Christmas in Alsace with Small Children

by Jenny
(Singapore)

Great website! I was wondering if, from your experience, it would be a great idea or a crazy idea to visit Alsace in December with 2 young kids.

Will the weather drive my boys crazy? Will there be enough indoor activities to entertain kids younger than seven for four days if the weather is bad?

I am attracted to the region for the Christmas markets. But I am not sure if that alone will keep the rest of my family happy!

I look forward to hearing your views on this!

Warmest regards,
Jenny

Comments for Christmas in Alsace with Small Children

Average Rating

Click here to add your own comments

Rating

Fun Things to Do with Kids at Christmas Time in Alsace
by: Suzele

Hi Jenny,

You are right that most of the fun outdoor things to do with kids are not open in December but there are others.

If you're going to be in the Strasbourg or northern Alsace area, you'll find lots of ideas for children in my guide books, including indoor swimming pool complexes and fun museums.

And because Christmas is such a big touristy season, some sites are especially open for the holiday season.

There are the Christmas markets of course which everyone likes (although you have to be careful with small children when they are jam packed with people).

The Colmar and Strasbourg Christmas markets have a few baby carnival rides here and they are perfect for small children.

The Strasbourg one has a small ice skating rink and a special area for very small children.

Not to mention that Xmas markets in general have lots of fun things to look at and eat. Our kids find them interesting.

And the smaller villages and their Christmas markets and decorations are usually interesting to kids too.

Hot chocolate, Christmas cookies, and candies, etc...

I haven't been to every one of them so I can't confirm that they all have carnival rides and ice skating rinks but I suspect that quite a few of them do.

Sometimes you'll find a little petting zoo even...

If those things sound like something your kids would like (because all kids are different), then I'd say go for it! :)

Weather wise, it's hard to say...

Usually it's cool and you need a winter coat for sure but it's normally warmer than 30 degrees during the day.

Although you never know with weather. It doesn't normally snow in December (except in the mountains).

If you've got a winter coat, a scarf, a hat, and gloves, and make sure to pack clothes you can layer (shirts and sweaters and all that), then you'll be ready for most anything.

Hope that helps :)

Suzele

Rating

Short Drive to Germany or Switzerland?
by: Jen

Thanks Suzele!

Great recommendations! I'm excited about the trip.

Another question - will a short drive to Germany or Switzerland be something we should do?

Regards,

Jen

Rating

Fun Things Near Alsace
by: Suzele

Hi Jenny,

You can make a trip to Switzerland or Germany if you want. They are right there very nearby.

Freiburg in Germany is considered to be very beautiful and they have a nice Christmas market since that is what you are interested in for this trip.

Basel, Switzerland is right on the border too and is a beautiful city to visit any time of year. They also have a Christmas market. If you go to the Alsace Map page, you'll get a better idea of where everything is located.

But you're only going to be there for a short visit so you're going to have to choose where to go because there are at least 30 different Christmas markets you could go to.

My opinion is "less is more"...do less and have more fun :)

Take your time and enjoy your visit in Alsace!

Suzele

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Your Questions about Alsace.

Need More Alsace Vacation Ideas?

23 Adorable Alsace Villages
to Discover
(with Local Advice)

9 Alsace Towns and Cities
You Should Know About

Planning Your Alsace Vacation:
Get Started Right
(with Local Advice)

The Alsace Travel Guide
(Written by Locals Who Love it)