Last year, we revived our tradition of pre-Christmas trips and soaked up the festive spirit at the Vienna Christmas markets. This year, we wanted a change, so we chose one of Europe’s oldest and most famous markets—Nuremberg. Our five-member group, two adults and three young kids under five, decided to try for a peaceful experience by going mid-week from Wednesday to Friday. We’re still enjoying the freedom of not being bound by school schedules, so we can travel whenever we like. Our adventure began in Brno, where we set out on our journey with just one stop past Plzeň for a quick fast-food meal. The kids did great on the trip, so we decided to indulge them a bit. After a few hours, we arrived in Nuremberg and settled into a hostel near the main train station. The room was small but cozy, and the most important thing was having our own bathroom—a must with little ones. The bunk beds quickly turned into a playground, giving us time to unpack while the kids pretended to be little monkeys. Our first evening, we explored the city. Nuremberg was beautifully decorated with Christmas lights and trees. The atmosphere was magical but not overly extravagant. We tasted the famous Nuremberg sausages in a bun and traditional punch. The kids devoured their sausages so fast we parents were left with only empty buns. The evening turned into a minor battle over who would sleep where. After a few changes, mom ended up with the three kids in a double bed, and dad took the bottom bunk. For extra safety, we had brought a bed rail from home, and dad added an extra mattress so no one would fall. We settled like puzzle pieces and went to sleep. The next morning was a bit slow to start. By the time the kids fully woke up, dad was back with a bag full of breakfast treats. After a quick meal, we set off into the city. Our first stop was the toy museum, where the kids spent ages admiring various exhibits. The usual no-touch displays quickly bored them, but thankfully, there was a playroom to save the day. We then headed to Nuremberg Castle, where we enjoyed a beautiful view of the city. After lunch, we walked to the Congress Hall, a monumental, unfinished Nazi-era project that now serves as an exhibition space documenting this dark chapter in history. While the place left a deep impression on us adults, the kids mostly saw it as a big concrete maze. A light rain added to the somber atmosphere. We took a tram back to the center and waited out the rain in the hostel to recharge for another evening stroll. That evening, we dived into the bustling Christmas markets, admiring dozens of stalls with all sorts of goods. We also saw a children’s lantern parade heading from the city center towards the castle. We sipped Christmas punch at our leisure while the kids searched for more decorated trees. We returned to the hostel slowly, prepared for a quicker bedtime this time since everyone knew their sleeping spots—no more bed-switching games! The next morning, after breakfast, we packed up and headed to Zirndorf – to the Playmobil FunPark. The kids were thrilled and spent nearly three hours there, not knowing where to jump next. There were so many toys, building sets, and climbing areas that they got to enjoy everything to their hearts’ content. Although most outdoor attractions were closed for the winter season, at least the ice rink was open. Before we left, we couldn’t resist buying some souvenirs, which we subtly suggested would make great Christmas gifts. The return trip to Brno was long, but we arrived happy and satisfied, albeit in the dark and with a bit of car sickness along the way.

Our plan for next year? We can’t wait already…