Christmas in Europe: 2007
As we learned filming our PBS European Christmas special, that's a jolly time to travel. Please share your feedback and tips for travelers heading to Europe for the holidays.
- Please don't post questions here. Use our Travelers Helpline.
Bath at Christmas
Please be aware that although you can easily find accomodation in Bath, you will likely have a difficult time finding food. On both Christmas Day and Boxing Day, most restaurants (including international fast food chains) are closed. Of those that are open, some are open only for lunch, others are open only to locals or those with reservations, or only have available an expensive prix fixe menu. Grocery stores, petrol stations, etc. are also closed. Be sure to inquire when booking your accomodation about options for eating on those two days.
Seattle, WA USA Mon 12/31/2007
Paris at Christmas
Paris at Christmas is the perfect place to relax. While Christmas is treated with importance, it is not over the top. No carols in shops!! Plenty of vins chauds, easy access to museums (buy the Museum Visite Card to go to the head of the line). Wonderful, wonderful choral music in the cathedrals - just returned from a performance of Gregorian chants at Notre Dame. Also midnight mass at Notre Dame was exceptional - although you do have to get there early. Christmas markets are also fun.
Sharon
Regina (right now Paris), Sask Canada Fri 12/28/2007
The day after Christmas in Germany
We spent Christmas in Brussels a few years ago and traveled by train for multiple day trips. The day after Christmas is still a holiday in Germany and most businesses are not open. We visited Koln the day after Christmas and were able to tour the Catherdral and the chocolate factory, both were worth the trip.
Ross
Detroit, MI USA Wed 12/26/2007
Christmas in England
This is a bit late to post considering Christmas is nearly here, but be wary that Europe is not the best place to travel during Christmas. My fiancé and I went to England last Christmas, and we had a wonderful time, but the fact that most places shut down 24-26 December really limits your options. Pay particular attention to the trains and busses—most of them have very limited service, if any service at all. Open restaurants are very hard to come by—we had to have Christmas Eve dinner at a Chinese restaurant (a nice one though) and Christmas dinner with our B & B hosts, who were gracious enough to let us eat at their table. . Incidentally we spent Christmas Eve/Christmas in Salisbury and had the most amazing experience going to the Christmas Eve service in the cathedral. In that respect, Christmas Eve at my Methodist church here in Virginia can't compare to a 13th century gothic cathedral.
Brandon
The Commonwealth, VA USA Wed 12/19/2007
New Years in Turkey!
We're (my husband, 2 yr old and myself) are currently living in Norway and are about to go to Dikili, Turkey for New Years. I'll comment on the trip afterwards but I wanted to recommend Responsibletravel.com for accomodation! The locations listed focus on sustainable living practices and are all over the world! We are staying at the Villa Hanorah in Dikili for 200 pounds per week and the woman who owns it has been so helpful and kind; we also get a special tour of a village with a meal and goat milking! I'll write back if the experience lives up to my expectations but I'm excited.
Christmas in Norway is stunning, like a picture book and coming from Florida and Texas, a white Christmas is very welcome. It is also very interesting to experience the night during the day. You can also see the Northern Lights this time of year! Rick hasn't written anything on Trondheim and it is a great place; he's focused on Oslo which is kind of like preferring Dallas to Austin, TX. Trondheim is lively, creative, stunning with the largest church in Northern Europe. Truly a must see! Keep on travelin....
Hannah Long <email>
Trondheim, NORWAY Mon 12/17/2007
Advent Travel
We just returned from a 2 week visit to the "Low Countries". Highlights included the Christmas market at the cathedral in Cologne, Germany and the ice sculptures in Bruge, Belgium. The winter festival in Brussels was nice and the ride on the ferris wheel is fun even on a rainy evening. I agree with the earlier post about the impressive lights at the Grand Place this time of year. The lights in the city of Haarlem, Netherlands were quite pretty in the town center. A beautiful Christmas tree is just in front of St Bavo's church.
We had a great time shopping in Christmas markets and sampling local food and drink. We wholeheartedly recommend traveling to Europe during Advent.
Seattle, USA Sat 12/15/2007
Christmas Spirit
We just returned from a wonderful trip to Austria. We did a day trip by train to Innsbruck, because we love the Christmas market there. My husband had gone off to take some pictures and I was wandering around the market. I heard some beautiful singing- all male. I began to look for the stage. I was not a choir- just a group of men who had taken their lunch break at the same time. More and more came to join them as they sang. They sang Jingle Bells in German- but said "Jingle Bells" in English. The harmony was so beautiful. They also sang alot of German Christmas Carols. I didn't recognize the words, but it was obvious from the people's reaction that the songs were well know. People in the crowd would occassionaly sing along for a few bars! They ended on Silent Night- in the orignial German. It really put me in the Christmas Spirit!!!!
Toni
Charlotte, NC USA Wed 12/12/2007
Things to do in London on Christmas
We're going to London for the first time this year, arriving Christmas day. In doing my research to find things to do, I found a couple great resources I though I'd share.
TimeOut (lists of open restaurants, things to do on Christmas day and leading up to)- http://www.timeout.com/london/microsites/christmas/
LondonTown (Peter Pan Cup looks interesting!)- http://www.londontown.com/London/A_London_Christmas_2007:_Christmas_Day_&_Boxing_Day/
Underground- www.tfl.gov.uk December 24: Normal service. December 25: No service. December 26: Trains start running at 9am, running a Sunday service finishing at Saturday times. Reduced train frequencies on all lines; many stations closed. December 27-30: Normal service. December 31: Trains running throughout the night. January 1: Trains operating on Sunday service finishing at about 11.30pm. Most line should be running, advisable to check before travelling.
Also, looks like Harrod's is closed the 25th, 26th, 27th, 29th and Jan 1st. Bummer!
Janie <email>
Gilbert, AZ USA Tue 11/27/2007
Christmas day in London
We were in London on Christmas day and found that it was our own private city! Most places (& the tubes) are closed, but it's still beautiful to walk around. Though meals can be booked in advance ($$$), budget travelers might try non-christian, ethnic fair. We had a really nice Indian meal for Christmas dinner!
Heather
Mount Dora, FL USA Sun 09/16/2007
Christmas Markets in Brussels and Bruges
We visited Brussles and Bruges a few days following Christmas in 2006 and discovered the joys of Christmas Markets! The markets/fairs in both places had a similar layout, but each had their own unique charm made up of stalls with unusual and colorful handi-crafts, very good food and snack offerings (I LOVED the Candied Grapes and Hot Mulled Wine!), and hours of entertainment with ice-skating and ferris wheels (really great for birds-eye view pictures of the city, and oh the Christmas lights!)
Christmas fairs are absolutely magical! They apparently originate in Germany so I think we may be planning to have next Christmas there, just for the Markets!
A must do experience!
Heather
Mount Dora, FL USA Sun 09/16/2007
Christmas in Venice
We'll be in Venice for Christmas Eve, and on Christmas day we'll be taking the ferry to Corfu, Greece (26 hours). We've scheduled it so that the day after Christmas we'll be on the Ferry and won't have to worry about closed businesses. I haven't yet arranged for Christmas Eve dinner, but I look forward to doing so soon.
I've checked to make sure that the attractions we want to see are open at the times we'll be visiting. These include the Venice Casino and the Archelogical Museum in Corfu.
We were in St. Mark's Square on Easter Eve and it is something we'll never forget.
USA Wed 09/12/2007
Christmas in Europe
If you want an idyic christmas with georgous scenery and fairytale perfection then i suggest Bath, England. I stayed at Badminton Villa which is placed with good access to the city where there is a wonderful christmas market. the christmas market is typically english with a merry-go-round and a collection a stalls. helping you get round is the locally produced burgers and constant flow of mulled wine. Bath is a beautiful city anytime of year, but at chrsitmas this is only accentuated by the early morning frost and the delightful decorations.
Phoebe Lawson <email>
New York, NY USA Tue 09/11/2007
Christmas near Siena, Tuscany
We went to Italy last year for Christmas and stayed at Casina di Rosa http://www.casinadirosa.it
It is in Tuscany, near Siena. We had a great time. If you are looking into spending Christmas abroad, bookmark it. But don't expect the huge North American fuss.
L.
NY, USA Tue 09/11/2007
Christmas in Europe
We have been to many large and small towns during the holiday season. Similar to the US we have found that in the major cities like Paris the stores start decorating just after Halloween. The Christmas markets typically open the last weekend in Nov. and run thru Christmas. While there is plenty of "junk" imported from Asia we found many local and regional crafts and artisans as well over the years. Our favorite markets include the Salzburg market plus the great shopping in the town of Salzburg, The main market in Budapest near the British Embassy behind the Kempinski Hotel - the local govt. controls the selection of vendors and restricts participation to authentic handmade crafts and art, imported goods are forbidden. The holiday fair in Aix-en-Provence features the annual Santon Market and if you are a collector of these traditional Provencal Christmas dolls you will be knocked over by the quality and selection. This year we are making the pilgrimage to Paris with our 16 year old granddaughter - her first trip to Europe.
Doug Weier <email>
West Cornwall, CT USA Fri 09/07/2007
Christmas in Italy
We were in Italy from mid-December 1999 thru the first week of January 2000. We spent Christmas at a lovely fattoressa outside of Florence.
On Christmas Eve, we attended midnight mass at the Duomo. It was spectacular, even for us Protestants-well, I'm a former Catholic so I think the experience may have been a little different for me than it was for my husband and son.
A Cardinal had come from the Vatican to say Latin mass and talk about a packed house! It was freezing cold but we were so crammed in that we didn't realize how cold it really was.
The little villages we visited before Christmas Eve/Day were simply charming. And the people-they were so welcoming! We were looking for someplace to eat Christmas dinner and the only place we could find was a small family restaurant. The owner let us join his family to have Christmas dinner with them.
Truly something I will always remember.
elizabeth
LA USA Tue 08/28/2007
Christmas in London
My husband and I met our son who was stationed in Germany for Christmas in London several years ago. It was a great time, as accomodation prices seemed lower. We also booked an XMAS lunch cruise on the Thames, after services at Westminster. A couple of points: the 26th is Boxing Day, so much is closed. The tube does not run on Christmas day, so Taxis are required. Restaurants are hard to find open on Xmas eve and day. We rented an apartment, so I loaded up the food in Harrod's food hall and a couple of other shops. Shopping for Xmas eve dinner at the food hall was the highlight for me.
SB
Springfield, VA USA Mon 08/27/2007
Christmas in Switzerland
My husband, children(ages 9 and 5), my mother and i spent Christmas in Grindelwald Switzerland. It was heavenly. The town of Grindelwald was easily accessable by train, everything was within walking distance although there is a taxi company that it extremly helpful and efficient, the skiing was superb, the outdoor iceskating was beautiful. We took a candel lit horse drawn sleigh ride through the forest on Christmas Eve. Our trip was magical and Grindelwald was, in the words of my 5 yr old daughter, "just like stepping into a painting". We enjoyed Christmas Eve Service in Grindelwald's lovely church in the middle of town before enjoying Christmas dinner in our Chalet. If you ever have an opportunity to go to Grindelwald during the winter months, do whatever you can to make it happen. It is something you will always cherish.
Elle <email>
Nashville, TN USA Sun 08/26/2007
Christmas in Salzburg
Following a river cruise on the Rhine, I spent Christmas in Salzburg. I made dinner reservations online for the 25th far ahead at the Sacher Hotel- lovely! Christmas Eve dinner was at the Elephant Hotel where 4 of us (single ladies) were seated together and we had a fine time getting aquainted. Christmas morning I attended mass at the Dom with full orchestra and choir- magnificent! That afternoon I enjoyed a concert at the Mirabelle Palace, also reserved in advance online.
The week prior in Germany I enjoyed many Christmas markets small and large. Cologne had the best food variety- they have several markets. A terrific holiday!
Jodi <email>
Branford, CT USA Mon 08/20/2007
Xmas Day in Paris
We spent Christmas in Paris a few years ago and arrived on Christmas morning. We were amazed at how lively it was on that day. People were strolling up on down the Champs A., many stores were open, along with all of the restaurants. The high priced restaurants had Prix Fixe menus, so we opted for something different.
If you haven't been to Paris before, it probably isn't the best time to go. It seems that all of Europe visits at this time, and the lines to the Louvre were the longest that I have ever seen.
But the people watching and other activities can't be beat.
Linda
Washington, DC USA Fri 08/17/2007
England at Christmas
I am going to England for a couple of weeks b4 Christmas. I am not sure if it is a busy time there b4 Christmas. I thought it would be fun to see the decorations etc. I will be taking the tube out and not sure where I will be basing myself.
emma <email>
ne, GA USA Wed 08/15/2007
Our Christmas in Europe, 2006!
Our Christmas Adventure in Europe was great! We wrote a blog about it:
We flew into London, took the tube into the city, rode the chunnel to Calias, rented a car from Europe by Car, drove to Amsterdam, stayed on a houseboat, drove to Germany for Christmas, staying in St. Goar, Rothenburg, and Baden Baden, thenw e drove to Paris till just before New Year's eve. Please go and read the blog. We had no snow, but it was bitterly cold, especially in Germany and Paris, but we had a great time! Out care rental was just $250 for about 9 days. We picked it up in Calais, and dropped it off in Paris. It was so economical. We really loved our trip, but only wish we had more time!
Elizabeth <email>
Seattle, WA USA Wed 08/15/2007
London at Christmas
We had a great time in England just before Christmas. Look at our blog. Listed just below your post, in my recent post.
Elizabeth <email>
Seattle, WA USA Wed 08/15/2007
Europe at Christmas
I just realized I did not put the url for the blog ont he previous post. Here it is:
http://sherryandelizabethseuropeanadventure.blogspot.com/
Elizabeth <email>
Seattle, WA USA Wed 08/15/2007
Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm is the best for Christmas. The history and holiday spirt can not be beat. Shoping, the windows in the department stores are nothing I have ever seen before. If you have the time visit the IceHotel before going home. Take the train from Stockholm and celebrate all the way to the IceHotel. Bring the kids they will have a ball.
Darrell <email>
Nashville, TN USA Tue 08/07/2007
Christmas in Madrid
Christmas in Madrid was fantastic. I have never been anywhere with as many people out and about on the streets - it was crazy. Just make sure you have firm plans to eat somewhere Xmas eve - or you will be drinking coke and eating pringles in your room, watching South Park in German.
TEE
Seattle, WA USA Mon 07/16/2007
Christmas in Italy 2006
We spent Christmas again in Italy...and have done it several times.. about 10 days touring, then several days planted in Venice (which was over Christmas) and finally a few days in the alps with friends. You do have to PLAN for holidays in Italy...stores and resturants are closed, so either a self catering apt or house is helpful...otherwise have your hotel book you a table for pranzo on Vhristmas Day. Museums will have holiday schedules as well. You will have a lovely holiday - but do your homework to avoid disappointment...
SW
Beach, FL USA Sat 07/07/2007
italy in december
i'm going to be traveling to the amalfi coast in december is that a bad time to go?
teresa <email>
pompano beach , fl USA Sun 07/01/2007
Christmas in Florence
I've heard that Christmas in Florence could be quite boring with lots of museum closings, overpriced food at restaurants that elect to stay open. Any thoughts from fellow travelers? It is still early I can change to another country but I need to get a good idea of what to expect.
Julie <email>
NJ USA Sat 06/23/2007
Christmas in Florence
My daughters (18 and 21) and I spent Christmas at a lovely bed and breakfast called I Barronci, which is about 20 min (15 km) south of Florence on the super strada. It was easy to drive into Florence and there was also a bus that went in regularly. The B&B is in an olive grove that is surrounded by vineyards. Peter, the owner and his son are wonderful people and they and their staff made our stay very homey. The village, near them, San Casciano is lovely and was wonderful at Christmas so we spent time there as well as seeing all the wonders of Florence. The drive to Sienna for the day is also worth it.
Ann
Ann
Calgary, Albert Canada Sat 06/02/2007
German Christmasmarkets
Here are a few tips about traveling to see the Christmas markets in Germany in December. I recommend anyone going to see them.
1) The big-city markets are almost exactly the same, and the medium-sized markets are trying to be and look like their larger cousins. The only difference between Wurtzburg and Nurnberg's markets was that Nurnberg has the Christkind. Pick one large market when you want to see the biggest and best.
2) The larger markets have about 15 different kinds of booths that repeat themselves over and over, kind of like a state fair. Know this going into it.
3) The smaller markets offer the most variety, but they are typically only open for one or two days. Each market has its own flavor on the Christmas market. I recommend the market in Dinkelsbuhl. It's half Christmas market and half Renaissance Festival.
4) The smaller markets are not typically open during the week. Plan on being very bored in those smaller towns at noon on a Monday. But the silver lining is that you get the entire town to yourself!
5) Each town, no matter the size, has its own Gluewhein mug. You pay a small deposit when you get your drink. You can get the deposit back if you return your mug. But the mugs make a fantastic and inexpensive souvenir. The deposits are typically 1 or 2 Euros.
Jarrod <email>
White Bear Lake, MN USA Fri 06/01/2007
Vienna-- For Janice
Janice, I live in Vienna. There will be several days between Christmas and New Year's where shops will be closed but restaurants, museums, etc. will be open.
EM
Vienna, Austria Thu 05/24/2007
Florence over Christmas holiday
We were in Florence over New Year's last year. Except for Christmas Eve, Xmas day nd New Year's Day, (and the usual days closed every week) the museums seemed to be open. We had no problems finding restaurants, except for just a couple with a note on the door saying they were closed for the Christmas holidays. There was some kind of a HUGE outdoor, public concert/celebration (that we didn't stay up for!) in Florence to celebrate the new year. It looked like a pretty big, fun deal (if we hadn't been so tired! ;-)
Terry <email>
Bend, OR USA Thu 05/10/2007
Christmas in Florence?
Hi Everyone!
My wife and I are going to be in Florence, Italy during the Christmas holiday and we were wondering if anyone has experienced this, and if so, what can we expect. I understand that most museums and such will be closed, but wasn't sure if there would be day-tours to Tuscany or Chianti running, if there will there be many restaurants open, etc. Any advice would be appreciated! Thanks everyone, I love this site :)
Rob Min
Lawndale, CA USA Sat 05/05/2007
Heidelburg at Christmas
We visited Heidelberg and enjoyed their Christmas market, complete with Gluhwein and specially made mugs that were used for refills...We visited in early December and the crowds were festive, not overwhelming. We stayed at a nice little family run hotel near the bridge and the owner drove us to the train station himself when our taxi didn't show up.
Laurel
Canandaigua, NY USA Thu 04/19/2007
New Year's Eve in Vienna
I'd like to plan a trip to Vienna, Austria, for New Year's Eve week, 2007. But, before I do, I'd like to know what is open/closed, so I just won't be twiddling my thumbs in my hotel room. Any advice/comments would be welcome! Thanks so much and please feel free to email me.
Janice <email>
Framingham, MA USA Tue 04/17/2007
Christmas in Germany
Christmas in Germany is truly magical. Rothenburg, Köln, Düsseldorf and Rheinbach were just amazing. The people were friendly and the markets were dazzling. The weather was unseasonably warm, but nice for those of us not use to the colder climates of middle Europe! Rick's guide book, maps and train savvy assistance were all "spot on." Going to Europe for Christmas? Remember to visit Germany! It will dazzle!
J. Seidensticker <email>
Tampa, FL USA Sat 03/10/2007
wonderful hotel in Brussels
In December 2006 we spent several nights at the Brussels Welcome Hotel. What a great experience! It was recommended by various travel books, including Rick Steves, which is my ultimate guide for recommendations.I totally trust his judgement. The location and price were excellent. I was a little leary about the exotic themse of the rooms, but they were vey interesting. We stayed in "Bali", which was a good size room with a small balcony, and a very large bathroom. The breakfast was included and quite ample; a coffee/chocolate/capuccino machine was available all day in the lobby. The hotel has an elevator, and the staff and the owner was very pleasant and helpful. It was only a few blocks to walk to the Grand Place. We definitley picked the right hotel for Brussels!
gretchen craig <email>
RICHMOND, VA USA Sat 02/17/2007
Christmas market in Brussels
We were in Brussels during the Christmas market, and stayed at the Brussels Welcome Hotel(recommended by Rick Steves) directly across from the market. (we hadn't realized that when making reservations.) It was one of the best Christmas markets I've seen in Belgium or Germany. The light show at the Grand Place was absolutely breathtaking...a must to see!
Gretchen Craig <email>
RICHMOND, VA USA Sat 02/17/2007
New Year's Eve in Vienna
Anyone who loves ballroom dancing should venture to Vienna next New Year's Eve. Graben street in the Karlsplatz area is drapped with christmas string lights made to look like elegant ballroom chandeliers all along the street.
New Year's Eve, music is played and couples dance the night away. During the days leading up to New Year's Eve, there are booths set up to help you learn/practice your dancing. What a way to have fun!
Elaine
Toronto, Canada Thu 02/08/2007
Christmas in Europe
We were in Germany and Austria during the month of December. We have gone on tours before to the Christmas Markets. This year to celebrate our 45th wedding anniversary we set out on our own. Using Rick Steves book Germany Austria 2006 we made our reservations for hotels and got our eurail tickets. It was so easy. We used the internet.
When we first went to Europe in 1985 we took our bicycles and rode from little town to little town. We are older now and don't ride so we needed to use the train. It was so easy. My husband loves to get the Rail Timetable book and plan our route.
The hotels that Rick suggested were great. We picked the smaller hotels so we felt we were staying in smaller town.But with the advantage of seeing all of the wonderful Christmas Markets of the bigger cities. We stayed in Munich,Rothenburg,Salsburg and Bad Hersfeld Hesses. Also one night in Frankfurt before coming home. We had a great time. While the Christmas Markets are much the same they are also different in many ways. We really loved traveling to Augsburg to see the angels in the windows of the city hall.
We would go again if the opportunity comes our way.
Loretta Biedebach <email>
Monrovia , CA USA Sun 01/21/2007
Christmas in Europe
I too just returned from a Christmas markets trip to Germany and France. Although the weather was unseasonably warm, the sights were enough to definitely put one in a holiday mood! Strasbourg was a favorite; walk around at night when the beautiful streets are ablazoned with lights. Don't forget to walk to La Petite France, a real gem! Nurenburg had something for everyone, including an amazing children's market. Even if you are without kids, watching all the children marveling at the stalls or enjoying a carousel ride is enough to make one a kid again! Rothenberg was also wonderful. Advice to travelers shopping the markets - buy what you love when you see it. There's no guarantee you'll see it again. This trip was a fantastic way to get into the Christmas spirit and bring back little gifts for your friends at home!
Carol
NY USA Sun 01/21/2007
Germany Christmas Markets and Hotels
We travelled through Germany the first week of December. Dinkelsbuhl had a nice (smaller) Christmas Market and was very nice. We also did the markets in Berlin, Munich, Baden-Baden and Karlsruh. We did not have reservations and the two areas we had trouble getting rooms in was Munich where we got the last room available and Rottenburg we could not get a room at all (even at the large hotels). Best Hotels we stayed at: Hotel Palmegarten, Dinkelsbuhl, Hotel Beeg, Baden-Baden and Hotel Monaco in Munich - I highly recommend all these hotels.
Lorene Boyes <email>
Lindenhurst, IL USA Sat 01/13/2007
CHRISTMAS IN GREECE
We just returned from 3 wks in Greece [Xmas & New Yr]. It was FANTASTIC! The weather was balmy, sunny, & I'd rather climb the Acropolis in 53 degree weather than in the summer. The HOSPITALITY was amazing everywhere we went. We saw few 'tourists' so it seemed like the locals have the country to themselves in the winter & are relaxed, with time and energy to befriend us. Food was outstanding, the museums awesome, & the islands serene. We spend time on Crete, Rhodes, & Hydra, and a week in Athens. It was one of our very best holidays ever. Go, go, go!
Cynthia Seguin <email>
Emporia, KS USA Sat 01/13/2007
Small towns closed over Holidays
Just came back from 80 day trip throughout western Europe. Word to the wise, although the trains were virtually empty so were many of the small towns that we tried to visit. In some cases only one hotel was available and few restaurants. We bypassed many towns knowing from this experience that they likewise would be quiet. Hallstatt, Arles and many ski-resort towns were virtually shut during periods of Nov-Dec. Stick to the larger towns and cities and you will have a delightful time during this slow season and visit those smaller towns during busier times.
Paul Trevino
Marblehead, MA USA Thu 01/11/2007
German Christmas Markets
I went to Germany the first week in December to visit the Christmas Markets. My first stop was in Frankfurt where the stalls were filled with wonderful candies, ornaments, hot wine, brats and other Christmas goodies. I stayed at the Steigenberger Hotel at Frankfurt-City. It is only a short walk to the Market in old town. The hotel was perfect, with wonderful food in the restaurant and the staff was great. My next stop was Nurnberg. I stayed at the Durer Hotel under the Castle Wall in old town. The hotel was ok but the small bar was always filled with people smoking and I was not able to sit and enjoy a glass of wine or a snack after the Market. The breakfast room is very small and the staff had a hard time keeping the food filled on the buffet table, again the smoking area was very small and hard not to smell while eating. The staff at the front desk was outstanding in their help with directions and information though. I had only 6 days but I thought that the Market in Frankfurt was a lot better than the one in Nurnberg. I found many more German handcraft items in Frankfurt and unusual German Christmas decorations. I can't wait to return next year.
Kathy <email>
CO USA Sat 01/06/2007
Germany
My husband and I have traveled in Europe for 20 years or more. We have used Ricks competitor as a guide book, until this year. What a difference! Rick is much more intune with the budget traveler and we enjoyed so many things we would not have otherwise been aware of. First I must mention all the places Rick recommends for lodging are a much better price than the "other" guys. We stayed in two places he recommended and were very pleaed. One of the places we stayed was Pension Peter's in Berlin. What a satifisfying experience! Chris, the properitor was wonderful. Very helpful, full of suggetions and all around a good host.
We would not have gone to Gorlitz has it not been recommended by the "other" guy in his book and he is amiss in not doing so. I do recommend though that Rick be more specific in directions to Tourist Information in Gorlitz. We stayed at a Pension, not mentioned in any book and I would like to heartly recommend The Pension Kasitner at Weberstr 21. Gorlitz. Very nice place and reasonabe price. Please consider including in your book Rick. Thanks to Rick we had a wonderful Christmas in Germany and will only use his books from now on.
Dianne Lyons <email>
Middleburg, FL USA Thu 01/04/2007
An Ireland Christmas
Great Christmas shopping in Kilkenny on our way to Christmas in Dingle.
Christmas day everything was closed so it was the perfect time to pack a picnic to have overlooking the Blasket Islands on our Rick Steve's Guidebook tour of the Dingle peninsula.
The day after Christmas, the town celebrated the Wren Festival, which was called a "mini Mardi Gras" by the locals, and a fun pub crawl accompanied by different tin whistle and drum bands. A great time was had by all!
Oh, and it never rained the whole time!
Liz
Ny USA Thu 01/04/2007
christmas in Strasbourg
We just enjoyed Christmas in Strasbourg, France. I have never seen a European city enjoy Christmas like Strasbourg. There are many Christmas markets including at least one with local artisians selling their products. The Cathedral and many other churches schedule holiday music for every day and night in December, and the street decorations are more numerous and more beautiful than any other city including Nurenburg. We stayed at the Swiss Hotel one block from the large Cathedral and enjoyed our accomodations. It was within walking distance to every single holiday event.
stan biles <email>
blue river, or usa Wed 01/03/2007
No public transportation in London on Christmas Day but plenty of restaurants open
Christmas in London in 2006 was awesome (and dry!). There were few cabs (if any - we just walked and walked) available on Christmas day, and the Underground was completely shut down. Unlike what we were told to expect, there were plenty of restaurants open, including pubs and ethnic restaurants.
Becky <email>
san jose, ca USA Mon 01/01/2007
Prague & Krakow, Xmas 2006
We just returned from a trip to Prague and Krakow during the holidays. We had our 3-year-old, which changed it somewhat. The adults really enjoyed the Christmas Markets with hot wine and stunning architecture as a backdrop to holiday decorations. The child was cold and unimpressed, though she did love the shows we watched on a stage in Prague's Old Town Square, a ride on a carriage in Krakow, and meeting Polish Santa (who took swigs out of something in a paper bag behind the sleigh)and his sad reindeer. The square in Prague is amazingly beautiful and festive during Christmas, though so crowded. However, we preferred shopping in the Krakow Christmas market because we found more authentic Polish handcrafted items, verses cheap souvenirs and imports that seem to pervade the Czech market. Also, we made a quick stop in Nurnberg on the way out, and it looked like it would have been a lovely place to be before Christmas. I think their markets close on Dec. 23. We were told by other travelers that St. Petersburg beats them all out during the holidays, despite the bitter cold.
Jennifer Kuhns <email>
Elma, WA USA Mon 01/01/2007