We took our 8-month-old baby girl to Christmas markets in Austria, Hungary, and Slovakia, and it was incredible! She loved the lights and sounds, and we were all enchanted by the festive atmosphere. The markets are truly magical and should be a bucket list item for any family. We loved every moment and can’t wait to take her back for more as she gets older. Here are some tips and insights to help you navigate and fully enjoy European Christmas markets with a baby.
Getting to and Staying in
Coming from the U.S. we took a super cheap flight. Initially, we planned to have Hadley as a lap infant, but we decided to buy her a seat at the last minute. It was an expensive decision but ended up being well worth it. She had her own space to sleep and play, allowing us to better relax during the flight. Once in Vienna, our first stop, we took an Uber to our Airbnb and used our feet and trams to move about during our stay. It’s a very walkable city and we had no issues navigating the streets and trams with a stroller. It also helps that the main Christmas markets are all within the downtown area. With plenty of Airbnbs and hotels, there’s no shortage of places to stay with baby gear and space for play.
After exploring the Christmas markets in Vienna, we continued our journey by train to Budapest and Bratislava. You can find more details about our accommodations in our itinerary. Traveling with a baby can be challenging, but we found it easily manageable to navigate the cities. All three destinations are stunning and exceptionally family-friendly, with restaurants providing high chairs and locals offering warm hospitality. Although Christmas time is bustling, the festive atmosphere is truly magical regardless. Whether you have a baby or not, we wholeheartedly recommend experiencing the European Christmas markets.
Christmas Markets are for Families
You won’t be the only one with a stroller or baby at the Christmas markets. Many of these markets cater specifically to children and families, so you’ll be among many others enjoying the festive fun together. For older kids, there are often toy stalls and designated kids’ areas. The largest market in Vienna, the Rathausplatz market, even features an ice skating rink and a giant Ferris wheel. Family-focused Christmas markets can be found throughout Europe, ensuring there’s something magical for visitors of all ages.
It’s Gonna be Cold
Europe isn’t particularly warm in December, and we dealt with both snow and rain during our trip. If you’re not prepared for the weather, it can quickly dampen the magical winter experience. We dressed Hadley in a winter jumpsuit and covered her with a blanket in the stroller. This kept her warm and happy while enjoying the outdoors. During nap time, we’d pull down the stroller’s shade cover to keep her cozy. Our stroller and car seat clipped together, allowing us to keep her secure and comfortable for most of our outings.
If the forecast predicts rain or snow, it’s worth bringing a waterproof and breathable stroller cover. We didn’t have one initially and spent half a day walking around Budapest searching for one. While it was an interesting way to see the city, planning ahead or researching where to purchase a cover beforehand would have made our experience much easier and more enjoyable.
Feeding your Baby
Feeding an eight-month-old baby while exploring the markets can be a little tricky but it’s doable. At the time we were feeding Hadley formula so our number one priority was hot water. To get what we needed, we would to talk the various vendors selling hot cider and mulled wine. The staff were generally accommodating and we often received hot water without any trouble. Occasionally, we needed to purchase a mug of hot water, but this was part of the market’s typical system for any drink. You pay a deposit for the mug and get your money back upon returning it.
Rather than a chore, feeding time gave us a minute to slow down and to really enjoy the festive atmosphere. As we navigated through the markets, we found cozy spots to prepare Hadley’s formula and take a break. The market vendors’ friendliness and the overall family-friendly environment made it easy to care for her needs while enjoying the holiday spirit. Remember to carry a thermos to keep any extra hot water handy, ensuring you’re always prepared to feed your baby amidst the bustling festive crowds.
Watch for the Crowds
We planned our trip for the beginning of December to avoid the peak crowds, and for the most part, this strategy worked. While some markets were still quite crowded, navigating with a stroller was manageable. It’s worth visiting the markets early in the month and early in the evenings. Since most European cities start to get dark around 4 pm in the winter, planning your visits around opening time allows you to enjoy the Christmas lights and festivities before it gets too busy and the kids need dinner or bedtime. Despite the occasional pedestrian traffic jam, everyone was friendly, and we had no major issues. Remember, these markets become progressively busier as Christmas approaches, so plan accordingly if you’re visiting European Christmas markets with a baby or toddler.
Walkways
Most of the markets we visited were located in large public squares, offering paved grounds and plenty of space for strollers. However, it’s important to note that this may not always be the case, depending on your destination. While some markets without paved paths required a bit more effort to get through any snow or ice, they were still manageable and didn’t detract from the experience. Don’t let this be a reason to avoid these markets; just be prepared for a little extra push through snow when necessary.
If you’re concerned about large crowds, consider exploring some of the smaller Christmas markets instead of the main ones in the larger squares. These more intimate markets are often found in quieter residential areas and offer similar experiences. You’ll typically find better handmade gifts, lower prices, and less crowded stalls. Because these markets are usually set in local neighborhoods, they often have a more cozy, community-oriented atmosphere. This can make for a more relaxed and enjoyable visit, allowing you to fully appreciate the festive spirit without the hustle and bustle of the larger crowds.
Bathrooms and Baby Changing Facilities.
Bathrooms in Europe are generally more difficult to find than in the U.S., and they will likely cost around a euro to use, so it’s important to carry some cash. The Christmas markets tend to have their own bathrooms but while some offer family bathrooms specifically for babies, this isn’t always guaranteed. When available, we’ve found that workers are often kind enough to grant free access. Be prepared for varying levels of cleanliness and baby-friendliness, as not all bathrooms are equipped with changing facilities. It’s important to remain flexible and bring necessary items like a portable changing pad and sanitizing wipes to ensure a comfortable and clean experience for both you and your baby.
Conclusion
Visiting European Christmas markets with a baby can be a magical and memorable experience. With a little preparation and flexibility, you can fully enjoy the festive atmosphere. The markets are vibrant and family-friendly and the joy of seeing your baby marvel at the lights and festive decorations adds a special touch to the holiday season. While there are challenges, the charm and warmth of Christmas make it all worthwhile. Embrace the adventure and cherish the memories made at the European Christmas markets.
This puts me in the mood to go back!