Since my brother and I will not be with family, I'm looking for a city in either Germany, Switzerland, Netherlands, or Austria that will have at least some things (restaurants, sights, etc.) open in the December 23-26 range. I know that this is during a family holiday, but might we have better luck in some cities than others? Let me know if you need further clarification of the question and I"ll provide more info.
Posted by
Paris
10029 posts
I've always dreamt of Christmas in Salzburg. One of these days I'll convince my husband (probably not).
Posted by
New York, NY
14 posts
My family spent my entire winter break in Europe one year. Here are my recommendations: GERMANY 1. Berlin - a lot of things to visit and I'm positive they are open throughout the Christmas Season, maybe look at the Opera House for an event, shop at the MANY Christmas markets. Walking along Unter den Linden alone you'll see a lot of interesting buildings. I loved the Berlin Cathedral, Brandenburg Gate (Pariser Platz), the palace bridge. And the length of the boulevard is decked out in Christmas lights. If you have time, check out the graffiti at Berlin wall. 2. Munich - lots of Christmas markets, Marienplatz, a huge Christmas tree to rival Rockefeller's and lots of beer. 3. Rothenburg - a medieval walled town north of Munich, I felt like I was amidst a Christmas celebration during the Middle Ages. It was the most magical for me. (I was about 11 when we first went there during the Christmas season.) 4. Nuremberg - Christkindlmarkt (?) 5. Dresden AUSTRIA
1. Vienna - pretty nice during the holidays. Schonbrunn Palace, buy tickets in advance at their website and check for classical concerts, if you like classical music. 2. Salzburg and Innsbruck are my two favorites in Austria.
Posted by
New York, NY
14 posts
SWITZERLAND 1. St. Moritz - I'd like to avoid St. Moritz during Christmas breaks - too crowded and too expensive. 2. Gstaad - my favorite during the summer and early/late winter. For me, it's the most beautiful place in Switzerland (biased opinion since I went to school here) along with Zermatt, Gruyeres, Bern and Lugano. But like St. Moritz, it can get crowded even though the students have gone home. There might also be auctions that draws huge crowds. 3. Zermatt 4. Gruyeres 5. Lugano NETHERLANDS
I've never been to Amsterdam during the Christmas season, so I can't really help you with that. Also, Rick has a book and DVD titled European Christmas. I haven't seen it nor read it (I'm planning to!). You might want to check that out.
Posted by
OP
Dallas
73 posts
Thanks Angela! That was most helpful. I figured Berlin might be one of those places that was open over Christmas, but it just doesn't look very Christmas-ey to me. I'm leaning towards Vienna or Munich area.
Posted by
Longmont, CO, USA
527 posts
We rented an apartment in Vienna last Christmas. Had our Jack Russell, Thor, with us as well and had a wonderful time there. Many Christkindlmarkts to explore. Took an overnight trip to Salzburg right after Christmas...beautiful little city.
Posted by
OP
Dallas
73 posts
Yes, but Kim you live in PARIS of all places. Gosh, I'd love to see that at Christmastime.
Thank you all for your input. I'm leaning towards Munich as there are a lot of towns nearby that I'm sure are a delight at Christmastime! That means New Year's in Vienna I think. I still wasn't quite sure where to spend NYE, but Prague and Berlin sound a bit too crazy...
Posted by
San Francisco
14775 posts
Hi, It's a tought call...Berlin, Munich, Dresden, Vienna. Top choice for me here is Dresden...next one Vienna.
Posted by
OP
Dallas
73 posts
I'm sorry, Ralph, I completely forgot that I had done that and I didn't see a way to take the post down. I do appreciate everyone's help though! Many cheers and again, my apologies.