Archive: Christmas in Europe
As we prepared to write and film our upcoming Christmas special on PBS we requested your ideas for places, events, activities, treats, and cultural delights that you would include with stops in Norway, Germany, Austria, Italy, France, England, Czech Republic, and Switzerland. Here’s what was sent in. Thanks for the help and watch for the special during the holidays of 2005.
Christmas market
When I was 5 years old in 1954 my Oma and I(grandmother)would catch the steam engine from Ansbach and ride on bench like wooden seats to Nurenburg to go to the Kristkindl markt.This was a facinating journey and destination for anyone let alone a small child.This was post war Germany not a lot of "things" but plenty of magic.We stayed with some relatives in an old house that looked like a castle then we went in the evening and smelled all the candles,incense,toasted candied peanuts,lebkuchen and all the other exotic smells not familiar to a little child living in a small rural village. The thousands of lights and candles were something I will never forget,The sound of the cathederal bells (Kirche Glocken)still send shivers up my spine when I hear them.I hate to use the old cliche that Christmas is all about feeling instead of getting But it really is.
Michael Boyle <email>
Miami, FL USA Fri 12/24/2004
Fish invade Prague!
Czech Christmas is...well...Czech. Go to the center of Prague, and see carp wading in big tubs. Then, people buy the carp, take it back home, and put it in their bathtubs for a few days. Supposedly, this cleans the carp out, and gets rid of all that bottom-feeder stuff.Then, they fry it up on Christmas eve, and if you carry a scale from the fish in your wallet all year, you will have oodles of good luck.The next day, everyone gets to finally shower.
Ashley Morris <email>
Naperville, IL USA Wed 12/22/2004
Polish Christmas
This will be a good story, but it would be complete and excellent if you also featured Poland. The Christmas tradition in Poland is a stunningly meaningful religious and cultural celebration that has flourished for centuries (and is also shared amongst Polish in America and their friends here.) You still have time to include this in your book and PBS show! Merry Christmas, Best wishes.
Sal Mahoney <email>
Harwich, MA USA Sun 12/19/2004
Christmas Traditions
Last year my wife and I spent Christmas in Venice - we brought our own Xmas cracker paper hats (silly us) - we stayed at the John Ruskin house (great!) and had a wonderful Christmas Eve dinner! Take your own cracker hats! It's a great ice-breaker!
Allen Hazard <email>
San Diego, CA USA Fri 12/17/2004
Neopolitan Natale
Most guides spend more pages warning travellers against Naples than listing the sights. But we found in Naples Italy in its purest form, especially at Christmastime. It was late November. We'd just sampled a local culinary innovation - I think they call it "pizza" - and wandered toward what looked like Mardi Gras spilling out of an alley, actually a street - Naples' most famous street - "Spaccanapoli," a bustling shopping strip bisecting the city. Tonight the action was the mercatino dei pastori, or Shepherd's Market -- this we learned later.
At the time, we noticed nearly every shop and stall displayed the same odd wares: tiny fruit baskets, miniature wine barrels, pieces to what looked like dolls' houses or model-railroading bric-a-brac. There were racks devoted to little windows and doors, bushes and trees. Shelves displayed tiny human figures: butchers, bakers - and what were obviously elements of Nativity scenes - crèches: Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus in the manger, shepherds, Wise Men, Angels. We noticed huge papier-mâché structures obviously made to house all this assorted human phenomena.
We realized these crèches weren't limited to just a stable in Bethlehem: more like the whole town of Bethlehem, or the entire region of Judea. We were delighted to have inadvertently walked right into the heart of an old Neopolitan tradition we'd hitherto known nothing about - the precepe, we soon gathered, is given the centrality (and takes up about as much space!) in homes in Italy as Christmas trees are elsewhere.
In the Middle Ages, St. Francis created a sensation with his famous crèche made with live animals. Churches and aristocrats picked up on the idea, constructing elaborate pieces that often ended up in museums. As with Renaissance paintings, the Gospel in these works of art became recast in contemporary terms, with the Nativity supplemented by scenes of ordinary life, common people working and playing. Indeed, this Deity-become-baby story is a democratizing message, and the tradition spread across the country and all classes.
Like wine and cheese, each region of Italy produces local variations of the presepe based on local culture and circumstance. In Sicily, presepe materials include pearls, coral and shells. In Naples, presepes are joyous extravaganzas, depicting entire towns complete with electric pizza bakers, Roman ruins, or Medieval castles. You can buy anything and everything for your presepe just off Spaccanapoli on a street straddled by and named for the San Gregorio Armeno church - the street of the figurari, who carry on the venerable tradition as presepe craftsmen.
As we scanned the racks filled with tiny furniture and animals, landscape and architectural details, we were overwhelmed at the sheer number and variety of accessories - not to mention the thought of what a job it must be to assemble a presepe from scratch. One got the idea this was a multi-year task, probably multi-generational, each new Christmas season making another pilgrimage to Le stradine di Natale to pick up more of the meticulously-made accoutrements - taking care, of course, to leave space for those original presepe occupants who've always had such a hard time finding room.
Mike <email>
Chicago, IL USA Fri 12/17/2004
Absolutely the Panto's the Deal
Our family goes to the UK every year at Christmas to visit my family and we always go to a panto. They are a bit like Rocky and Bullwinkle cartoons in that there is subtle and topical humor for adults but a lot of fun stuff for kids. We all look forward to attending one and it has some years been the highlight of our trip. But with the dollar so low this year, it may be our only highlight. Yikes.
Gretchen
Westport, CT USA Wed 12/15/2004
Christmas Markets in Germany & Alsace
Just returned from 10 days in Germany and Alsace region touring Christmas Markets.
Colmar was a fun diversion. The town-center is populated with old half-timbered houses; many of which survived WW II intact. The market featured more crafts than the other German markets we visited.
Cologne, Frankfurt and Nuremburg were all very touristy and crowded. Nurnberg in particular was packed.
Stay in smaller towns along the Rhine, like Bacharach, or along the Mosel, like Bernkastel-Kues, to get a better feel of the traditional market.
Wayne <email>
Pittsburgh, PA USA Tue 12/14/2004
Christmas Markets in Hamlin Germany
Christmas Markets in Hamlin, Germany (Pied Piper Fame) is fantastic! The beautiful downtown square is full of food, presents and hot wine drink. Enjoy!
Scott <email>
Greenville, SC USA Sun 12/12/2004
Salzburg Holiday Market
We were making our way to the Salzburg castle when we ran into Salzburg's Holiday market. Complete with an ice rink under Mozart's statue and a seemingly endless amount of booths, it a lively and bustling event that we were so happy to participate in. There was a huge lit tree, a brass band and nativity scene all overlooked by the beautiful castle above. It was wonderful!
Hollie
Seattle, WA USA Sat 12/11/2004
London at Christmas
When going to London for Christmas, don't actually go at Christmas unless visiting friends. For three days; Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day (26th) everything will be closed. All tourist attractions, stores, restaurants, shows, movie theatres, really everything. The closings are much more complete and at three days, much longer than in the states. Go to London in Mid-December for the Christmas lights, shopping and shows, but not right at Christmas! On Christmas Day even the tube and busses are closed and the taxis charge a huge mark-up. the pubs will be open, but most will not serve food.
Douglas Knuth <email>
Chicago, IL USA Fri 12/10/2004
Christmas Markets
This is my first Christmas since moving to Germany. It's absolutely amazing. The first weekend that the Christmas markets were open we drove up to Koln to go to the one by the Cathedral (though part of the cathedral was closed, I was disappointed!). It's very magical with the cathedral in the background, especially when it gets darker and it lights up and the music begins to play.
I do suggest trying several of the smaller Christmas markets. While the big ones are great and have all the international sellers, I've found that small markets like the one found in Ladenburg (or berg, I can't remember!) are great. They bring out a lot of the items that you can't find anywhere else because they are hand made and one of a kind. I feel like I am going to go broke from buying so much this year!
Talyna <email>
Mannheim, Germany Fri 12/10/2004
Elegant Vienna
A night out in Vienna must not be missed at the Kursalon in Stadtpark. This beautiful impressive building is where the wellknown concerts of Johann Strauss were held. We were fortunate to get front row center seats. The evening was filled with Strauss' waltzes, polkas and operettas. In addition ballet dancers performed throughout the musical. We were sitting so close to the dancers that the ballerina's tulle skirt brushed our legs. This was the finest and most memorable performance I have ever seen. The website is: www.strauss-konzerte.at
Susan Fogwell <email>
Princeton, NJ USA Thu 12/09/2004
Item for Christmas book 2005
Hi Rick and staff, here is some info you and your readers might find interesting for your Christmas book, that I picked up from another book called 'Cupboard Love' by Mark Morton regarding the origin of the Chrismas drink Egg Nog.
It originated in Germany in the early 19th century. Originally it was made with ale instead of rum, "...as suggested by the 'nog' part of it's name, 'nog' being an archaic English word meaning 'strong ale'. It's still made with ale sometimes in Germany, where it's called 'bieresuppe' or beer soup".
Morton says the origin of the 'Nog' part likely refers to 'noggin', a 17th century name for a small drinking cup that held a quarter of a pint, and also means 'head' i.e "He bumped his noggin ...the connection being that the head is a kind of "cup" for the brain (the word 'head' in fact, derives from an Indo-European source that meant 'cup' or 'bowl'".I hope I didn't go too long, and you can use this in your upcoming book. Merry Christmas. Scott Greenwood, Toronto, Canada.
Scott Greenwood <email>
Toronto, , On Canada Thu 12/09/2004
The Panto's the Thing!
One of my favorite English Christmas traditions is the Pantomime. Don't confuse it with obnoxious street mimes; it's actually a screamingly funny stage show known by the shortened name 'panto.' Pantos are a chance for the whole family to go out together to the theatre and have a really fun time. They are put on in every town, and run during a season just before and after Christmas. Each show is a reworked version of a fairy tale or well-known folk story, like Cinderella or Aladdin. One of the characters is always the "panto dame," which is actually a man in drag. Of course, celebrities are always a draw--we have tickets to see Sir Ian McKellan as the panto dame in "Dick Whittington's Cat" in London this year.
There is a lot of audience participation, especially involving the kids in the audience--there is always a scenes in which someone is sneaking up behind someone else and the kids are expected to yell "He's behind you!" The actor follows with "Oh, no he isn't!" to which the kids "Oh, yes he is!" and this can go on for a couple of minutes
The sets and costumes are over the top--we saw a panto of Cinderella in Bath a few years ago, and it included a lighted miniature carriage drawn by a team of shetland ponies!There's something for everyone. Pantos always include plenty of slapstick for the kids and topical humor for the adults.If you happen to be anywhere in England during the holiday season, run, don't walk, to the nearest panto!
John <email>
San Antonio, TX USA Mon 12/06/2004
Seville Creche Display
The Plaza San Francisco(town hall square) in downtown Seville is the site of a huge creche display and sale every year, from late November until just before Christmas. Creches are to Spaniards what Christmas trees are to Americans, and besides the usual Nativity figures and mangers, the vendors sell everything from miniature waterfalls to tiny eggplants, copper pots and tulips. The stuff is not expensive and you will be glad you bought more rather than less, since I have not seen this anywhere in the States.
If you are not in Seville at Christmas time, and still wish to buy these figures, consider visiting the Navidades shop on Calle San Jose, 18B, just off the Plaza Santa Maria la Blanca, and half a block from the Casas de la Juderia hotel. The owners, Pilar and Carlos, are great and there is no pressure to buy. Their in-laws make a lot of the smaller items.
Jean-Marie Simon
Washington, DC USA Sun 12/05/2004
English X-mas
You cannot go to England for Christmas without
1)eating rich Christmas pudding with lo
ads of creamy custard and
2) wearing a silly paper hat found in your Christmas cracker! The English excel at both puddings and silliness so indulge! P.S. The paper hats are fat free. . .
Simon and Vickie Pursifull <email>
St. Charles, MO USA Sat 12/04/2004
Christmas in Europe
One of the most magic things about Christmas in Germany is the music. I never get tired of choirs singing traditional songs. May be it is because they do not just let anybody sing in front of the public, the choirs are chosen and are magnificent.
Hamburg, a city in the North, is usually not known for it's Christmas Market. But one year in November, visiting from Canada, I could not believe how warm and cozy it felt visiting the booths, every second one selling gluehwein or potatoe pancakes with apple sauce. People stood around tables and chatted. I met young women talking about their future travel. One was leaving for Australia in the Spring. What a change she would experience. There are many theatres in the city and there is always a special play for children, with beautiful costumes and lots of magic. The stores compete for attention with their displays. You may also want to know that there are hardly ever any tourists in this, the second largest city in Germany.
Elke Valentin <email>
Fort Saskatchewan, AB CAN Thu 12/02/2004
Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt
This is one of Germany's oldest and largest Christmas Markets. Visit over a hundred stalls in this open-air market, shopping for beautiful handmade wooden ornaments, Lebkuchen cookies, "smokers", and an endless variety of cheese & sausages, When you get chilled, stop along the way for a mug of gluwein (hot spiced red wine) and a sausage, or duck into the Frauenkirche. Stop by the Schöner Brunnen (Beautiful Well) and see if you can spot the gold ring -- touching it will bring you good luck.
Ginny Peterson <email>
Boulder, CO USA Thu 12/02/2004
Christmas in Europe
Spent last Christmas in Europe and it was an excellent experience. Having lived in Germany in the late 70's in the military, I returned to vist my old military installation which is now closed. Flew into Frankfurt traveled by train to amsterdam, paris, munich and back to frankfurt. No crowds, little cold but no rain nor snow. See Europe this Christmas, or just stay home and look at Europe on TV while the rest of us travel the world.
Sam <email>
Spokane, wa USA Thu 12/02/2004
A Visit from Saint Nicolas & Pere Fouettard
On the weekend of Dec. 6th the local town celebrates a Nationwide Celebration by having Saint Nicolas and Pere Fouettard visit each household in a horse-drawn wagon. Saint Nicholas will ask if the children have been good this year, and if so , he gives them a bag of candy. If the parents report that the children have been bad Pere Fouettard is there with his whip to deliver their just reward!! I am sure that each child receives candy....but it was quite a surprise to be awakened by the sight of these two gentlemen, and to be queried, "Vous avez des enfants?" on a chilly Belgian morning!!
Susan McLaughlin <email>
Chausee Notre Dame Louvignies, Belgium, USA Thu 12/02/2004
Schweboggen - German arches
Germany is home to many beautiful Christmas ornaments -- from blown glass to nutcrackers and everything in between. My favorite ones, though, have not made the leap across the pond. They are the wooden arches that are placed in windows. Each arch has a scene and is lit with either miniature white lights or candles. The scenes range from villages to woodlands to nativity scenes.
Apparently, the arches, like many of the wooden ornaments of Germany, were originally created by miners. The arches and lights symbolize what the miners saw when they came up out of the mine: an arc of light. The arches are beautiful, and really make a lovely scene in the windows of the villages of Germany (and having said that, I think I will go down to the basement and haul mine up~)
robbie
Hooksett, NH USA Wed 12/01/2004
Rothenberg
We have many special Christmas memories from our travels but one of the most memorable happened in Rothenberg. Many German cities have a Christmas Market and we had been to several already one year when we got to Rothenberg. We did some shopping: I bought a hat to warm my bald head and my wife bought some small figurenes for her friends.
That evening we went walking about in the area beside their ancient church where the market stalls were. We were walking about eating delicious sausages and enjoying some mulled wine when it started snowing. Coming from the Texas Gulf Coast snow was a seldom seen sight so we stood there completely enhanced looking up at the gently falling flakes. Just then a choir formed and began to sing. Among the choristers was the man who sold me the hat and the lady from whom my wife bought her figurines. Truly a local choir and not hired to entertain the tourists (very few of whom were there by the way). In the shadow of that ancient church with the snow gently falling and the choir singing traditional German hymns we enjoyed a quiet epiphany.
Charles M. Luther <email>
Katy, TX USA Tue 11/23/2004
Christmas Carols
I have lived in California for 40 years, but England is my home country, so every time I go home for Christmas, I make a point of finding out where there is a Christmas Eve Carol Service in the vicinity. Any really old church or cathedral will do - the acoustics are magnificent; so much so that you may be asked not to turn pages until prompted to do so, since it sounds like an earthquake when you rattle the paper, as happened in Gloucester Cathedral on its 900th. Birthday. There's nothing quite like the sound of a choirboy singing "Silent Night".
Kay Moore <email>
Belmont, CA USA Tue 11/16/2004
Antwerp Holiday Cheer
Last year we travelled down to Antwerp for a day from the Netherlands - and the city centre was all lit up with lights strung from the old houses; an ice-rink was set up near the church; there were fire barrels (!) everywhere; and vendors hawking goods from wood carved chess sets to sweaters and hats and food and more. It was great to just sit outside on the main square at a cafe and people watch. I definitely think that Antwerp has a much better way of showing the holidays than, say, your local Wal-Mart in Topeka...
Kelly Jo <email>
Raleigh , NC USA Mon 11/15/2004
Augsburg Christmas Market
Though not as large as the Nurnburg one, the Augsburg market has something unique to offer. If you go on Sunday evenings, look up at the Rathaus and you will see the most spectacular sight! The Augsburg Angels will appear on the balconies at the windows, holding musical instruments, and if you didn't know better, you would swear they were real angels! It is truly a magical sight and one of my favorite memories of my 2 years in Germany!
Nanci Ostrosky <email>
Columbia, SC USA Sat 11/13/2004
Christmas day cartoons: D Duck
Scandinavian custom you would never about. We were on a cruise of the Baltic countries and on a local small boat tour of the water-ways around Stockholm, Sweden (I THINK.?). This very good guide, nice, sincere, well informed lady guide told us that ALL of Sweden sits in front of their TV sets on Christmas day watching many, many cartoons of Donald Duck!!! Who would have thunk it? (It might have been Oslo or another country but pretty sure it was Sweden.) Who knew?. She swore it was true!
Myra Wharton <email>
Alvin, TX USA Fri 11/12/2004
Christmas traditions
Barga, in northern Tuscany is a great place to visit at Christmas. Throughout the mediaeval hilltown live crib scenes are set up making for a magical experience. In Italy Santa doesn't appear (at least traditionally) and the Befana (a kind of witch) brings sweets to good children and a piece of charcoal to the bad! The Befana can be seen in Brga from Christmas to Epifany. There are no hotels in the old town but try casa-fontana (www.casa-fontana.com) for good b&b accommodation
ron gauld <email>
Aberdeen, Scotland UK Fri 11/12/2004
Christmas Market
If you are in Germany in December dont miss the Christmas Market in Nurnburg! The Germans are really into handcrafts and they make beautiful things. This is said to be the largest Christmas Market in Germany
Lisa Lavington <email>
Federal Way, WA USA Thu 11/11/2004
Kolner Dom (Cologne Cathedral)
The Feast of the Epiphany is on Jan. 6. This celebrates the day the Three Wise Men arrived to worship the Infant Jesus. At the Kolner Dom (Cologne Cathedral) this is the day that the side of the golden crypt holding the relics of the 3 Kings is opened and the skulls with the crowns on them are displayed for all to see. An interesting tradition at the Cathedral of the Three Kings.
Lisa Lavington <email>
Federal Way, WA USA Thu 11/11/2004
Christmas traditions in Bavaria
My husband and I are currently living in Bavaria. The locals here have a wonderful Christmas tradition. On Christmas Eve the entire town makes a pilgrimage to the local cemetery. Once there, everyone decorates the graves of their loved ones with miniature Christmas trees and candles. We were not sure what to expect the first time we joined the march, but the festive atmosphere soon drew us in. Brass bands, neighbors visiting, and sharing remembrances of the deceased showed us that just because someone has passed away does not mean that their memory cannot be included in this time of year.
Lura Mullis
Garmisch, Germany, Sun 11/07/2004
Finnish Light in Winter
I lived in Finland for a year and I especially enjoyed the Christmas celebrations. While it is cold and dark for a good portion of the day, the Finns have created many ways to celebrate with light. Homeowners build "lumipalloa" (snowball pyramids)in their front yards. Inside the pyramid they place a candle which burns for many hours. It is delightful to walk the neighborhood streets and enjoy the ambiance of the soft light peeking out between the frozen snowballs.
Debbie Hunter <email>
Winters, CA USA Sat 11/06/2004
European Christmas Traditions
FATHER CHRISTMASOur family was very fortunate to be able to live outside of London for four years.Our two older sons quite enjoyed travelling into London by train at Christmas time. Hamley's Toy Store was their very favorite and Paddington Bear was on the top of their list our first Christmas in England.
There is something magical about Christmas in England. It truly is so very Dickensonian.
Our second Christmas was a joy as my little guy was now a toddler and able to travel on the train with me. I would buy him a big, stale bun with icing on it and he would gnaw away at it from Claygate to Guildford...my next favorite city.Guildford had a new shopping mall, and "Father Christmas" was up on the second floor in his "grotto" ready to visit the little ones.The grotto...or tiny hut...was situated precariously next to the overlook of the first floor of the mall. It was half my size (I am 5' 10"), but I proceeded to take my child out of his stroller and we pushed our way past shiny streamers into the grotto in which we hoped to find Father Christmas.Father Christmas differs from Santa in that he wears a long floor-length cloak with hood attached.As we entered the grotto, it was pitch black. My little guy held onto my neck with a stranglehold I shall never forget! We moved towards the back of the grotto and suddenly saw a dark figure with its arms outstretched towards us.That was enough for my little one...he shrieked with all of his lung power...I am sure that all of Guildford heard him that day. He pushed himself out of my arms and I tried to hold onto him tightly, while suddenly standing straight up and tipping the grotto!Father Christmas reached out to hold on to us...I think he truly thought we all(including that grotto) were going over the side and onto the first floor!With all of my might, I ran out of the grotto, towards the elevator, and out of the mall. My son was in a state that I have never witnessed before, and for him...and for me...,Father Christmas, Santa Claus, Belsnickle...whomever... has never quite been the same! "God Bless Us Everyone!"
Pamela Steadman <email>
Savannah, GA USA Sat 11/06/2004
What fun reading the Christmas postings from your fans! Many of them bring back memories of my childhood and teen years growing up in Heidelberg, Germany with my military dad and German mother. I noticed the usual German Christmas market locations listed below, but one of the very best not mentioned is the huge Christkindl Markt in FRANKFURT! I think that its setting is even more beautiful than Nuremberg, and is just as authentic. Picture the lovely A-frame exposed-beam homes surrounding the large square, the beautiful church with upper balcony where one can see/hear angels sing every hour, the huge fabulously festive lighted CARROUSEL for young & old, and the rustic stands filled with handmade wooden ornaments - incredible nutcrackers - hot spiced wines - roasted nuts - funny figures sculptured from dates, raisins, and nuts - gingerbread hearts - the best sausage, rolls & mustard ever tasted — and so much more... "Sigh" ... how I wish I were there again! Frankfurt's Christmas market, although large & popular, has fewer tourists and is easy to get to via train and streetcar. It always ends on the Monday before Christmas - even if (like this year) Monday falls on the 20th.
Susan
CO USA Mon 11/01/2004
France
Christmas in europe should include shopping in Paris. Perhaps back again after holiday-for New Years there also.
allene nelson(jourdonnais-fourcade, french familys in north-west ) <email>
Norwich, CT USA Sun 10/31/2004
Jul in Norway, Sweden, England
Don't miss the magical Tregarden Julehus in Drobak 30min from Oslo. (we still reminisce every year about how glowingly beautiful this wooden house looked in the snow!) And the winding snickets of Stockholm's Gamla Stan is very atmospheric too-booths on the square sell gloegg and pepperkaker and other Christmas fun and fare. In England, the shop windows on Regent St are unveiled after Armistice Day Nov 11-they don't have Thanksgiving to hold them back!
Watch for the Christmas tree lighting celebration in Trafalgar Sq. (The tree is an annual gift from the people of Norway in gratitude to the people of Britain for their help during the WWII occupation of Norway)
Peggy S
Seattle, WA USA Fri 10/29/2004
A hope of what to include in your Christmas special
Please try to include as many local traditions (rituals, songs, etc.) and food (especially cookies!) in your Christmas special as you can. I can't wait to see the special!
Jenny Williams <email>
Prescott Valley, AZ USA Thu 10/28/2004
Italy in December
My wife and I honeymooned for 2 weeks in Italy during December, 2002, returning home the day before Christmas. Words cannot explain what a wonderful time we had exploring Italy that time of year. Every town, from the big cities such as Venice to small towns like Sorrento, were beautifully decorated. Venice, three to four days before Christmas, although chilly, had the most incredible atmosphere with the small alleyways filled packed with locals out to get gifts for loved ones, attend a local market celebration where the food and sweets were out of this world, or join a group of carrollers (dressed in black with sunglasses on at 8:00 at night) enjoying the moment.
The fact that there were no huge tourist lines allowed us to see so many major attractions with ease(no wait at the Duomo in Florence or Vatican, was able to buy tickets on the sport to climb the Tower of Pisa) and the slight chill in the air made the incredible amount of walking very easy and made the wine and/or lemoncello taste even better. Back to the holidays, we were amazed to find an open air skating rink in the middle of the walled city of Lucca in Tuscany.
Again, the festivals and gift stands were so festive and enjoyable. We would not hesitate to go back to Italy during that wonderful time. I would definately include a trip to Venice in your video.
Steve
Boston, MA USA Wed 10/27/2004
Christmas TV Special - Oberndorf
I've been to Christkindlmarkts in Nurnberg, Munich and Augsburg, Germany and they're wonderful, as are Christmas celebrations in many other cities and towns in Germany and the rest of Europe, e.g. Dickens' London, Rome, etc.
But the one place I'd visit again if I could be in Europe at Christmastime is Oberndorf, Austria, the birthplace of "Silent Night".Fifteen miles north of Salzburg lies Oberndorf, Austria, where on Christmas eve, 1818, in St. Nicholas Church, Joseph Mohr and Franz Gruber performed for the first time the most beautiful Christmas Carol of all. I first visited Oberndorf many years ago, when the "Silent Night Chapel" and the story of "Silent Night" were little known outside Austria. The story of "Silent Night" is wonderful...the priest's prayerful poem combined with the music teacher's simple, beautiful melody, joining to provide a musical tribute on Christmas eve. The setting is beautiful. The "Stille Nacht Kapelle" in Oberndorf is a lasting memorial to the magic that took place on that Christmas eve in 1818, when the most famous, most translated Christmas carol was sung for the first time.
I believe there is a ceremony at the "Stille Nacht Kapelle" every Christmas eve to commemorate the event. Including Oberndorf and "Silent Night" in your TVspecial would be a great way to help spread the story around the world.For more information you can visit the Silent Night Association website http://www.stillenacht.at/en/index.asp
John Dwyer <email>
Fanwood, NJ USA Tue 10/26/2004
Christmas
The highlights of our annual Christmas visits to Germany are the free concerts. Almost nightly, one of the churches surrounding the markets has a beautiful music program and anyone can enter and listen. Also, the churches are wonderfully decorated in celebration of Advent and should not be missed!
Diane Martin <email>
Chesapeake, VA USA Tue 10/26/2004
Czech Chocolate Ornaments
The Orion brand chocolate Christmas ornaments(either dark or milk chocolate) in Czech Republic are great & even come with their own hangers. Many households don't let the kids eat them until the tree is taken down after the holidays. My husband tells me when he was a kid in CZ he would look forward to helping his parents take down the tree so he could finally get to those yummy chocolates.
Sunnyvale, CA USA Fri 10/22/2004
Christmas in Brussels
Loved the Grand Place during Christmas. There are strings of lights and a huge tree, but best of all is the life sized nativity scene with actual sheep and a donkey. (they got loose while I was there - but were quickly found!)Going again this year for New Years.
Erin <email>
Baltimore, MD USA Fri 10/22/2004
Night Time Tabogganing in Grindelwald
I think night tabogganing in Grindlewald is one of the most amazing and unique holiday experiences anywhere. You are driven up the mountain in a bus for fondue and gluwine (hot spiced wine) and left at the top of the mountain with a taboggan to make your own way down (not for the faint of heart). It is truely exilerating (and a bit dangerous). Along the way down the mountain there are little bars where you can stop for a drink and a dance under the moonlight.
Heather <email>
Santa Barbara, CA USA Thu 10/21/2004
Haussman Decorations
Ralph Garrity, you are very right... The printemps and the Gallery Lafayette have the most beautiful window decorations. The streets, however, get really crowded, particularly during the weekend. This is great to get a feel of the ambiance and everything, but consider arriving either early in the morning or simply late at night when the stores are closed so you can really enjoy all the decorations and not have to owrry about steping on a small child... During the winter, there is a very small ice skating ring in front of l'Hotel de Vill (town hall) as well as a nativity tent in front of Notre Dame.
laetitia <email>
Paris/DC, DC USA Tue 10/19/2004
St Nicks Day
Reading about Stephanie's posting about St Nick's day reminded me of Czech Republic. The only difference is in CZ it's St Nick & the devil who come to visit the kids in each household. St Nick asks the kids if they've been good, talk about things(good & naughty) the kids had done during the year & in some areas ask bible questions. The devil will try to trick them into making a wrong answer. St Nick will give the kids candy if they've been good. Every kid is brought up to think that if they've been naughty the devil would at that time take them away in a sack he carries with him. Though nobody I knew had actually seen this happen, everyone I knew as a kid were on their best behaviour in the weeks before St Nicks day all through the New Year!
CA USA Mon 10/18/2004
St. Nicholas Day
I think it's a great idea to have a Christmas special. I studied in Innsbruck for a year and Christmas was definately one of my favorite experiences over there. My suggestion would be to include a little about the St. Nicholas tradition. Beginning a few days before St. Nicholas Day, Krampus begin roaming the streets, mainly sticking to the Altstadt, where all the people are. The Krampus are males dressed up in furry costumes with horns on their heads, depicting devil like creatures. They carry a chain and a switch and like to go through town hitting whomever they want with them, which i didn't believe until they got me. They are suppose to run around the town and scare children into being good, but sometimes they can get out of hand.
On St. Nicholas Day, St. Nicholas visits homes with his two sidekicks: the evil Krampus and the angel. St. Nicholas is suppose to decide whether each child has been good or bad and give them either candy or coal??I always thought that St. Nicholas Day just involved getting your shoe filled with candy, but this was not part of their tradition!!
I would also suggest including New Year's in your film too. I think that it is more exciting in Europe and Innsbruck definately put on a good show!!
Stephanie <email>
Streator, IL USA Sun 10/17/2004
Christmas in Europe
I always think of something after I send in my bgraffitti. I Barcelona ther was an partial enclosed nativity scene in the main cathederal square in the old town it was really nice They also have red lanterns strung across the side streets off of this square which is a short way off the lower part of Las Ramblas. They reminded me of this chinese movie i saw called the red lantern or the street of the red lanterns.They also have a lot of witches on brooms which a symbolic of something different i think than what we think of when we see witches I think they are for good luck
Janice L. Killingbeck <email>
Saginaw, MI USA Fri 10/15/2004
Christmas in Europe
Last year we were in Europe from Dec 30, 2003 to Jan. 4, 2004. In Spain the main day is January 6 so we missed that.We also stayed in Nice and were Pleasantly surprised that all the Towns along the Cote d'Azur have winter festivals from Jan 1-6 n They are all similar but each unique to the city
Monaco had the biggest It is only about 15-20 minutes from Nice by train. as you walk out of the upper part of the train station you walk down hill towards the harbor in the same are where they have the grand prix they have their christmas fete. The swimming pool is frozen for ice skating. They have these huge audioanimatronic figures of santa and his elves through the seasons including a toy shop and santa relaxing at home elves fishing etc.
They have these little log booths selling food and all sort s of items such as handicrafts and toys and clothing. In addition to the ice skating the pine trees are brought in and sprayed with white foam for snow there is a toboggan ride and other small rides for children. There we were introduced to churros. Later we found out that these originated in spain but like the Begian Waffle stands in Barcelona the churros have spread from spain. They look llike giant french fries but are more like pancakes in taste and you can get chocolate to dip them in among other things they are delicious. I like to take pictures of all the food we eat that we can't get in the US but we had eaten ours before I remembers so I zoomed in on a man's hand who was walking by holding a box of churros and when I got back home that I must have taken a photo of one of the rich residents of Monaco bbecause he 3 giant rings on each finger an expensive leather suit jacket and french cuffs.
In Nice for some reason they had already taken down theri little holiday village but the giant ferris wheel was still up and the Christmas lights were still strung. They had some unusal figures in the lights more like clowns and aliens no santas or angels in sight. A lot of the store windows in both nice and Antibes had tiny village scenes with loads of figures.
In Barcelona every one was wearing green santa claus type hats with white trim and tassel not red hats like here. The elves in the Scenes in Monaco also wore greenIn Nice they froze the water in the area that usually has fountains for ice skating they have big trucks with freezing units on them to do it.Coming from Michinga it is odd to see palm trees decorated by lights.And people wearing mink coats, winter coats hats and scarves in 55-60 degree weather we wore our fall jackets or sweaters in the daytime with no jackets
In Barcelona we were there on New Years Eve and Day New Years eve the revelry starts in the old town where we were staying on a side street at 11:30 p.m. and went on all night. No gun fire like in the US but lots of shouting and breaking bottles. In the morning when we left about 8 a.m. the streets were covered in glass but even though it was New Years day the street cleaners and sweepers were out in force so that I'm sure byy the time most people got up all traces of the night before would be gone
Villefrance sur mer our favorite town and beach in spring was gorgeous at sunset with the sail and fishing boats anchored in the harbor and the Christmas lights along thw quai Menton had a big feistival but we did not go there because the tunnel was out and you had to take a bus to the Monte Carlo Country Club and a train from there. Monaco also had a lot of concerts and other special programs during their fete.
New Years Day is not a good day except to rest. Nothing is open, at least in Barcelona, not even the Market which was open on New Year's Eve
Janice L. Killingbeck <email>
Saginaw, MI USA Fri 10/15/2004
Christmas Eve A Paris
My husband and I are spending Christmas in Paris, next year. We are trying to find restaurant info. and info about where to have a reasonably priced Revellion?
Erin <email>
Westhampton Beach, NY USA Fri 10/15/2004
Christmas in Rothenberg
We were stationed for three years in Germany when my husband was in the Air Force. My annual birthday tradition (Dec. 22) was to go to Rothenberg for the Christmas market. We would stay in one of the hotels (very inexpensive) in the square, and take in the Christmas atmosphere. Our children (now 18 and 20) still talk about our trips to Rothenberg fondly, especially remembering the walkway around the city. There was a Christmas store called Katie Wollfahrt that had all kinds of ornaments. This would be a fun city to see shown in your TV special.
Sharon Milner <email>
Shelton, Wa USA Wed 10/13/2004
Christmas in Erzgebirge
If heading to Germany to experience German Christmas traditions, a truely unique experience is to travel through the southern part of the former East Germany. Besides seeing beautifully decorated Christmas markets and town centers like in Dresden, Leipzig and Chemnitz, travel off the beaten path to the Erzbebirge (translated Ore Mountains) to towns like Schneeberg, Annaberg and Hartenstein to see for yourself where the real nutcracker originated.
You can also learn about the old miners of the Erzbebirge region and how they came to be famous for making some of the world's most beautiful wood carvings and wooden figures. Some examples would include the German Christmas Pyramids, Decorative Incense Burners and Angel figurines. If anyone has any questions about traveling in this region feel free to e-mail me.
Clara Huster <email>
Denver, CO USA Wed 10/13/2004
Lincoln, England
I have been to Christmas Markets in Germany but this year I am going to Lincoln, England which says it has the largest Christmas Market in Europe. The Market Days are December 2 to 5. Lincoln is a medival town about 2 hours by train northeast of London. I'll be in and around London the first 9 days of December hope to see you Rick. Happy travels
B. Weisenbach <email>
Barrington, nj USA Wed 10/13/2004
PBS Holiday Special
I think you could spend a whole hour on JUST the Christmas Season in Germany!!! Be sure to show the Best of the Market places, the best in Holiday foods, and the beauty of the Castles during the Winter season. Festivals would be wonderful also. Im curious to see what is a "must" to see AFTER Dec. 25th. I will be traveling to Germany on Dec 21st with my three daughters, and Rick Steves will be in my suitcase!(smile)
Leda <email>
New Berlin, WI USA Wed 10/13/2004
European Christmas Show
I think Rothenberg Germany is Ultra Quaint! I have never been there at Christmas, but with all of the year round Christmas shops, I bet it is spectacular!!!!! Every type of ornament, pyramid, nutcracker in the world can be found there. It would be neat to go to the factory. I bet that there are elves working hard there!
Susan J McConaughy <email>
Englewood , Co USA Tue 10/12/2004
The Holiday Season Is A Great Time to Visit Europe!
Although I've never spent the actual holiday in Europe, I've traveled to the region quite a bit during late November and early to mid-December. It's a wonderful time to travel ... the Christmas Markets and decorations, of course, make for a really fun and festive atmosphere and it's great to pick up some unique gifts to bring home.
A few years ago, a friend and I based ourselves in Munich and took trains to several German cities (Heidelberg, Nurnburg, Rothenburg, etc.). While the Markets themselves are crowded, other sites are not; and finding good deals on hotels and flights is a snap.Last year, I had a chance to visit Vienna and the Markets there were fantastic.Like Steve below, I'd suggest trying some countries further East (Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovakia, for example) where they also have holiday markets, but everything is A LOT cheaper.
Also, it may just be that I have been lucky, but the weather has never been all that bad during my winter trips. In my opinion, colder temperatures just make you appreciate warm and cozy cafes all the more!
Kathryn <email>
Arlington, VA USA Tue 10/12/2004
Christmas special
I hope you will include Lyon, France in your special. They do Christmas so beautifully!
Holly <email>
Eugene, OR USA Mon 10/11/2004
Christmas: The Food
Dear Rick,It's a shame that the medium of television doesn't permit you to share the wonderful aromas of the foods at the German Christmas markets: not just the sausages and gluehwein, but the Dampnudeln, a gigantic ball of white carbohydratematerial filled with fruit and topped with rich vanilla sauce; or the fresh hot roasted almonds; or the mushrooms sauteed in white wine.
One of my favorite memories of December in Belgium was walking down the street on a damp, overcast day, and suddenly sniffing glorious hot fresh gingerbread at a little hole-in-the-wall shop just off the Grand' Place in Brussels, or the warm rich aroma of vanilla downwind of any waffle stand.
Please don't miss the chance to educate American viewers about the fact that not all European countries place the same emphasis on December 25th. In Belgium the season was marked by three holidays, St. Nicholas' Day, Christmas and New Year's, and in popular culture Christmas came in third in importance. My Belgian hairdresser used to say that no one came in to have her hair done for Christmas because Dec 25 was "only for the family, and only for going to church."
But New Year's Eve she was booked full, weeks in advance. New Year's was marked by all-night seven-course meals, municipal fireworks and the sending of New Year's cards (not Christmas cards!)until mid-January. My Belgian friends never quite understood why we American students got so sentimental about not being able to go home to the family for Christmas, but they were horrified at the idea that anyone should be home alone on New Year's!SusanClarence Center, NY(who wrote her doctoral dissertation at the University of Leuven in Belgium on the origins of Christmas.)
Susan <email>
Clarence Center, NY USA Mon 10/11/2004
Christmas in Cambridge
I greatly enjoy the annual Christmas Concert broadcast from King's College in Cambridge, England. Broadcast in the United States by Minnesota Public Radio, this annual auditory feast is without comparison. I have always wanted to see the concert, but as far as I know it has never been videotaped. Any chance of the Rick Steves' crew entering King's College Chapel "through the back door"?Link: http://www.kings.cam.ac.uk/chapel/ninelessons/
Scott Boys <email>
Loveland, OH USA Mon 10/11/2004
Christmas PBS Series-Rick Steves
What a wonderful idea for your series! I love to try new Christmas cookies from around the world each year. Christmas cuisine would be a great topic! I have read about Norway's "magical elf", and his mystical folklore during Christmas. Different Christmas traditions are of great interest to me! Thanks for the idea!
Jennifer Richardson <email>
Cincinnati, OH USA Mon 10/11/2004
Christmas in Asissi and Prague
In Christmas 2000, spent a few days in both Roma and Asissi. With the latter town, highly recommend listening to a free Christmas concert in St. Francis Cathedral — cannot be beat. It is a beautiful little town.
In Christmas 2003 we were in Prague. Our family of four stayed in an apartment about 2 blocks from the Old Town Square. Besides the outstanding Christmas fair in Old Town, saw opera (yawn), ballet and Christmas concert at one-third the price at home and in outstandig settings. We could not get enough of the pivo (beer)as well.
Mike Fiore <email>
Ellicott City, MD USA Sun 10/10/2004
Christmas in Paris
Christmas Day mass in Notre Dame Cathedral is so very special with crowds of people celebrating that holy day. We couldn't understand a word, but felt blessed just by being there!
Tawana West <email>
Fayetteville, AR USA Sun 10/10/2004
Location shooting
Your Christmas in Europe sounds awesome. I do have a suggestion. Maybe Rick can do an episode in Shrewsbury, England. That was the location where A Christmas Carol was filmed starring the late George C. Scott. That version of A Christmas Carol is by far the best. Regards, Mike
Michael S. Maggio <email>
Baltimore, MD USA Sun 10/10/2004
Salzburg Kristkindlmarkt traditions
Oct. 10, 2004Dear Rick,Just read a bit of your Oct. travel news, the section about doing aChristmas special about traditions in Europe.
PLEASE don't wait until December to go or you will miss out on some verywonderful traditions that begin with the first Sunday of Advent (which cancome the last week of November). I lived in Salzburg while teaching thereand searched out every possible "local" festival or street procession Icould find.
In the Dom Square (hmmm. Maybe it's another square where the Glockenspielis) the Kristkindlmarkt period begins either the Saturday before the firstSunday of Advent or the actual first Sunday of advent. Besides the boothswith wonderful handmade Christmas ornaments and the just-right "gluckwin"(hot tea with wine) sold in many booths, the spectacular event for me wasthe TRUMPETERS up in the Glockenspiel towers, answering each other (gives megoosebumps to think about it)...Very dark outside, people packed so tight inthe square you don't feel the cold, and the only light is coming from thebelfry on the Glockenspiel...Other trumpters stationed atop other nearbybuildings...Their sound pierces the night with a traditional song sohaunting you will never forget it........PLease check it out. It's atradition worth capturing.Sue Winkelmansuewink@bigzoo.net
Sue Winkelman <email>
Nashua, NH USA Sun 10/10/2004
Christmas in Europe
Don't overlook the two great department stores on Haussman street in Paris. The street and window decorations are the best I have ever seen in the world.
Ralph Garrity <email>
Milwaukee, wi USA Sat 10/09/2004
Christmas decorations
Germany has many towns that specialize in different Christmas decorations, etc. They open after our Thanksgiving. Our paper, the Oregonian ran an article last year on it. I've never been.
Carol Rawlinson <email>
Portland, , Or USA Sat 10/09/2004
Christmas in Europe
My picks for your Christmas Special include Kathe Wohlfarts in Rothenburg, the gingerbread shops in Nurnberg and the Marienplatz in Munich. In the Cotswolds, any of the small villages such as Burford, Minster Lovell, Bibury, would be great, or Bath or Oxford. Copenhagen and the Tivoli Gardens at Christmas time are also fantastic.
Mary Jane Frank <email>
Galena, Oh USA Sat 10/09/2004
Church every Sunday with locals!
PS!! Of Course, Christmas in the UK and Ireland will be special. We plan to be in Church at least every Sunday with the local congregations starting with the service of 9 carols in St. Patricks in Dublin Dec. 18th. We are so moved to be in this church where Handel's Messiah was first heard. What an excellent place to reconnect to express thankfulness to God and good will to all.
Donna Absher <email>
Elkin, NC USA Sat 10/09/2004
Christmas in Torquay
We have been planning this Christmas vacation to Ireland and England for two years! (waiting for time-share rooms..) But the wait is great. I have educated myself so much!We found resorts in Torquay, England for the 24-27 of Dec. Everything in Ireland seemed to be closed except a B+B at the Giant's Causeway. So, we opted for a vacation in the middle of our vacation in England where there are indeed palm trees. Room and Board and swimming and dancing all included. Also, plenty of attractions, caves, Plymouth, Tintagel, Agatha Christy. There are also computer cafes, etc at this resort. Husband is taking a banjo for the talent show (and of course for Ireland). My 12 year old is going and very excited about King Arthur, Harry Potter and the Lord of the Rings exhibit in London Science museum. We will keep you posted! Dec. 17 -Jan. 5. Dublin, Omagh, Torquay, Warwick, Faversham, and as much inbetween as possible.
PS. Have you heard that in 18 months the red double decker buses in London will be basically replaced by some other kind of bus? Only a few to stay in commission for Tourists. Kind of sad. We will be sure to ride some when there.
Donna Absher <email>
Elkin, NC USA Sat 10/09/2004
Christmas in Norway
Another possibility in Norway. In Halden, south of Oslo... My great friend of 40 years is a vivacious and beautiful woman of a certain age, who is a travel guide, taking Norwegians to Europe. She lives in Halden on a wonderful big farm she inherited. The house is BIG yet cozy, very colorful, very stylish and traditional all at once. Anne-Marit Boberg would throw you a great dinner party and do traditional cooking. She is a delight. We are soon to see each other for a few days in Dubrovnik!
Uma Udasin <email>
Milford, OH USA Fri 10/08/2004
Christmas Program
I am so glad you will be including Norway. I've visited the land of my grandmother three times, and Bergen is my favorite city. I doubt I'll ever be there at Christmas, so your program will truly be a gift to me and to thousands of Americans of Scandinavian heritage.
Kathryn Pearson <email>
Mill Creek, WA USA Fri 10/08/2004
Belfast Christmas
Belfast. The Christmas trees in everyone's windows at night up the Antrim Road are wonderful.
If you're in Edinburgh, go to Jenner's on Prince's Street and see the tree in the Great Hall. Down Rose Street it's like something from Harry Potter.
And of course, Christmas Day in the UK is incomplete without crackers and those weird paper hats you wear while eating the meal. — djs
D.J.Smith <email>
Albany, NY USA Fri 10/08/2004
December in Italy
In December 0f 2003, My mom and I took our first trip to Europe. We selected December simply because it worked best with my busy work schedule. We spent a glorious 28 days in Italy. Without reservation would recommend travel during this time. Yes, we ran the risk of rain ( we had 1 day). Yes, the weather was cool. But we asked ourselves, "Why are we going to Italy...for the weather or the beauty of the country, culture and people.....?"
We covered all of the major regions, experienced a lifetime of memories with "the locals" that would have never been afforded us had we been there during peak seasons. If you are looking to EXPERIENCE a country~ don't heisitate to go during December, pack an extra sweater, thick socks, and warm pj's....this will keep your body warm but you will have no problem having a WARM heart .
jodie <email>
Chattaroy, wa USA Fri 10/08/2004
Christmas In Europe
In years past, I have spent the time just before Christmas in London, England - Paris, France - and Geneva, Switzerland. They all have a certain charm but in different ways.
Geneva seems more like the USA at Christmas with multi-colored lights, decorations and the general ambiance of the season.
Paris is much different with the tradition of three white trees tied together representing the Trinity of the Christian faith. The Champs Elysee is especially beautiful with the extra wide boulevard decorated from the Arc de Triomphe to the Place de Concorde with white lights looped from the trees on both sides and down the middle.
London is the quintessential city for Christmas with the Dickens' personification seemingly everywhere. The street signs are decorated with Christmas style ornaments and a "spirit of Christmas" attitude everywhere. The usual cool, damp and cloudy weather adds to the feeling and light snow is always possible.
Just after Christmas last year I was in London and Edinburgh, Scotland. The stores are very crowded on the day after Christmas (Boxing Day) but just after, there are many bargains including half-price reductions on almost everything in both cities.
Charles E Cumming Jr <email>
Dallas, TX USA Fri 10/08/2004
Best time of year in Europe
My favorite time of the year to visit Europe is in the winter, especially around the holiday season. Several years ago, after numerous trips to Europe in the warmer months, I spent several weeks in Germany and Austria during December and seeing how the locals spend the holidays was a memorable experience. From the Christkindel market in front of the Rathaus in Vienna to the markets in Salzburg (even the smaller crafts market up at the fortress) and the market in Munich on the Marienplatz, everyone is in a festive mood and there is a very warm feeling in the air (even as the temperatures drop significantly!). I spent Christmas Eve and Christmas day skiing in St. Anton am Arlberg in Austria, an unforgettable time which truly captured the alpine experience I was seeking.
Even for someone like me who does not actually celebrate Christmas, it was a great way to experience the local culture and learn about the traditions and feel as if I were mixing with the locals, not other tourists.
For a PBS Christmas Special Program, I would suggest that you also cover Rothenburg ob de Tauber at night. Yes, it may be a tad "touristy" and those Kathe Wolfhart stores over-do it slightly with their year-round, never-ending "marketing" of Christmas, but it is a very charming town, particularly once the tour busses leave and you are left alone to enjoy the festive holiday atmosphere with the locals.
I would also suggest coverage of Garmish Partenkirchen in Bavaria, another town I particularly enjoyed seeing during the holidays. Coverage of its busy, cheerful town center would give Americans yet another glimpse of how the locals warmly embrace their holiday traditions.
Lawrence <email>
New York, NY USA Thu 10/07/2004
Christmas in London
We spent Christmas in London last year (2003) and highly recommend it. We had a great time. Our favorite stuff includes: Seeing a Elizabethian concert at Hampton Court with 16th century instruments and songs; visiting the over-the-top Harod's toy dept-it has 20,000+"toy" Mercedes cars for kids!; Visiting the Christmas markets; Discovering and claiming our own favorite English Pub in "our" neighborhood- and having "bangers and mash"; Wearing the funny little hats that come in little packages with Christmas dinner (we may add this to our own home Christmas traditions it's so funny); attending Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve at the Brompton Oratory with great orchestral music and apparently 1/2 of London (who knew there were so many Catholics in London!) and then most wonderfully, coming "home" to a wonderfully 19th Century small hotel — the Gallery in S. Kensington — with Dickens/Sherlock Holmes type charm and best of all great 24 hr. day room service for jet lagged souls.
Also, don't let Christmas detour you from the extraordinary Indian food found everywhere in London — a great addition to the holiday. London personifies Christmas, I would go again anytime.
Sue&Bob <email>
Seattle, Wa USA Tue 10/05/2004
Christmas Markets in Europe
December is my favorite time to visit Europe. I planned one of my trips to Europe around Christmas markets in Germany. My favorites were Munich, Goslar and Trier. Munich for it's size, variety of quality goods and it's wonderful location in Marienplatz. Trier and Goslar for their traditional german items and crafts in quaint settings. I happened upon St. Nikolas leading a group of angels (little girls in costumes) through the streets of one city on St. Nikolas Day. Needless to say, the extra expandable bag I brought along for holiday shopping came in very handy.
On a December trip to Austria, I came accross the Christmas Markets of Salzburg and Bratislava during day-trips out of Vienna. These are also among my favorites, especially Bratislava- though it was small it had a medieval feel and lots of cheap handcrafted items. I'd watch out for the ones that have turned to allowing manufactured toys- they are so much less atmospheric (Vienna and Budapest were examples of this).
Deborah M <email>
Seattle, WA USA Tue 10/05/2004
Winter Memories
Traveling in Europe in Winter is a great time! No crowds, not HOT, and a slower pace lends itself to a more "back door" feel, even in the big cities. I have such great memories seeing the fairy tale castles under a magical blanket of snow, traveling to a ski resort for the ambience- even if I don't ski, shopping in the town centers decked out in their holiday finest, and traveling by train at sunset with all the views of the Alps and forests before me. Unforgetable! I'd recommend it to anyone...
DN
KS USA Mon 10/04/2004
Christmas in Europe
Please do a Christmas in Europe show! We have been thinking about going there for Christmas for many years! I have heard that Copenhagen is fabulous at Christmas — Tivoli is fully lit with great food, drink and lovely things to buy!! Anyone who has been there for Christmas please write your experience on this board!
Laurie <email>
Minneapolis, MN USA Sun 10/03/2004
Christmas in Europe
Oh, by all means, please do a show on the holidays in Europe, but don't leave out New Year's! Have spent a New Year's Eve in London and in Vienna (dream of a lifetime!),and friends have partied hearty in Paris. At midnight, in Austria, radio stations all play the Blue Danube Waltz, and everyone waltzes in the streets in Vienna. What could be better than that?If you just plan to do Christmas, though, don't miss the small town Kristkindl markts ... Munich and Nuremburg are great, but the wein strasse have wonderful markets, too. Deidesheim is good, but one of our favorites was Michelstadt in the Odenwald complete with giant nutcracker, giant pyramid, and, of course, gluhwein! Oh how I miss those days! Do you need a guide???
robbie
Hooksett, NH USA Wed 09/22/2004
Christmas Wishes
One of our favorite places at Christmas is Nurnburg for the Christmas market. My husband always brags about the great sausages there. However, it is very very cold.I would love to see Oberndorf near Salzburg, Austria. That is where Silent Night was written. The original church was destroyed by flood but a little chapel is in the place of the original church.There is a museum about the most favorite hymn.
Ann <email>
EXTON, PA USA Mon 09/20/2004
Central Europe Christmas
We spent most of December, 2003 in Central Europe, and returned home on January 1, 2004. This was our fifth trip to Europe but first in the winter. Us California folks were cold, but dressed properly. Rothenberg Germany (where we bought a cuckoo clock), Salzburg and Vienna Austria, Budapest Hungary, Krakow poland, Prague Czech Republic, Dresen and Munich Germany (where we bought beer mugs). We were in Prague from December 23-27.
The entire trip was wonderful and not like Christmas in the US where everything has gotten so darned commercial. The Czechs celebrate with family and open gifts on Christmas Eve evening and the rest of the time is very social. We drank gluhwein everywhere. Yum. Hardly saw any Americans but did see a lot of European tourists. It was a different trip but one of the best we have taken.
Don <email>
Sacramento, CA USA Wed 08/25/2004
XMAS in Europe
A few yrs ago,I spent 2 weeks in Innsbruck during the XMAS holiday Season. It was very cold to this California based traveler,but I had the best time,cant wait to go back hopefully this yr.DONT FOREGT,BRING THE LONG JOHN'S!!!
Mike <email>
San Jose, CA USA Tue 08/24/2004
Christmas in Germany
We spent Christmas in Bavaria in December 2003. Cold as hell, but very beautiful. I would recommend going earlier in December and leaving by December 24, as the country practically shuts down from the 24th to the new year.
Mzs <email>
CA USA Tue 08/17/2004
Xmas in Spain
We were lucky enough to spend December in Spain in 2001 (our 11 month 11 country european backpacking adventure). Being a very Catholic country xmas lights were everywhere fom the large City to the smallest towns. Madrid was very lively around the Corte Engles store (Buy a lotery ticket for "El Gordo" the largest national lotery prize anywhere) . In Sevilla there were Tunos singing songs in the street in the Santa Cruz neighborhood. I am not sure if this was because of XMas or the national holiday (also in December). A very luminate and joyful xmas indeed.
Cyril
San Francisco, CA USA Thu 08/05/2004
Christmas in London
I would love to see a progam on Christms in London and the UK. I have read several times that Christmas in London has a Charles Dickens era feel about it.
Robin <email>
Oh USA Wed 08/04/2004
London in December
I tacked a few extra days onto the ETBD London tour last Nov/Dec just to see some of the decorations and events, and I wasn't disappointed! I don't think they decorate quite as early as in the US, and wish I could have stayed another week, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
Many of the churches have Advent services (including St. Paul's). I thoroughly enjoyed watching the ice skating at Somerset House, with the large Christmas Tree. The Winter Carnival at Leicester Square was a treat! And of course, all of the shops were completely decked out and had very interesting window displays. My very last night there they finally put the tree up at Westminster and I managed to get a photo of it from the bus. Can't wait to go back!
Sue
Philadelphia, PA USA Fri 07/23/2004
Advent in Italy
My husband and I and our 2 teenage children went to Italy the second week of December, the season of Advent, when the preparations for Christmas were in full force. The thing we were so impressed with was how lovely and subtle it all was compared to our own US experiences: no blaring displays of commercialism using Santas and Rudolph to remind you that there were only so many days left to shop. In St. Peter's Square we watched a huge Christmas tree being set up, and behind a temporary screen workers were busily readying a nativity scene both to be lit up and unveiled on Christmas Eve. The nights were magical with holiday lights draped accross the narrow streets, traditional music floating through the crisp air sung in various European languages. Almost every square we came across on our evening wanderings had some sort of Christmas market to delight us, from the full blown festival complete with kiddie rides on Piazza Navona in Rome to the small neighborhood Church bazzars in Venice offering hand made goodies to sell. Being so close to Christmas the number of tourists was easily outnumbered by the locals, but it was such fun in each city we visited sensing the holiday excitement in the air and hearing it in the mingled accents of local dialects and those from around the globe.
Lise
Orlando, FL USA Mon 07/19/2004
Christmas Shopping Tour
A friend and I made our own "Christmas Shopping tour of Europe" some years ago and it was fabulous. We started in Munich, traveled to Nuremburg, Rothenberg, Heidelberg, Paris, York, Ediburgh & London. My favorite memories are Munich for the Christmas market and the Internation Children's Library, Rothenberg for the organ recital in the freezing St. Jakob's Kirche, the guard at the door of Galleries Lafayette who was amazed to find Americans in Paris jsut before Christmas, the piper playing carols on Prince's street in Edinburgh, everything about York and snow on our last day in London. Someday I'd like to return for Christmas probably to Britain.
Renee <email>
CA USA Fri 07/02/2004
A WARM Christmas in Europe
Although the lead in to this site does not suggest it, I would vote for at least one warm weather Christmas location — southern Spain, southern Italy or maybe an island. I know most people's fantasy Christmas is falling snow and twinkling lights but as a resident of the Rocky Mountains we have a lot that each year. My fantasy for Christmas tends to be a little warmer — palm trees and lapping waters. Just a thought.
Frank P. <email>
Centennial, CO USA Wed 06/23/2004
Christmas In Europe
If you go to this site, http://www.meiringen.ch/assistent/bildergalerie/ you can see a photo of the Meiringen, Switzerland tradition I wrote about below. It is the first picture in the gallery. Unfortunately, they didn't label any of the photos as to what they are of! Fenster Schliessen just means close window (computerese).
Nancy <email>
Taylor, TX USA Tue 06/08/2004
Christmas In Europe
I would LOVE to see a program on Christmas in Europe and I hope that you would visit Meiringen, Switzerland between Christmas and New Year's day. I learned (when I was there during the 2001 Jodelfest) that during that timeframe, people dress in costumes and masks and parade through the streets at night ringing cowbells and beating drums to frighten away evil spirts. No one is supposed to know who they are (and it is a select group of people who do this) so the bars and restaurants all have rooms set aside for the participants so that they can eat and drink and still maintain their hidden identities. The bell ringing and drumming is in a dirge-like beat that is very compelling. I only know this because as part of the Jodelfest, there was a parade and the last unit was a group of the Christmas people. I wish I could remember what they were called!
Nancy <email>
Taylor, TX USA Tue 06/08/2004
Christmas in Europe
Monschau, Germany!
Penny
OR USA Tue 06/01/2004
Christmas in Europe
We had a wonderful time visiting during the markets and at Christmas time, it would be fun to see a special on Christmas in Europe. In December of 2000, my husband and I were in Rothenburg and Munich. In fact we were in Marienplatz for the official start of the Christmas market and enjoyed the tree lighting ceremony in front of the Rathaus. We enjoyed the markets so much that in December of 2003, we went back again for the Christmas markets in Munich, and also to see the markets in Nuerenberg and Salzburg. It was great. Each market has it's own personality and we just enjoyed them all. We did not have any trouble getting a room in Nurenberg when we got off the train in the morning. We did have reservations in Salzburg and in Munich. The trains and public transportation, worked well, except one day in Munich — it had snow overnight and the SBahn was running late. We had some rain, and cloudy weather in Munich but it was sunny and beautiful in Salzburg and Nurenberg. Don't let a little cold weather stop you from enjoying Europe in December. You will need to dress for cold weather — a good pair of hiking boots, thick socks, a warm jacket, scarf and mittens, as well as a head covering will help you enjoy being outside. If you get cold, just step up to the booth for a mug of Gluhwine and you will be warm in no time. Here's what we enjoyed the most from each market.
Munich- it's a large market -and all he people are fun to watch. Don't miss the window displays at the large department store right on Marienplatz, also the free organ concerts at St Michaels and the Frauenkirke. Check out the Christmas tree in front of the Rathaus and be sure to walk up the steeple of St Peters and be sure to walk through the Viktulien market.
Andechs-(near Munich) the live nativity and the handcrafted items made by local people
Salzburg- absolutely the best pastries — the coco cappele were the best. - the castle tour was great too. The singers on the steps of the cathedral-wonderful carols.
Nurenberg — the sausages and meat patty sandwiches-we also enjoyed the tour of the underground cellars and air-raid shelters. The children's parade was fun to see — all the children with their lanterns.
Please do the special - I can't wait to see it
Sue P
Grand Rapids, MI USA Wed 05/19/2004
Christmas in Europe
Oh, Christmas in Germany...I was fortunate to visit my daughter, who is studying in Tuebingen. I left the states on Thanksgiving Day and spent nine days traveling with her. With the beginning of the Christmas market season, we visited the markets in Rothenburg, Munich, and Stuttgart. In Rothenburg, we took the wonderful nightman tour in a misty snow/rain storm. It made the city truly magical, bringing the history of the city alive. Walking the wall in the dark and looking out over the city was awesome (take a flashlight). The city was decorated in their Christmas finest. Although the shops were crowded and very busy, the experience was tremendous. In Munich, the Marienplatz was full of vendor booths selling their Christmas wares and it felt so festive! The huge market in Stuttgart was delightful. I found it so amazing. The sights, sounds, smells, delicous roasted sweetened nuts and flavorful clementines for the street vendors! Another wonderful highlight was to travel to Hohenschwangau & Neuschwanstein by train. The mountains were covered with an early snowfall. It was beautiful and uncrowded. The castles were so interesting and the beautiful wintery landscape added to the holiday feel. This was my first visit to Europe and I had a marvelous time with my daughter as my tour guide. It was an absolutely delightful trip! I would recommend the a Christmas holiday in Germany to anyone.
Kathy Beardslee
Bozeman, MT USA Sun 05/16/2004
Bolzano and Pisa
Almost every city in Europe has some nice events organised around Christmas time.
Last year in December we spent several week-ends in some capitals. We loved Copenhagen, of course and Bolzano in Italy. We were also very pleasantly surprised by Pisa in Tuscany: there was a lovely antique market and a Christmas market with little presepi statues.
I would recommend considering both these cities. In Bolzano we stayed at Hotel Feichter, right in the city centre and very convenient from the train station. In Pisa we rented a private apartment called Behind the Tower, close to Campo dei Miracoli.
We were very comfortable in both.
This year we would like to visit London and Madrid, and hopefully Santiago de Compostela.
Dorina
D Wed 05/12/2004
Munich in December
I love Nurnberg — which gets a lot of press regarding Christmas markets, but please don't forget Munich. Last December my husband and I took an incredibly inexpensive trip there in early December (flight and six nights lodging for basically the price of the flight). Downtown Munich is one big Christmas Market and the markets in the outlying neighborhoods give you an excuse to travel to Haidhausen, Schwabing, the Englisher Garden, etc. You can take a day trip from Munich to Rothenburg, Nurnberg or even Salzburg if you want. Besides, a person can stand only so many hours of shopping and gluhwein drinking — if you are in Munich you can take a break from it by visiting a truly great Art Museum, the incredible Deutsches Museum, or, as we did — attending a Russian Ballet.
I think Munich is an underrated tourist city to begin with — go at Christmas time and join a Bavarian party not nearly as crowded or challenging as the well known October one.
Joy Olsen
Vancouver, WA USA Fri 05/07/2004
Christmas market
I would love to see a show done on a Christmas market in Strasbourg
Ruth Swearingen
Homer, AK USA Wed 04/28/2004
Xmas in Italy 2003
My son and I spent 5 weeks from Dec. 10-Jan 11, 2004 in europe. We started in Frankfurt to Venice and traveled down the 'boot'. We ended up in Sicily and then in Malta. Both islands have a great tradition of 'cribs'. Every church and even some homes open up for viewing of their christian nativity scenes (creche). I had never been to both of these islands and was amazed at the xmas spirit and warmth. My favorite place was Syracuse, Sicily for the friendly people. It seemed like there were xmas church services every night the week before. Beautifully lit squares were a treat too.
karin <email>
Anchorage, ak USA Sat 04/24/2004
Christmas in England
We have spent Christmas in the English countryside for the past several years, and two things we wouldn't think of missing are (1) going to the local panto performance — every large, medium and often small town has one, and it's a uniquely British tradition that appeals to all ages; and (2) attending the Christmas Eve service of "9 Lessons and Carols" at the nearest cathedral. We've attended at Bath Abbey and York Minster and it's an incredibly moving service. Be sure to arrive early — it's always SRO. A little searching on the internet before you go will get you information on both of the above for the area where you'll be staying.
To enhance our Christmas experience, we rent a flat or cottage for the week of Christmas, buy a small tree (if one isn't already provided by the landlord), bring small presents from home and purchase others to open on Christmas morning, and cook a traditional English Christmas lunch at home — roast beef and yorkshire pudding, topped off with mince pies and Christmas pudding purchased from the local baker. At 3:00 in the afternoon on Christmas day, the Queen's Christmas address is broadcast on television, and the whole country watches, including us.
Judy
Chicago, IL USA 04/20/04
One hour christmas special
My wife and I have spent the last two Christmases(2002 & 2003) traveling along the Danube River.
Each trip lasted two full weeks.
We started in Nuremburg and ended in Vienna, and we have could continued to Budapest. The highlights in Nuremberg would be eating the Nuremberger sausages with sauerkraut while walking through the Christmas Market, eating a frosted, unique-shaped, super-sized gingerbread cookie(or decorated house), drinking gluhwine with the locals and deciding wheather to keep the cup (while getting a cheaper refill) as a souvenir or return it for 2 euros, walking the Lighted Market at night stopping to watching the carrousel, turning the gold ring on the Schoner Brunnen, walking through the handwerkerhof town just inside the town walls, visiting the castle & Sinwellturn, watching the young children at the Toy & the Transport(Railroad) museums, walking through the Hangman and Covered bridges, and visiting the Durer Home. I would highlight eating at the Nassauer Keller, the Heilig Geist Spital, and a beer anywhere.
The next stop would be Regensburg.
Highlights would be finding the shop that packages ornaments six to ten to a box for a cheap price,
visit St. Peter's with the Regensburger Angel, All Saints' Chapel with the "Domspatzen" singing, the Porta Praetoria, seeing the old Stone Bridge, having lunch IN THE Historische Wurstkuche, and getting lost in the Municipal Museum.
Next, a stop in Passau to listen to the longest church pipe organ in the cathedral, shop in the university old center, and watch the confluence of the Danube, Inn, & Ilz.
I would definitely make a side trip to Salzburg, especially after a snow-flurry, purchase a Christmas print from a local, and listen to the different musicians that perform in front of the acoustic square at the cathedral every hour.
I would end the trip at Vienna.
I would walk through the Children's Christmas park in front of the Rathaus with the trees decorated with lighted toys, candies, animals, and red hearts, then enjoy the Market that divides this park.
The caution would be that all of this is taken down on Christmas night. The reason being is the "Silvester" for New Years Eve. Vienna has anywhere from 6 to 10 stages setup in different parts of the city. Each stage has a theme; country, waltz, rock, etc.
If time permits, I would stay a night in Prague because their Christmas Market was still open after Christmas. I was able to bargin with stall sellers on a varity of articles; my Charles Bridge mug, crystal flowers, and linens.
Sincerely,
C.J. Bruno
C.J. Bruno <email>
Spring Hill, Fl USA 04/19/04
1 hour special
My wife & I were in Germany for the 2003 Christmas Markets. I would really recommend Nuremberg where we saw the Children's Advent parade,and live nativity play at the castle at night. We found many good ideas on the German web site; cometogermany.com The Christmas market towns got a lot of coverage when we were looking in Oct. Some of the cities have live webcams. We also were in Stuttgart. It is very large, but great fun. Lots of surprises around each corner.
Brent A. Wood
USA 04/16/04
Christmas In Paris
Rick,
My family has just booked our airline tickets to Paris for 10 days over Christmas and New Years. We were so thrilled to see this on your web-site. PLEASE include PARIS as only you can show us. p.s. We've just arranged for amazing accomodations on the Isle de la Cite. We'll keep you posted. Merci
Suzanne
San Diego, CA USA 04/16/04
Christmas in Vienna
I lived in Germany for 3 years and in Austria for 3 months. You absolutely have to cover the christmas markets. They are cheesy and overpriced and fabulous! Great food and great atmosphere. The markets in Vienna are my favorite. My husband and I are planning a trip to Vienna this December so we will be very interested in this special. Keep up the good work!
Dara
Oklahoma City, OK USA 04/14/04
Christmas in Europe Trip
Rick,
I think it is smashing idea!
I have lived in Germany and I know
from personal experience it will
not only delight the viewing public,
but your tour (special) would
be a sell out. Could we start
in the walled city of Rottenburg?
So where do we sign up old chap?
Auf weidersehen
Sunni in Myrtle Beach
S.C.
USA 04/13/04
passion play and garmisch
i was just wondering if anybody has any information on the passion play in germany. not sure where it is but i hear it happens only every 10 years. also wondering if anybody has spent the holiday season in garmisch germany. i have been there 2x during the summer and its kind of a Christmas villag. you can e-mail me at sandmboyer@aol.com thanks
matt <email>
choctaw, ok USA 04/11/04
Christmas in Europe
I live in Germany and would love to see a special of this sort. Please make it available on DVD ASAP too since we don't get your show over here. I've really only hit the Christmas markets, do show Trier's at night! The first time I went I almost missed the back part by the Dom, and as I walked back the Dom was all lit up, and it was beautiful. I only go there at night now. Stuttgart market was nice too, big but didn't seem as commercialized as some I've heard about. A friend said Mainz was wonderful too. I don't think 1 hour is enough!!
Elaine
Wese;berg, Germany, USA 04/06/04
Christmas in England
Completing a week etbd London tour, the first part of december 2003, left me a wealth of english christmas possibilities. Even before the tour, I arrived early for the Portsmouth holiday faire the first weekend of december. Victorian costumes, music, food and entertainment fill the historic dockyard of the british navy. And a french christmas market filled the plaza near HMS Victory, the Nelson flagship. Don"t miss the "rum ceremony" held every couple of hours-get your free warming tot from a royal marine.
After touring London with glittering sites like Harrods, Westmister and Albert Hall concerts in Christmas finery, I took an explorer day with Original London walks, to the Charles Dickens festival in Rochester, the second week of december. Dicken"s boyhood home is a short hour rail ride from the city, and is site of many scenes later used in his books, from mansions to bull hotel and six travelers hostel (hospital). Dicken's characters in costume from Marley's ghost, and Scrooge, Olver Twist and the kids, Pickwick and company sing, strut and march in procession in torchlighted evening ceremony. The London walking tour group fills a day with history and entertainment for a very small fee. There is also snow without fail-thanks to modern technology.
If you want quiet, try a day or two in a place like Pitlochery, scotland, north of Edinburgh. The Bank House Hostel was a marvel of peace with snowy hills all around this usually busy summer-time resort and retreat-it is just ideal and inexpensive in winter.
So are the cotswolds in mid-december. And nearby Warwick Castle has holiday decking in all its halls. Do not miss the just-opened engine house with waterwheel and wet storage battery electric power for england's first such fitted palace-era of the l880s.
For what is happening anytime of year before traveling, check the Time Out London or VisitBritain web sites. A special program on Christmas could fill 3 hours just with england.
larry k
Eugene, or USA 04/05/04
local food and cultural events
It would be great for the show to focus on regional/local food and cultural events somewhat unique to the area. One of the things I enjoy about traveling is the entire food experience - selecting a restaurant, selecting a meal, talking with the waiters about their food & drink specialties. I enjoyed the game (venison, wild boar, etc) and local seasonal produce in Germany & Austria than in the US. Another thing my husband and I enjoy is going to classical concerts in churches and other local venues (especially folk, chamber, early, & organ music). Rick Steves does such a great job featuring music and food during his usual shows, I imagine with the holidays he's have even more to showcase!
Marianne
Seattle, WA USA 04/02/04
Christmas/New Year's in Ireland
We spent Christmas & New Years in Ireland Last year, here is my trip report.....
December 18th through 22nd
Landed at Shannon around 7:30 (a few minutes early) and it was pitch black outside. By the time we went through customs, picked up out suitcases, it was sunny and bright. When we finally got up to the Dan Dooley counter (bit of a line there), the young lady behind the desk let us know that we were upgraded to an automatic Mercedes (Vito) Bus, we had booked a Z-Class (manual Ford Galaxy, of course we took the bus, it worked out great, and everyone had their own space. My husband was concerned about being so-o-o close together for too long, and you know children).
But anyway...drove up to Galway, with our usual stop at Mother Hubbards for Breakfast in Kilcolgan. Rolled into our self-catering apartment, the Grattan House (Salthill), and our apartment was ready, so we went in for a nap (didn't even bring in our suitcases). Took a walk (about 20 minutes) along the promenade (gorgeous) into Galway City Center, had a bite to eat at McDonagh's with a snack at Goya's on Kirwin's Lane (forget your diet there). Took a taxi back to our apartment, I know we were taken for a ride.. 9 euro to Salthill?
The rest of the time, we just drove around, shopped and ate..most of the sites were closed for the holiday, but it was nice just to drive around and not be rushed.
Drove up to Westport for lunch with friends at The Continental Cafe one day, drove through Connemara and had carvery lunch at The Peacockes Hotel's bar (we saw all seasons in 45 minutes that day, it was bright and sunny; a light drizzle; a pouring rain; a snow, about 1.5 inches; sleet; hail; then back again into sunshine!!!) another. We did go back into Galway for shopping but our taxis only cost 6-7 euro (note to self, don't take the first taxi you see). Other places that we ate (we do a lot of that.) are Warwick's Hotel Restaurant (the Butler Brasserie), it was just across the street from our apartment, food was not bad, they didn't have take-out (so we had to go down to SuperMac's for a snack at 1am), The Spanish Arch (expensive, food was not that great), the Lemon Tree (or Lemon Grass, can't remember which), and we did stop in and listen to music, but I think I was suffering from jet lag, best to say we had a good time.
The apartment worked out wonderfully, location was great, and the rooms were a nice size. The kitchen had a dishwashing machine and washer/dry (combo) machine. We rented a 2 bedroom unit, the master bedroom had a queen-size bed with a twin size futon chair in the corner, en-suite with a shower (good pressure), the 2nd bedroom had 2 twin beds that we pushed together, the hall bathroom had a shower over the tub (the pressure wasn't that great there, but I took a nice soak). Each unit has its own water heater and gas heater so we were warm all the time and we had HOT water too...Sean's (the owner) in the process of building a new set of units that will be facing Galway Bay, just across the street from these units. I would defiantly go back and would recommend either of the units. We did take a look at the three bedroom units, the apartments are larger, and 2 master bedrooms (one on a separate floor, over looking the water) included a little sitting area, I believe that there were 2 beds plus a futon (great value).
December 23rd We drove down to Shannon through the Burren. The Perfumery was a hit with my daughter, she got to spend time talking Sadie (owner)(she's great with kids), learning all about the process of making perfumes, (not just the video, Sadie actually spent quite a while with her) and what life is like out on the Burren. Sadie suggested a beautiful ride to go back to Shannon, through the Burren; it was really like a movie. We had our first real "Irish Traffic Jam", just some poor cow wondering down a lane with a Big Red Bus following him. It was too funny for words.. We stayed at the Shannon Comfort Inn (booked on-line 49 Euro for a family room), room sleeps 4, one double with a twin bed on each side, (guess who got the double bed). The room was fine, and there is a Pub (lots of locals) that serves food, but it's Chinese, (the food was fine, but not what you expect in a Pub). The staff was very helpful. I picked up my mother-in-law at the airport at 7:30, (again, thank you Dan Dooley), I parked the bus in their lot and took the courtesy van (same driver as our trip last year, yes he remembered me) over to the terminal. Took Grandma out for breakfast (at the Chinese Restaurant, pass on this folks), while the other 2 tried to wake up! And off to Killarney!
December 24th through 27th This was THE HIGHLIGHT of our trip. The Great Southern was unbelievable. The Christmas Program was a hit with everyone. The staff, food, entertainment and the weather was great. If anyone is thinking about this for next year, I'd be the first to tell you to do it! GSH had games and sports competitions for the kids (and some adults), my daughter did not participate, but you could hear "The Little Ones" in the hallway laughing. The spa was open, and we had massages and pedicures for the ladies. We did take advantage of the scenic bus ride through the Lakes of Killarney that stopped off at the "Red Fox" Tavern(?), next to a "bog village" for an Irish Coffee or two. Eating seemed to be a sport, there was a buffet breakfast everyday from 7am to 1pm (ok, we hit it twice a day..), with drinks, and dinner (soup to nuts), and evening snacks (mince pies). Most of Killarney downtown was closed from 5pm on the 24th through 10am on the 27th. We did get a chance to walk around on the 24th to pick up odds-n-ends. On our way out of town on the 27th, we ran by "Blarney Woolen Mill", but it no shopping there, (I started to get sick about this time, and shopping was not on my mind that day).
So off to Kilkenny... December 28th through January 2nd Kilkenny. What to say, after gushing about Galway and Killarney, not much. I will admit, I was really ill during this part of our trip and all I wanted to do was rest (in front of my fire, with a good book, bought from Kenny's in Galway). But we did go shopping; this is a sport for my daughter and her Grandma, so this required numerous strips to Dunne's, the shopping mall, the Kilkenny design center (never did get to go to lunch there), the Kilkenny craft tour shops (including Nicholas Moss and Chesneau handbags), tried Jerpoint Glass Studio and Kilkenny Crystal, but they seemed to be closed. Took a ride out to Mount Juliet Golf Club (it's beautiful), Cahir (if you're into jewelry, good shopping here), the touristy things were closed, drove through Cashel and stopped in on Derrynaflan B&B (Schiela was expecting us, although her b&b was closed), Thomastown (small, quaint little town, terrible to drive though, nice views). It was snowing in the mountains, so the folks at the TI, advised us not to drive to Wicklow (I'm glad for that).
While the gang spent a day in Dublin, (31st) I took Pat Tynan's tour of Kilkenny, I have to say this was one of the best tours that I've taken, a must for anyone taking a trip to Kilkenny. Food: Ate lunch and New Years Eve dinner at Restaurant Rinuccini, next to the Design Center, great food, very unusual, reminded me of an Italian Restaurant in NYC's Little Italy, the food really exceptional, we found Rinuccini, by accident for lunch on our fist day, then decided to go there for NY Eve dinner, we had to order Chicken Parmesan for my daughter, but she liked it! Ate at Kytelers Inn, a must for people into witchcraft; Jacobs Cottage Restaurant, Riverside Restaurant, Bollards (twice, great toasted sandwiches) Wallslough Village: Well, it's hard to compete with the Great Southern. Let me tell you what we liked; grounds (well maintained), location, animals (dogs, horses, ducks, pheasants, and a swan), fireplace, multi bathrooms, individual heating units in each cottage. Now for the bad..it's rated at 4-stars(?) the bedrooms (3) were small and quite drafty (remember, I was ill), even with the heater on, some of the rooms were still very cold; the warmest room in the house was the utility closet (where we would dry off after a shower). I'm sure the units are great in the spring and summer. So, would I go to Kilkenny again? I don't know I'm sort of up in the air with this question, I wasn't really happy to go there, my first pick was Kinsale, (mother-in-law thought there wouldn't be enough to do); I was sick so, I admit, I could have been negative about it. I think in any other season, the area would be beautiful, I would give it a try, but not for the full week that we were there, maybe just a few days would be enough to do Kilkenny justice.
January 2nd
Drove back to Shannon for our last night, and stayed at Shannon Comfort Inn, two rooms this time for 49 Euro. Found out that they are in the process of changing their name to Shannon Court Hotel (if anyone is looking for them). Dinner was at The Creamery, had steak, duck and chicken food was good, tried Durty Nellys but it was too crowded. Went back to the hotel and listened to a local musician (and had a few..) at the Pub until 2pm (and I wonder why I'm still sick?????). Got up really early to go to the airport, ate breakfast at McD (we avoided it until then), turned in our car at Dan Dooley, off to duty free, turned in our VAT and home. If anyone has a specific question, please feel free to contact me at eyps@aol.com
Karan Marquis
chatham, nj USA 03/25/04
Crown of Thornes, Notre Dame
The crown of thorns, although you won't see any thorns through the crytal ring is which it is preserved, is available to see at a mass at Notre Dame the first Friday of every month, not just good Friday anymore.
Linda
Austin, TX USA 03/24/04
My family and I spent a wonderful Christmas week in Paris during 2001. Paris was even more magical decorated for the holidays. Special delights: ice skating, Christmas markets, edible treats, a dusting of snow, special musical events. Don't hesitate!
SS
MD USA 03/23/04
Crown of Thorns Fridays in Lent at Nortre Dame
I couldn't find a heading for this but I guess Christmas in Europe was as close as possible. Fridays in Lent (the 40 days before Easter) Nortre Dame in Paris brings out "the" Crown of Thorns for a service at either 3pm or 5 pm (two sources disagreed). We were there at 3pm and I think that is when it started. I'm not big on the bones of saints as relics but "the" crown of thorns encased in a glass tube with gold decorations is brought out for these Friday afternoons in lent services and it was pretty impressive. They also have a glass container with a nail from the cross and another with wood from the cross at the service. I am told this is only time the crown of thorns is brought out during the year.
Tom Casey
Seattle, WA USA 03/23/04
Vienna!
I was lucky enough to start a new job in Vienna in November. My family flew in to join me on Christmas Eve. After settling in at our temporary housing, we took a horse drawn carriage (Fiaker) through the decorated streets, and then had a special meal at the beautiful "Cafe' Central". We would have finished up at the outdoor Christmas Market in front of the City Hall, but the kids were zonked with jet lag! Next day (Christmas) we made like the Austrians and Cooked a Roast Goose for our Christmas dinner, and had "Sacher Torte" for dessert. The open air food market known as the "NaschMarkt" is also very festive at Christmas time. Vienna! What a city!
Thom
Vienna, Austria 03/22/04
Christmas in Europe 2003
My wife and I had wanted to spend the holidays in Europe for many years. This year we did and it exceeded our expectations. Started in Rothenburg, then Prague and had Christmas in Salzburg. Then three days in Slovania and Croatia (Opatija was great) on our way to Venice for New Years. We then had seven days to work our way back to Frankfurt for the trip home. Cold- yes, but we were prepared for it. The people of Europe were extremely friendly and never did we feel uncomfortable. The Christmas Markets are super - especially in Prague and the decorations in all the cities are awsome. There is a very festive spirit in Europe that reminds you of an old time Christmas
David
Nederland, TX USA 03/20/04
France and Italy at Christmas
We spent Christmas and New Years in Paris in 2003. It was wonderful! Really not too cold at all and we live in the Southern USA, so I was worried about the cold. There was a wonderful Christmas market at Les Halles, all sorts of beautiful lights all over town, and seafood on display everywhere. Many stores and attractions were open during the holidays that wouldn't have been in the US. We even attended an art exhibit on New Years day. I have traveled to Paris a lot over the years, but never at that time of year. It was really special. We are planning this coming Christmas/New Years in Rome/Venice/Florence. I think a TV special on the topic would be great. I myself wonder about what will be closed on what dates, and about when and when NOT to plan to travel in Italy during the holidays.
Emily
New Orleans, LA USA 03/19/04
Hostel Christmas
I spent Christmas 2001 in Interlaken Switzerland at the Funny Farm Hostel.
Being away for Christmas was something me and my friends worried about. But we had ourselves a blast. There was probaly 20 people there from all over the world, not counting the Aussie owners. We ended up sharing a Christmas were everyone mixed there styles of the holiday together. This is one of my favorite memories.
Maybe if a show is done. Stop by one of the few hostels open during Christmas and see how backpackers share the season together.
I also agree that this show idea would require more than a one hour show. One hour would be to rushed.
TR
IL USA 03/18/04
Christmas in London
Despite reading a number of DIRE warnings from other Graffitti Wall contributors, we decided on a week in London during Christmas (second trip to London and the first off-season trip to Europe). Well, it was a lot of FUN!! First, we selected Christmas week because 3 of our 4 family members are students or work in education. Second, East Coast air fares to London (incl. hotel) were terrific bargins. Indoor attractions abound in London - and going between them was a piece of cake compared to the bitter cold of the Northeast in late Dec. Now I am not suggesting that we walked around in shirt sleeves and shorts; but it was much tamer weather in London than Philly. In fact, we took day trips to Greenwich & Bath with lot's of walking about (sure we had an umbrella nearbye). The myriad of musuems, plays, movies, pubs, and coffee/tea shops make London an **** destination.
FULL DISCLOSURE (wink, wink). We arrived at Gatwick on Christmas morning and spent about 45 minutes queued up for the Express Bus into London. A bit of a pain to wait for a seat but the trip into London was scenic prior to our mid-day jet-lagged four hour nap!
CraigSC <email>
Wynnewood, PA USA 03/16/04
Natale en Paris
Christmas in Europe is a wonderful show idea, but I agree there should be an hour on each country.
My last European Christmas was in 2001 and I was in Paris with my cousin as part of a larger trip. Anyway, it was great. I love Christmas and I love Europe. At first I was a little concerned because our hostel had a 4 hour lock-out, and Christmas at my house was always a lazy, pj-wearing, playing with new toys affair. But the Metro was running like normal, cafes were open for a croissant and our second cups of chocolat (our hostel had wonderful hot chocolate at breakfast), and we went to a movie (en Anglais avec Francais sub-titles). We were there for five days total, and the atmosphere was perfect for Christmas. It was chilly and rainy (like Scotland, which we had just left), but the Champs-Elysses was lit up, there were Merry-go-Rounds set up at various squares and parks, cotton candy and roasting chestnuts were everywhere, the window shopping was fabulous, and of course the chocolat did much to stave off the winter chill.
The most inconvenient event of the whole 6 weeks was that NOTHING happens on New Year's Day in Scotland. Transport shuts down, theatres close, stores close, etc. So we took the day for a well-deserved rest and were ready for the rest of our trip.
Christina
St. Paul, MN USA 03/11/04
Is it difficult getting around on Christmas Day in the COLD weather?
I am not so sure about spending Christmas in Euro cities. Because: #1 It is COLD! Unless you really like the cold, it can be brutal since the best way to see Euro cities is on foot! #2 While the Christmas markets, etc. may be wonderful to see, I am wondering how well tourists survive on Christmas DAY (if they are staying in a small hotel/pension) when, I am presuming, everything — sights AND RESTAURANTS are closed. I would love to spend Christmas in Paris but would like to hear other people's responses to the above concerns first.
Gail <email>
USA 03/10/04
Geneva in December!
I lived in Geneva, Switzerland for 2 Christmas'. I love Geneva in December! December 12th is Escalade which is a holiday celebrating the defense of the city from attack hundreds of years ago. There is a wonderful torchlight parade in full period costume and then a race in costume through the old town. Also, on Christmas Eve they have a huge choir on the steps of the old cathedral. All the sites and smells of the holiday as well as seeing the community spirit that comes alive makes Geneva a great place to be during December!
Amy Dawn
Tacoma, WA USA 03/09/04
Christmas in Germany
I also spent Christmas 2003 in Germany, and it would have been very useful to see a 1-hour show on it. I found that most web sites had loads of info on summer travel, but almost nothing on winter travel, save for ski info.
It's really very nice during Christmas, but here are some things to keep in mind:
- Everything shuts down on the 24th(half-day), 25th-30th. I would recommend going in early december, though new year's eve is quite fun. 5 days of nothing though, is a drag.
- Pharmacies are not open on Sundays. Since it's really cold, I recommend bringing cough syrup and cold medicine.
- Check schedules on museums and attractions. Many are closed during this season.
- Smoking in public places is worse in winter because all the doors and windows are closed to ward off cold.
mrs. lee <email>
san francisco, ca USA 03/08/04
christmas special
What a great idea and your timing is fantastic. As a long time ETBD fan, I have made some limited research attempts to get info regarding European travel at Christmas time since I am planning a European Christmas trip in 2004. I will be especially looking forward to tips regarding reservation needs, transportation and attractions closed so I can plan my time efficiently. My son will be going to school in Salzburg and the comments listed here already confirm our plans to spend the holiday together there!!
chere <email>
kelso, wa USA 03/08/04
Christmas in Europe
Christmas in Europe is a fabulous idea, and I would like to add Provence to your growing list of holiday treats! We spent Christmas 2003 traveling in Avignon, Uzes, Vence, Menton and throughout the region, enjoying the Christmas markets, especially the Provencal "spin" on the Nativity story, and the lack of crowds! It was a perfect time of year to visit the lovely people and places of Provence.
Deb Vanneman <email>
Marlton, NJ USA 03/07/04
Chistmas Markets
I have always enjoyed the German and Austrian Christmas markets, and have recommended them to friends.
One new variation this year, with the Euro driving the price of just about everything in the Eurozone into the stratussphere, was to followup the Vienna market with several in nations formerly in the Austro-Hungarian empire that were not in the Eurozone today. I was particularly empressed with the Christmas market in Prague, with the major one on Old Town Square and a smaller one on Wencelas Square.
Budpest also had a nice Christmas market, although the one in Bratislava was small by comparision. The best thing though is that since the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovakia are NOT in the Euro zone and still use their own money (crowns and forints), the prices have not skyrocketed like they have in the Euro zone.
Steve <email>
NC USA 03/03/04
christmas in europe
we have spent the past two christmases in europe. we were i rome for christmas 2002 and in paris 2003. we have actually started a new tradition with the family. no gifts just a great vacation with the family. in 2002 we stood to within 10 feet of the Pope at the papal blessing in St. Peters Square. We went to Paris this past christmas. We had so much fun with our relatives in Rome that my other sister-in-law and her family wanted to come also. We are already starting to plan this years christmas holiday travel plans. A co-worker of my wife's was complaining of the credit card bills she had left from christmas. We spent the same amount (not on a c.c. though) and had a great 13 day trip to Paris. and Strasbourg.
jay gelose <email>
indanola, wa USA 03/02/04
Christmas in Europe!
I spent Christmas 2003 in Europe. We flew into Frankfurt via Lufthansa 747 (Only $475.00 roundtrip). Flew out of LAX on Christmas Eve and landed in Frankfurt in only ten hours. Walked off the plane and stepped right on the train to the main station. Walked across the street to a great hotel ($80.00) had a great dinner in a true guesthouse and the beer was outstanding. Next morning trained to Amsterdam for three days then the high speed train, the Thalys to Paris for two days. Then we traveled back into Germany to visit an Air Force Base (now closed) where I spent three years in 1978. Slowly returned to Frankfurt by train and spent few days there. The whole trip was calm, pleasant and great whether. If you spend time on line, you can find cheap, good hotels and travel arraignments. No crowds at all, empty trains and hotels. The people were very nice in each country. No problems at all! We will return next Christmas, the best time to travel.
Mike <email>
SoCal, CA USA 02/29/04
Christmas Even in Dresden
I would want to attend the Christmas Eve vespers service at the Kreuzkirche in Dresden. I don't know that they'd let a crew do any recording, but the whole trip would be worth it just for that.
Carol <email>
Washington, DC USA 02/28/04
Christmas in Germany
I would love to see a Christmas special. I lived in Germany for nine years 3 years in Babmberg and 6 years in Nuermberg and I loved going to Chirstkindl Market. I am planning a trip back to Germany for the purpose of going to Christkindl market this year. I can't wait.
Susan <email>
Hughesville, PA USA 02/28/04
Christmas in Europe
I am an American in Austria and my Austrian husband and I thouroughly enjoyed a pre-Christmas weekend in Oberndorf (Silent Night Chapel) and the Christmas market in Salzburg. Some of the Christmas markets can be touristy and kitschy but the Salzburg one was really nice and visited by locals and tourists alike.
Austria 02/26/04
My Christmas in Europe
One of the most magical Christmases I have spent in recent memory, (since I was a kid of course) was this last Christmas 2003 in Germany and Western Europe.
It was my first trip ever to Europe, and I knew that every experience was going to be new and rich, but to underscore that with a warm and wonderful Christmas atmosphere, was so much more than I could have asked for.
I arrived in Amsterdam on December 6th, which is St. Nicholas' Birthday there, and he and his helpers (not elves, but Harlequin style clowns painted in black face) were busy walking along the canals, row houses and corner herring shops making appearances and giving away candy and Christmas poems. This was my very first taste of Europe - I had been there 5 minutes and already it had completely exceeded my expectations.
In Rothenburg I stayed at the Hotel Gerberhaus, and they had the whole place decorated with handmade ornaments, and it felt like little personal touches were everywhere. There was even a little tray of German Christmas goodies waiting to welcome me in my room. It was (I'll use that word again..) magical. The breakfast the next morning (caution, weepy nostalgia approaching) was like Christmas morning at my Grandparents. The food was wonderful, as was the staff, and all the guests seemed so content and full of awe.
I saw quite a few Christmas Markets in Europe. The Zurich train station was an unexpected surprise, complete with a 30ft tree covered in Swarovski crystal ornaments. But without a doubt the most incredible market was the one in the Marienplatz in Munich - it was something to behold. Thousands of people crowd into a series of pedestrian squares, that are themselves packed with stalls and vendors and skating rinks. There are choirs, orchestras, and people everywhere - and all of this is watched over by a massive baroque style Glockenspiel. This was the only time that I truly felt lonely, in the 4 weeks I traveled alone - I wished I could have had someone there to experience it with me, because something gets lost in the telling - you would need to see it to believe it.
Go if you can at Christmastime - take a break from Wal-Mart and the Coca Cola Santa, and see what it's like to hang your stocking across the Pond.
CC Woolford <email>
Victoria, BC Canada 02/24/04
Christmas markets in Germany
We spent a few days this fall at some Christmas markets in the Rheinland. The German Christmas markets begin rather early - usually the first weekend before Thanksgiving - so those who have time off around that holiday should be made aware of this possibility.
Our favorites were the Mainz market (a big one, many interesting stalls and products, frequent music and other artistic events, very well attended) and the Rudesheim market (smaller, very homey and atmospheric.) Very convenient to one another too as they sit nearly across the Rhine from one another.
We didn't make it to the Worms market, but I understand that there is an interesting tradition there of releasing geese on Friday evenings during the run of the market - could be worth checking out.
Russ <email>
Galt, CA USA 02/23/04
Must Include Panto
In England, an absolute must is a "Panto." We attended one in London and it was an absolute scream. Very irreverant, maybe not for everyone, but so "British" it was the best entertainment we felt we ever experienced. And as far as a suggestion on Christmas in Europe, why not do a three, or four part series, focusing on each country during a one hour show, kinda like you do with your other series? I think that would be great. Otherwise, we will all feel cheated by not having enough detail on our favorite countries. I love the idea and can't wait to see what you do. I'm sure it will be grand!
Diane
Travis City, MI USA 02/23/04
Christmas in Europe
I think it would be a great idea to show Christmas in Europe. I would also like to see some tours added for the holiday seasons instead of spring through fall. Maybe a few during the holidays would be fun.
Emmy <email>
Gresham, OR USA 02/22/04
Good London Christmas Eats!
My family and I spent Christmas in London this past year and had a wonderful time — the lights, the bells, the skating at night. One thing: Don't be discouraged by comments that nothing is open on Christmas. We found lots of small grocers and restaurants (particularly yummy ethnic places) to be open and inviting on the 25th. What could be better than a Christmas Curry? So don't worry. Just go and enjoy the differences.
Jean <email>
Charlotte, NC USA 02/22/04
Christmas in Italy
Italy! My family and I just spent a glorious Christmas in Tuscany, with a few days in Rome as well. We enjoyed learning all about the Italian holiday traditions - the cribs, La Befana (the female Santa Claus), and the incredible sweets! And we were thrilled to experience the Christmas preparations at the Vatican. We can't wait to return another year for the chance to use our favorite new Italian phrase: "Buon Natale" - and we all agree that 'Christmas in Europe' would make an excellent subject for you!
Helen
Atlanta, GA USA 02/21/04
Christmas in London
My family and I spent a terrific Christmas in London this past year. Wow! Christmas service at Westminister Abbey; decorated streets and shops. But let viewers know that they need to reserve their Christmas day dinner well in advance; nothing is open except for the large hotels. We had a glorious dinner at the Windows Restaurant at the Hilton. Wow! Also, let viewers know that there are limited transportation options and taxis charge extra rates on Christmas. Cheers!
Anne
NM USA 02/21/04
Panto in Britain
You can't cover Christmas in England without talking about "pantos" (short for pantomime, but not silent). These are very funny fairy tale plays, held throughout the country during the Christmas season.
Denise <email>
OH USA 02/21/04
Christmas in Austria
If you are in Salzburg, take a 30 minute train ride to visit the little town of Oberndorf and see the "little" chapel where "Silent Night" was composed and sung for the first time by Gruber and Mohr in 1818. Our visit could not be as gratifying and complete until we sang our own version. The locals are very friendly and helpful.
Janduke <email>
Scotch Plains, NJ USA 02/20/04
Christmas in Europe
I always loved Christmas and your idea about this Holiday being celebrated in Europe would be something to look forward to. I have been to many of these Christmas Markets and it fascinates me even more each time. It is worth every single Euro spent. Cologne has a Floating Christmas Market too. Special mention would be Rothenburg, Ulm and Nuremburg. Vienna and especially Salzburg during this time makes one believe in fairy tales. Do you know that mistletoe is a parasite plant that thrives in trees? They look like big round balls, cut up and tied with red ribbons. The Advent Wreath with 4 candles is everywhere. Warm Gluhwein is sold in Christmas mugs. (Each year has a different color.) Besides the decorations for sale, the marzipan and the fun of trying the different roast meats and sausages while going around, one can watch how they make blown glass and hand painted decors.
In Trier, the market is held between the main square by the Dom and the illuminated Porta Nigra. Luxembourg is only 30-40 minutes by train. Christmas Markets in the Benelux countries start on the First Sunday of Advent. Spain meets the New Year with the sounds from the Puerta del Sol clock in Madrid, whether it may be, in Sevilla, Barcelona or the Islands. Gift giving is when the Three Kings arrive with all pomp and pageantry in a parade in each city or town.
And for those who have kids, please mention that they can meet Santa Claus in Lapland where he resides. This is a wonderful experience. I cannot wait to watch this "Christmas in Europe" show.
Janduke <email>
Scotch Plains, NJ USA 02/20/04
One hour is not enough
I don't at all agree with the idea of a 1 hour Europe Christmas Special. A 3 hour special?
Brilliant!!
Allen
Lafayette, LA USA 02/19/04
Christmas in Europe
Sign me up! I have lived in Europe, and what a beautiful and exciting place at Christmas time. The Christmas markets in Germany and the Netherlands are amazing, and Scandinavia is wonderful. In my time in Europe, I found the "natives" warm and welcoming.
Jeanne Marie <email>
Spokane, WA USA 02/19/04
Christmas in Europe!
I love the idea! Definitely cover the Christmas markets in Germany, the beautiful decorations in Paris plus whatever the traditional Christmas eve,day meals are in the various countries. It would be great if you and your guides could be invited to "natives" houses and film the festivities like, here is what Christmas dinner in London, Paris, Rome, etc. etc. looks like to the citizens. And of course a look at the Pope and the Vatican. I love this idea! And chocolate and all the special candies that are available only at that time of the year. Can you tell I love this idea?
Joan
Denver , CO USA 02/19/04