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What are best places to visit in Europe during Christmas / New Years Holidays?
Looking for advice for the best places to visit in Europe during Christmas.
We have non-refundable activities and hotel bookending the Israel portion of the trip – 1 week in Italy, then meeting up with the whole family in Israel for 2 weeks, and then 1 week in France at the end, just us again. As things stand now, assuming we are going to have to cancel Israel, we are looking at how to fill in that 2-week gap in the middle of Rome and Paris.
My SO has never been to Europe and I’ve been to all of Western Europe except Germany (only to Berchtesgaden), Ireland, and Scotland. I obviously don’t mind revisiting countries, especially if I can see something new. We’re not big party people, but we are looking for somewhere to spend both Christmas and New Years (doesn’t have to be the same place). I have an affinity for Christmas time and Christmas markets, so somewhere that gets very Christmasy would be good (although we may just stay in Rome to see the Pope speak).
I realize that it will be plenty cold which is no problem for either of us, so that’s not a consideration, although neither of us skis. I thought a nice chalet in Zermatt with a view of the Matterhorn, but those have been tough to find any availability. Then I thought somewhere with a view of Brandenburg Gate for fireworks, but I’m unfamiliar with Germany, so I didn’t really know where to look.
We have an abundance of Marriott (Titanium), Hilton (Gold), or Hyatt (Explorist) points, and over 1M in transferrable points as well between MR, UR, and Cap1 pts.
Anyway, I’m hoping some of you who have spent either Christmas and/or NYE in Europe could give me some of your opinions and experiences. I love the planning part of travel – I planned our entire month away, including the entire Israel portion of this family trip – so I’m just looking for suggestions from your experiences.
I’m happy to hear any and all suggestions you might have and look forward to using this wonderful platform to crowdsource my way out of this paralysis I’m feeling!
Thanks in advance everyone!
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11 Replies
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Vienna is absolutely gorgeous during Christmas time. You can also go somewhere relatively warm like Sicily, I’ve read that they go all out for Christmas. You can easily fill the two free weeks by staying in Italy and moving around by train to minimize flying. France also has beautiful Christmas markets. Many markets in Europe stay open even after Christmas, and they don’t take the decorations down till after the New Year, so it’ll be beautiful and cheerful anywhere you go.
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Salzburg! Great Christmas markets. Spent last New Years there. Won’t disappoint. BTW. It was not cold.
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If you are looking for the holiday season and NYE it would be best to make decisions and book ASAP at this point. Since Israel is in a state of war, that portion should be refundable directly. If the Bar Mitzvah takes place, it will probably be on Zoom.
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I was in Rome until December 23 and it’s great at Christmas. Vienna has the best Christmas lights and Venice is amazing because of how uncrowded it is. I’ve heard nothing but great things about Croatia. And if you do northern Scotland, you might see the northern lights.
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I know there are a few cruises that are nice from Vienna to Germany, that do the Christmas market stops- that could be lovely and less crowded/touristy. I’m sorry you won’t get to see your family. terrible times. Otherwise, maybe hop to Sardinia or Corsica or one of the lesser spots
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I spent 2019 Christmas in Europe–Vienna had a ton of Christmas markets leading up to Christmas. Budapest had a few and was pretty spirited as well, though everything was closed for actual Christmas (Eve or Day, I don’t recall) (including most food!). The two are a half day’s travel via train away from each other.
The Budapest Festival Orchestra does a special holiday concert on 12/26 every year where the concert audience picks the pieces they want to hear, if that’s your thing. Budapest also has one of the world’s largest outdoor ice skating rinks during the holidays.
I haven’t personally stayed, but Park Hyatt Vienna is very well-regarded. The Andaz is in a quiet location but underrated, especially at its price point. Budapest’s Parisi Udvar was great, but I stayed before the major category change.
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I love London at Christmas! Use your Hilton points at the Trafalgar St. James and you’ll be surrounded by lights, shopping, excellent food, and beautiful concerts. The market stalls there are not at the level of what I’ve seen in photos of Germany and Austria, but the shops are full of different and interesting things.
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Rome…look into getting tickets at the Vatican for Christmas Eve mass.
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Malta, Serbia, Bratislava, Vienna, Salzburg
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So many great suggestions but wanted to say that Budapest is an absolutely gorgeous city, the Jewish community is one of the oldest in Europe. The Jewish museum is great to visit. Poland is also quite beautiful. Portugal is absolutely gorgeous Lisbon or Porto.
I am from Switzerland so anywhere there is going to be pretty in the mountains part it might not be snowy just yet in December depending on the year but Villars or the surroundings might be a great place to go. You can take the mountain scénique trains close from there the Bernina and others. The view of the Dent du Midi is quite beautiful.
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I’d show my SO Vienna, Budapest and Prague for the Christmas markets. If u prefer something smaller, check out Salzburg and/or Brno, Czech. Recommend Grand Hotel Brno.
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