In this festive episode, Travel Mom Emily takes us through her unforgettable Christmas Markets Family Vacation across France and Germany.
Traveling with her husband, Paul, and son Ollie, Emily created a Thanksgiving-week itinerary that allowed them to enjoy some of Europe’s most iconic markets without missing Christmas at home. From Colmar’s storybook streets to Strasbourg’s historic squares to Frankfurt’s sparkling riverfront, this trip brought the magic of the holidays to life.
For more family vacation inspiration, check out all the podcast episodes. Adventure Awaits!
Starting Their Journey: London and Paris
Emily’s family kicked off their adventure in London, staying with relatives and celebrating a “pre-Thanksgiving” before heading to the continent. London was already beautifully decorated with lights and festive storefronts.
From London, they took the Eurostar to Paris, where they visited the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, and one of Paris’s early-opening Christmas markets. It felt more carnival-like and perfect for a 10-year-old traveler.
Colmar: A Storybook Christmas Market Village
Their first official stop was Colmar, in France’s Alsace region near the German border, a place often said to have inspired “Beauty and the Beast.”
Colmar quickly became Emily’s favorite. The village felt like stepping into a holiday movie: medieval timber-framed houses, narrow cobblestone lanes, and six beautifully decorated markets that flowed into each other.
Colmar also offered a surprising number of handmade, locally crafted items, including felt ornaments, stone artwork, and artisan holiday treats. Food was a highlight too, with French-German pastries, potato pancakes, sausages, and Ollie’s favorites from local bakeries.
Their hotel, the Novotel Suites, even gifted Ollie a plush mascot and holiday cookies at check-in.
Strasbourg: One of Europe’s Oldest Christmas Markets
Next, the family traveled to Strasbourg, home to one of the oldest and largest Christmas markets in Europe. The city was gorgeously decorated with lights, festive storefronts, and beautifully designed market squares.
Strasbourg’s markets felt larger and more bustling than Colmar’s but still magical. The family enjoyed wandering from food stalls to stationery shops to bakeries, giving Ollie the independence to practice his French while exploring local confectioneries.
They learned one helpful tip: many restaurants do not open until later in the evening and may require reservations. For families, a hotel with an on-site restaurant, such as the BOMA Hotel in Strasbourg, where they stayed, can be a big help.
Frankfurt: A Bigger City with a Different Vibe
Their final stop was Frankfurt, chosen mainly for flight logistics but surprisingly delightful.
Frankfurt’s markets were more commercial than those in smaller villages, but still charming, especially at night. The family took an evening river cruise to enjoy the skyline and returned to wander through the markets under twinkling lights.
Christmas Market Tips for Families
Emily shared several practical tips for making a Christmas Markets family vacation smooth and enjoyable, especially with kids.
-
Choose smaller villages for handmade items. Colmar and other small towns tend to offer more unique, locally made gifts than major cities do.
-
Pack smart for cold and rain. Layers, waterproof boots, wool socks, gloves, hats, and scarves are essential for long winter walking days.
-
Travel light. Trains and cobblestone streets make large suitcases difficult. Stick to carry-ons and backpacks if possible.
-
Use a crossbody bag with a carabiner for mugs. A simple clip lets you carry your souvenir mulled wine or cocoa mug while keeping your hands free.
-
Expect crowds in larger cities. Visit markets in the afternoon if you’re traveling with younger kids, as evenings can get very busy.
-
Know the payment culture. France’s markets widely accept cards, while Frankfurt was mostly cash-only.
-
Protect your souvenirs for the trip home. The family purchased a plastic shoebox during their trip to protect glass ornaments and other delicate items.
-
Consider a home base for multiple markets. Staying in one central town or renting a car can reduce the number of hotel changes and make exploring easier.
Fun Traditions and Holiday Surprises
Emily highlighted some of the unique holiday traditions they encountered, including Krampus displays, medieval-themed markets, carousels, festive performances, and village-wide light displays.
Walking through these towns at Christmas becomes a whole sensory experience filled with music, lights, scents, and treats.
Favorite Moments
For Emily, the best part was being together as a family, fully present and without the demands of hosting Christmas at home.
Ollie’s favorite moments included German pretzels, chocolate croissants, and exploring new foods in each town.
Why Christmas Markets Should Be on Your Family’s List
A Christmas market family vacation is magical, cultural, delicious, and wonderfully festive. Whether you visit one town or several, the lights, traditions, music, and warmth make this a holiday experience families never forget. If timing works, Emily recommends going during the week of Thanksgiving, when crowds are lighter, and you still return home before Christmas.
🇬🇧🎄 🇫🇷 🎄 🇩🇪
For more family vacation inspiration, tune in to all the podcast episodes. Adventure Awaits!
