Xmas in Europe

You can try Andalucía in southern Spain, you don't need to compromise, as we have mild climate but festive atmosphere. In Spain we have a long tradition of Christmas Markets (Ferias), Sevilla, Cordoba, and Granada all have great ones.

I would think Barcelona would be nice about then. I've been noticing airfares to be pretty good to there.

Yes I agree with David! Barcelona (my hometown) is also excellent during Christmas, mild Mediterranean climate yet festive atmosphere. In Barcelona we also have a number of traditional Christmas markets, like the Feria de Santa Llucia, right in front of the main cathedral, it's the oldest one dating back to the 1700s.

Also on the night of Jan 5th many cities in Spain (including Barcelona) have a really big parade of the Three Kings (Los Reyes Magos).

We annually spend Christmas in Nice and then New Year's in Naples! Nice: quiet, a fun Christmas market, streets beautifully lit, mild temperatures. Naples: jam-packed with locals gathering to celebrate with family and friends, streets beautifully lit, mild temperatures, AMAZING pizza!

We spent Christmas 2012 thru New Tear’s 2013 in Sicily and southern Italy (Calabria, Sorrento, Pompeii), and it was ideal. Warm enough temperatures - heck, it was actually kind-of hot one sunny day at the Valley of the Temples at Agrigento in southern Sicily, and sights were virtually empty, free of massive crowds. Rome 2 weeks earlier was in the mid to upper 50’s, but Sicily was warmer. Back on the mainland the last week of the year, it was pleasant, but jacket needed at night.

Italian towns are festively decorated, too, and special Christmas dishes can be found that time of year. Don’t babe big plans for sightseeing on Christmas day, though. Settle into an agriturismo and have a peaceful day without any other agenda.

Do not know better place then Barcelona for your purpose :)

We aren't keen on cold weather, so we would never go to Europe in the Winter. We lived in Germany for four years.

Have you thought about visiting South America. It is cheaper than Europe and much to see.

Argentina and Chile are great, a cruise around the Horn of South America is amazing. Also, Peru is special (Cusco and Machu Picchu- best after April 1).

geovagriffith I can fly to Europe for a lot less than South America; and I am in Texas. But once there, yes, less expensive.