Xmas/New Yearsin Europe

New Years: Paris. Paris. Paris. Paris. PARIS. Cities do NOT get any more romantic, AND the Christmas Markets are still up and running. The lights are spectacular - the city is fairly ablaze! The light show on the Eiffel Tower cannot be beat. The cafes are cozy and warm and enchanting. Just having a hot dog in the Tuileries and strolling down to the giant sparkling Ferris wheel is a romantic adventure. You can go ice skating by l'Hotel de Ville! Drink hot mulled wine and go window shopping at the markets. Take a ride on the carousel! And the party on New Year's Eve is a mad whirl of sophisticated, romantic, grown-up FUN. Christmas: London. London. London. LONDON. The Victorian English pretty much invented our modern idea of Christmas - yes, they had LAVISH helpings of inspiration from Germany, but we get so much of what we think of as "Christmas-y" from England that it is amazing. London does Christmas perfectly. Again, lights - sparkling shop windows - Oxford Street bedecked with glittering swags of light - Carnaby Street all decked out in garish-yet-delightful golden record ornaments - traditional calorific treats - great shopping - snuggly pubs to pop into - awe-inspiring cathedrals to visit - choirs to hear - it's magical. No, you didn't suggest either of those - just my 'umble tupp'orth, guvnor! (sorry)

New Years- Edinburgh!
The Scots call it Hogmanay and it is a HUGE celebration with parades, outdoor rock concerts, dances, balls, and much, much more. Do a bit of research, and I bet you'll be excited. We had planned to go last New Years. But, it is still on my bucket list. Hubby had to have prostate cancer surgery in October and I had to have bunion surgery on Christmas Eve. Maybe next year we will see you there.

I ditto Toni's suggestion of Edinburgh and Hogmanay. It's on my bucket list, too, though if I make it to Scotland for New Years at least twice, for the first time I may actually go a couple hours north on the train and do Stonehaven's Fireball Festival instead: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9nlDUlPHfE

I spent new years In Rome twice. The first time was just okay, the second time was pretty nasty. Turned me off on Rome for ever. For Christmas and the days leading up to it and the days afterward I would suggest Germany (even if I don't like Germany), Austria and Budapest for the snow, the Christmas Markets and the lights and festivities. Actually I am trying to be too open minded here. Just go to Budapest. New Years? London on your way back to the states after Christmas. That would be perfect.

Last year we landed in Munich and spent a day drinking beer and going to Christmas Markets. I love starting a trip in Munich - mostly because I love German beer. Next day we woke up early (hotel packed us a little meal which we ate in the train station) and took a train to Verona where we spent the night. Next day - Venice. We loved Venice at Christmas. Cool but nice walking weather. NOT crowded. Vendors selling hot wine (glug wine) on the streets, there was an ice rink set up. Personally, I would NOT choose London or Paris but that's me! Anywhere you go the weather will be unpredictable - THAT you can count on. And things are closed so that can be an adventure too. This year we are doing a California roadtrip up the coast.