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Last minute trip to Europe during Christmas - Where to?

Posted by (Vancouver, BC) on

Hi all, I will have 1.5 to 2 weeks off in Europe (as part of my vacation). My days off are Dec 20th to Jan 1. So not counting travel days , that's 10 full days if I arrive the 21st, and leave the 1st. I am a solo traveler in my 20s. I love Europe during Christmas time (went to Berlin and Prague/Vienna during Christmas). I actually also wanted to do a 2 day stopover in Iceland, so that's 8 full days aside from Iceland.

I definitely wouldn't mind revisiting a place (in particular, I'd want to see more parts of Germany, France), and I also heard Budapest is AMAZING. One idea I had was to do Budapest and revisit Prague or Vienna. I'd probably only have time for 2 out of the 3 in 8 full days. Another option was Munich for Neuschwanstein castle, Salzburg or Innsbruck for the Christmas markets, or Colmar/Alsace region in general.

Any advice for making a decision? Budget isn't a concern for me and does not factor into my decision making.

Here are my considerations:

  • Budapest (which I haven't been to before) + 1 of Prague/Vienna as a repeat trip. I heard Budapest is an amazing place to be in your 20s, but might be dead during Christmas? Want to experience Ruin pubs
  • Salzburg, Innsbruck (to explore more of Austria and heard Xmas markets are great, not sure what else there is to do)
  • Alsace region of France/Germany (I did go to Strasbourg in Autumn before and felt bored after a day, but maybe I could explore other parts like Riquewihr)
  • Munich, like I mentioned because of the castle and xmas markets
  • Random Switzerland train trip (been to Switzerland in the summer, not winter), maybe Bernina express?

I am currently leaning Budapest + Vienna or Prague, but would like to hear opinions or other recommendations.

Posted by
906 posts

Since you’ve been to Prague and Vienna before you know what they are like. I don’t think Budapest will be dead at Christmas.

Did you decide not to go to Asia?

Posted by
3032 posts

I would suggest adding a day to Iceland so you can get out of Reykjavik and actually see something unique to the country.

As for the others, Munich would be a good bet and you could day a tay trip or overnight to Salzburg as they are quite close. When our kid were in their 20's, they really enjoyed Munich as there is just so much to see and do there. Salzburg is quieter, but the Christmas markets there are wonderful.

Posted by
153 posts

Eef, good point. And no im still going to Asia :) just was debating order of the trip as ive decided everything but wanted to know if i went to Asia first and europe for 2nd leg if i would run into issues with stuff being closed.

I also wanted to spend new years in iceland since i heard its amazing

Posted by
22037 posts

I don’t think Budapest will be dead at Christmas.

Nope, actually a pretty good time to be here. Better if you do a little advance planning.

New Year in Iceland? I spent a few day in Iceland a few years back. It was "interesting".

Posted by
153 posts

Just curious, what did you think of new years in Iceland?

If I did Munich I’d also want to see Nuremberg. Heard it’s one of the best Xmas markets in Europe.

It will be a tough decision between Budapest for nightlife + Christmas markets and Munich/Nuremberg/Salzburg

Posted by
3032 posts

Our adult kids spend a few days in Iceland over NYE once and they loved it. We have been many times, not over NYE yet, but it is on our list.

Posted by
472 posts

I agree with giving Iceland another day. I spent NYE in Iceland last year and it was incredible. The fireworks were like nothing I’ve ever seen before. Happy to answer more questions if you have them.

Posted by
153 posts

Forgot to mention I’ve been to Iceland before and have done the golden circle tour and sky lagoon + snaefellsnes. But also don’t mind just relaxing and doing nothing before I end my big trip

Posted by
1885 posts

Just remember DEC 24, 25, 26, & 31 are holidays in German speaking countries. Most everything will be closed. Many of the markets are also closed after 23 DEC.

Posted by
22037 posts

Then move Budapest up the list a bit because still things for a visitor to do here on those days .......... Although I will be in Germany a few of those days ..... LOL

Posted by
22037 posts

Go post on the Hungary firum the arrival way (train, plane) and day and departure day and method. Hotel would be good too. And there are a few experts that can help you fill your day ... even 24, 25, 26.

Posted by
15373 posts

If I were doing this trip , theoretically, during Christmas, I would go only to France, with Paris included.

It's a personal decision based on interests, desires, and priorities. Decide after you've tackled with these.

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