Need suggestions on where to spend Christmas in Austria as well as one other stop somewhere between there and Paris.
Planning trip to Europe for husband, 17 year old son and I. Arrive Vienna December 24 depart Brussels January 6. Plan is spend New Years Eve in Paris (12/30-01/04 have flex room booked) and last two nights in Brussels. Other than the cities we are flying into/out of, our plans are flexible. Problem is I cannot decide where to spend the rest of our time. Were going to fly into Geneva and split time in Switzerland between Gstaad and Murren, before heading on to Paris. However, Switzerland has proven to just be too expensive for us right now. So canceled plans there and decided to do Austria instead, as we've never been. We've done the Bernina Express from Tirano to Chur and have spent time in Zurich and Murren/Lauterbrunnen Valley area and really want something comparable. Was really looking forward to the amazing views over the valley from Murren and enjoying some fun winter activities up on Schilthorn and the area. So, any suggestions on where to spend Christmas in Austria? We don't ski, but want that white Christmas atmosphere and would like to do some tobogganing and other winter activities. Prefer that quant village feel rather than large cities or resorts. Don't think we're interested in Vienna. Our favorite cities from our last visit to Europe were Murren, Fussen and Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Was thinking 4 nights in Salzburg area then on our way to Paris spend a couple of nights somewhere in Bavaria or France, maybe Colmar. I've always wanted to see Hallstatt, seems like a waste to go to Austria and not at least visit it for a day trip, just not sure if that's doable at this time of year. All travel would need to be by train or bus. Also not sure if we should stay in Salzburg or maybe in a more elevated mountain town. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!