Little Legs, Wanderful World

Tirol at the holidays is simply delightful, but it wouldn’t be a Christmas trip without visiting the Innsbruck Christmas Markets! There are 7 markets in total during Advent, but here are our favorite 4.

Overview

Stroller Tips & Best Times to Visit
If you are bringing a stroller to the Innsbruck Christmas Markets, try to bring one that doesn’t take up too much space or it could become very difficult to navigate the markets once crowded. As it is, going earlier in the day or on the weekdays will be much less crowded. Remember, it gets dark around 3:30-4:00pm, so you don’t need to go late in the day to see the lights! It’s also really fun to visit the markets both in the day and in the evening as the vibe changes pretty significantly.

How the Mug Deposit (Pfand) Works
Every market has a number of stalls where you can buy something warm to drink – always glühwein, kinderpunsch, and sometimes hot chocolate. Each market will have at least one uniform type of mug that they use, but some can have more specialized designs. When you purchase the drink, you pay a deposit for the mug (pfand). The idea is that you return the mug and receive your deposit back. However, tourists loved the mugs so much that they started keeping them. In most markets, if you like the mug you can just walk off with it for the price of your deposit. (You should ask first at smaller markets, but every large market we visited they expected – and sometimes insisted – that we keep the mug.) Often, they will even exchange you a clean one for your used one if you ask!

Food & Family Treat Highlights
Every market will have food, drink, and vendor stalls. You can always expect to find glühwein and kinderpunsch to drink, sausages to eat, and some sort of tasty dessert at any of the Innsbruck Christmas Markets. Our favorite desserts were the gigantic apple filled soft pretzels and Nutella coated fruits on a stick.

There are not many places to sit down and the standing tables get crowded quickly. If you’re aiming for a bite, especially with kids, go early before everyone is off work and find a table or bench nearby where the kids can sit to rest and enjoy their food and drink.

And without further ado, the Innsbruck Christmas Markets!

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Hungerburg: Most Scenic

Located at the Hungerburg station on the Nordkette, this little market is one of my top 5 favorite markets in all of Europe so far. There aren’t a lot of stalls (10 in total), but we found some lovely wooden ornaments for family, enjoyed the kinderpunsch immensely (the mug from this market is one of our all time favorites), and the view cannot be beat! You don’t even have to go late in the evening to enjoy the twinkling lights of Innsbruck since the sun sets so early. As you can see and hear in the video below, we were pleasantly surprised by the brass band playing. I think the only way it could have been more special was if it started to snow just a smidge. ❄️

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Christkindlmarkt Altstadt: Most Festive

The oldest and largest market in Innsbruck is the Christmas Market in the Old Town. Located at the base of the Golden Roof, this market boasts 65 stalls and a variety of vantage points including a temporary viewing platform that will lift you above the street for an impressive view. At 5:00pm every evening, a brass band plays from the balcony of the Golden Roof. This is not to be missed!

(Bonus Tip: Stay at the Altstadthotel Weisses Kreuz for front row seats to the market, fantastic breakfast, and an amazing location.)

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Christkindlmarkt Marktplatz: Best for Kids

This market set up just across from Christkindlmarkt Aldstadt along the River Inn offers 68 stalls, a carousel, and a Swarovski Crystal Christmas Tree. They also have a puppet theatre and a variety of events for kids/families. If you’re looking for a unique gift for your loved one, you’ll most likely find it at Marktplatz!

Marie-Theresien Strasse: Most Modern

This market set up on the main shopping street in Innsbruck, Marie-Theresien Straße, boasts 30 stalls and a variety of lighted objects. From stags to a sphere you can sit inside for a moment’s rest, there are no shortage of lights! If you are looking for a specific Christmasy item, it’s likely to be found in the Käthe Wohlfahrt pop-up shop right here in the middle of the market. Enjoy an apfelstrudel, fudge, or glühwein and enjoy the stroll in this modern market.

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Family Travel Tips

🏨 Where to Stay in Innsbruck with Kids

Staying central saves immense time when navigating crowds with strollers or heading back for afternoon naps. Here are two top family-tested setups:

Best Convenience & Breakfast: Altstadthotel Weisses Kreuz
Located steps from the Christkindlmarkt and the Golden Roof, you literally could not be in a more central location. That alone would make me want to stay here again, but this hotel is the coolest, quirkiest place I’ve ever stayed. It’s modern, trendy, and so whimsically offbeat that you can’t help but want to stay here! The included breakfast is absolutely to die for. This is hands down the best breakfast I’ve ever had in Austria outside of the family resorts. Fresh fruits, meats, made to order eggs, pancakes, waffles, fresh pastries, the list goes on. My picky little one ate every single thing I put on his plate – and asked for more! Just promise me you won’t book our favorite room when we come back…

Best for Budget & Location: Hotel Zach
This classy hotel is nearly equidistant from the train station and the main Christmas markets. It’s just a few blocks from the Marie-Theresien Strasse market and shopping areas. Featuring a self-playing piano, this hotel reminds me of my grandparents and their elegance. However, it is also welcoming to children and there were a number of families during our stay with little ones. The included breakfast is small, but tasty and the server very attentive.

Best Location to Train Station: Motel One Innsbruck
Literally next to the train station, you can’t beat the convenience of this hotel. While I haven’t personally stayed at this location, I’m a huge fan of the Motel One chain. The rooms are very small, but if you’re only coming back to sleep that won’t matter. The hotels are always impeccably clean and we love the modern, cozy vibe downstairs and their included breakfast.

🍽️ Where to Eat in Innsbruck with Kids

If your child can’t handle one more Schnitzel and you’re tearing your hair out for where to eat, I have a few places to recommend.

Not too far from both Altstadthotel Weisses Kreuz and Hotel Zach, just off Marie-Theresien Strasse is Pizza Crocodiles. They have very tasty pizzas that fit even the grumpiest of traveler’s tastes. There is also a kid’s menu which can be a bit hidden on the bigger menu, so always ask if you can’t find it.

For something a little different, Arabisk serves absolutely spectacular Arabic (specifically Syrian) cuisine. All of us absolutely raved about the food. It is very cramped inside and I wouldn’t say that it’s suitable for very young children, but my 4 year old enjoyed the food and the ambience. All that said, you absolutely must make reservations and I highly recommend trying to go at non-popular times to avoid the rush.

Happy Holidays!

Whether you only have time to visit one or you undertake the 4 hour walking tour of all 7 Innsbruck Christmas Markets, be sure to grab a mug of glühwien, kinderpunsch, or hot cocoa and enjoy the brass band sounds of Austria at Christmastime.

Looking for things to do with your kiddos while in Innsbruck? Check out my guide for the best activities in winter!
Ready to get Christmasy in Salzburg? Read my take on the most kid-friendly Christmas markets here.