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Christmas in the Alps - but which country?

Our family (2 adults, 11/13 yo kids) would love to find a place for a magical, authentic Christmas this year in the mountains. With no particular country requirement - where would you choose?

We love history, food, unique experiences, wandering little streets, nature, music/art.

However, this trip is ideally going to be largely about Christmas magic/ sights/sounds/tastes, sparkly lights, snow, coziness, special non-tourist oriented cultural traditions, frosted windowpanes, candlelight, etc etc.

We are experienced travelers in Europe and beyond, and kids are intrepid and curious.

We want to spend ~5 nights in one place ideally.

Thank you!!

Posted by
2923 posts

If I were going to the alps, I would go to Switzerland’s Berner Oberland which you do not need a car for or the Bavarian Alps which you do need a car for to explore.

Posted by
2300 posts

Hallein, Austria. Little town just south of Salzburg where “Silent Night” was written. It’s an easy drive/train into Salzburg. I think Salzburg is magical anytime of year.

Posted by
3039 posts

This might be a winter of chilly chilly experiences in Europe. The energy situation is very unclear, so pack yer long johns.

Posted by
1090 posts

I definitely agree with the Berner Oberland. But I’ve also always wanted to be up in the Alpe di Siusi for Christmas. You could stay up on the meadow or in Ortisei. It all feels very German with an Italian twist.

Posted by
6178 posts

If you are just looking for "the mountains", the Scandinavian mountains can also be an option.

Posted by
9462 posts

If it were me, I would go to Austria. I’ve always thought I would love to spend Christmas in Salzburg. I like the suggestion above for Hallein - to be in the village where Silent Night was written - wow!!

I also agree with the recommendation to watch RS European Christmas. I loooove that special, and it will put you right in the mood !!!

Posted by
2898 posts

Austria. Love the alpine towns during winter and Advent Markets.

Posted by
600 posts

I think you should be able to find a hotel or B&B that puts real lit candles on their Christmas tree! And no, it doesn't cause fires usually because they use a reasonably fresh tree, only do it on Christmas Eve for maybe an hour with everyone sitting around it singing songs, & I seem to recall in Bavaria they kept a bucket of water handy. I did find some links on TripAdvisor with photos of these live candles at hotels and highly recommend it. I've also been to midnight mass in a few of these (Catholic or Protestant) locations on Christmas eve, might not suit everyone but 'Stille Nacht' sung in German in small, rural churches filled with candles were fantastic experiences.