Dublin or Stockholm: late nov/early dec

I haven't been in either city during this time frame and don't know whether either has better holiday-themed activities. On average, the daily high temp in Dublin is 10 degrees higher and sunset is one hour later, but Stockholm does stay above freezing, even overnight. You might possibly eat better in Stockholm, but you'd pay for it. If budget is a factor, then you might find Ireland cheaper, but the biggest single effect on your budget is the particular hotel, B&B, or hostel that you end up booking.

I have been to both cities but only during July. I would not return to Stockholm but would to Dublin. I found that Dublin had more to see and do, easier to get around, better food, friendlier people, and was less expensive. I was not impressed with any of the Scandinavian countries.

Dublin, for reasons above, and becasue you will simply have more fun there !

I have been to Dublin in August and Stockholm in May and I found the people equally friendly. However, I was done with Dublin in 3 days and although I enjoyed it I can't say that I'm in a hurry to go back. I wasn't close to being done after 3 days in Stockholm. Sometimes you just fall in love with a city. For me, Stockholm ranks at the very top of my list of favorite cities with Paris and Budapest.

I have been to both cities during the time frame you plan to visit (Thanksgiving each time). Temperatures are probably warmer than you might expect, but the atmosphere can be very damp. Other than some Christmas decorations, I didn't see any kind of special markets in either city, although perhaps if they host markets they may start later. I personally prefer Stockholm, although I enjoyed Dublin very much.

I have been to Dublin twice, and Stockholm once. My opinion.......Dublin is dark and crowded. Stockholm is bright, with water everywhere. At that time of year you will probably have rain in both. Food and drink is much more expensive in Stockholm. You will have a much better chance of anything Christmas-themed in Stockholm. If you go to Stockholm and need a place to spend a rainy afternoon, go to the Vasa Museum. If flight time is important, Dublin is much closer to the US.

Wilma

Enilynof budget is tight , the Scandinavian countries are EXPENSIVE .

Emily, you can gather great logistical information on this forum from many seasoned, smart travelers who take the time to give great tips. Really great tips! IMO most do it because of their love of travel. That said, when you are looking for opinions on places to go, you should read people's profiles to get a sense of which posters you might closely identify with. Just because I don't love the Scandinavian countries (sorry Tom_MN) doesn't mean they aren't worth a visit. There was a thread a while ago asking people to complete their profiles. When I read different answers to "where should I go" questions, I always read profiles to check if it is someone I identify with. It might help you make a decision.

I lived in Stockholm for a couple years so I've enjoyed three glorious Swedish summers and survived two dark Swedish winters. I never recommend that people make their first visit to Scandinavia in winter unless they are coming specifically for winter sports. Stockholm is a spectacularly beautiful city when the sun is shining and the water is glistening and you are walking along one of the cliffs or approaching by boat or taking in the view as you cross over the Western Bridge. It is really not quite the same when it is dark and overcast.

That being said, if you do choose Stockholm, December is a better month to visit than November. November tends to be dark, overcast, and rainy. In December, it is just as dark (it will be dark by 3pm), but there is a higher probability of snow which brightens up the city. There are lots of candles in restaurants so things can feel very cosy. There are a couple of Christmas markets (Julmarknad). Skansen has a Christmas market and special activities on the weekend and it is definitely worth a visit. There is also a small Christmas market (not terribly impressive) on Stortorget in Gamla Stan. The big department store, NK, always has great decorated Christmas windows and there will be crowds outside peering in the windows. Most of the museums have reduced hours. If you are there on December 13th (Lucia Day), there will likely be a procession and concert at Storkyrkan (the Great Church) and also at Skansen. If you want to go out on the archipelago, some of the boats will offer a "Julbord" lunch (the traditional Christmas buffet with a big assortment of herring dishes, potatoes,salmon, meatballs, etc.). You can go ice skating on the rink in Kungsträdgården. You could also take an overnight ferry to Tallinn or Helsinki, but keep in mind it will be too cold to be out on deck, too dark to see the scenery, and the restaurants and entertainment on the ferry will be scaled back.