WHERE TO GO IN DECEMBER ??? !!! ???

If you're going during Xmas week, many towns have outdoor festivals. Germany? Not cheap, but cheaper maybe.

I would say not to Europe. Maybe Hawaii, Mexico, Tahiti, Caribbean, something like that.

thank guys will take into consideration.

Rafael Just a note. Any place warm or ski country is very expensive to get to and stay in between Christmas and New Years (or near those dates.) Also, weather in your part of the country can play havoc at this heavily traveled time. Try to go to a destination non stop. How long are you going to be gone? If it is less than 10 days, I would rule out Europe. Research and book your flights and hotel soon for availability and best prices. Good luck! Bobbie

cheap and Xmas don't usually go hand in hand. Paris is nice in the winter season leading up to Xmas,, hot roasted chestnuts and mulled wine sold at outdoor kiosks,, plenty of sights to enjoy inside when its cold.. shopping, decorations ,, and of course the food. I know a few cheaper hotels in Paris if you decide to go there.
Germany does xmas well also, but it will be cold and rainy in both places unless you are lucky. I would go on tripadvisor German forums to find more info about Germany. Its a good site to ask about hotels too. You didn't mention your age, and not that it matters much, but if you are younger or young at heart then consider a hostel,, the ones in cities can be quite nice and you will meet alot of neat people at them. From where you are I would look for a cheap package deal south to Caribbean or Mexico,, but as I said, xmas rates are usually higher rather then lower. Just a note, its hard to read posts done all in capitals ,and it represents screaming ,, so perhaps you could take the caps lock off, lol

I thought you were going to Lisbon?

One thing to consider while traveling during the holidays is that a lot of sights will be closed and a lot of the shops and restaurants are closed on Christmas day and the day after. I went to Ireland this last Christmas with my family and I cooked dinner for us in our condo that we rented. There were several days during Christmas and New Years that places were closed. I loved it and so did my family, it was not crowded at the tourists sights and we were mostly with locals at the pubs. I have also been to Prague, Germany and Austria during December on a river boat trip that was called Christmas Market Tour on the Danube. It was very inexpensive and my husband and I loved it too. It is more of an older crowd but it was fun seeing all the Christmas markets and being in Europe during the holiday season. What ever country you choose, be careful with layovers such as Heathrow airport in London.(snow and shut downs). We were lucky and our flight was only delayed for 4 hours, some were cancelled. Check out all holidays for each country for closures. Have fun, we are going to Kauaii for two weeks this year to avoid the airport closures due to snow.

thanks darla

Rafael,
Since you're posting on Rick Steves' site, I assume your asking where to go in Europe. So, I'll limit my suggestion to that. For a week around Christmas? Germany/Austria/Alsace/Switzerland would be my focus. Pick one of these areas (Alsace might be bit small for what your searching, but it's great) The Germans started most of the traditions that we celebrate during christmas, and they do it really well. I spent Christmas '09 in Bavaria and it was spectacular. Everyone was in such a great mood while there that you shouldn't have much trouble getting to know the locals (even if the small country towns). Be aware, early afternoon on the 24th, everything shuts down for at least a day and a half (except beer halls). So, plan accordingly for that.

Cheap is difficult when in Europe. Airfares are quite high noweven from East coast so reply to this board what your definition of cheap is as a per day per person in dollars. If alot less than $100 per day pp then mayube Florida would be a much cheaper option.

We went to Germany last Xmas and am planning to go again this yr. Our son is stationed in Kaiserslautern so we're taking advantage of not paying for a hotel as long as we can. We fell in love with Trier--oldest town in Germany; very famous Roman fort and spectacular cathedral. Lots to do there and the main square is a shopping/eating delight. Try some of the evening Xmas festivals. Great fun to walk around sipping hot mulled wine and seeing all the lovely items for sale in the stalls. Very civilized, pleasant experiences--everyone is happy and courteous. As far as the weather, it snowed a little every day but being out and about was quite pleasant. We were in Kaiserslautern, Trier, and Luxembourg City.