France over the christmas break

Nothing is open on xmas day except church so that is about the only thing affected.

I like both areas but would prefer Provence Cote Azure area over Alsace.

Not really a great time for driving around France. Days will be short, dark at 5pm, often dreary with clouds and rain, not to mention cold to very cold. I would stick to the cities where there are museums, restaurants, concerts, shopping, and the weather is not such a deterrent.

Ideally I would split the time between London and Paris purchasing open jaw tickets (and avoiding London on Christmas and Boxing Day.)

It is not at all cold to very cold by USA midwest standards in Southern France in December

If you start with Alsace (take the train to get there!) , you could catch the last few days of Christmas markets (until the 23rd I believe). You could then move on to Paris. By the way, Freiburg is nice but the Colmar area is nicer. But it's cold in Alsace, and wine country is sad when the vines don't have leaves.

The French Riviera (again, train or even fly from Paris) can be more pleasant, weatherwise, but is an entirely different proposition in terms of attractions. I prefer nearby Provence, but it is often surprisingly cold due to the wind, and most sights are outdoors. Not fun with kids.

Normally I'd be all for heading south, because I hate the cold. In this case, I recommend Googling mistral before planning to spend time in Provence in late December.

I spent a week in the Nice area before Xmas and then a week in Paris over Xmas before flying home just before New Years.

Nice was great - large "winter wonderland" exhibit set up on the main plaza by the ocean with a skating rink, kids play winter play area, small gift booths and food like freshly roasted chestnuts. These kinds of fairs are common in France and they will probably have them in decently large city you visit. I've seen a list of the "10 best ones in Paris" but I have no personal recommendations. With kids I would definitely look into these: https://www.parisinsidersguide.com/10-best-christmas-markets-paris.html

Paris was clear and cold but the store windows, shops and streets were decorated and it felt very festive. Most of the people struggling with the tourist maps were speaking French so I assume they were in from the country to shop for gifts in the big city rather than American tourists. We were prepared for nothing to be open in Paris on Xmas - stashing food in the hotel room for dinner - and planning outdoor activities like The Luxembourg Gardens and Sacre Coeur. Though it was quiet many things were actually open. We ate at the Brassiere down the street from our hotel. It was deserted at 7:00 except for a couple of old guys having a drink, but when we left at after 10:00 it was filled and boisterous.

The days are really short - even on the southern edge of France - the sun hints at being up for quite a while before it actually came up and then just kind made a low arc across the sky. End of December in Paris is probably 9-10 hours of daylight with buildings obscuring the early morning and evening parts of that.

Remember there is no bad weather only inappropriate clothing.

Have a great time!
=Tod

Strasbourg At Christmas time is wonderful! The decorations are great, stuffed animals attached to buildings, lights and ornaments. Very festive!

Thank you everyone for their replies. We are in the northeast, the cold is not a big factor but the ice yes! I would enjoy the christmas markets.
Besides the vineries, I assuming the small towns would still be quite pretty and historic, Cormal and couple of towns close by?
Are there any german towns close to the border that might be worthwhile a day trip?
SOuth of France seems a hit or miss with the Mistral

Thanks

Thanks!
Also, what would safe areas be in Paris for air bnb rentals.

I also have a 15-year-old and have been to Paris twice over after Christmas.

I recommend finding an Airbnb in Central Paris (1st, 2nd or 3rd arr.)... It is more expensive but if you only have a few days (and you will arrive jetlagged and exhausted on day 1).

Honestly, I would consider a hotel instead. You can find an affordable hotel and have the luxury of two bathrooms if you book two rooms for your family. For your first trip, it will be so much less stressful to arrive at a hotel and have an English speaking attendant waiting to greet you and answer questions. The logistics of meeting your Airbnb contact can be stressful - especially when you are sleep deprived. I prefer to be pampered and taken care for the first few days and then transition to an AIRBNB.

Taking the TGV to Strasbourg is very affordable (if you book exactly 90 days out) and only 2.5 hours. It is a relaxing an easy trip. The Christmas Market in Colmar looks like a lot of fun (I'm going in November), Here is a link to their site... https://www.noel-colmar.com/en/

Here are a few hotels to check out in Central Paris. They are are on the more affordable side and located in great neighbourhoods.
Relais Des Halles
Le Lapin Blanc
Hotel La Tamise
Hôtel Parc Saint Séverin - Esprit de France

Things to do in Paris:
Breakfast at Holybelly 5
Eat a Crepe at Creperie Dentelle
Eat Salted Caramel Ice cream at Berthillon
Take a cooking class at La Cuisine Paris
Take a River Cruise
Attend a concert at Église de la Madeleine
Marais Food Tour with Paris By Mouth
Walk to Montmartre
Dinner at Les Papilles (email to make a reservation)

Have a fabulous trip!

Here is an airbnb in Colmar that might be nice for your family...
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/14666621?s=67&shared_item_type=1&virality_entry_point=1&sharer_id=18842855

As for wine tasting, we are hiring Paul from Vino Varlot for a tour... http://www.vino-varlot.fr/en/

Thank you all for your ideas and suggestions. I am very excited!

I used to visit France every Christmas precisely becaise it wasn't an overblown, everything is shut, extravaganza. There will bw musems open in Paris on Christmas and New Years days, and everything will be running as normal the rest of the time

Thank you. If we are in Paris on Christmas day, what can we do?

This is the info for last year. https://en.parisinfo.com/what-to-see-in-paris/info/guides/museums-and-monuments-open-on-25-december

It will be similar this year, no doubt.

The Nissim Camondo Museum is open every day of the year.

Thanks for all your suggestions!