8 BEST Family Friendly Christmas Market City Breaks in Europe

Discover spectacularly Christmassy cities at their most magical time of year. Christmas is the perfect time to enjoy a family friendly city break, as you really get two brilliant breaks rolled into one. Firstly, you can spend time exploring the city’s main Christmas markets in all their festive splendour. Secondly, you can still visit the cultural attractions, incredible cuisine and sublime sights each city is famous for. For classic Christmas market breaks for families, Europe is the king of the continents. From Krakow to Berlin the whole area is dotted with unforgettable capitals and major cities that really up the ante for their festive celebrations. Let’s take a look. If you click on a link in this piece, we may earn affiliate revenue.

#1. Berlin Christmas Markets

Amazingly, there are more than 60 markets across the city of Berlin, so you’re bound to discover Christmas celebrations on almost every corner. The capital of Germany hosts several standout Christmas markets, such as the Berliner Weihnachtszeit. This classic, family friendly Christmas market dates back to the early 1900s, so it’s had plenty of time to get things right! The huge Ferris wheel sparkles against the night sky, while you and your family could get your skates on for gliding around the centrepiece ice rink. It’s also well worth checking out Spandau Christmas Market. As the biggest market in Berlin, you’ll have plenty of chance to pick up handmade decorations, unique gifts and delicious treats like gluhwein (mulled wine) and hot chocolate, across its 400 stalls. It’s a place of sheer Christmas bliss in Berlin.

Best hotels for family friendly Christmas market breaks in Berlin

NH Collection Berlin Mitte am Checkpoint Charlie

This stylish and contemporary hotel is placed close to Checkpoint Charlie and Potsdamer Platz, home to the Winter World Christmas Market. Family rooms are available.

Eurostars Berlin

With its sleek, expansive interiors that let in plenty of light, Eurostars Berlin hotel is just 1km from Berlin Cathedral. Triple rooms are available.

#2. Budapest Christmas Markets

The capital of Hungary lays on plenty of Christmas charm during the festive season. The main celebrations take place at Vörösmarty Square Christmas Market, which is lined with stalls serving up classic chimney cake (a sweet pastry often filled with ice cream), Hungarian honey cookies and steaming mugs of mulled wine. It’s also well worth visiting St. Stephen’s Basilica nearby. Not only is it an iconic sight, it’s also home to another of Budapest’s family friendly Christmas markets. Here you’ll find a small ice skating rink just in front of the basilica, as well as beautiful festive illuminations and a scattering of stalls selling Christmassy souvenirs.

Best hotels for family friendly Christmas market breaks in Budapest

Hilton Budapest

Placed on Castle Hill, the Hilton Budapest boasts brilliant views of the Hungarian Parliament Building and Matthias Church. It’s also not far from the Vorosmarty Square Christmas Market. 2 bedroom suites are available.

Bo33 Hotel

The Bo33 Hotel is a few minutes’ walk from the city centre, and has family rooms and an indoor play area.

The Corners Hotel Art

The Three Corners Hotel Art is located next to the eastern bank of the river Danube, in the Pest side of the city surrounded by shops, bars and restaurants. Its within easy reach of all the main sights and has premium plus rooms which sleep up to 4 people.

The Ibis Styles Budapest Center

The Ibis Styles Budapest Center is a modern hotel with a trendy design, free tea and coffee in the lobby and family rooms.

#3. Prague Christmas Markets

Prague becomes ever more picturesque over Christmas, as the silvery winter skies descend over the classic cobbled streets of the Old Town. Considering it’s the capital of the Czech Republic, Prague is surprisingly easy to explore on foot. It’s all thanks to the car-free setting at the historic heart of the city, which is where you’ll find the Old Town Square Market. With the Gothic splendour of the Old Town Hall’s tower casting a sublime silhouette, you can explore stalls offering delicious treats, hand crafted decorations and unique souvenirs. Across the city, Prague has just as many iconic squares that form the ideal setting for a spot of Christmas market shopping. Why not follow the wisdom of the good king himself and visit his namesake at Wenceslas Square Market?

Best hotels for family friendly Christmas market breaks in Prague

Botanique Hotel Prague

This centrally located hotel in Prague has an understated, modern style with an eco-friendly focus. It’s also not far from the Wenceslas Square Christmas Market. Triple rooms are available.

Hilton Prague Old Town

The Hilton Prague Old Town hotel has a tasteful, continental décor. Plus, it’s just 900m from the Old Town Square Christmas Market.

NH Collection Prague Carlo IV

The NH Collection Prague Carlo IV is a luxurious 5* hotel with an indoor swimming pool and family and triple rooms.

#4. Vienna Christmas Markets

Oh Vienna, what a wonder the Austrian capital is at Christmas! As befitting for a city with such grace and elegance, the markets here often have a classy twist. The Vienna Magic of Advent Market is a case in point, as the iconic spires of the city hall form a majestic backdrop to the proceedings. Look out for classic candy canes, fragrant gluhwein and slices of sachertorte to sweeten up your Christmas shopping. The market even has a super-speedy ice rink – watch the locals whizzing by! The Maria-Theresien-Platz Market is also beautifully lit when dusk descends, with a huge Christmas tree set as a centrepiece. As an added bonus, this market is placed right amongst Vienna’s best museums and galleries. Be inspired by the Museum of Natural History before your festive foray.

Best hotels for family friendly Christmas market breaks in Vienna

NH Collection Wien Zentrum

The NH Collection Wien Zentrum is located on Mariahilfer Strasse, which is the longest shopping street in Vienna. It’s only steps away from an underground station, and has family rooms and triple rooms.

Vienna Marriott Hotel

This fresh and modern hotel has a fantastic range of facilities. It’s also placed on the famous Ringstrasse.

Austria Classic Hotel Wien

The Austria Classic Hotel Wien is located in a classical building and is near the bus stop. Triple and quadruple rooms are available.

#5. Krakow Christmas Markets

Krakow’s Main Square (also known natively as Rynek Glowny) is officially recognised as the largest medieval market square in Europe. That’s why it’s fitting that the Krakow’s biggest Christmas market is located here too. It’s a place where you can discover stalls selling trinkets and toys under a twinkling canopy of Christmas lights. You can fit in a spot of sightseeing at the same time, as the 16th century Cloth Hall lines the square, as well as St. Mary’s Basilica and the Town Hall Tower. Christmas shopping across Krakow has a decidedly festive twist too, thanks to the nativity scene contest. Stores in the city display their own nativity scene in their shop window in the hope of being crowned this year’s winner.

Best hotels for family friendly Christmas market breaks in Krakow

Hilton Garden Inn

This Hilton hotel isn’t far from all the main sights in Krakow. You can easily reach the Main Market Square, Old Town and Wawel Castle from here.

MR67 Mayera Rapaporta

The MR67 Mayera Rapaporta has a great range of family apartments, and is located alongside the Dietla Boulevard in central Krakow.

Stradonia Serviced Apartments

The Stradonia Serviced Apartments are located in the heart of Krakow and have well equipped and stylish apartments.

#6. Cologne Christmas Markets

Christmas in Cologne is often centred around the Cologne Cathedral. This world-famous building is the most visited landmark in Germany and at Christmas its soaring twin spires become ever more spectacular as they overlook the city’s main Christmas market. Pick up a yummy slice of stollen and take in the sparkling lights that complete this epic festive scene. There are many Christmas markets across Cologne so it’s a case of fitting in the best ones around your sightseeing plans. If you’re heading to the Chocolate Museum, a good tip is to visit the nearby Harbour Christmas Market. As its name suggests, it’s located within Cologne Harbour, so it has a majestic maritime theme with some stalls kitted out like the sails of a ship!

Best hotels for family friendly Christmas market breaks in Cologne

NH Koln Altstadt

This contemporary hotel places you close to all the main Christmas markets in Cologne. The Harbour Christmas Market is less than 300m away, as is the Chocolate Museum too!

Maritim Cologne

It’s only a short walk of less than 600m to the Harbour Christmas Market from the Maritim Cologne. The Cologne Cathedral is only 850m away too.

Aparthotel Adagio Koln City

The Aparthotel Adagio Koln City is located a short walk (700m) from the Heumarkt Christmas market. Apartments are stylish and modern and included kitchenettes.

#7. Gdansk Christmas Markets

Gdansk is a grand port city set in northern Poland. Its intricate Gothic spires and open market squares make it an atmosphere-steeped place to pick for your next Christmas market city break. Narrow townhouses painted in pretty pastel colours overlook the icily calm waters of the Motlawa riverfront. The historic Christmas markets here date back to the 17th century, such as Targ Weglowy Market, set in the heart of the impossibly ornate Old Town. Alternatively, opt to visit the Main Town Hall Market, where sparkling stall lights cast the town hall’s towers in a golden glow. And for even more family fun during your Christmas city break, the Forum shopping centre is a fantastic choice. This modern mall has an outdoor ice skating rink, a dazzling indoor canal and, of course, the chance to meet Santa!

Where to stay for a Christmas city break in Gdansk

Arche Dwor Uphagena Gdansk

Come in from the cold and get cosy at this welcoming hotel placed in the heart of the Old Town. Its interior design fuses the modern and the traditional, whilst families can opt for a one-bedroom apartment for up to four people.

Hampton by Hilton Gdansk Old Town

This modern hotel has the high-quality fixtures, fittings and facilities you’d expect of the Hampton by Hilton hotel chain. Even better, it’s just 400m from the nearest Christmas market and it offers great value family rooms.

Mercure Gdansk Stare Miasto

Vibrant colourways and a glassy sheen characterise the design of this impressive hotel placed close to many of the main Christmas markets. Interconnecting family rooms are also available for families of up to four people.

#8. Barcelona

Barcelona may not be the first city that comes to mind when planning your family Christmas market city break, but it offers a richly rewarding festive experience. Discover the unique traditions of a Catalan Christmas, with stalls serving up Turron, a deliciously sweet nougat made with honey and almonds. Head to Fira de Santa Lucia to shop at a selection of Christmas market stalls set in the shadow of the ever-grand Barcelona Cathedral. And for more opportunity for combining shopping with sightseeing, how about the Fira de Nadal de la Sagrada Familia? The Christmas market here is set right by Gaudi’s greatest creation – the soaring spires of la Sagrada Familia.

Where to stay for a Christmas city break in Barcelona

W Barcelona

This stunning five-star hotel sculpts the Barcelona skyline with its arcing design of glass and metal. Its interiors are just as luxurious, and you’ll be mere minutes from Barceloneta beach for a winter seafront walk.

Oriente Atiram Hotel

This historic and excellent value hotel is placed right on the famed La Rambla street. That means you won’t be far from the iconic Gothic Quarter and the city’s main Christmas markets.

Ibis Styles Barcelona City Bogatell

This modern hotel is placed very close to a metro stop, so it’s easy to explore the entire city. It also has interconnecting rooms available for up to four people, ideal for family city breaks.

Hotel Barcelona Condal Mar

This sleek and spacious hotel has a stunning contemporary design throughout. Its placed close to the beachfront on the quieter outskirts of the city, but you can still easily hop on a metro to reach the Christmas markets and the major sights of Barcelona.

#9. Munich Christmas markets

The beautiful capital of Bavaria has long been known as a particularly Christmassy city. Maybe it’s because there are more than 10 Christmas markets dotted across the city during the festive season. The biggest market is undoubtedly at Marienplatz Square, where you’ll see sparkling stalls, a spectacular nativity scene and more all set against the iconic backdrop of the Marienplatz Town Hall. It also hosts a live folk music band, adding to the authenticity of the experience. As an alternative, how about heading to Winter Magic at Viktualienmarkt? The focus here is more on festive food, so look out for delicious treats such as stollen and mulled wine.

Best hotels for family friendly Christmas market breaks in Munich

Munich City Centre Hotel

This great value hotel is less than 1km away from the Old Town. The Christmas market at Marienplatz Square is just 1.8km away too.

Holiday Inn Munich

This contemporary styled hotel is ideally located for the Marienplatz Christmas market. Just hop on the S-Bahn and you’ll reach the Marienplatz in less than five minutes.

Munich Mariott Hotel