Christmas in Europe: 2008
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.
Christmas in Florence
We stayed in Florence from the 20-27 and it was wonderful! Every American should see a calm relaxed and happy Christmas like this one. You can go out on the 24th to the local bakery etc and get a treat to eat in your room. And your hotel can make dinner reservatins for you. We walked right into the Uffizi and Accademia on the 23rd and 24th - no waiting. Wonderful!
Janet
Portland, OR USA Wed 12/31/2008
Christmas in Germany/France
The wife and I did Christmas Markets in both Germany and France! First up was in Freiburg, Germany. It was simply amazing! It's just big enough to really feel it, but still small enough to have all the small handmade items that make Christmas Markets so great! Each gluhwein stand had their own personalized mug! Next we shot over to France to see the Xmas Markets in Strasbourg and Colmar. Colmar was great, but I would skip Strasbourg if I had to do it all over again. Too much commercialized crap from Asia there!
We also spent Christmas itself in this little Swiss mountain town called Gimmelwald. If you want a nice, quiet Christmas up in the Swiss Alps... This is the place for you!
Bobby Miller <email>
London, UK Sat 12/27/2008
Christkindlesmarkt in Nürnberg
I visited the Christkindlesmarkt in Nürnberg 3 times in 2008 and have a few tips to get the most out of your situation, especially if you're on a budget. Though it is very crowded, it is worth the visit.
- If possible, go on a weekday, since weekends are extremely busy! Days are probably less crowded, but nights are more magical. Since the sun sets so early, you could technically go at 4:00, stay for 2 hours, and have the best of both. I might recommend 3 hours to really take in everything - walking past all the booths, etc., but you can spend much shorter periods of time there, especially if you've seen other Christmas markets.
- Food is expensive! (Note: these are the prices from 2008). Most food items will be priced the same in all booths, but not necessarily (I found out the hard way). The Bratwurst stands tend to sell at either €2 or €2.50 for the basic meal. Also, I paid €0,70 for a slice of Früchtebrot (fruit bread), and then saw it for €0,50. Know that in some other cities, food is cheaper. I believe I paid €1,50 for Glühwein in Weimar, while here it is €2,00 or €2,50. However, there are many other cities where it is the same. If you know you're going somewhere generally cheaper (eastern Germany, for example), try to try some of the treats there instead!
- Lebkuchen in particular seem so expensive to me, at €1,50 a piece. If you want to save money, but still try Lebkuchen, as you walk towards the market from the train station along Königstrasse, there is an Aldi. Aldis sell packs of several Lebkuchen for under €1.00 (this probably is the same at other grocery stores). Maybe they're not quite as "authentic," but they still taste pretty good.
- I believe that Glühwein is consistently priced, but know that you pay a downcharge for your mug. Return it to get back the Pfand. Or, you can keep the mug as a souvenir.
- If you have children with you, make sure you hold on to them in the main area because it is so crowded! A few streets down from the main Christmas market is one for children that has a few little rides, displays, etc. This is calmer and I believe it has some of the same booths as in the main market. Look for the glowing light strand above the street to your right (as you're walking down Königstrasse), right before the main market, that says something with "Kinder" in the name. Walk in that direction to get to it.
- If you are looking for somewhere else to eat in the area, move beyond Königstrasse, the street which leads directly to the Christmas market. Just a street or 2 over there are other options which are probably less crowded! The train station also has lots of cheap food options.
- There are booths along Königstrasse around Lorenzkirche full of fruits, vegetables, and other Christmas stands. This is the normal city market which has been displaced from the main square.
- Though you mostly just see the roofs of the booths, if you want an overhead look, as you enter the Christkindlesmarkt from the direction of Königstrasse, look to your left and there are metal stairs going up. There are some restaurants up there, but it is perfectly fine to just walk up along the balcony there.
- If you continue walking straight once you enter the market (coming from the direction of Königstrasse, train station, Lorenzkirche), past the Frauenkirche and the little stage, you'll see another angel overhead and some stairs which lead to another street. Go up there and there is an international Christmas market, though of course, experience the German one first.
- Look beside the main stage for a schedule of when the concerts are.
- The big Lebkuchen frosted hearts which are hanging from everywhere supposedly do not taste very good (I've heard this from multiple sources), and are mainly meant for decoration. The ones to eat are the round circular ones. As for food, everything I've tasted has been delicious, from the almonds to the breads.
- Note the little people made out of prunes and walnuts and the stiff metal angels. These are Nürnberg traditional objects. The Lebkuchen, the Bratwurste being sold everywhere, and I think the Früchtebrot are also Nürnberg specialties as well.
Elena
PA USA Sun 12/21/2008
Christmas in Germany/Austria
My fiance (then girlfriend) and I spent Christmas 2006 in Austria and Germany while she was living in Darmstadt on a Fulbright. The German/Austrian Christmas markets are not to be missed. They range from the mildly tacky (Darmstadt) to the elegant and traditional (Salzburg, Nuernberg, etc.) My favorite part of our Christmas in Salzburg was Mass at the Dom on Christmas Eve. The line of people waiting to get into the Dom would rival any rock concert/sporting event I've ever attended. After returning to Darmstadt the day after Christmas, we headed to Marburg, Germany, where we both had previously attended university, for New Year's Eve in our adoptive German hometown. For the runners who are reading this bulletin board, Germany has developed a strong tradition of Volkslaeufe (running races) on New Year's Eve. I participated in a 10K in Giessen, which is on the train route from Frankfurt to Marburg. Overall, I have to say New Year's is quite an experience, as even mid-sized towns do not have a fireworks show. Rather, everyone spills into the streets and conducts their own impromptu fireworks performance. 2006 was the best Christmas/New Year's I've had. Hope anyone lucky enough to celebrate there this year has as much fun. Merry Christmas!
Rob Staub
Wayne, PA USA Thu 12/18/2008
Christmas in Germany & Austria
12/08 We just returned from Germany and Austria for a Christmas Market adventure. Arrived Stuttgart & drove to Rothenberg ou de Tauber for 2 nights at Rick's suggested Pensione Elke. It was great...nice people and great location. In lieu of driving to Nurenburg we took a train for 7euros pp round trip. Easy connections & very convenient. This was a fantastic market and the city is beautiful. Everything is decorated and festive. The food is great...the best sausage, pork chops, pomme frites, gluewein, and beer ever! We then drove to Erding (outside of Munich) and trained it into Munich for their market. Train was also very inexpensive and easy. Another good market! The crowds were unbelieveable! The next day we drove to Salzburg Christmas Market. Another beautiful city with hugh crowds...still well worth the trip. You must try the gingerbread & hot chocolate there - it is to die for! It was on to Seefeld (Austria - I think) which is a beautiful little ski village. Garmish was next where we stayed at Gasthaus Lamm - reasonable, clean and conveniently located. Drove to Fussen to check out all the castles. The market in Fussen is only Sat & Sun, so plan accordingly. Next stop, Reutte where we stayed in another of Rick's suggestion, Das Beck. Another fine pick! Our last night we needed to stay near Stuttgart for our departure, so we stumbled across the pretty little town of Kirchheim (about 20 miles east of the airport). Stayed at Hotel Adler, 90euro, but worth it. Great owners and great food. The town has timbered buildings and a nice market. This was a fabulous trip and I recommend it to everyone. Frohe Weihnachten!
Tom & Joan <email>
Tampa, Fl USA Thu 12/18/2008
Christmas markets in Germany
My husband and I just got back from 10 days in Germany( with a side trip over the border to France)and hit 7 Christmas markets. It was trip not to be forgotten. One of our inspiratons was Rick's Christmas in Europe show we saw on PBS a couple of years back. In Germany, we visited markets in Wiesbaden, Mainz, Wurzburg, Nurnburg,and Munich. In France, we visited Colmar and Riquewihr. Though each one had its own unique atmosphere, there were some things the German markets all had in common - gluhwein, wurst( I liked Nurnburg's the best), other marvelous food, marvelous shopping( Christmas decor, soaps, honey products, handmade goods,etc), good music, a few rides for the children and a magical atmosphere . For the most part, they close at 8pm but that left as plenty of time to enjoy the after-dark magic of the lights. Germans flock to their local markets after work to grab a warm drink and visit with thier friends. These markets are not just for tourists. A few of the towns had more than one themed market - Munich in particular had several - noteably there was a unique Medieval Christmas market we enjoyed. Each market in Germany has its own gluhwein mug and I had fun collecting them from each place. Riquiwihr served their quite marvelous mulled wine in plastic cups. We bought lots of tree ornaments , 2 nativity scenes, wonderful,lushly scented soaps, hand knitted mittens, fresh spices and much more. For the most part, the markets are located in the city centers and are very pedestrian friendly and easy to find. Bring cash since few stalls took debit cards and be sure to keep a few coins in your pocket so you can duck into a restaurant to use the restrooms( very common and fair practice if you aren't going to eat in the restaurant). Dress warm.
P.S. One of my favorite days was in Wiesbaden where I went to a German spa
( Wiesbaden had thermal springs all over) for a massage followed by a "bath " experience in a indoor/outdoor pool on a 30 degree day. Then we went to the market for some shopping. Fabulous.
Sally <email>
Plano, TX USA Wed 12/17/2008
Christmas in Rome.Tours and Day Trips
I am going to be in Rome from December 19th until December 28th. I can't wait! This will be my first trip to Europe and I totally do not know what to expect. I have heard so much about Campo Dei Fiori, Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps etc..and I am finally going to take it all in. I have been planning the trip for months and everything has already been booked.so now it's just waiting for my flight to Rome! Anyway, I figured I'd share my plan while in Rome. I will be staying in an apartment that my wife and I rented right near Campo Dei Fiori. We have already made Christmas Eve Dinner plans at a real nice restaurant in Trastevere. The Apartment is a decent price as a hotel would be a lot for that amount of time. I am attending 4 tours with Presto Tours starting on December 20th up until December 24th. I will be taking a day trip to Venice and Florence. I am most excited to see Venice and I hope the rain stops during Christmas Week! The tours that i will be attending are Presto's Rome City Tour, Colosseum & Ancient Rome Tour, Angels & Demons Tour and The Christmas Tour on Christmas Eve. I can't wait to start my adventure around Italy! I will give an update in early January and let yall know how everything goes!
Chris
USA Wed 12/17/2008
Christmas in Grindelwald, New Years in Salzburg
Last year our family of six went to Grindelwald for 5 days at Christmas and it was magical. We stayed at a chalet across the street from the Protestant church. We attended the Christmas eve service where the local youth reenacted the Christmas story to music then they gave out candles and we all went into the courtyard and sang Stille Nacht, we felt as though we had stepped onto a movie set. On Christmas day we skiied at First and it was abosolutely glorious. From there we went onto Munich and then to Salzburg for New Years Eve. What an incredible celebration. We have been to Times Square to watch the ball drop and boy is that boring in comparison to the celebrations all around us. It was the most memorable two weeks, the scenery beauty and festive atmosphere was amazing.
D Nelson
Newport Beach, CA USA Wed 12/10/2008
Xmas in Paris 08
For the last two years, I've been in London and then Berlin/Prague/Vienna over thanksgiving, just close enough to Christmas to whet my whistle with all the cool decorations and amazing displays - it was very surreal to be on Wenceslas Square in Prague watching them put up the lights and the trees - so this year, I was bound and determined to hit Europe over Christmas proper. I'm so excited - I can hardly wait!
Even better - I turn 40 on New Years in Paris? How cool is that?
Tony
Seattle, WA USA Fri 11/21/2008
Rome- Christmas and New years
Christmas and new years in Rome, are the best. The people are wonderful and seem really really nice, as just compared to nice in the winter months! Its really amazing , its so beautiful. And around Piazza Navona they have the Biffana festival which is amazing in it's self! During New years I promise no one can party quite like Italians do!
Lani M. <email>
Knoxville, , TN USA Wed 11/19/2008
Christmas in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
We spent a week in Rothenburg ob der Tauber (there are other "Rothenburgs" in Germany) - enough time to enjoy the Christmas market and all the sights in the medieval walled city - at a very leisurely pace. Non-market highlights were the Crime Museum and the Municipal Museum.
The market is large - some of the stalls are "repeated" (i.e., have the same items for sale), some have cheap imported merchandise, some have hand-made items. But the atmosphere is quite festive and the people-watching is fun.
We recommend a very nice place to stay, the Gerberhaus (http://www.romanticroad.com/gerberhaus/index.html)
Ask for the corner room in the front on the 2nd floor - I can't remember the room number - but it is huge - and because it is a corner, has windows oin 2 sides - very bright. The staff is very friendly and accommodating. There is a cafe on the first (entry) floor. There is free access to a computer/Internet in the second floor hallway.
And, it is within the wall - so everything (incl. shops and market) is within just a few mins. walk.
We splurged and ate Chirstmas dinner (duck, goose, etc.) at the Eisenhut Hotel - a very elegant and special experience.
Other Christmas markets (Dinkelsbuhl - spelling??) are a short day trip away.
Terry & George
George & Terry <email>
Austin, TX USA Sat 11/15/2008
Christmas Markets Through Germany
If you haven't been to Europe during the holdays, than you are truly missing out on all the the wonderful Christmas Markets! Though these markets exist in most all European countries, Germany is known to have the best ones. Enjoy a hot cup of Gluwein (hot wine) while strolling through the market. It is always beautifully decorated and lots of fun stuff to look at. Some of the best markets are Trier, Koln, and the largest in the world is Nurnberg. Here is the website listing all cities, dates and opening times to see if there is one going on where you are traveling to.
http://www.germany-christmas-market.org.uk/
Danielle
APO , AE USA Fri 09/19/2008
New Years in London
I arrived in London a few days after Christmas 2007 and spent New Years there. All I can say is that being with hundreds of thousands of people screaming "Happy New Year!!" in different languages was the greatest experience of my life, hands down. It gives me chills just thinking about it. If anyone ever thinks of going to London for New Years, get a hostel/hotel somewhere near Trafalgur Square. It's the easiest to walk to. I'd go back in a heartbeat to see that incredible fireworks show.
Cait
Washington DC, USA Wed 09/10/2008
lost in Germany
I have just returned from five weeks in Europe. What an experience. Six women traveled together and mananged on a budget of 5k each for the five weeks including airfare and railpass.
We stayed in apartments in Rome, Positano, and Athens. Bed and Breakfasts here and there. The real find was in Bad Ems Germany. Lost in our rental car we stayed in a Zimmer for 23e each including breakfast. Uschi, the proprietor yodelled us down for breakfast. Since the loss of her husband several years back, she has managed the small establishment alone. Bad Ems is beautiful and quiet.
As far as the rental car. Lets just say there is more than one Rothenburg in Germany. We arrived at the wrong town about 5pm the day of our reservation and we were a mere 4 hours from our destination. I am convinced we saw parts of Germany (unintentionally) most Germans have never seen. But beautiful, amazingly glorious country.
Karen <email>
lufkin , tx USA Sat 07/26/2008
Christmas in Ireland
I am thinking or going to ireland for Christmas. One site that ahs info is: http://www.lynotttours.com/i-christmas.htm
Does anyone know of any others?
Bobbie Jones
Nashville, TN USA Fri 07/25/2008
Paris Christmas Backdoor experience!
I took my wife, and teenage son and daughter to Paris for Christmas in 2005 and one of the best experiences that my kids remember was listening to Christmas eve service in french in an old church near Le Halle and then walking over to the Norte Dam. It was a definitely a backdoor family experience that we'll never forget!efinitely a backdoor exp
Ken Rempert <email>
Richardson, Tx USA Sun 07/20/2008
It is an absolutely great time to travel! Even though I didn't go to Europe this last year, I did travel to Charleston right after last Christmas. Here is a great site to learn about Charleston, SC: http://www.charlestonhome.com/discover_charleston.html
Jason
Provo, Utah USA Wed 07/16/2008
Salzburg and Carp
Spent Christmas in Salzburg on a package deal. Nutcracker Suite, a night visit to the church where "Silent Night" was written, etc. We also had a car and the Danube Valley was great for a couple day visits. One downside: the hotel served traditional boiled carp for Christmas Eve; I have never without snacks in the room since then. Regards
Gary
Salt Lake City, USA Thu 06/12/2008
Christmas in Paris
I was in Paris Dec. 24-28, 2007. My piece of advice: unless you are meeting family there, make sure you scope out the local eating options BEFORE Christmas Day, so you know what's open! Lots of places were closed, and the local markets weren't open either, which made eating options limited. If you are traveling with kids, Disneyland Paris (and all the nearby restaurants) is open that day.
jenny
CA USA Fri 05/30/2008
Christmas '07 PARIS
Arrived via a half-full Eurostar to a very quite StGermain de Pres Christmas eve and was thinking it may have been mistake. BUT by around 2pm Christmas day, folks were out and many bistros/cafes were full with a thriving business. Paris was beautifully slower but still its vibrant self all christmas week. Really enjoyed the chance to immerse in the neighborhood at a discounted price and the K&K Cayre is a great boutique business hotel...
Brad
Washington DC, USA Wed 05/28/2008
Christmas in Italy, 2007
Though the dollar has plummeted against the Euro we still had to have our yearly trip to Europe in December. With our daughter and son-in-law in tow, we rented a 2 bedroom 2.5 bath apartment in Spoleto, Umbria for just under 2 weeks for $100 (yes, dollars) per night. This is the way we love to travel. Staying in a charming village, shopping at local markets, exploring the surrounding towns, eating in wonderful local restaurants. I had copied recommendations from the 'Italian Slow Food Movement' books and we were able to enjoy really local, delicious cuisine at restaurants in Orvieto, Spello, Todi, Gubbio, Perugia, etc. Being able to shop and cook in our apartment is always an adventure, as well as, cost effective. Just hanging out with the locals in a cafe', having an espresso or Campari, enjoying the passegiata (sic) each evening, carolers strolling the streets, taking in all the history of the area. We have enjoyed lovely, low-key Christmas'in Europe the last 3 years. Sigh. This year it's back to Paris. We have used the website www.holiday-rentals.com for apartments in Italy, France, Portugal and Spain.
Kathy <email>
Napa, CA USA Wed 05/14/2008
Christmas in Belfast, 2005
For Christmas 2005, my wife and youngest son travelled to visit family in the Belfast area. I cannot stress enough that you will need to stock up on provisions for the Christmas and New Years time frames. From about 1/2 way through the day on Christmas Eve, till 2 days after Christmas, just about everything closed. It was lovely, and we spent time with family, but it was shocking to see the streets in University and Botanic area, usually so busy, almost completely empty.
On the plus side, the people at our hotel were most gracious and kind for the few brave souls that were there.
Cheers!
Glenn
Tucson, AZ USA Tue 04/29/2008
Christmas in Champagne
My wife and I spent Christmas week in a 16th century chateau, Chateau de Fere
(http://www.chateaudfere.com/). This 16th century chateau has an exceptional restaurant and is nestled in the heart of the champagne region. We spent time in the local Christmas markets - as well as at the larger one in Reims - touring champagne houses, and visiting quaint little villages. Our lasting memories are of the sunrise over the Marne valley and the friendliness of the people. We have spent four of the last five Christmases in Europe and this trip ranks as one of our best.
Jim Stover <email>
Houston, TX USA Tue 04/22/2008
Christmas in CZ
One of the most magical Christmas mornings has to have been in Prague. To wake up in the dark, see the snow falling outside your window and know that the bright blue lights are twinkling on the huge xmas tree in Wencelas Square is breathtaking. I walked the cobbled snow covered alleys at 7am, meeting no one and enjoying the hushed sounds of a busy city. Coming around a corner and being confronted unexpectedly by the Wencelas Sq Tree was a wonderful sight. By 10am the sun was shining and a bright blue sky hung over the Castle. Our Christmas day was filled with a wonderful walking tour of the city and a couple of hours on Petrin Hill. The tour guides are in full swing on Christmas Day. The only disappointing thing was that Christmas Eve was very quiet - all market stalls closed at 4pm and most restaurants were shut for the traditional family Christmas meal. STaying in the Old Town is worth the money and to be a few steps from the Square is ideal. Enjoy the scenery, the wonderful Astronomical Clock, the Castle, Wencelas Sq and the lovely Churches. Prague has a lot to offer even over the the Christmas break.
Rhondda <email>
brisbane, qld australia Sun 04/20/2008
New Years eve on the Rhine
Hi there!
My husband and I spent the most romantic new years ever in a lovely half-timbered "weinhaus" right on the Rhine, in a small town called Oberwesel. Most of the guests were locals, the food was amazing, and we had a special hot punch, and watched the fireworks over the Rhine at midnight (all provided by our hosts).
All the locals made it a point to come over and say "Happy New Year" to us, and their warmth brought tears to my eyes. It was an amazing experience!
For New Years Day, we went to have dinner in a castle that overlooked the town. The food rivaled any NYC restaurant! It was one of the best meals of my life.
An amazing experience indeed!
Noelle <email>
Jersey City, NJ USA Thu 03/27/2008
Paris - one week X'mas 2007
My daughter and I spent Dec 23 - 30 in Paris '07. We rented an apt. in the 1st district - 3 minutes from the Louvre and 5 mins from Opera Garnier. Apt rental is a great way to 'live like a Parisienne'. Very busy with too many tourists at this time of year! For example, even with our Musee Passee we had to wait 1/2 an hour to get into Musee d'Orsay. Fabulous city to walk around day or night and the Metro is the 'cat's meow'. I wish I could visit at least once a year!!! We loved every second of it!!
Catherine MacLeod <email>
Sussex Corner, NB Canada Sun 03/09/2008
Christmas in Roma
My fiancee and I traveled through Europe over our winter break from college and spent 5 days in Rome over Christmas. Our hotel/hostel was very close to the Vatican. We chose to sleep in and relax on Christmas morning since most of the sites would be closed. Right around 11 AM we heard loud music, so we poked our heads out of the window and were suprised to see a marching band of Swiss guardsman parading down the street! Very cool. Shortly thereafter, we made the short walk over to St. Peter's square for the noon blessing from the Pope. It was quite crowded but we were easily able to make our way very close. We aren't Catholic but that was a very awesome experience. We were happy to see most businesses open on Christmas day (all day near the Vatican, later in the day elsewhere). We actually took advantage of our rest day by hitting up a laundromat before enjoying a delicious Christmas dinner on Piazza Navona, filled with families there for the Christmas market. Buon Natale!
Jordan <email>
Gainesville, FL USA Tue 02/26/2008
Christmas in Colmar
My husband and I spent 7 days in Colmar, France during the Christmas holiday. We rented a beautiful small apartment owned by Leslie who also runs Chez Leslie B&B (see entry in Rick's guidebook). Colmar is a wonderful beautiful place to be at Christmas time. Not many people speak English but we had a great time "conversing" with the people. Great food, beautiful Christmas market and friendly helpful natives.
Pat and Jim <email>
Ida Grove, Iowa USA Sat 01/19/2008
Christmas Markets
We spent 10 days in Europe beginning on Thanksgiving Day for the sole purpose of seeing Christmas markets. Here are my "discoveries". The Alsace (Colmar and Strasbourg) had the most beautiful looking markets--amazing lights at night and the little huts were gorgeous & good street food but many items were from Asia. The indoor market in Zurich was beautiful but expectedly expensive. Best prices and more handmade items were found in Salzburg. Advice--find some small week-end only markets for the most hand-made items. (How many people can have enough handmade items for a a whole month market..?) Also, German markets often do not begin until December but the Alsace and Salzburg did begin theirs sooner. Overall, we had a great experience.
Michele <email>
Kansas City, Missouri, USA Mon 01/14/2008
Holidays in Europe
My wife and I just returned from 2 weeks in Europe that included Christmas Eve and Day in Vienna and New Year's Eve and Day in Berlin. It was an amazing trip. I can't think if a better place to be for Christmas, and being in Berlin for New Year's Eve was an experience I will always remember. There were 1,000,000 people watching the fireworks over Brandenburg Gate and another 500,000 shooting off their own fireworks. There were rockets going off everywhere you looked. Fortunately, we were on a boat, traveling along the River Spree, with a ringside seat, as well as heat and toilets. It was a great vacation.
David <email>
Portland, OR USA Tue 01/08/2008
Christmas in Barcelona
We just returned from a trip to Spain and spent Christmas in Barcelona. It was an amazing experience. The weather was fabulous and we spent the day wandering the beach. Many restaurants were open and we were lucky enough to eat at the outdoor patio of a restaurant on the beach. Note though that on the 26th many stores and the Picasso Museum were closed.
Emily Goodwin <email>
New York, NY USA Mon 01/07/2008
No place like Spain for the holidays!
Our family went to Spain last year and had a great time. We spent Christmas in Seville, and were amazed by the beautiful lights hung overhead in the streets. The food was great, and we enjoyed our every meal. Our family loved the trip, and we reccomend Christmas in Seville to Spain travelers.
Kari Goldstein
Portland, OR USA Sun 01/06/2008
A Swiss Christmas
Don't hesitate to visit Switzerland in the winter. It's probably even more beautiful than in the summer! We don't ski, but enjoyed outings in the Berner Oberland, travelling on chairlifts and cable cars to beautiful vistas and overlooks. The Christmas Markets of the larger cities are also memorable. Try it! You'll like it!
K & F
Oregon Coast, USA Sat 01/05/2008
Madrid and Lisbon
We spent Christmas in Madrid and found that most restaurants shut at 8pm on Christmas Eve and many re-opened Christmas Day evening. We spent New Year's in Lisbon and found that very few restaurants were open on New Year's Day. We ended up seeing movies in both cities, as there was not much else to do those days. In Spain you have to look for a V.O. theatre, but in Portugal all movies are in their original language.
Karis
Cross Plains, WI USA Thu 01/03/2008
Holland and Belgium
My wife and I just got back from Christmas in Haarlem, NL and Brugge Belgium, and New Years in Amsterdam. Christmas in Haarlem is truly magical. We went to midnight service at St. Bavo, then sang Christmas carols in the Grote Markt with maybe 10,000 locals. The day after christmas, we went to Brugge, where they had three seperate Christmas markets. It was an amazing time.
Syrus <email>
Mt. Pleasant, MI USA Thu 01/03/2008