Frankfurt Christmas Market Birmingham - have you taken your children?

[sparklejawsy]

Hi
I am planning to take my 5 yo DS this Sunday afternoon with my Sister-in-Law and 3 nieces/nephews.

Has anyone been with their LOs yet? Is there much to do for the children?
I've been on several nights out there with friends and work but not with DS before.

Also, if you've been what days/times would you avoid, LO (and me tbh) won't cope well with crowds!

Thanks

TBH it is very crowded, even in the afternoon.

There is a merry go round and my girls (5 & 2) love several of the stalls. A hot chocolate and some potato pancakes is their idea of heaven. We always let them choose a tree ornament each too. We have been going to Christmas markets with them since they were tiny and they've always had a great time, mostly in Germany though where they are a lot more family friendly, in Luebeck last year they had a whole christmas village aimed at children which was amazing. We've only been to birmingham this year and dd1 says it doesn't compare, although she still had a good time.

Thanks, the Christmas markets in Germany always look so much more family orientated, must try to do that one year.

We decided to try it yesterday and although at the time we had arranged to go it was pouring with rain we just went for it, we wrapped up warm and wore waterproof coats so we didn't have to worry about clashing umbrellas!

TBH the rain probably helped a little as it made the market area quieter (still busy but not overwhelming and you could have a good look at the stalls).
The rain stopped after 20 mins so we managed to dry off and eat our hot dogs and doughnuts without getting soggy!

The main highlight was the carousel, helter skelter and other kiddy rides which were a reasonable price. (£2 and £1.50 each) It was nice to see the Coca Cola lorry but DS wasn't at all bothered about that!
We had a good hour there but DS didn't seem very impressed and I won't bother taking him again, having been to the market on 'adult' work nights out and having had a good time I think that's what it's best for, rather than a family outing.

Next year I will take him back to Telford's Wonderland or Tamworth's Snowdome - both will work out more expensive but will have more of a wow factor.