Christmas markets abroad... and taking our almost 4 year old!

[BankerMommy2010]

I would love to go to a german Christmas Market this year, I went a few years back to frankfurt but would love to go with hubby... has anyone been to one they would recommend?

Also, our little boy will be 4 in feb, im a funny one and dont like going away without him as I get mummy guilt leaving him behind, would you take a little one or is it just a silly idea?

We are visiting friends in Luxembourg on weekend of 12th of December then doing the markets in Luxmebour and Trier with our 3 year old. I think she's going to love it.

I think a 4 year old would find it magical! And he's old enough that he will remember it too.

You will enjoy it more without your DS, My favourite bit about the markets is staying up late walking found in the dark with DH holding hands, drinking Gluhwein and trying the foods from every stall.
It was too cold, too crowded and too late for my DDs, taking them round the markets was always hard work and we'd only manage a few hours. The nice British ones are magical enough for little children. Going all the way from the UK is not worth it with small DCs IMO.

I like that idea, but I think I would feel too guilty leaving him behind, maybe we'll think of something child friendly x

Cologne is supposed to be the best Christmas market in Europe, I think (I might be way off!)

Barcelona has a Christmas market - not very cold or traditional in the Anglo Saxon sense, ie what we are used to.

Brugge Christmas market is lovely - I went ten years-or-so ago.

Lincoln market is world-recognised, very very busy, hut cold and Christmassy! I've heard good things about Manchester although I haven't been. (In case you were thinking UK might be easier).

German Christmas markets often have child zones. My dd's aged 4 and 18 months loves some little houses set up as nursery tales.

I strongly disagree that it would be too much, markets are open all afternoon, you just have to change what you do.
Dd1 still remembers her trip (aged just 4) as magical.