Check for special kids events and book tickets early if they are required. Because nothing kills the festive spirit more than extended queues or missing out on the fun.

Christmas markets are very family friendly so are a great choice if you want a winter break with the kids. Which of the best European Christmas markets for families would you like to visit?