Your journey starts with the long-haul Delhi → London Heathrow flight, so for a family of 6 I’d strongly aim for a late-evening departure on 18 Dec or an overnight flight that lands on 19 Dec before noon. A nonstop is ideal if you can get it; otherwise one stop via Doha, Dubai, or Istanbul keeps things manageable with kids. Expect about 9–11 hours in the air on a direct route, plus a couple of hours for immigration, bags, and the usual Heathrow shuffle. Keep all passports, printed hotel details, and any onward transport confirmation handy because December arrivals can be busy and a bit slow moving.
Once you land, skip the stress of trains with luggage and use a private airport transfer from Heathrow Airport to your hotel near Victoria / Westminster. For six people plus bags, book a van or minibus in advance; it usually takes about 45–75 minutes depending on traffic, and the fixed-rate style pickup is far easier than splitting into taxis. Expect roughly £90–£150 total for a good family-sized transfer, and tell the driver in advance if you have strollers or oversized luggage so the right vehicle shows up. Your base, The Rubens at the Palace, is a very sensible first-night choice: elegant, central, and close enough to the sights that nobody needs another transfer after checking in.
After check-in, keep the first sightseeing block light and classic. Walk over to Buckingham Palace first for the exterior, the forecourt, and a few family photos — in late December the palace is closed to inside visitors, so this is really about the iconic approach and the surrounding Westminster atmosphere. If you want a snack or warm drink before the walk, the nearby cafes around Victoria Street are practical and easy, but don’t overdo it; the goal is just to stretch your legs and let the kids shake off the flight. This is a very stroller-friendly area, though the sidewalks get busier closer to the palace gates, so keep close together.
From there, continue into St. James’s Park, which is exactly the kind of gentle first-day reset a family needs after an international flight. The paths are flat, there are ducks and swans on the lake, and the views toward the palace and government buildings are lovely even in winter. Plan on about 45 minutes, maybe a little longer if the children want to wander or you want to sit for a while. In December it gets dark early in London, so if you’re arriving later than planned, just shorten this part and enjoy it as a calm stroll rather than trying to “see everything.”
For dinner, head to Dishoom Covent Garden — it’s one of the safest crowd-pleasers in London for a family, with dishes that work for both adults and kids, and it tends to feel lively without being too formal. Reserve ahead because holiday-season dinner slots fill up quickly, especially on a Saturday in December. Budget around £25–£40 per person depending on how much everyone orders, and if the little one is tired, you can always keep it simple with naan, grilled items, rice, and a few shared sides. After dinner, take the easy ride back by taxi or your prebooked car to The Rubens at the Palace; on arrival day, keeping transport door-to-door is worth it so everyone can crash early and be ready for your first full London day tomorrow.
Start with Westminster Abbey as early as you can—ideally be there for opening time, because winter mornings are the quietest and you’ll get a calmer visit before the school groups and tour waves arrive. From central London, take the Underground to Westminster Station and walk 5 minutes; if you’re already staying central, a black cab is easier with kids and coats. Plan about 1.5 hours inside if you want to do it properly: the nave, the coronation chairs, Poets’ Corner, and the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior are the parts worth slowing down for. Tickets are usually around £30–£35 for adults, with child prices lower; book a timed entry online in advance because December weekends can still sell out. Keep an eye on bag rules—large backpacks are a nuisance here—and dress warmly because you’ll be in and out of cold stone interiors and chilly queues.
After the Abbey, step out for your classic London photo run: Big Ben first, then the Houses of Parliament right beside it. You don’t need much time—20 minutes is enough for the pictures and to let the kids enjoy the “that’s the real clock tower!” moment. The best angle is from the Westminster Bridge side, where you can also get a wide shot of the Thames and the Abbey behind you. If it’s drizzling, don’t worry; London in winter looks especially good in soft grey light, and you can keep moving without losing the day to weather.
Walk or take one stop on the Underground down to the South Bank for the London Eye. This is one of those spots that works especially well for a family because everyone gets the same view without needing to hike all over the city. Expect about an hour total including queue and ride, though pre-booked fast-track tickets can save a lot of time; prices are usually around £30–£40 for adults and less for children, depending on demand. On a clear winter day you’ll see all the way across central London, and on a cloudy one the ride still feels special because the city lights and river feel so close. If your 7-year-old is tired, this is a good reset because it’s seated, warm, and low-effort.
Right after, drift into the Southbank Centre Winter Market area for lunch and a relaxed wander. This is the nicest part of the day to just slow down—grab street food, hot chocolate, mulled drinks for the adults, and let the kids pick snacks without a long sit-down meal. In December, the market atmosphere is festive, with river views, lights, and plenty of casual places to stand and eat, so you don’t need to overplan it. Budget roughly £12–£20 per person depending on what you eat. If the weather is miserable, duck briefly into the indoor areas around the Southbank Centre and keep the walk short; everything here is close together and easy to manage.
For dinner, head to Flat Iron Covent Garden in the Covent Garden area. It’s a smart choice for a family because it’s central, unfussy, and good value for London—roughly £20–£35 per person depending on sides and drinks. From the South Bank, you can take a short Tube ride or a taxi if the kids are done walking; it’s not a hard transfer. Covent Garden is lively in the evening, and if everyone still has energy after dinner, you can do a quick stroll around Covent Garden Piazza and the surrounding streets before heading back. It’s a good “last stop” kind of night: easy food, no fuss, and a pleasant London buzz without overloading the day.
Leave London early, ideally around 8:00 AM, so you beat both commuter traffic and the heavier day-trip crowds heading into Oxford. The easiest family-friendly option is a direct train from London Paddington to Oxford; it’s usually about 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes, and with station time you should count on 1.5 hours door to door. If you’re carrying more luggage than day-bags, a private coach can be a calmer option, but the train is usually smoother for this route. Book reserved seats in advance, especially for six people, and try to sit together on the left or right side only if you care about the view — honestly, for this short ride, together matters more than side. From Oxford station, grab a short taxi or local bus into the city centre, or walk if everyone’s happy with a 15–20 minute stroll.
Start at Christ Church, the big-ticket stop that feels worth it even with kids because it has the scale and drama to keep everyone interested. Aim to arrive near opening time if possible; winter hours can shift, so check the day before, but a morning slot is best before the groups pile in. Give yourselves about 1.5 hours here, including the Great Hall and the grounds. Adult tickets are usually around £20–£25, with child/student pricing lower; for a family this is one of the priciest stops of the day, but it’s the Oxford classic. After that, walk across the centre to the Bodleian Library for a guided visit — this is a quieter, more refined contrast to Christ Church, and it works well if you want one “wow” history stop that doesn’t feel too long. Plan roughly 45 minutes, and book ahead because tours do fill up.
From there, head to the Radcliffe Camera for your essential Oxford photo stop. You don’t need much time here — about 20 minutes is enough — but this is the moment to slow down and let the city do its thing. The best part of Oxford is not rushing between sights; it’s the small lanes, bicycle bells, old stone, and the sense that everything is tucked into a compact little medieval puzzle. Keep walking at a relaxed pace toward the Covered Market, which is exactly the kind of place that works well for a family lunch because everyone can choose differently. This is where you’ll find pastries, sandwiches, simple hot meals, and easy browsing without needing a formal restaurant reservation. A good strategy is to split up for 10 minutes, let the kids pick something fun, then reconvene at one of the central tables. Budget roughly £10–£20 per person depending on what you order.
After lunch, continue on foot to The Turf Tavern in the Holywell Street area. It’s a classic old Oxford pub tucked away down narrow lanes, and the approach is part of the fun — you feel like you’ve found a secret. For a winter family visit, go earlier rather than later in the afternoon if you want a calmer atmosphere and easier seating. Expect pub-style meals around £18–£35 per person, with the usual mix of pies, burgers, fish and chips, and seasonal comfort food. If the weather is cold, this is a good place to warm up before the return journey. Give yourselves an unhurried final hour here, then head back to London by train or pre-booked coach in the late afternoon, ideally leaving around 4:00–5:00 PM so you’re back for a simple dinner and an early night. Keep the evening light — after a full Oxford day, the smartest move is getting home, relaxing, and saving energy for the Paris transfer tomorrow.
Take the Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord and plan to arrive in central Paris feeling a bit travel-worn but still with most of the day ahead. For a family of 6, I’d keep luggage light and aim for the 8:00–9:00 AM departure so you can still do a proper first-day loop without rushing. Once you roll into Paris, a prebooked taxi is the easiest with kids and bags; if you’re traveling light, the RER/metro works too, but on a first day I’d prioritize convenience over saving a few euros. Check-in at Hôtel des Grands Boulevards in the 2nd arrondissement and give yourselves about an hour to freshen up, drop bags, and reset. This is a great base because it feels central without being as hectic as the big tourist zones, and you’ll be able to walk into the heart of things easily.
Start with Place Vendôme, which is one of those Paris spots that feels instantly elegant, especially in December when the holiday displays and window dressing are at their best. It’s a calm, beautiful first stop after the train, and kids usually enjoy the “wow” factor of the square and the luxury storefronts more than the adults expect. From there, wander into Jardin des Tuileries, where the wide paths and open space make it a perfect decompression stop for everyone after travel — especially the 7-year-old, who will appreciate having room to move. Then head into the Louvre Museum for a highlights visit only; don’t try to “do the Louvre” in one go. Focus on the big-ticket rooms, keep the visit to about 2.5 hours, and book timed-entry tickets in advance if possible, especially around Christmas week. For a family of 6, tickets are typically around €22 per adult, and under-18s are usually free, but always double-check the booking page before you go.
Finish at Angelina Paris on Rue de Rivoli, just a short walk from the Tuileries, for the classic hot chocolate and pastries stop everyone talks about. It’s exactly the right kind of gentle, celebratory first evening in Paris after a travel day, and the menu works well for a mixed-age group. Expect roughly €10–20 per person depending on what you order, and if the main tea room queue looks too long, the takeaway counter is a smart backup. Afterward, keep the evening flexible: either stroll a little more around the 1st arrondissement or head back to the hotel early so the family is well-rested for the rest of Paris.
Start in Île de la Cité, which is the right place to ease into Paris on foot because everything here is compact, atmospheric, and very “old Paris.” From your hotel, take the Métro or a taxi into the center and begin wandering around the small streets and bridges for about 30 minutes before your first stop. This is also the best part of the day for photos because the light is soft and the crowds are still manageable. From here, walk to Notre-Dame Cathedral for the exterior and surrounding area, which is still one of the most important family photo stops in the city. Give yourself about 45 minutes to circle the cathedral, admire the façade, and stroll the river edge; the area is free, but it does get busy, so keep an eye on the kids near the embankments and bridges.
Continue to Sainte-Chapelle, which is one of those places that feels special even if you’ve seen a hundred churches in Europe. Book timed entry in advance if you can, because winter days are short and the queue can eat up valuable daylight. Expect around €13–€20 per adult depending on ticket type, with reduced rates for children and teens; it usually takes about an hour including security. After that, walk down toward the river and board your Seine River cruise near Pont Neuf or Port de la Bourdonnais. This is a very low-effort, high-reward break for a mixed-age family: everyone can sit, warm up, and see the city from the water without overdoing the walking. Cruise tickets are usually around €16–€22 per adult and less for children; the ride is about an hour, and the most comfortable boats leave from the core tourist quays close to the Louvre side or near the Eiffel area.
Plan the Eiffel Tower for late afternoon into early evening, because that’s when Paris feels most cinematic and the tower lights up beautifully after sunset. Take a taxi or Métro Line 6 toward Bir-Hakeim or Trocadéro, then walk in from there; with kids, I’d honestly lean on a taxi/Uber from the river cruise area to save energy. If you want to go up the tower, book timed tickets well in advance, especially for December holidays, and expect roughly €11–€29 per person depending on level and age, plus extra time for security and lift queues. If the group is tired, even staying on the ground level and around the Champ de Mars is still worth it. End the night with dinner at Café de l’Homme in the Trocadéro area for a proper festive finish; reserve ahead and request a window or terrace-side table if available, because the tower view is the whole point. Dinner here typically runs about €40–€80 per person, and for a family of 6 it’s smart to book an early seating so the younger child doesn’t get overtired.
Take the TGV / Eurostar from Paris Gare du Nord to Brussels-Midi on the early side so you’re not rushing the rest of the day; with a family of 6, a 9:00 AM departure is the sweet spot. Expect about 1 hour 20 minutes on the train, then add a little buffer for platform changes and the easy taxi ride or short metro hop up to Avenue Louise. I’d keep luggage compact, prebook seats together if possible, and plan for a fairly smooth hotel drop-off at Steigenberger Wiltcher’s—it’s a good call for this trip because the area is calmer, elegant, and easier on tired legs than staying right in the busiest square.
After a proper check-in and a short reset, head into the center for Grand Place. In winter it looks especially atmospheric in the late morning and early afternoon, with the guildhalls catching the light and the square feeling alive but not overwhelming. Give yourselves about 45 minutes here: enough for photos, a slow circle of the square, and a quick warm-up break if the wind bites. The walk is very manageable, but if the kids are done with walking by this point, a taxi from the hotel to the historic center is worth the few extra euros.
From Grand Place, it’s a very easy wander into the Royal Galleries of Saint Hubert, one of the loveliest covered passages in Europe and exactly where you want to be on a December day. This is the place for slow strolling, window-shopping, and a hot chocolate stop at one of the classic chocolate counters; budget roughly €6–€12 per person if you want drinks or a small treat. Stay about 45 minutes, then continue on foot to Manneken Pis—it’s a tiny stop, but it’s the kind of iconic Brussels moment that’s worth seeing once, especially with kids. Don’t overstay; 20 minutes is plenty, and the fun is mostly in the quick photo and the surrounding old streets.
For dinner, settle into Chez Léon on Rue des Bouchers for a classic Brussels meal. It’s touristy, yes, but in a good, dependable way for a family trip: mussels, fries, croquettes, roast chicken, and simple kid-friendly dishes make it easy for everyone to eat well without fuss. Expect around €25–€45 per person, depending on drinks and how many sharing plates you order. If you go early evening, you’ll avoid the heaviest dinner rush, and it leaves you with a relaxed first night in Brussels rather than a packed schedule.
Start early at Grand Place — on Christmas Day it’s worth being there as soon as you’re up, because the square feels much calmer before late-morning visitors arrive. It’s a short, easy wander and perfect for family photos: the gilded guildhalls, the tree if it’s still up, and the winter light bouncing off the cobbles. From most central hotels, you can walk here in 5–10 minutes; if you’re carrying a stroller or tired kids, a quick taxi from the hotel is usually just €8–15. After that, slip into Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, which is one of the nicest places in Brussels to warm up without losing the festive mood. It’s all indoors, so it works well in December, and you can browse chocolate shops, bookstores, and the arcade-style passageways at an easy pace for about 45 minutes.
Continue on foot to Musée Magritte Museum at Mont des Arts for a good indoor break; holiday hours can be reduced on December 25, so it’s smart to check the official opening times and buy tickets online if they’re running. Expect roughly €10–15 per adult, with children usually discounted or free depending on age, and plan about 1.5 hours if you want to do it without rushing. Once you come out, spend a little time at Mont des Arts itself — it’s one of the best easy viewpoints in the city center, and the walk is pleasant even for kids because you can just meander between terraces, stairs, and the small garden area. It’s also a handy reset point between the museum stop and the rest of the day, with cafés nearby if anyone needs hot chocolate or a snack.
For the bigger afternoon outing, head to Atomium in Heysel/Laeken. The easiest family move is a taxi from the center, which is usually the least stressful on a holiday, though the metro is also doable if you want to save money; budget around €20–30 by taxi depending on traffic. Give yourself 1.5–2 hours there, and if the kids like big visual landmarks, this will probably be their highlight of the day. Tickets are usually around €16–18 for adults, with child pricing lower, and it’s worth checking whether you want to go all the way up for the views or just enjoy the structure and grounds. On the way back toward the center, keep the evening flexible and not too ambitious — Christmas Day in Brussels is much better when you leave room for wandering, snacks, and a slower pace.
Book a local brasserie near Grand Place for Christmas dinner, because a lot of places either close completely or do limited holiday service. A good rule is to reserve one that’s genuinely central so you don’t have to deal with a long return trip after dinner; expect about €30–60 per person depending on what you order, with kids often able to share plates or go for simpler dishes. Look for a warm, classic spot serving Belgian staples like carbonnade flamande, moules-frites if available in season, waterzooi, and decent desserts for the children. After dinner, it’s a lovely night to do one last slow loop around Grand Place before heading back to the hotel — if the weather is crisp, the square can feel almost cinematic after dark.
Take the Eurostar from Brussels Zuid/Midi to Amsterdam Centraal and aim for the 9:00 AM service so you reach Amsterdam with enough daylight to keep the day easy. With a family of six, I’d keep one bag per person and use the station luggage area only if you arrive early; otherwise head straight out after arrival. From Amsterdam Centraal, a taxi is the simplest with kids and winter coats, but the tram is fine too if everyone’s comfortable navigating one quick transfer. Expect to be checked into Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht in the Canal Belt in about an hour, and this is a very good base for a family trip: stylish but relaxed, central without being noisy, and easy for walking to the old core.
Once you’ve dropped bags and reset, walk over to Dam Square for a gentle first orientation. It’s the kind of stop that gives everyone their bearings fast: open plaza, street performers, holiday energy, and easy sightlines for kids. It takes about 30 minutes at a comfortable pace, and in late December it’s usually brisk, so keep this one short and simple rather than trying to overdo the sightseeing. If anyone needs a warm drink, pop into a nearby café on the way and let the family regroup before heading into the main landmark right there on the square.
Go into the Royal Palace Amsterdam, which is a smart choice on a travel-heavy day because it’s substantial but not exhausting. Plan roughly 1 hour inside; tickets are usually best booked online in advance, especially around holiday week, and adults should expect about €12–€15 each with children discounted. After that, stroll a few minutes to Magna Plaza, the grand old shopping arcade behind Dam Square. It’s handy for a snack, restrooms, and a bit of low-effort browsing if the kids need a reset; 30 minutes is enough unless you all get pulled into the shops.
For dinner, walk or take a short tram/taxi ride to The Pancake Bakery on Prinsengracht, which is exactly the kind of first-night meal that works well with mixed ages and jet lag. Dutch pancakes here are generous, kid-friendly, and easy to share; budget about €15–€30 per person, a little more if you add drinks or dessert. Ask for a table inside if it’s chilly, and try to eat earlier than the local dinner rush, around 6:00–7:00 PM. After that, keep the rest of the evening open for a slow canal walk near your hotel or an early night so everyone is fresh for the museum day ahead.
Start your day at the Rijksmuseum on Museumplein as soon as it opens, because this is the kind of place that gets tiring fast if you arrive late and try to do too much. From most central Amsterdam hotels, take a tram or taxi to Museumplein; with a family of 6, a taxi or Uber is often the least stressful option in winter. Pre-book tickets for a timed entry if you can—expect roughly €25 per adult, with child pricing usually lower, and plan about 2.5 hours so you can enjoy the highlights without rushing. Focus on the big names and Dutch masterpieces, then let the kids enjoy the quieter galleries for a bit; the building itself is also a treat, and the winter light on the square is especially nice.
Step out into Vondelpark for a change of pace and a reset between museums. In December it’ll be chilly, but that’s part of the charm—just keep it to a relaxed 45-minute walk rather than treating it like a destination. Enter from the Museumplein side and drift along the paths toward the Oud-Zuid edge, stopping for hot chocolate or coffee if the weather turns sharp; this is the right moment to let everyone breathe, especially the 7-year-old. It’s an easy transition on foot and keeps the day feeling balanced instead of museum-heavy.
Head back toward Museumplein for the Van Gogh Museum, which is the better second museum because it feels more intimate and easier to enjoy after the Rijksmuseum. Book timed tickets in advance—expect around €22–€24 per adult, with reduced rates for children—and give yourselves 1.5 to 2 hours. If the adults in the group like art, this pairing works really well; if the younger child starts fading, keep the visit focused on the most famous works and move on before museum fatigue sets in. From here, take a short taxi or tram into De Pijp for the Heineken Experience; it’s a fun, interactive stop for the adults and the 13-year-old, and the younger child can still enjoy the lively atmosphere around the neighborhood while the grown-ups do the tour. Tickets are usually around €25–€30 per adult, and it’s worth reserving ahead because holiday slots fill up quickly.
Finish with dinner at De Kas in Amsterdam East, which is one of those restaurants locals recommend when they want to impress visiting family without going full tourist-trap. It’s set in a greenhouse-style building in Frankendael, and the seasonal menu is the whole point, so book well in advance for this holiday week—expect roughly €35–€70 per person depending on what you order. Because it’s a bit outside the center, go by taxi from De Pijp or your hotel rather than trying to piece together multiple trams after a long day. After dinner, if you still have energy, do a quiet ride back toward your hotel through the lit-up city; for tomorrow, keep the morning flexible and allow a little extra time if you’re heading out early from Amsterdam.
Take the morning flight from Amsterdam Schiphol to Zurich and plan it so you land with enough daylight to keep the day relaxed, not rushed. For a family of six, I’d aim for a mid-morning departure so you’re not dragging everyone out too early after Christmas-season travel, and once you land, use the airport train or a taxi straight into the center. With luggage, the easiest move is a taxi to your hotel, especially in winter; otherwise the train into Zürich HB is fast and very manageable. Check in at Baur au Lac on the lakeside, which is one of those Zurich hotels that makes family travel feel effortless: quiet rooms, polished service, and a location that lets you walk almost everywhere without wrestling with transit. Give yourselves about an hour here to settle in, warm up, and maybe grab tea or hot chocolate before heading out.
From the hotel, head down to Bahnhofstrasse for your first proper Zurich stroll. This is the city’s big elegant shopping boulevard, but in late December it’s really about the atmosphere: glowing storefronts, tidy window displays, and that crisp, orderly Swiss winter feel. Keep this as an easy wander rather than a shopping mission; with kids, it’s best to let them enjoy the lights and the people-watching while you browse a few chocolate shops or stop for a quick snack. A comfortable pace here is about 45 minutes, and you’ll naturally drift into the Old Town as the street narrows and the city feels more intimate.
Next, walk up to Lindenhof, which is the perfect low-key break after the flight. It’s a small hilltop viewpoint rather than a big attraction, and that’s exactly why it works: you get a lovely look over the rooftops and the river, and everyone can pause without needing to “do” anything. From there, make your way down to the Lake Zurich promenade around Bürkliplatz and into Seefeld for an easy lakeside stretch. This is one of the nicest parts of Zurich for families because the walking is flat, the views are open, and there’s space for the children to reset after the travel day. If everyone’s hungry before dinner, this is also a good time for a warm drink or a simple café stop nearby.
For dinner, go to Zeughauskeller in the Old Town, which is exactly the kind of first-night restaurant that works well for mixed ages and tired travelers. It’s lively, central, and reliably hearty, with Swiss staples like rösti, schnitzel, sausages, and seasonal comfort food that suits adults and kids alike. Expect roughly CHF 25–45 per person, depending on what you order, and it’s worth booking ahead because holiday-season evenings fill quickly. After dinner, keep the night simple: a gentle walk back through the center or a short taxi ride to Baur au Lac is enough. On a travel day like this, the win is not cramming in more sights — it’s landing smoothly, getting one beautiful city walk, and giving everyone a calm first evening in Switzerland.
Start early from Zurich HB and take the Intercity train to Lucerne around 8:00 AM. The ride is one of the easiest in Switzerland — about 50 minutes each way — and it’s very family-friendly because you avoid road traffic, don’t need to think about parking, and the train drops you right in the center. If you want maximum comfort with kids, reserve seats, especially since this is holiday season; otherwise the route is frequent and smooth. When you arrive, keep luggage light and use the left-luggage lockers at Lucerne station only if needed; for a simple day trip, it’s easier to walk straight into town.
From the station, head first to Chapel Bridge. It’s the classic Lucerne postcard moment, and in winter it feels even prettier with the low light over the Reuss River. Give yourselves about 30 minutes here for photos and an easy stroll along the covered bridge and riverside. From there, walk about 10–12 minutes to the Lion Monument — it’s a short stop, but worth it for the quiet atmosphere and the carved stone details. Families usually spend around 20 minutes here, longer if the kids are curious and you want to sit for a bit. After that, continue on foot toward the Lake Lucerne promenade for a relaxed 45-minute walk; this is the part of Lucerne that feels calm and scenic without trying too hard, with mountain views if the weather is clear and plenty of room for the children to move around.
For lunch, sit down at Restaurant Wirtshaus Galliker — one of the better old-school Swiss places in Lucerne and a good break before the return journey. It’s especially nice for a family because the menu is straightforward and local: rösti, schnitzel, bratwurst, and hearty seasonal dishes that work well in December. Expect roughly CHF 20–40 per person depending on what everyone orders, and it’s smart to arrive a little before the lunch rush or book ahead if you can. After lunch, take your time at the Swiss Transport Museum, which is the best kid-friendly stop in Lucerne and very easy to enjoy even if the weather is grey. Plan about 2 hours here; the hands-on exhibits, transport history, and interactive sections are especially good for the 7-year-old and 13-year-old, while the adults can move at a more relaxed pace. Tickets are usually around CHF 32 for adults and CHF 15–18 for children, with family options often available — worth checking the museum website in advance.
By late afternoon, make your way back to Lucerne station and take the train to Zurich HB again, aiming to leave around 5:00–6:00 PM so you arrive back before the evening gets too late. The return is just as simple as the morning ride, and if you’re carrying shopping bags or the kids are tired, this is one of the least stressful cross-city transfers on the trip. Once back in Zurich, keep the evening low-key — this is a good night for an easy hotel dinner, a short walk near the Limmat if everyone still has energy, and an early rest before the next travel day.
Take the Zürich HB → München Hbf train around 8:00 AM so you land in Munich with enough daylight to keep the day relaxed. With a family of six, reserve seats together if you can, keep one small backpack with snacks, wipes, chargers, and a change of clothes for the younger child, and aim for the Sofitel Munich Bayerpost near the station so check-in is painless. It’s one of the easiest arrivals in the city: from Munich Hauptbahnhof, it’s a short walk or a quick taxi to the hotel, and you should budget about 45–60 minutes to drop bags, freshen up, and get everyone out again without feeling rushed.
From the hotel, head straight to Marienplatz, the beating heart of the Altstadt. This is the best “we’ve arrived in Munich” moment of the day: the square feels grand but still easy to navigate with kids, and there are plenty of places to pause if someone needs a break. Walk slowly around the square, soak in the tram traffic and street life, and then focus on Neues Rathaus, which gives you that classic postcard Munich backdrop. If you want photos, stand on the southwest side of Marienplatz so the façade and square both fit in. In winter, it’s usually chilly and often damp, so gloves and a hat matter more than people think.
For lunch, make your way to Viktualienmarkt, which is only a short walk from Marienplatz and is perfect for a family group because everyone can choose something different. This is the place for simple, low-stress eating: fresh pretzels, sausages, soups, pastries, roast chicken, and hot drinks if the weather is biting. Budget roughly €12–25 per person depending on how casually you eat. If you want a sit-down feel, pick one of the market’s beer-garden-style tables or grab food from a few stalls and let the kids snack while you wander. It’s lively, local, and far more enjoyable than forcing a formal lunch on a travel day.
After lunch, keep the pace easy and stay in the old town for a little more wandering before your evening plan. Let the kids browse the market stalls, then head back toward Marienplatz for a final look at the square and the surrounding lanes. If energy is good, take a slow loop through the nearby streets rather than trying to pack in too much else today; Munich works best when you leave space for unplanned stops, especially with children and after a train arrival. December light fades early, so this is a good time to head back to the hotel for a rest, warm drinks, and a reset before dinner.
For dinner, go classic and festive at Hofbräuhaus München in the Old Town. It’s touristy, yes, but in December it feels exactly like the right kind of big-family Munich evening: noisy, warm, atmospheric, and easy with kids because the main halls are welcoming and informal. Expect around €20–40 per person depending on what everyone orders, and go a little early if you want a calmer table and less waiting. Order simple Bavarian dishes, non-alcoholic drinks for the kids, and don’t overthink it — this is your relaxed Munich welcome night. If everyone still has energy afterward, a short evening stroll back toward Marienplatz gives you the prettiest illuminated city-center views before turning in.
If you’re staying in central Munich, the day works best as a mix of short U-Bahn rides and a lot of easy walking; in winter, that keeps everyone from getting too cold between stops. I’d start from your hotel after breakfast and take the S-Bahn/U-Bahn into the old town for Residenz München. Go right when it opens or as close as possible, because the grand rooms are much nicer before the afternoon crowds and it usually takes about 2 hours if you also do the treasury or the Cuvilliés Theatre area. Tickets are typically around €10–€15 for adults, with family pricing sometimes available, and a pre-booked online slot saves time. Keep coats and bags light—there’s cloakroom storage, but with six people it’s still easier to move quickly if you travel compact.
After that, head north to Allianz Arena. The simplest route is usually U6 toward Fröttmaning; from central Munich it’s roughly 20–25 minutes, then another 10–15 minutes on foot depending on the station exit. If the stadium tour is running, it’s a fun stop even for non-football fans because the architecture is genuinely impressive and the kids usually love the scale of it. Tours and museum access vary by holiday schedule, so it’s worth checking availability in advance and booking online if possible; expect roughly €15–€25 per person for a tour-type visit. On the way back, switch gears with a calmer stretch in the English Garden—I’d use the Monopteros and the open paths near Schwabing for an easy winter walk, not a full marathon. It’s a good reset after the stadium, and if the weather is crisp but dry, this is where Munich feels most livable.
Continue to BMW Welt, which sits conveniently by Olympiapark and is one of the best family-friendly indoor stops in the city. It’s free to enter the main exhibition spaces, and the mix of cars, design displays, and interactive areas makes it an easy 60–90 minute visit without tiring anyone out. If you still have energy, it’s a nice quick look around the Olympiapark grounds outside, but don’t overdo it in the cold—this day is already full. For dinner, head back toward Altstadt and choose a traditional Bavarian restaurant near Marienplatz. I’d aim for an early seating, around 6:00–7:00 PM, so you can eat comfortably and still get the children back to the hotel before the late-night rush; good classics in this zone often run about €25–€50 per person depending on drinks and mains, and reservations are important on New Year’s Eve. After dinner, stay simple and family-safe by heading to a central New Year’s Eve fireworks viewing area near the Isar or another approved city viewpoint—avoid the busiest bottle-neck spots if the 7-year-old gets tired, and plan to leave around 11:00 PM with warm layers, hats, gloves, and a pre-agreed meeting point.
Leave Munich Hbf on the Railjet / ÖBB service around 8:00–9:00 AM so you arrive in Vienna without the stress of airports and still have a proper first afternoon in the city. For a family of six, reserve seats together if possible, keep snacks and water handy, and note that winter travel can run a little slower if there’s snow, so a small buffer is wise. Once you reach Wien Hbf, a taxi or U-Bahn gets you into the center smoothly; for Hotel Imperial Vienna on the Ringstrasse, expect roughly 20–25 minutes by taxi from the station, and plan about 1 hour for check-in, luggage drop, and a quick refresh before heading out. The hotel is one of those grand old Viennese places where the lobby already feels like part of the sightseeing, and if rooms aren’t ready, they’re usually good about holding bags while you start exploring.
Begin your orientation with a slow Ringstrasse drive or walk from the Hotel Imperial side of the boulevard so you get the full “imperial Vienna” feel right away: the State Opera, monumental facades, trams, and the wide, elegant curve of the inner ring. This is a good moment to keep the pace relaxed, especially with kids after the train — think 45 minutes with a few photo stops rather than trying to power through. From there, continue into Innere Stadt to St. Stephen’s Cathedral, which is best enjoyed as an easy central landmark rather than a rushed monument; 45 minutes is enough to step inside, admire the roof, and wander the square. Entry to the main church area is often free or low-cost, while tower access and special areas cost extra, so if the family is tired, just keep it simple and save energy for the evening. A short walk takes you to Kohlmarkt, Vienna’s polished shopping street, where the window displays feel especially festive in late December — this is a good stretch for a leisurely 30 minutes, a warm drink, and a little holiday browsing without turning it into a shopping marathon.
Finish the day at Café Sacher Wien near the State Opera, which is exactly the right first-night reward in Vienna. Expect a classic, slightly formal atmosphere and prices in the €20–45 per person range depending on what everyone orders; for a family, it’s smart to treat this as dessert-plus-light-dinner rather than a huge meal. The Sachertorte is the obvious must-order, but with two kids and tired adults, I’d also get a mix of hot chocolate, coffee, and something savory so nobody leaves hungry. It’s worth booking ahead if you can, especially around New Year week, because the café gets busy in the evening. Afterward, if everyone still has energy, do a gentle stroll back along the illuminated Ringstrasse before returning to Hotel Imperial Vienna — it’s one of the nicest low-effort ways to end a travel day and settle into Vienna’s rhythm.
Spend the first part of the day in Schönbrunn Palace, and do it early — that’s the difference between a calm imperial visit and a slow shuffle behind tour groups. From most central Vienna hotels, the easiest family move is the U4 metro to Schönbrunn station, then a short walk through the forecourt. The palace interiors usually open around 8:30 AM, and for a family of six I’d strongly recommend booking timed tickets in advance; expect roughly €24–€35 per adult depending on the route, with child pricing lower. Keep the younger child’s day light here: the painted rooms are beautiful, but it’s the grandeur, chandeliers, and “this is where emperors lived” feeling that makes the stop memorable.
After the interior tour, wander into the Schönbrunn Gardens for an easy reset. This is where Vienna turns into a long, elegant breathing space — wide paths, fountains, winter-bare trees, and plenty of room for kids to move without worrying about traffic. Even in January, the grounds are lovely for photos and a gentle stroll; plan around 45 minutes, longer if the children are in the mood to run around. If everyone still has energy, continue straight into Tiergarten Schönbrunn, which is one of Europe’s best zoos and genuinely worth it for a family. Allow about 2 hours here; tickets are usually around €27–€28 for adults and less for children, and it’s easiest to do online so you can walk straight in. The giant pandas, penguins, and tropical house are the big crowd-pleasers, and in winter the indoor exhibits are especially useful.
For lunch, head to Naschmarkt in Wieden — it’s the right kind of casual after a morning of big-ticket sightseeing. Take the U4 back toward the city and get off near Kettenbrückengasse; from there it’s an easy market walk with plenty of stalls, snack counters, and sit-down options. In winter the market is less hectic than in summer, which actually makes it nicer for families. You can graze on pastries, sandwiches, grilled meats, or quick noodle bowls, and then grab coffee or hot chocolate nearby. It’s not the place for a long formal lunch; think 45–60 minutes, easy and flexible, with spending depending on how much snacking takes over.
In the afternoon, make your way to the Albertina Museum in the Innere Stadt, which is a very smart choice after a busy morning because it gives you culture without the exhausting scale of some larger museums. From Naschmarkt, it’s simple by tram, taxi, or a 15–20 minute walk if everyone’s still comfortable. The museum usually opens around 10 AM and stays open into the evening; plan about 1.5 hours, and book online if you want to avoid any queue. Entry is often around €19–€22 for adults, with youth and child discounts available. The collection is strong but not overwhelming, and the building itself feels very Vienna — polished, central, and just grand enough without being fussy.
Finish with dinner at Figlmüller, near St. Stephen’s, which is exactly the kind of iconic-but-reliable last-night meal that works well for a family. Reserve if you can — it’s famous enough that walk-ins can be a gamble, especially on a holiday week. The schnitzel is the main event, huge and crisp, and it’s the kind of place where the 13-year-old will probably be impressed by the size of the plate alone. Expect around €20–€40 per person depending on drinks and sides, and if you want a quieter atmosphere, ask for the earlier seating. After dinner, you’ll be in a lovely part of the center for one last stroll through the lit streets around Stephansplatz before heading back to the hotel by U-Bahn, taxi, or on foot if you’re staying nearby. For tomorrow’s departure, keep your morning flexible and aim to leave for the airport with plenty of buffer — Vienna is easy, but winter travel days are always smoother when you’re not rushing.
After breakfast, do a Vienna hotel checkout and aim to leave the Innere Stadt / Ringstrasse area about 3 to 3.5 hours before your flight. In winter, I’d use a private airport transfer rather than juggling public transport with six people, bags, and two kids; the ride to Vienna International Airport (VIE) is usually 25–40 minutes, but give yourself extra buffer for any slow traffic or loading time. If you’re staying in a hotel on the Ringstrasse, ask reception the night before to confirm the pickup point so the driver can pull up right outside — this is the easiest way to keep departure stress low. Expect a transfer cost of roughly €55–€90 total depending on vehicle size and luggage.
At the airport, go straight to the airline check-in/bag drop and keep one adult in charge of passports, one in charge of boarding passes, and one holding the kids’ snacks, water, and jackets. For a family this size, security and passport control can take longer than you think, especially around holiday travel, so it’s worth arriving early even if the line looks calm. Once airside, let the kids get a proper sit-down and a warm drink before boarding; December airports can feel rushed, but this is the moment to slow it down and keep everyone comfortable.
Board your Vienna → Delhi flight and settle in for the long journey home. If you have a nonstop, that’s the smoothest option at around 7–9 hours; if it’s one-stop, keep all connection details handy and don’t split the group’s documents across multiple bags. I’d recommend keeping a small “flight survival kit” in one backpack: chargers, medications, wet wipes, lip balm, a spare sweater, and a few easy snacks for the younger child. Once you’re airborne, the trip is officially winding down — and after this kind of route through London, Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, Zurich, Munich, and Vienna, you’ve earned an easy, no-stress flight home.