What to do with your children in Toulouse over Christmas?

Before they open their presents under the tree, here's how to keep your kids entertained in Toulouse while they wait for Christmas.

Inès Azouz - Journalist • December 17, 2024

Winter brings its share of joy and wonder. City lights, Christmas markets, family time. For our little ones, winter is also synonymous with vacations! To keep them occupied until December 25 and the opening of presents, we suggest you discover 5 activities to do in Toulouse to fully experience the spirit and magic of the festive season.

A magical getaway in Montauban

At the Jardin des Plantes in Montauban, 1 hour from Toulouse, Harry Potter: The Forbidden Forest Experience invites you and your family to plunge into the magic of Christmas! In the heart of an enchanted forest, along an illuminated trail, you’ll find activities each more enchanting than the last. Cast spells, make unlikely encounters, re-enact iconic scenes from the series, warm up with a good Butterbeer… It’s an experience not to be missed by fans, kids and parents alike! And for the occasion, the experience is dressed up for Christmas!

An enchanted cruise with Santa Claus on the Canal du Midi

enfants Noël canal — Les Bateaux Toulousains

Looking for a magical activity for your little ones this holiday season? Until December 22, 2024, embark on a Christmas cruise on the Canal du Midi in Toulouse! This enchanting 40-minute trip aboard a beautifully decorated wooden gabarre promises a unique experience, where Santa Claus himself welcomes families with surprises and souvenir photos. Children will have fun with a themed game booklet, while Christmas music lulls your journey from the Port Saint-Sauveur to the Pont des Demoiselles, creating an unforgettable festive atmosphere. Reservations required.

A timeless moment at the Cirque de Noël de Toulouse

Want to fill your children with wonder this holiday season? The Cirque de Noël de Toulouse opens its doors until January 12, 2025 at the Hippodrome de la Cépière. Under a giant, heated big top, a host of international performers concoct a dazzling show blending acrobatics, juggling and laughter. Young and old alike will be captivated by the prowess of an astonishing juggler, the fiery lassos of a real cowboy, and shudder at the audacity of a trapeze artist balancing at a height of 12 meters, all sprinkled with the magic of Christmas with the presence of Santa Claus (the real one)!

Enchanted slides in the heart of the Ville Rose

enfants Noël patinoire — Toulouse Christmas Market

Fancy a frosty activity to entertain your children over the festive period? Then head for the ephemeral ice rink on Place du Capitole, the jewel in the crown of Toulouse’s winter festivities. Over an area of 250 m², young and old alike can enjoy the joys of ice-skating in a magical setting, surrounded by white chalets brimming with Christmas treasures. Open until January 5, 2025, this icy attraction promises moments of laughter and complicity for the whole family, all for the modest sum of €5 for 45 minutes, skates included.

Make cinnamon shortbread with your children for a gourmet Christmas

Get into the festive spirit by making shortbread with your little ones. The enchanting scents of cinnamon and vanilla will fill your kitchen, while little hands will be busy cutting out Christmas tree or Christmas man shapes from the shortbread dough. This culinary tradition, as fun as it is educational, creates beautiful (and good) memories while introducing children to the joys of pastry-making. Once baked and decorated, these crunchy cookies are a delight for young and old alike, perfect to liven up your winter evenings or give as gifts to loved ones! Here’s our recipe.

Christmas movies, a must-see for the whole family

What better way to get into the holiday spirit than snuggling up with the family in front of a good Christmas movie? Cozy up with your little monsters, hot chocolate with marshmallows and cinnamon cookies (yes, we’ve thought of everything) for a magical time. From the classic “Mommy, I Missed the Plane” to the touching “The Pole Express” and the hilarious “The Grinch“, these cinematic nuggets will amaze young and old alike. So turn off the lights, light up the tree and let the magic happen! These precious moments will remain engraved in your children’s memories as true Christmas treasures. To help you out, we’ve put together a list of the best Christmas movies to watch on Netflix.

Also read: Where can you buy the best Yule logs in Toulouse?