We have been fortunate to take our kids to several Christmas Markets around Europe, including Edinburgh, London, Amsterdam, Cologne, Zurich, Colmar, Strasbourg, and Luxembourg. From our experiences there, we have learned that taking little kids to European Christmas Markets can be a magical experience, but it’s important to consider a few factors to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip for everyone. Here are some things to keep in mind:

It got cold in Amsterdam early this year, and the best investments I made for my four and two-year-olds were the items that kept them warm during our daily routine or our Christmas Market trips.

Uniqlo Down Jackets: I purchased the full body length Uniqlo down jackets. People have stopped us to ask where we got them from, because they are so functional!

Uniqlo HeatTech Thermals: I got the standard and the ultra-warm shirts and leggings for each kid. I also got them the socks, and sometimes double layered the socks.

Reserved Snowsuits: For the coldest days and a trip (to where I thought there would be snow), I LOVED these boy and girl snowsuits that I purchased from Reserved. My daughters had an extra insulation layer, compared to my sons, but both got the job done.

Reserved Waterproof Gloves + Wool Gloves: I layered the kids gloves for the coldest days, with a pair of woollen gloves (that have the string that slides into the arms, so they can’t be thrown off) underneath a pair of larger waterproof gloves.

When my kids are dressed warmly in these items, I feel significantly more relaxed about exploring during the colder climates.

In extreme cold temperatures, when kids are outside, it is suggested that the layers be as follows:

One of the best purchases I made for the winter was this Seraphine baby-carrying jacket. I have never used one with my older kids, and it was a game changer using it for our newest baby! This down jacket is perfect for pregnancy or for postpartum moms who want to baby-wear their little ones during the winter time!

Here are the steps I use when I wear my infant in the Europe cold months.

While you’re there, consider looking at the postpartum leggings that I have lived in this winter.

Getting There: Plan your transportation to and from the markets, considering the comfort and safety of your children. When we visited Strasbourg, there was so much traffic, it was very difficult to find parking. The Strasbourg Christmas Market is absolutely worth a visit, but we should have taken public transportation from our hotel to get there.

Stroller-Friendly Paths: Check if the market has stroller-friendly paths. Cobblestone streets and crowded areas may make it challenging to maneuver a stroller. We took our large Cybex stroller to Cologne, Germany, and it was quite challenging. Although the Cologne Christmas Market had the tastiest food we experienced at a market, it was so crowded on the Saturday night that we actually exited the markets because it was too difficult to push the stroller around. When possible, it is easier to baby-wear an infant and let the older kids walk. However, when letting kids walk, it is important to recognize the large crowds and the importance of holding hands. We had a particularly challenging time takin

Safety in the Crowd: Christmas markets can get crowded, especially on weekends. Keep a close eye on your children and establish a meeting point in case you get separated. Have identification for your child, such as a wristband with your contact information. Teach them what to do and who to approach if they get lost. Teach your kids about basic safety measures, like not talking to strangers and staying close to you. Make them aware of emergency contact numbers.

Breaks: Plan for breaks to rest and warm up. Many markets have designated areas with seating where you can take a break. We loved the Zurich Christmas Market because of the indoor market option. Look up good restaurants near the market, in case you need to find an indoor option. For example, in Colmar, we found a delicious Turkish restaurant, Sahmeran, walking distance to the market that we were able to eat and warm up in.

Tables: Some of the Christmas markets have minimal seating areas, so if you see an open space, plan ahead to find space at the table.

Food Allergies: Be mindful of food allergies. European markets often offer a variety of foods, so be aware of your child’s dietary restrictions.

Entertainment for Kids: Look for Christmas markets that have activities specifically for children, such as carousels, small rides, or puppet shows. Our kids really enjoyed the Colmar Christmas Market, followed by the Luxembourg Market.  However, consider that your kids may not be as interested in browsing through stalls as you are. Bring some entertainment for them, such as books or small toys. We took regular breaks at family-friendly restaurants, where we could decompress.

Be aware of the location of public toilets and ensure your children know where they are. Plan for bathroom breaks, as queues may be long at the Christmas Markets. For example, during our weekend at the Haarlem Christmas Market (in the Netherlands), we identified a few nearby restaurants that were okay with us using their restrooms.

Familiarize yourself with local customs and traditions to enhance the cultural experience for your children. Learn a few basic phrases in the local language (or have Google Translate ready on your phone). Research beforehand what the staple items are of the market and key items to eat.

Remember to be flexible with your plans, and most importantly, enjoy the festive atmosphere with your family. Christmas markets are full of cheer! For my full blog post on our road trip through Zurich, Colmar, and Luxembourg visit the post here.

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