10-Day Family Christmas Road Trip Through Europe from Madrid

Day 1: Madrid Christmas Kickoff

Madrid, Spain on December 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Chocolatería San Ginés

Start your day with delicious churros dipped in rich hot chocolate, a classic Madrid breakfast that will delight the whole family.
EUR6, 1h

10:00am

Visit Plaza Mayor Christmas Market

Explore Madrid’s famous Plaza Mayor Christmas Market featuring festive stalls with gifts, decorations, and traditional treats – a perfect festive start.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at El Botín

Dine at the world’s oldest restaurant with hearty Castilian cuisine like roast suckling pig, perfect for the family to experience historic flavors.
EUR30 per person, 1h30m

3:00pm

Royal Palace and Gardens Visit

Tour the Royal Palace adorned with festive decorations and stroll through the beautiful Sabatini Gardens nearby, enjoyable for adults and kids alike.
EUR15, 2h

6:00pm

Christmas Light Walk in Gran Via

Enjoy a family walk along Gran Via to see the famous Christmas lights beautifully illuminating the street.
Free, 1h

8:00pm

Dinner at Restaurante Sobrino de Botín

Savor a traditional Spanish dinner in one of Madrid’s historic eateries to embrace local culinary heritage.
EUR35 per person, 1h30m
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Day 2: Madrid Cultural Family

Madrid, Spain on December 21, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café de Oriente

Enjoy a cozy breakfast facing the Royal Palace, perfect for energizing before the day’s sightseeing.
EUR15, 1h

10:00am

Museo del Prado

Explore the Prado Museum’s impressive collection, including festive-themed artworks and classics that will captivate all family members.
EUR15, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Mercado de San Miguel

Try a variety of gourmet Spanish foods from the stalls — ideal for family members with varied tastes.
EUR20, 1h

2:00pm

Retiro Park Christmas Fair

Visit Retiro Park’s seasonal Christmas fair featuring rides, crafts, and festive fun for kids.
EUR10 per ride approx, 2h

5:00pm

Flamenco Show at Corral de la Morería

Experience authentic flamenco in an intimate setting, a magical cultural experience for the family to treasure.
EUR40, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner at Lhardy

Relish traditional Spanish dishes like Cocido Madrileño in a historic atmosphere.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 3: Madrid to Barcelona Drive

Madrid to Barcelona, Spain on December 22, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast and Pack

Have a quick breakfast at your accommodation or nearby café before setting off on the drive to Barcelona.
EUR10, 1h

8:30am

Drive Madrid to Barcelona

Enjoy a scenic approximately 6-hour drive northeast to Barcelona in your rental car for maximum flexibility during the trip.
Fuel approx EUR60, 6h

2:30pm

Lunch at La Boqueria Market

Explore the vibrant market and enjoy tapas or fresh seafood dishes in a lively holiday atmosphere.
EUR25 per person, 1h

4:00pm

Visit Plaça de Catalunya and Christmas Market

Walk around the central plaza and nearby Christmas markets filled with festive crafts and treats for the family.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Evening stroll along Las Ramblas Christmas lights

Enjoy the Mediterranean Christmas vibe along the famous pedestrian street adorned with beautiful lights and decorations.
Free, 1h

8:00pm

Dinner at Els Quinze Nits

Casual Catalan dinner in Plaça Reial offering family-friendly meals with festive flair.
EUR30 per person, 1h30m
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Day 4: Barcelona Festivities

Barcelona, Spain on December 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café de la Pedrera

Enjoy a breakfast with views of Gaudí’s Casa Milà, soaking in festive decor nearby.
EUR15, 1h

9:30am

Sagrada Família Christmas Tour

Visit the iconic basilica, beautifully decorated for Christmas with a special nativity scene and festive choir performances.
EUR30, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Can Culleretes

Taste traditional Catalan cuisine at Barcelona's oldest restaurant, perfect for a cozy family meal.
EUR25 per person, 1h30m

2:00pm

Park Güell Visit

Explore Gaudí’s vibrant park with colorful mosaics and spectacular city views, fun for kids and adults alike.
EUR10, 2h

4:30pm

Christmas Market at Fira de Santa Llúcia

Browse this famous market in front of the Cathedral offering unique Christmas gifts and traditional Catalan figurines.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at La Paradeta

Enjoy fresh seafood where you pick your catch and have it cooked on the spot, a casual and fun dining experience.
EUR30 per person, 1h30m
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Day 5: Barcelona Christmas Eve

Barcelona, Spain on December 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Granja Viader

Classic Catalan hot chocolate and pastries - a sweet start for Christmas Eve morning.
EUR12, 1h

9:30am

Visit Santa Maria del Mar Church

Attend a morning service or admire the Gothic architecture and peaceful atmosphere on Christmas Eve.
Free, 1h

11:00am

Drive to Lyon, France

Begin your 5-hour journey north to Lyon, a city renowned for its Christmas light festival and family-friendly charm.
Fuel approx EUR40, 5h

4:30pm

Check-in and rest

Check into your accommodation and prepare for an evening excursion.
Varies, 1h

6:00pm

Lyon Festival of Lights (Fête des Lumières) Visit

Experience Lyon’s world-famous Christmas lights festival illuminating the city with spectacular displays, enchanting for all ages.
Free, 2h

8:30pm

Dinner at Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse

Savor gourmet French specialties at this lively food market, ideal for families to sample diverse dishes.
EUR35 per person, 1h30m
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Day 6: Christmas in Lyon

Lyon, France on December 25, 2025

9:00am

Christmas Brunch at Hôtel de Ville

Enjoy a festive brunch at the Town Hall or a nearby restaurant offering special Christmas menus.
EUR50 per person, 2h

11:30am

Stroll through the Old Town (Vieux Lyon)

Explore cobblestone streets decorated for Christmas, visit quaint shops and enjoy the holiday spirit.
Free, 2h

2:00pm

Visit Lyon Cathedral and Christmas Nativity Display

Admire the impressive Gothic cathedral and the traditional nativity scene set up for the season.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Relax at Parc de la Tête d'Or

Enjoy some fresh air and visit the botanical garden, decorated for the holidays, with potential for kids to enjoy seasonal events.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Brasserie Georges

Dine in one of Europe’s largest brasseries with traditional French dishes in a festive atmosphere.
EUR40 per person, 1h30m
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Day 7: Lyon to Strasbourg

Lyon to Strasbourg, France on December 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast and Checkout

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before starting your next leg to Strasbourg.
EUR15, 1h

9:00am

Drive Lyon to Strasbourg

Travel about 4.5 hours northeast to Strasbourg, famous for its Christmas market and Alsace charm.
Fuel approx EUR40, 4.5h

2:00pm

Lunch in Strasbourg Old Town

Sample Alsatian specialties like tarte flambée at a cozy restaurant in the heart of the Christmas market district.
EUR25 per person, 1h

3:30pm

Explore Strasbourg Christmas Market

Stroll the best Christmas market in France renowned for its crafts, decorations and festive treats — magical for the whole family.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Visit Strasbourg Cathedral and Light Show

Enjoy the cathedral decked out with lights and attend the Christmas light show in the square.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Maison Kammerzell

Dine in a historic building with Alsatian specialties surrounded by festive decor.
EUR35 per person, 1h30m
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Day 8: Strasbourg to Colmar Day Trip

Strasbourg to Colmar, France on December 27, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast in Strasbourg

Start with coffee and pastries at a local café to fuel your day.
EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Drive Strasbourg to Colmar

Enjoy a short 1-hour drive to Colmar, another Alsace gem with a famous charming Christmas market.
Fuel approx EUR10, 1h

10:30am

Colmar Christmas Market Visit

Experience enchanting markets with a fairy-tale setting, perfect for family shopping and soaking holiday cheer.
Free, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Wistub Brenner

Taste authentic Alsatian cuisine including baeckeoffe and spaetzle in a cozy, family-friendly restaurant.
EUR30 per person, 1h30m

3:30pm

Visit Unterlinden Museum

Explore family-friendly exhibits including art and holiday-themed displays within a medieval convent.
EUR9, 1h30m

5:30pm

Drive back to Strasbourg

Return to Strasbourg and rest before dinner.
Fuel approx EUR10, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Au Télégraphe

Enjoy traditional Alsace dishes with a cozy ambiance to end your day on a festive note.
EUR35 per person, 1h30m
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Day 9: Strasbourg Leisure Day

Strasbourg, France on December 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Bretelles

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast with fresh coffee and pastries near the city center.
EUR12, 1h

9:30am

Boat Tour of Strasbourg Canals

Discover the festive city from the water with architecture and Christmas decorations along the canals.
EUR15, 1h

11:00am

Visit Parc de l’Orangerie

A beautiful park with playgrounds and a small zoo, perfect for children to enjoy the outdoors during the holiday season.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Le Clou

Enjoy French bistro classics located centrally, convenient for the family.
EUR25 per person, 1h

3:00pm

Free time for shopping and exploring

Spend the afternoon savoring last-minute Christmas shopping or relaxing in the charming old town.
Varies, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Le Tire-Bouchon

Enjoy classic Alsace cuisine with a welcoming family atmosphere to round out your trip.
EUR35 per person, 1h30m
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Day 10: Return to Madrid

Strasbourg to Madrid on December 29, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast and Checkout

Grab a quick breakfast before a long drive back to Madrid.
EUR10, 1h

8:00am

Drive Strasbourg to Madrid

Spend the day driving back almost 12 hours south to Madrid. Plan stops for comfort and meals along the route.
Fuel approx EUR90, 12h

8:00pm

Late Dinner near Hotel

Relax with a simple dinner near your accommodation to rest after the long journey home.
EUR20 per person, 1h
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