European Christmas markets by train

[Flittingaboutagain]

Good afternoon, does anyone have any recommendations of a nice city break in Europe to a Christmas market less than five hours from London by train or ferry please? Will be travelling with two under 3 who love travel but five hours is the absolute max with a couple of train journeys.

Without a doubt the best Christmas markets within 5 hours are either Strasbourg or Bruges. However, with two under 3, I’d go for Strasbourg because Bruges is very cobbley and we found the food more child-friendly in Strasbourg.

How about The Netherlands - The Hague Royal Christmas fair is on again this year. Loads to do for small children in the area plus the added bonus of the beach/sea very close by.

I am not sure 2 under 3 and Xmas markets are that compatible to be honest. Certainly not the busy ones as presumably you have a push chair? Bruges should be fine as it's quite small. Or Ghent, Or Lille? Strasbourg and Cologne are lovely but they get ram packed, all the restaurants are booked up etc. Brussels is probably OK during the day.

I agree that Strasbourg does get very busy, but that’s generally at the weekend. During the week would be fine.
Strasbourg has a few baby carnival rides here and there which are perfect for small children. On Wednesday afternoons and at weekends, the market in Place St. Thomas has a "children's village" which includes a play area for kids under 6 and visits from Father Christmas. In Place de La Cathedrale there’s a carousel and you can go inside the cathedral to see a gorgeous life-sized nativity scene.

Having done Christmas markets in Prague and Strasbourg ( we were there during the terrorist attack) I could not think of a worse environment for children.

Thank you will let you know how we get on!