Where to go in Mid-Dec?

The Dolomite areas start to "re-open" in early December in that the lifts start operating again (although some do not start until close to Christmas). It is gorgeous any time of the year in the Val Gardena. Weather-permitting they will start to make snow, but you can still walk on several winter trails that are groomed for hikers.

Switzerland is another possibility.There are usually some bright sunny days, groomed walking trails in the Lauterbrunnen Valley area even if it snows.

We've enjoyed winter trips in both locations, although later in Dec.

Christmas markets?

Seville, Barcelona, Lisbon, Val d'Aosta.

We want to travel somewhere in Europe in mid-Dec. I know the weather
is not the best, but it's for our anniversary.

That's all relative; I think the summer heat/stench/discomfort is the absolute worst time to travel to Europe unless you're going where the temps are in the 60sº or lower.

I LOVE December weather as it's time to go skiing in Austria and visit Christmas markets. Have fun on your anniversary!! I think you're going at a GREAT time of year!

We traveled to Vienna, Austria and Bolzano, Italy (and Milan for a few days to visit friends) in December 2013 - Bolzano has a wonderful Christmas market! We went to museums and ate at great restaurants - I highly recommend Bolzano and Vienna. We took the train from Vienna to Bolzano - we connected in Innsbruck, maybe that would be worth a longer visit, too.

Paris is wonderful in December. There are Christmas markets and things are much less crowded. I am spending my second Christmas there this year.

For northern Italy and a bit of Austria, try Meran, Bolzano, Ortisei in the Val Gardena-Dolomites, Brixen, Sterzing and Innsbruck. Maybe pick a central place to base and visit them all, as they are all pretty towns and cities with old town pedestrian zones and all have beautiful Christmas Markets. From Bolzano to Innsbruck is under 2 hours and the rest, excl. Meran, are in between. Meran is very close to Bolzano though, but in another direction.

Easy to fly into either Munich or Milan.

Paul

•Venice
•Padova, Vicenza, Verona
•Milan, Bergamo, Lake Como
•Lausanne, Montreux, Geneva, Bern
•Dijon, Beaune
•Paris

I was an exchange teacher in London. By December we California types were yearning for sun. We took our Xmas break in Sicily, and it was terrific. Most days were bit brisk, but sunny. All the interesting ancient, medieval, and baroque sites were open. The churches have wonderful nativity scenes. Very festive. New Year's Eve in Palermo was a hoot. Essentially a party for the whole town. I strongly recommend you consider Sicily.

Vienna is wonderful in December! Beautiful, atmospheric Christmas markets. Weather that makes you want to cozy up in historic cafes with warm beverages. Lots of fabulous musical performances. Many interesting museums for indoor activities.