Traveling in Europe in December

Hi,Billy! My husband and I just celebrated our 30th anniversary on December 29! But since we wanted to see the Greek Islands, we decided to go in September instead, to enjoy the nicer weather. We also stayed for a week in Paris, also much more pleasant in September. However, that being said, we visited Rome, Florence and Venice several years ago over our anniversary and the weather wasn't bad. However, if you want late night strolls and romantic picnics, December isn't as ideal. We travel a lot over the Christmas holidays to work around our childrens' schedules. But for a special anniversary, for us anyway, the warm late summer, early fall days are more ideal.

It is winter so you need to select your sites with some care. Northern Europe (France, England, Germany, etc.) is in winter and it can be a problem. Days are short with weak sunlight. The Greek isles are shut down. However, areas around the Med can be very pleasant -- southern Spain, coastal France, Italy. It is good time. Fewer tourist and sometimes good bargains are available. We just back from Spain -- Madrid, Cordoba, Seville, Granada, and Malaga. Spent New Years in Seville. It would be great place to celebrate your anniversary and we have the perfect hotel -- Hotel Amadeus. It is light jacket weather and flowers are not in bloom but the tapas bars are not as crowded either. You have only one 25th anniversary -- do it in Seville !!

I know you said Greece and Italy but if you're open to other suggestions I would encourage you go on a 'Christmas Market' tour of Germany and Austria. It's a magical time of year to see those countries. We signed up for a tour that included Rothenburg, Bamberg, Nurnberg, Salzberg, and Munich. It was snowy and beautiful but we didn't have to worry about driving since we were on a chartered bus. It was fabulous. The outdoor markets are in almost every village, town, and city and are open the month of December. I think they probably close by Christmas, though.

Just another option.

I think celebrating in a snowy, alpine village sounds so cozy and romantic. Even the New Years celebrations can be very different. This would be very memorable. Perhaps look for a package deal, something with sleigh rides, fireplaces, romantic dinners. Look at Austria, Switzerland or Bavaria and if you get there a bit earlier, you can experience the Christmas markets too, though most of them will close down by the 22nd or 23rd.

Couple more thoughts. I know that romantic thoughts turn to Greek and Italy. And if you had an anniversary in Sept., Santorini would be mine (and many others ??) first recommendation. I am equally fascinated by Italy and Spain but for completely different reasons. The ancientness of Rome, the art, the history, and the food are all compelling. Spain is different. It was dominated by the Moors (Muslims) so architecture is different but justas elegant. The Mezquita in Cordoba is unbelievable. I can describe the Vatican. I cannot begin to describe The Mezquita. You and I have no reference for that description. I prefer the Med/Spain lifestyle -- sleep late, party late. And the tapas bars with local wines is another world and an experience unlike anywhere else.

Kent says it will be crowded and the guidebooks say the same thing. I am assuming that applies to the coast area around Malaga (Costa del Sol). We didn't spend anytime time in that area so I cannot comment on how crowded those areas were. The crowds were very small in the areas we visited. In the hotels we saw almost no Americans but a few number of Brits.

With a little planning you could have a very memorable European trip through the Andalucia's region. We are headed to Santorini in Oct but may work a stop in Spain along the way. Spain, the Moors, reconquest of Spain, Columbus, 1492, etc -- are all important aspects of history.

Billy...I regularly visit Europe in the winter. In fact I love visiting in the winter. It feels like you have the place to yourselves. No lineups-anywhere. Perhaps because I'm canuck the cold is never really an issue. First of all it never really gets that cold--France Italy etc hover slightly above freezing.

Secondly, thats what god made cosy little cafes for. Duck in, enjoy a leisurely drink...and then continue your adventure.

Thirdly...the prices are fabulous (compared to other seasons.)

I beg to differ on the weather issue. It does get cold and sometimes to an extreme.

We were in Italy just after Christmas in 2005 and it was bitterly cold up north - Venice, Florence, Lucca. In fact we got a lot of snow one day while in Florence. While this was a rare occurance, it does happen.

My advice is to go in another season since you have a choice - maybe September or October where the weather may be nicer. You may get lucky in December. The key is to temper your expectations and be prepared for bad weather.

We love to go to Europe in Nov/Dec. We've done it for more than 20 years. We go to the UK- including the Highlands of Scotland- and have also been to Austria! Yes, it is cold- but not really bad cold. We've had a few days of just below freezing and nights around 18-20 F. Just layer up! We've even had a few snow fluries in London, Innverness, Vienna and Salzburg. Most of the time is has been very like winter here in North Carolina- cool and a bit damp sometimes. It is a GREAT time to visit. We celebrated our 30th anniversary and my 50th birthday with a trip to London, Vienna,Innbruck, Salzburg and Budapest. It was very romantic and we treated ourselves to some marvelous hotels. We really enjoy the Christmas markets! You can enjoy things more with the smaller crowds! Feel free to private message me.

Hello Billy. Greece and Rome can have cold rain December 29. I suggest : go to Europe in October.
October is a good month for being at the Greek island Santorini or Crete. And the Mediteranean Sea coast of Italy should have pleasant air temperatures in October, but there could be rain.

It will be winter in Europe, but I don't see that as a reason to reschedule. Being in a magnificent European city on your actual anniversary will be magical. And after all, I traipse all through NYC every Christmas and have never regretted it. You'll just need to be prepared for the weather.

In many parts of Europe, including Italy, the Christmas festivities really do extend through January 6th. Listen to Rick's podcasts about Christmas and New Years in Europe to get some ideas about where to go.

Ron, I am curious about your recommendation for Santorini in October, have you been in Santorini in October?

Frank, I too am curious about any of the Greek Islands in October. In early September it was still at least 100 degrees on most days. We could feel sweat pouring down our backs everyday! I would love to return, but would be much happier if it were a bit cooler. I would love sunny and 80's...what exact time of the year would that likely occur in the Greek Islands?

I say Italia! Sure you may get some cold weather, but nothing like beautiful OK in the winter. It's all relative, right?

We spent 8 nights in Italy in December last year, including 2 nights in Venice, 2 in Florence, 1 in Siena, and 3 in Roma. Was GREAT! Christmas eve and Christmas Day in Florence was stunning...cool, crisp, full of sunshine. Would be ideal to fly into Venice and out of Rome. Could also make Siena a day trip by bus (one hour) and spend 3 in Florence, if you wanted to. Just one idea.