Munich vs. Rome Where would you spend Christmas Holidays?

Munich, hands down. think snow, outdoor Kristkindmarkts with hot spiced wine, the Germans do up Christmas in a lovely way. I don't know about Rome, it will probably be very different.

Rome -- it is warmer.

That's a hard one...but I would choose Munich. I did Munich last Christmas and it was SO fantastic! The ice skating rink, the lights on the buildings, the Christmas market, NO tourists...I could go on and on. I also did Neuschwanstein that week...it was magic seeing that castle in the snow. I think Munich/Bavaria/Germany is much more "Christmasy" than Rome. If you go with Munich, grab dinner and a beer at the Augustiner (on the street that goes along the west side of the Frauenkirche) ~ excellent food.

Definately Munich/Bavaria area Or even down to Salzburg. The entire alps/border/bavaria region is beautiful. Even Garmisch could be an option.

I've only experienced a Roman Christmas but I must say it was a magical time. It was cool and sunny, so unlike Rome in July, we could walk around for hours and never get tired. All the churches set up nativity scenes and we spent Christmas wandering around looking at them and visiting the Christmas market in Piazza Navonna. The Romans put on all their best clothes and walk around (really parade around) the city before settling into long dinners (be sure to make reservations). Women of all ages were wearing furs, high heels and expensive jewelry while walking around the ancient streets. We also went to Christmas Eve Mass at St. Peter's, so many people! New Year's Eve in Rome is just as cool, everyone and I mean, everyone is out celebrating by lighting fireworks and drinking champange. Rome is definitely its own celebration and so much fun!

However, to be perfectly honest, we're considering a Bavarian Christmas this year!

Our extended family will be in Rome on New Years Eve and New Years Day. Any suggestions for which piazza would be best for all ages? Will everything be closed on Jan 1?

I have been in both places during Christmas and I would have to say any part of Bavaria, hands down, to Rome. Rome will be filled with bands of roving nuns trying to elbow their way as closely as possible to the pope. Bavaria is filled with old world Christmas charm in the multitude of Christmas Markets.

You can use Munich as a home base and take trips all over Bavaria. Although I would use a small town near Nuremberg as a home base and take day trips to all of the Christmas Markets around Bavaria. Munich and Rothenburg o.d.T. can be day trips from Nuremberg if you start out early enough in the day.