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going to Europe over Christmas...?

Posted by on

Hello-

we are deciding to go to Dublin, then London and Nueremberg for Christmas this year. Does anyone have any experience being a traveler during December-January in London and Paris specifically then?

it will be my wife's first trip to Europe as a tourist, (she was there for a few days on business once) --I've lived in Frankfurt for 3+ years in the late 80's, so I get that it will be cold, dark, wet, and rainy a lot. My wife has a college friend in London, and she has offered us houseroom, so no need for hotel recommendations there.

--my first instinct is to do more culture in cities, and come again to see the countryside,

any experiences you'd like to share would be welcome.

Posted by
8166 posts

As an academic with long xmas breaks I have gone every year for the past 4 years to Europe
It will be busy in the big city places, but not so much if you intend to go to the more charming small towns where a lot is shut down.

Posted by
14741 posts

Be aware of the public transit closures in London on and around Christmas.

Airlines will be busy right around the specific holidays so I'd plan to get where you plan to stay for Christmas on the weekend before since Dec 25 is on a Tuesday.

It's been years since I've been in Europe at Christmas but with the early dark, to me cities work better for getting a longer touring day in.

Do you have any specific dates for your itinerary yet?

Posted by
8556 posts

London totally shuts down Dec 25 and 26. WE prefer Paris at Christmas; if possible plan your trip to avoid London on those days.

Note that is it high season in Paris with high prices in hotels and apartments and high demand for cultural and dining options. Paris is a great Christmas destination.

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