Short Winter Getaway to Tirol for Families
Getting to Tirol for a winter weekend is an ideal short break for families. After many many messages back and forth with friends, Viennese colleagues and my Aussie mates, I thought it was high time to give a rundown on how to have a great winter getaway to Tirol in the run up to Christmas.
This guide will outline your perfect winter getaway to Tirol from the eyes of a local - sticking to the Wilder Kaiser region specifically, cos that’s what we know best - to give you a clear idea of the wonderful family friendly activities and Christmassy fun that can be had.
With festive Christmas markets, gorgeous alpine backdrop, immersive child-friendly events, plus the opening of the ski gondolas to get you up on a mountain (with a small chance of snow!) an early winter weekend getaway or short break in Tirol can kickoff your festive celebrations in classic styl
What to Do in Tirol for a Winter Getaway
In the lead up to Christmas, there are so many activities to do in Tirol and the Wilder Kaiser region, but it can be hard to navigate if you don’t know what and where and how it all works.
For this guide, I’m going to focus on the activities that work best for families, but to be honest most couples and groups of friends would enjoy them too!
Local Christmas Markets
Let’s get the most asked question out of the way first - where to go for Christmas Markets and festive feels.
Innsbruck Christmas Markets: If you are flying into or staying in Innsbruck, from November 15th the Christmas Markets in the old town are open daily from 10am to 9pm.
Christmas Markets are gorgeous to stroll around, with lots of hand crafted gift stalls, souvenirs and deliciously cosy carb-y snacks and treats.
However, if you are visiting with kids, the novelty of them asking for a sugary treat or toy wears off in about 7 minutes. To avoid total meltdowns, you are going to want to head straight for the Marktplatz Christmas Markets, beside the river Inn, where there are small rides, puppet shows and activities for kids to enjoy. There is normally a petting zoo, and for older kids a VR sleigh ride. All of it comes with the gorgeous backdrop of a gigantic Swarovski Christmas tree, and of course stalls with Gluten and snacks for the adults.
*Note in 2025 the Marktplatz Christmas Markets in Innsbruck open on November 21st, so time your visit accordingly.
Innsbruck has multiple Christmas markets throughout the city, most open from mid-November until December 23rd. A handful will occasionally stay running until the 6th of January, but you really do need to plan on going pre Christmas to get the best of the markets.
Kufstein Christmas Markets: If you are looking for a more local feeling Christmas market experience, you can head to either Kufstein or St Johann, depending on where you decide to base yourself for your stay. Or, if road tripping is your jam, why not both?
Kufstein Christmas markets are a personal favourite of mine, because they are so damn cute aaaannnnd right beside a playground for kids. So as long as you have a good ski onesie and layers for your kiddo, you can enjoy browsing hand made gifts and crafts, or sipping on a fruity cinnamon punsch while your kiddo burns off energy and their sugar high.
Kufstein Christmas Markets Details 2025: Opening November 21st - December 23rd, Wednesday - Sunday, 4pm -8pm
Kufstein is also ideal to visit as its not a huge city, but they have a medieval Fortress that dominates the skyline and really brings the old fashioned Christmas spirit to the city. This year, on each weekend in the leadup to Christmas the Festung Kufstein hosts a ‘Christmas Magic in the Fortress’ event. For €6 entry you can see more handmade gifts, craft stalls, kids activities and all against the moody medieval backdrop of a genuine fortress. We missed this last year so keen to check it out this year!
St Johann Christmas Markets Another option for cutie Christmas markets in a very beautiful old town.
Think of this as an add-on option, if you are heading to St Johann or surrounding area, their Christmas markets will give you a taste of how locals enjoy Christmas markets. Small, but sweet, with food stands, artisan design, live music and a few kid friendly bits and pieces.
Details: Only open weekends, 28th November - 23rd December, Friday to Sunday from 2pm.
Festive Activities & Fun
Aside from Christmas markets, there are a bunch of festive, fun outdoor activities to immerse yourself in when visiting Tirol in Winter as a family.
Lumagica Innsbruck. Is a stunning immersive light display and installation in the cities Hofgarten. Once the sun sets in early evening, you can experience this for yourself.