Something to do between 26 December & 7 January

I'd go to Australia or Japan!

James, if you ski and winter cooperates it would be easy and at least memorable. Closer to Budapest would be Low Tatras in Slovakia or little bit more expensive and farther away the Alps in Austria. We can talk about it and other options (if you prefer warmer environment) when I come for the coffee to Budapest. I will know more about my schedule in the second half of March.

Ilja, I keep telling myself that I should ski, but alas no. My wife and I end up Budapest almost every winter and I try and find a side trip. Because the time is rather limited I try and make it something short but memorable or unique or ??? Only been doing this a few years but so far it has been Orthodox Christmas Mass in Red Square, First day of Hanukkah in Jerusalem, New Year's eve in Rome. Last year we didn't go to Budapest in December but instead we did a small village in Honduras. You get the idea, fly in, do something unique, and fly out.

We have been to Slovakia a couple of times. One of my favorite hotels in the world is the Kempinski in Strbske Pleso in the High Tatras not far from Krakow. Slovakia is always worth the time. Its either an all day drive from Budapest or a two day train trip so we don't get back often. But the Bansko towns are closer and worth multiple visits.

Hi James, See the thread on New Years Eve in Europe. I just did a lengthy reply on Hogmanay, the New Year's Celebration in Edinburgh. It starts three days before New Year's Eve and is quite the party. Go here to read about the festival.

Thank you Pamela!! Appreciate it.

Spain celebrates Christmas on Jan 6th.