Stuttgart Christmas Market with Kids: A Festive Family Guide

The Stuttgart Christmas Market might not be as famous as some of the big names in Germany, but they’re absolutely worth visiting—especially when you’re travelling with kids.

Spread across several squares in the city centre, it’s honestly one of our favourite markets and feels made especially for families. There’s space to move, fun activities for younger kids, and plenty of festive charm without feeling overwhelming. 

In this post, I’ll walk through what to expect at the Christmas Markets in Stuttgart, what makes it so family-friendly, and how to plan your visit.

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Why Visit the Christmas Market in Stuttgart?

Stuttgart doesn’t just have one Christmas market to experience. There’s actually a few main markets to explore, all right in the heart of the city.

The main markets are spread across a few different squares, and are all close together, so you can wander from one to the next without feeling rushed. It makes things a lot easier when you’re visiting with kids—you’re not dealing with long walks or separate locations, and there’s always something new to check out just around the corner.

And while the layout is great, it’s the unique touches that really stood out to me. Little things, like the decorated rooftops, really made it fun. Every stall is decorated differently, and there’s even a friendly competition for the best one, so you end up looking up just as much as you’re looking around. My kids loved checking out the different decorations and it kept them engaged while I was browsing the stalls.

Compared to other Christmas markets we’ve visited, Stuttgart felt especially welcoming for families. There are so many little touches geared toward kids that it never felt like we were squeezing our way through an “adult” market. It was fun for all of us, whether we were grabbing a snack, checking out the stalls, or having fun on the kid-sized rides.

We visited during the week, and it was quiet enough to explore comfortably. On weekends, it got much busier, but we still made time to walk through on our way back to the hotel.

Where is the Stuttgart Christmas Market?

The Stuttgart Christmas Market takes place right in the heart of the city’s old town, spread across several connected squares: Schlossplatz, Marktplatz, Schillerplatz, and Karlsplatz. Everything is within easy walking distance, which makes it a lot easier when you’re visiting with kids.

Schlossplatz is the largest and most open of the squares, with wide spaces that are perfect if you’ve got a stroller or younger kids who need room to move. This is also where you’ll find some of the bigger light displays and family-friendly activities. 

From there, the market spills into Marktplatz and Schillerplatz, where the atmosphere feels a bit more traditional, with rows of decorated wooden stalls and fewer crowds.

Karlsplatz adds something a little different—a Finnish-themed market with mulled Glögi, grilled salmon, and Scandinavian crafts. There’s even a heated tent where you can warm up, which is especially a nice option when it gets chilly. 

Highlights for Kids

Stuttgart is one of the most family-friendly Christmas markets we’ve visited. There’s a dedicated kids’ area, wide open spaces to run around, and enough fun activities that we came back more than once.

Here are a few favourites for younger visitors:

• Mini steam train: This was the highlight for my kids. This little train winds through a winter village set up just for kids, and yes, they rode it more than once! It’s fun to watch and even better when you can ride along.
  
• Kid-sized rides: You’ll find a small carousel and a pint-sized Ferris wheel, both perfect for little ones. Adults don’t need to squeeze in either—my kids loved riding on their own while I enjoyed a quiet moment watching them.
  
• Light sculptures at Schlossplatz: Giant glowing displays shaped like Stuttgart landmarks (like the Porsche Museum and the zoo) are scattered across the square. There’s tons of space to explore, and every hour there’s a short light show that adds a bit more sparkle.
  
• Town Hall Advent calendar: Each evening at 6 p.m., a new window lights up accompanied by a short musical performance. It became part of our daily routine—and the kids looked forward to it every night.
  
• Hands-on activities: Cookie decorating was a hit. The cookies were different than what we usually make at home, which made it even more fun.

Even on busy evenings, the layout never felt overwhelming. And with so many different areas to explore, the kids were always discovering something new.

What to Eat at the Markets

You’ll find all the classic German Christmas market favourites in Stuttgart, and many of them work well for kids—whether you’re looking for a warm meal or a sweet treat to snack on while walking.

Some of our favourites:

• Käsespätzle – A cheesy noodle dish topped with crispy onions. It’s rich, comforting, and great for sharing—my picky eater even went back for seconds.
  
• Bratwurst in a bun – Simple, filling, and easy to eat on the go. A staple at every market, and Stuttgart’s stalls do it well. We first tried this at Dusseldorf’s markets, and it’s become a favourite since then.
  
• Candied nuts & warm waffles – Perfect for in-between stops. You’ll smell them before you see them.
  
• Schokoküsse (chocolate-covered marshmallow treats) – These were the clear winner with my kids. We tried them on day one and ended up getting them every day after…

Stuttgart also has the usual gingerbread hearts, but be warned: the big decorated ones are more for show than snacking. Ours ended up on the Christmas tree at home!

What to Buy at the Markets

You’ll find all the usual Christmas market favourites in Stuttgart—wooden ornaments, glowing lanterns, and handmade crafts. But what stood out most were the quality of the items and the variety across the different market areas.

If you’re looking to bring something home, here are a few things worth browsing:

• Wooden toys and ornaments – These make great souvenirs or gifts, especially for kids. Look for hand-carved figures, spinning pyramids, and classic tree decorations.
  
• Paper star lanterns – Easy to pack and always festive, these lanterns add a warm glow to any room once you’re home.
  
• Hand-blown glass – Not exactly kid-friendly, but fun to watch being made. A few stalls had artists working on-site, and it’s always fascinating to see the process.
  
• Schwäbisch keepsakes – Stuttgart is part of the Swabian region, and some stalls sell small local crafts and decorations unique to the area.
  
• Glühwein mugs – Each year, Stuttgart’s markets have a different design, and you’ll get one with your first drink. If you keep it (instead of returning it for the deposit), it makes a fun souvenir—especially if you’re visiting other markets and collecting mugs along the way.

We like to choose one new ornament from every market we visit, and in Stuttgart, it was a simple wooden one with the city name. Now it’s a favourite to pull out each year when we decorate our tree, and a nice reminder of how much fun we had.

What to Wear in Stuttgart in December

December in Stuttgart can be chilly, especially in the evenings, so plan to dress in warm layers. Even though parts of the market are spread out, you’ll still be outside most of the time.

Here’s what we found helpful:

• Warm, waterproof boots: There’s often snow or slush, and you’ll be on your feet a lot. I wear these boots from Sorel and my kids wear lightweight Bogs.
• Layers: A base layer, sweater or fleece, and a winter jacket worked well.
• Hat, gloves, and scarf: Especially important once the sun goes down.
• Thermal leggings: Thermal leggings or fleece-lined pants are a good idea, especially for kids, as they might not be moving as fast as usual so it’s easy to get cold without realizing it. My kids wear these base layers under their pants.
• Wool Socks: Wool is warmer than cotton and stay comfortable even after hours outside
• Crossbody bag: Handy for keeping snacks, gloves, and small purchases close by. I never felt unsafe or had any issues with pickpockets, but it’s always a good idea to keep things zipped and in front of you in busy areas. You can wear this crossbody bag overtop or under a coat.

Tips for Visiting the Stuttgart Christmas Market

• Visit during the week – It’s quieter and easier to explore with kids. Weekends are busier but still manageable, especially earlier in the day.
• Bring cash – Not all stalls take cards, especially for small snacks or rides.
• Strollers are doable – The main areas like Schlossplatz have plenty of space, though it gets tighter around Marktplatz.
• Look for warm-up spots – The Finnish market in Karlsplatz has a heated tent, which is perfect for a break on colder days.
• Time your visit – If you want to catch the Advent calendar performance, be at the Town Hall by 6 p.m. It’s quick, festive, and a nice way to end the day.

Where to Stay in Stuttgart for Christmas Markets

The best place to stay is in Stuttgart-Mitte, the city centre, where you’ll be walking distance from all the main market squares. We didn’t, but wish we had! Being close means you can easily pop back to the hotel for a break or head out again in the evening without a long walk back to the hotel.

Here are two family-friendly picks:

• Maritim Hotel Stuttgart – Spacious rooms and a quiet location just a short walk from Schlossplatz. It’s a great option if you want a comfortable stay away from the busiest areas, with room for kids to relax at the end of the day.
• EmiLu Design Hotel – Modern, style‑forward and right in the heart of Stuttgart‑Mitte. It offers family rooms (some with connecting doors) and a location that puts you minutes from the markets and transport.

When you’re visiting with young kids, staying central makes a big difference. Everything is walkable, and you won’t need to worry about using public transit or finding parking during the busiest times.

Getting to Stuttgart and Around the City

Stuttgart is easy to reach by train or air, and the main Christmas market areas are right in the city centre. If you’re arriving by train, it’s just a short walk from Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof to Schlossplatz, where the markets begin.

The market layout is compact and walkable, which makes it easy to explore without needing public transport once you’re in the city. If you’re staying in the centre, you’ll be able to get around entirely on foot—even with a stroller.

If you’re driving, be aware that parking can be tricky during market season. It’s often easier to park outside the city centre and take public transport in, especially during busy evening hours.

Other Christmas Markets Near Stuttgart

If you’ve got a few extra days, there are two smaller Christmas markets near Stuttgart that are easy to visit as half-day trips. We visited both, and loved that they both offered something a little different than Stuttgart’s markets.

Esslingen Medieval Christmas Market

Just 20 minutes by train from Stuttgart, Esslingen transforms into a medieval village during Advent. There are performers in costume, fire pits, and traditional games that make it feel completely different from other markets.

It’s great for kids, with things like catapult launches, blacksmith demonstrations, and market theatre that feels more interactive than the usual market stalls. The vibe is completely different than other German Christmas markets, but in the best way. 

Ludwigsburg Baroque Christmas Market

Only 15 minutes from Stuttgart by train, Ludwigsburg’s market is set against the backdrop of a baroque palace. It’s known for its angel-themed decorations and long rows of stalls that light up beautifully in the evening.

It’s a bit calmer than Stuttgart’s market, and we found it nice for a slower-paced visit—especially with younger kids who had already spent a lot of energy exploring the bigger market.

Final Thoughts: Is the Stuttgart Christmas Market Worth Visiting with Kids?

Stuttgart is a great Christmas market to visit with kids. It’s easy to get around, and having several market areas to explore means there’s always something new to see—without needing to cover too much ground. The dedicated kids’ section adds a lot, but the whole setup works well for families, from the wide open spaces at Schlossplatz to quieter corners like Karlsplatz and Schillerplatz.

It’s the kind of place where you can dip into the festive atmosphere, pick up a few treats, let the kids enjoy a ride or two, and still feel like everyone had a good day. For us, it was a fun and easy way to experience Christmas markets together—and one we’d love to visit again.

Planning more festive adventures? You might also like our guides to the Vienna Christmas Markets, or closer in Germany, the Cologne Christmas Market, Düsseldorf Christmas Markets, or the Mannheim Christmas Market—all great options if you’re exploring with kids. You can also check out our round-up of the Best German Christmas Markets for more inspiration. And if you’re starting to prep, don’t miss what to pack for the Christmas Markets for everything you’ll want to bring along.