ladydem

Hello everyone,

My family of 4 (two elementary school age kids) is planning a trip to Europe this Christmas. This is going to be our first winter trip to the Europe so I am having a hard time deciding where to go. Originally we were thinking of spending all our time exploring Scandivanian countries but then decided against that thinking limited sunlight and cold may not work so well with the kids.

We are planning to spend first two nights in Stockholm. From there, we will take a flight or drive to someplace else. It would be great if we get to see Christmas markets and decorations but not sure if it's possible if we start around dec 24.

Top contenders right now are prague+vienna and south France, but open to all suggestions.

thank you!

M

nytraveler

Driving from Stockholm to any of those places will be a VERY long trip.

And not sure that any - except the south of France - will be any warmer or have any less snow.

And yes, arriving on the 24th means that not all activities will continue after the holiday.

Would help to know your interests? Do you want any winter sports? Any outdoor activities?

ladydem

nytraveler, thank you for your response! Driving is only an option if we are going someplace close by, and that too only if there is no better way. We love public transportation!

I am positive that we will be flying to another big city. I don't think we will be able to escape cold but I think the south will have slightly longer day and less cold. I was in Barcelona and Paris in November years ago and it was very enjoyable.

It's a pity that we are not able to start early due to schools. I was hopeful that some towns will have extended celebrations until the new year.

Not keen on skiing since we have decent options close to our home but open to trying out something new! We enjoy quaint villages as well as hustle and bustle of big cities, history, architecture, music. We are pretty open to trying out new things. Not interested in nightlife, extreme sports, and not much into shopping or food

Kathie

Did I miss where you are flying home from?

ladydem

Kathie, I have booked my flight to stockholm but haven't booked my return trip yet. I usually book two one-way tickets.

janisj

>>I usually book two one-way tickets.<<

<i>Why?</i>

Open jaw will typically be cheaper.

ladydem

janisj, sometimes open jaw is cheaper, but often it's not. I often find it restrictive as it requires that you book the return trip with the same airline or partner group. Many airlines don't have a penalty for booking one-way tickets, which I find it much easier to deal with.

Odin

When are you planning to arrive in Stockholm? Not sure what you mean by starting on the 24th, is that starting to go elsewhere from Stockholm? 2 nights in Stockholm is not enough time.

Christmas starts early in Scandinavia and it is more or less over after the 24th, which is the main date Christmas is celebrated. It is the build up to Christmas which is the most interesting time to be there. Last year there wasn't any snow in Stockholm at Christmas, it was a very mild winter. In any case, Scandinavians do cold and dark very well, making places very warm and cosy. I've spent the period between Christmas and NY in Copenhagen in recent years and it was great.

You could visit other places eg Helsinki on the ferry, it is really lovely to pass thru the archipelago when the small islands are covered in snow.

ladydem

We will be reaching there on 23rd. I am thinking that we will spend at least 3 days there but we are flexible depending on the overall plan.

I am researching more to get a better idea of what we will do there. Originally I was hopeful that we will get just in time to enjoy last few days of christmas but looks like that's not going to happen. I will look into Helsinki suggestion. Thank you! What other things you would suggest between Christmas and NY as that's what we will have as well.

I wish I had more flexibility with the start date. We are just not able to start sooner due to school and work commitments.