Edinburgh or London for New Year.

Paris for Xmas.

im planning to spend christmas and new year in europe too…

I was going to go off again this month but due to family matters, it’s not possible, so probably I will be going away in the winter. The winter has its own attractions, and the only thing I really miss is the cafe culture. But then it’s nice not to have to book any accomodation and you have a higher degree of freedom. Also, hostels tend to only ever have a handful of people staying in them; easier to get a nice little group together for going out etc.

the Alps, not only in Switzerland but also in France, Austria and Italy, are a magnet for winter sports. Masses of Europeans go there for their winter vacations though, so it may get sort of crammed. But the prices are very fair for what you get.

Prague looks even more mystical in winter, regardless of whether there is snow or just fogs.

I love Budapest, been there about 30 times, but I don’t particularly like it in winter.

Christmas in Paris is said to be beautiful, but I cannot testify, haven’t been there.

I’d probably skip Budapest and just visit Paris, then the French Alps, then go on to Switzerland, then take a night train from Zurich to Prague and then maybe if time allows, Vienna. Or do it in reverse direction.

Any German speaking city (including Vienna) has Christmas fairs with a wonderful joyous atmosphere and traditional treats like wursts and boiled wine available at kiosks.

I’m also looking at doing the whole Christmas/New Year thing in Europe… with my partner over 2010-2011. Yes, very early stages at the moment!

The cool thing is it’s my birthday on Christmas eve! So we’re going to do my 22nd birthday and Christmas, and new years. We’re from Australia and as such are looking for somewhere guaranteed to be snowy on Christmas – we’re looking for our white christmas! BUT, on the other side of things, I don’t want to be at a skiing destination for Christmas (we will do that too, just not for bday/xmas)… so can anyone think of somewhere that is pretty guaranteed to be snowy at Christmas but is more like a regular city than a skiing destination?

We are probably going for 2 or so months overall, and are in the very early stages of planning (and saving!) at the moment, so plenty of time. I just love reading and researching and getting excited!!!

Youwontknow, there’s always the great white north for Christmas: think Scandinavia. They always have snow by december. Northern Germany gets pretty regular snow too, and the Alps.

Thanks Kayling… I’ll definitely consider Scandinavia or northern Germany!