Christmas in Italy

Well no one can predict the weather but here it goes. If you haven't bought your tickets yet buy open jaw (into one city, out another) to save on back tracking. Maybe into Rome, flying back from Paris? If it's down time you seek you might explore Rome for two days then either find an agriturismo that is open for Xmas spend the holiday there or stay somewhere like Siena. On the graffiti wall on this website is a link about Christmas in Europe. Might be good to peruse it. These links might help as well; http://goitaly.about.com/od/christmasinitaly/a/christmas.htm, http://www.italianlanguageguide.com/italian/christmas/ I spent a Christmas Eve in Florence, the 7 day RS tour began on Xmas Day. Throughly enjoyed a celebratory Xmas eve cocktail with Aretha, Van The Man, and the Doors on the stereo in an "Irish" pub, strolling to very quiet streets back to my b & b, then watching "It's a Wonderful Life " in Italian on the TV is my room. Weather was cool but no snow. Then again have spent Christmas in London 3 times, each with different weather, light snow once but only on Xmas eve, sunshine and blue skies on another, and dank and cold on another.
Christmas in Paris was cold but not Minnesota cold. Again no one can predict the weather so why don't you choose what you'd like to see during those 13 days and pack layers!

Thanks so much for the great advice and links. I realize nobody can predict the weather and I'm sure we'll have a fabulous time regardless. I just thought if we could escape a bit of the snow we're used to that would be nice - although it looks like European winters are more mild than MN. You mentioned spending Christmas in England 3 times - that's the other choice we're entertaining. Recommendations? Our daughter would like to stay in a castle for part of it if at all possible (not sure that's in the budget!). Maybe take in a London show, trek up to Stonehenge maybe even to Scotland? Thoughts?

If you're thinking about Christmas in London, better "get crackin!" It is lovely, but hotels/apts book up quickly! Again, if that's the plan, better do "open jaw" flights and fly either into London and meet daughter there and depart out of Rome. Also, for Christmas in London, better to post on travelers helpline ''To The West!" Those people are way more familiar with that area of Europe, just like this link is for people who are experienced travelers in Italy. I think Christmas either in Florence or Rome or even London might be best enjoyed in an apartment in one of those cities. I usually use VRBO.COM for apt rentals and haven't yet been disappointed. Just my opinion -- prefer a holiday in an apt rather than a hotel room. I've rented the same 2 bedroom in Florence four times, and can look up the VRBO number if you want me to look it up, PM me.

Actually, if you would like information regarding London, you should post your questions in the To The North section. Paris is wonderful that time of year. If you consider that, post questions in the To The West section. Italy will be warmer than London and Paris. Maybe split your time between Rome and a Tuscan Hill town. Or Rome and Venice. Another suggestion is Verona. I would recommend an apartment over the Christmas holidays. Most places will be closed on Christmas and likely Christmas eve, and you would be able to prepare your own food. I use vrbo.com and homeaway.com to find apartments.

I agree with the recommendation to rent an apartment for at least the part of your time that includes Christmas day. You should also be aware that December 26 is a holiday in many countries - - U.K. Boxing Day, Italy S. Stefano, etc. - - when very little will be open. Plan carefully for that. If you decide to spend some of your time in Italy, be sure to visit some of the churches with fantastic creche displays. We spent my Christmas break in Sicily when I was an exchange teacher in London. I highly recommend it for great sights, good weather, and wonderful food. New Year's Eve in Palermo was a blast!

My husband and I travel at Christmas as often as possible and so far we've spent three holidays in Italy. It's always wonderful!! We're going back this year. One thing we weren't aware of: St. Stephan's Day on December 26. There was more closed that day than on Christmas in Florence. So if you're there on that day, plan ahead for meals and the like (entirely possible - we've never been hungry or unhappy in Italy!). Last year we were in Rome and stayed at the Hotel Trilussa in the Trastevere. Off season, we got marvelous rates and couldn't ask for better customer service and care. That neighborhood is wonderful and public transportation to all parts of the city is right outside the door. Our first year we stayed in Florence at the Hotel Pendini. I don't recommend this one. Our room was dirty! However, the location is fantastic. The Hotel Pitti Palace (just across the Ponte Vecchio) was a great find on the next trip to Florence. Have a wonderful trip!

I forgot to mention another wonderful hotel in Florence: The Anglo American. It's a bit off the beaten track but you can walk to the main sites in a few minutes. It's in a lovely neighborhood and the desk staff is fantastic.

Christmas in Taormina Sicily is absolutely beautiful! A step back in time, and the greatest grouping of magnificent churches in the main piazza! The people are so happy! We rented an apartment from: magicofsicily.com Wonderful, friendly Sicilian people! Fantastic food as well. Forgot to mention in a prev. post People usually go there in the summer, but Christmas is fantasatic!

Ron in Rome has excellent info on the Christmas Holidays in Rome. You should check it out.

We were in Rome last Dec 22-31 and traveling in Italy the entire month of December. (We moved here last May). The 24th - 26th take some planning, but there's plenty to do. The 24th we spent the morning at the Borghese, shopped, had lunch, rested up, went to church at 6:30PM, then dinner at 8:30, folowed by a nice walk to see more lights. The city is so decked out at Christmas! A very nice day. A very Roman thing to do is have a fish-based multi course feast on the 24th. The 25th we cooked a nice American breakfast, then took a walk through the Ghetto where it was pretty much business as usual. Lots of people were out and about . The ghetto was a great choice for dinner, too, but make a reservation because a lot of Italians dine out for Christmas! There are two precipi (nativity scene) museums open on Christmas Day so we visited one in early evening, taking in the lights at Piazza Venezia as well. The 26th we took a self-guided walking tour up the Gianicolo to Villa Doria Pamphilj, then toured the Palatine and Forum in the afternoon. We were exhausted! The point is, with planning, there is plenty to do even if some sites aren't open. Just walking (check out the book "24 Great Walks in Rome" for ideas ) is entertainment. As the holidays approach there will be lists of restaurants open, special exhibits, etc. One blog to watch is www.parlafood.com. Katie always lists great ideas especially for dining. I also like www.romerevealed.com for ideas and current events. Oh, and on the 26th, Via Fori Imperiali is closed to traffic and is thronged with Romans enjoying the passagiata. Quite the scene. (to be continued)

Part II As to accommodations, we rented an apartment near Campo dei Fiori and it was perfect! Great to have a small kitchen, washer, and space to hang out. We went through VRBO.com, and I would hop on that soon. Rome is busy at Christmas. Do try to stay near Campo dei Fiori/Piazza Navona/Pantheon. It is so lovely at night, convenient to many things you will want to do, and access to busses is excellent. Also take a look at http://www.italylogue.com/planning-a-trip/everything-you-need-to-know-about-spending-the-holidays-in-italy.html. You might consider a trip to Sorrento after Rome. It's a little warmer and quite a change of pace and scene. Access to Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast, etc. But get a reservation as it is a busy travel time for Italians, too. We found December in Italy delightful. We only had significant rain twice during 4 weeks of travel, and while it can be cool, it was often very sunny. 45 degrees (Fahrenheit) with sun is lovely in my book, and several days it hit 60! As a former Minnesotan myself, I really enjoyed the weather.