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Prague and Vienna or Berlin over Christmas

Hello. I am thinking of spending a week or so of the Christmas holidays in Prague and Vienna or Berlin, with most of the time in Prague. I have made 11 visits to Europe, which I love, but only one of those was during a Christmas holiday (Paris two years ago). I once visited Berlin over a summer, but have never been to Prague or Vienna.

If you went to Prague over a Christmas holiday, did you enjoy visiting during that time of the year and why? What do you recommend doing or seeing in terms of cultural, historical or other sights? Also, if you had to choose a between Berlin or Vienna for a second place to go, which one would you choose for a Christmas visit and why? What do you recommend seeing there?

Thank you for your help.

Posted by
555 posts

Over Christmas means sometime between Dec. 22 and Jan. 3.

Posted by
5507 posts

I ask because most Christmas Markets start closing on Dec. 24 in Vienna. Things are very quiet on Dec. 24, 25, and 26 here. Attractions and most restaurants will be open, but the festive atmosphere is most present up to Dec. 23. After Dec. 26, the markets at Schonbrunn and the Rathaus reopen in a slightly altered way, but still nice. New Year's Eve in Vienna is cool as the Silvesterpfad will happen on Dec. 31 and Jan. 1. This New Year's Path winds through the first district and features music stages, food, decorations, etc. Watching the famous Vienna Philharmonic New Year's Concert live on the large screen at the Rathaus while people waltz is also a special moment. Plenty to do inside in Vienna as well as the weather will be very cold and you won't want to be outside all day (no matter how tough you are).

Posted by
555 posts

Thank you. The Silvesterpfad sounds like fun. Cheers.