5 days pre-Christmas
 

Hi-Hubby and I have 5 days off beginning Dec 12. We'd like to go somewhere fairly close to DC (plane-wise), festive, and hopefully, different from the US. We were thinking Montreal? Would that fill the bill? Air is running around $360 right now-the same as going-we would love to but travel time is too long to get to our fav beach place.
Also we're open to any suggestions!

marry christmas in advance to all of fodors lovers.

We prefer Montreal and Quebec City in the Summer months because of the uncertainty of the weather in December... others may disagree...

Consider the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, or Jamaica...

Thanks Gary22, but we've been to those places, and they take a little to long to travel to, since we live in Va. Besides, we like the thought of snow!

Although we prefer to visit Montreal in warm weather, we have visited in the dead of winter a few times and had a great time. Montreal is quite unique in North America - it's the second largest French speaking city in the world, and is a melting pot of many other cultures. The dining and nightlife are second to none, and the city is safe and easy to get around. Just realize it will most likely be VERY cold!

Hello, Skoop & Mr Scoop! ((H))

Montreal pre-Christmas would be wonderful! We have visited Montreal in late November & really enjoyed it. We stayed at Le Gremain on Mansfield just south of Sherbrooke St. West. Montreal does a great job decorating for Christmas with lots of twinkly lights on the trees, etc. I remember the area near the entrance gates of McGill University on Sherbrooke St West& it was truly magical. McGill is just north of Le Germain. From Le Germain, it's a short walk to Sherbrooke West & Peel (& south & west) for shopping, restuarants & the museum. If it is really cold, you can hop in a cab. Le Germain has a welcoming firepace in the lobby...very romantic.

So, I say go & have a wonderful time! Book your flights to Montreal! Bon Voyage!

OB1

I think Montreal is a great choice as long as you are prepared for the cold. It is definitely festive in December and there are plenty of things to do indoors.

Check out the good tourist office web site for "sweet deal" offers from hotels and event listings
http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/