My wife and I will be traveling from Dec 7th to Dec 24th. We have been to the coutries before but never during the holidays. I would like the community to give us some tips on what to go look for. We have researched the different area's but I am sure there are thing we have missed. We have not found much on concerts either outdoors or in churchs for holiday hymms and songs. Or are there any must see small towns and exhibits. Thank you for any help provided. Tim
Posted by
Ojai, CA
591 posts
Almost every city in Germany has a Christmas Market to visit. Between Strasbourg and Koblenz the ones in Baden-Baden and Heidelberg are very good. Many churches have musical concerts in December on Sundays.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
1068 posts
Paris has TERRIFIC lights and decorations - different in each neighborhood - and an amazing Christmas market (featuring foods, mulled wine, and gifts galore) that we just love. There are also carousels and ice skating rinks around town - tons of fun to ride/skate, and also terrific people-watching! L'Eglise St. Merri has lots of concerts (http://www.accueilmusical.fr/) and there will be 5 during the period you're in Europe - the 10th, 11th, 17th, 18th, and 24th. It's a great Gothic church (76 rue de la Verrerie, Beaubourg/Les Halles) with an excellent organ and a sort of hippie/artsy flair (you'll notice some of the hand made art immediately - but be sure to look up to see what's hung from the ceiling!) For me, there are two "must-see-and-a-little-less-famous" museums in Paris: the Carnevalet (free!) and the Petit Palais (free!). The Carnevalet (http://carnavalet.paris.fr/) is all about Paris - housed in an old mansion, it features a bunch of really neat, crazy old stuff, including a death mask of Napolean, artifacts from pre-Christian Paris, and some excellent and jaw-dropping political cartoons from the 18th century. The Petit Palais (http://www.petitpalais.paris.fr/en) has some wonderful and unexpected permanent collections - including some Russian icons that are gorgeous - and many special exhibits, which are often also free.
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
I didn't care for Strasbourg (much preferred Nancy), but LOVED the Museum of Alsatian Life, and would highly recommend it when you are there.
Posted by
Portland, Maine
2916 posts
We've been to Alsace during December, and while Strasbourg does have a Christmas market, it was a little tacky compared to others we had been to. On the other hand, there were several Christmas concerts in Strasbourg and the surrounding area.
Posted by
Stuttgart, Germany
3050 posts
Random Strasbourg hate...must be the RS forum! Anyway ignore the haters, Strasbourg is magical at Christmastime. It has MANY Christmas markets, with many different themes. It's one of the best cities to visit for holiday cheer. Hope this link helps you out:
http://frenchmoments.com/Christmas_Alsace.html
Posted by
Portland, Maine
2916 posts
I agree that Strasbourg is magical around Christmastime; as well as pretty much any time. I just thought that its main Christmas market paled in comparison to those in Munich, Vienna and Salzburg.