syamanz

Thinking of travelling to Sweden in the second week of December. Keen to get the Xmassy atmosphere, are there Xmas markets in most towns. Where is the best place? & what are the chances of there being snow on the ground at that time?

Ragnar

Sorry to have to disappoint you - we don't have any Xmas markets the way they do in Germany. Maybe some smaller ones, or somer very commercial ones, but nothing really nice.
And snow in mid December - you would have to go far north to be really sure.

So my advice to you is to go to Germany, or Austria if you want that special Xmas feeling

Cowboy1968

Coming from one of the major Xmas market territories I found Stockholm in December quite magical. It will get dark very early, and with all the lights in the Old Town, the waterfronts, and the central shopping districts, the atmosphere is very special. Probably not something that will appeal to everybody's taste, but really special -- unless it rains, then it can be quite miserable

syamanz

Ok, so I guess you don't need markets to be Xmassy - I think heaps of lights & Xmas decorations will do it for me. The thought is then, don't go expecting markets, like in Germany, just enjoy the Christmas atmosphere. Thanks

gruezi

I loved Stockholm in December as well and there were some lovely little markets. Personally, having been to the German, French and Swiss markets I loved the quieter simplicity of the Swedish Christmas decorations. We even had rain and still loved Stockholm in December. Candles and greens everywhere. Really charming.

gruezi

roadmovie

One option for Xmassy feeling is Finland / Helsinki. There is an yearly event called Tuomaan markkinat right in the heart of Helsinki. It normally runs from around Dec. 7th until Dec. 20th. Also other places are packed with Xmas.

http://www.hel.fi/wps/portal/Helsink...nki/en/Etusivu

If you want a snow guarantee and lots of Xmas feeling, you want to go to Rovaniemi, Polar Circle where you can visit the Santa Claus Village. It is a large place with many things to do including reindeer sled drives.

http://www.santaclausvillage.info/eng/main.htm

http://www.visitrovaniemi.fi/VisitRo...In_English.iw3

nytraveler

To be sure of snow in mid Dec I would head for the Alps - there will be snow if you go high enough.

syamanz

I assume you mean the French Alps?