German Christmas Markets for Children

German Christmas Markets are not only for adults, in fact there's just as much there for children - rides, games, toys, Christmas plays, children's punch so that the kids can have something to drink while the adults are enjoying their mulled wine and a festive atmoshpere.

Children's Rides at German Christmas Markets
The rides at each German Christmas Market will vary, but there's usually some sort of carousel ride and if you're lucky you may even find a unique twist on a ride.....

Carousels are a popular ride at German Christmas Markets for Children

Instead of a regular Ferris wheel this one is made of Christmas ornaments at the Stuttgart German Christmas Market

Keeping with the medieval theme at the Esslingen German Christmas market, this wooden Ferris wheel is pushed by two guys wearing medieval costumes

This is my favorite though at the Stuttgart German Christmas Market - it's a miniature train set - with a real castle in the background, and a train goes through it that children can ride on. 

Children's Toys at German Christmas Market
What would a German Christmas Market be without toys?  But what I like about the toys is that many of them are handcrafted and made of renewable materials instead of the usual plastic that many toys are made of.

Wooden toys handmade in Germany

Puppets are also a popular toy at German Christmas Markets

Wooden toys of all sorts are popular at German Christmas Markets, but when I asked J.P. if he grew up playing with handmade wooden toys in Germany he just laughed.  I'll take that as a no, but think if I had children I would be buying them these types of toys.

Children's Games at German Christmas Markets
Games  for children and adults are popular at some German Christmas Markets.

At the Esslingen German Christmas Market this was a popular game for children where you had to try and knock the egg off the log while being encouraged by a woman wearing medieval clothing.  It looked hard, but all the children I saw got some sort of prize which was nice.

Atmosphere of German Christmas Markets
The atmosphere of German Christmas Markets is festive and suitable for children and adults alike.  Each German Christmas Market has its own theme so each one is different.  The Esslingen German Christmas Market has a medieval theme and lots of medieval games to play which children seemed to enjoy.  The Stuttgart German Christmas Market is famous for its roof competition, in which each vendor decorates its roof in hopes of taking home the top prize.  Children would enjoy trying to pick their own "winner."

One of the roofs decorated in the Stuttgart German Christmas Market

 In addition, most German Christmas Markets have Christmas plays for children and special events for children so check ahead before you go.  There really is something for everyone at German Christmas Markets!
If you've taken children to a German Christmas Market please share your experiences below. 

For more on German Christmas Markets see:
The Stuttgart Christmas Market
5 Tips for Going to a German Christmas Market
Ludwigsburg Christmas Market
What Does Hiking in Germany Have in Common With German Christmas Markets?

For links to forty different German Christmas Markets see:
Christmas Markets in Germany

You may also be interested in:
5 Facts About Christmas in Germany