There’s nothing quite like the magic of a Christmas market. Twinkling lights, festive treats, and that unmistakable feeling of holiday cheer—it’s the perfect way to get into the festive spirit. But when you add kids into the mix, the charm can sometimes be overshadowed by crowds, tired little legs, and cries of “I’m bored!”
Don’t worry. With a bit of planning, you can enjoy the best of the UK’s Christmas markets as a family. Here’s my guide to making the most of your visit and keeping the little ones happy while you soak up the festive atmosphere.
Start Early to Beat the Crowds
If there’s one piece of advice I can give, it’s to arrive early. Christmas markets are hugely popular, and by mid-afternoon, they can get packed. This is when kids start feeling overwhelmed, and navigating through crowds with a pram becomes a challenge.
We’ve found that heading to the market just as it opens is a game-changer. The stalls are quieter, the kids can actually see what’s around them, and you’ll have time to enjoy the decorations without being jostled. Plus, vendors are often more chatty early in the day, which can add to the fun.
Kid-Friendly Christmas Markets to Visit
Not all Christmas markets are created equal when it comes to family fun, but these UK favorites tick all the boxes for a magical day out:
- Manchester Christmas Markets: Sprawling across the city centre, Manchester’s markets are packed with festive stalls and plenty of space for kids to wander. Albert Square has a giant Santa, which always gets the kids excited, and there’s plenty of food to keep little tummies happy.
- Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market: Known for its traditional German feel, this market has lots of sweet treats like pretzels and churros, as well as live music that keeps kids entertained while you browse.
- Winchester Christmas Market: Located by the stunning cathedral, this market has an ice rink that’s perfect for older kids (and adventurous parents). The chalets are full of unique gifts, and the setting feels like something out of a storybook.
- Edinburgh Christmas Market: With its fairground rides and Santa’s grotto, this market is a hit with families. The backdrop of Edinburgh Castle adds an extra layer of magic to the experience.
- Bath Christmas Market: Set against the backdrop of the Abbey, this market is smaller and less overwhelming, making it ideal for younger children.
Keep the Kids Entertained
Shopping might be the highlight for you, but kids can lose interest in festive baubles pretty quickly. Luckily, most Christmas markets have features to keep them entertained.
- Rides and Attractions: Many markets have carousels, Ferris wheels, or even ice skating rinks. These can break up the shopping and give kids something to look forward to.
- Festive Snacks: Hot chocolate with whipped cream, gingerbread men, and roasted chestnuts are treats that will win over even the grumpiest little ones.
- Craft Stalls: Some markets have areas where kids can get hands-on, whether it’s decorating cookies or making Christmas ornaments.
- Treasure Hunts: At smaller markets, you can turn the visit into a game by asking kids to spot specific things—like the biggest Christmas tree or a stall selling candy canes.
Plan Your Visit Around Breaks
Christmas markets are full of sights and smells, which can be overwhelming for kids after a while. We always plan our visits with breaks in mind.
- Find a Quiet Spot: Many markets have nearby parks or quieter streets where you can take a breather.
- Bring Snacks and Drinks: Even though the food at the markets is tempting, bringing a few essentials from home can save you time and money if queues are long.
- Layer Up: Cold kids are cranky kids, so make sure everyone is bundled up with plenty of layers. Hats and gloves are essential.
Let the Kids Be Part of the Fun
One of the easiest ways to keep kids engaged is to make them feel involved. Give them a little spending money to choose their own treat or small gift. They’ll love being part of the experience, and it teaches them about budgeting (even if it’s just deciding between a chocolate crepe and a candy cane).
You can also let them help with shopping for presents. Asking them to pick something for a family member keeps them busy and makes gift-giving more meaningful.
Make It About More Than Shopping
While Christmas markets are famous for their stalls, the experience goes beyond shopping. Take the time to enjoy the music, lights, and festive atmosphere as a family.
- Stop to listen to carol singers or brass bands.
- Snap some family photos under the market’s biggest Christmas tree.
- Let the kids dance along to festive tunes—it’s Christmas, after all!
Wrapping Up the Day
By the time we leave the market, the kids are usually tired but happy, clutching their treats and chattering about their favorite parts of the day. Heading home to warm up with a hot chocolate (and maybe a mince pie) is the perfect end to the outing.
Christmas markets with kids can be a wonderful way to make festive memories. With a bit of planning and an early start, you’ll have plenty of time to soak up the magic without the stress. If you haven’t been yet, I’d say give it a go—it might just become your favorite holiday tradition too.
