We are trying to decide between Italy and France for Christmas time. Italy would include Venice, Florence and Rome. France would include Paris and still researching what other places. What city out of those mentioned above is best to spend Christmas day? Thanks!

Paris, without a doubt!

I would have to choose Paris.

Paris, for sure! I have done that!

a bientot...

Joan

I've been to Paris and Rome during the Christmas holiday. Paris wins hands down.

Paris.

Paris ........ of course.

Your question is interesting; we had talked about Christmas in Rome and thought it would be fun, but this crowd seems more like Franco-files!

There's a reason we are headed back to Paris this Christmas!

Great store and shop windows, the markets are great, (we got snow last time) but we really enjoyed it and I think it's my husband's favorite trip ever, We are planning a day trip to Strasbourg during this trip and also a Christmas concert at Ste Chapelle.

The T/R for the trip in 2010 is below:

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-fantastic.cfm
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...ch-smaller.cfm

Paris for sure. How long do you have for your trip? If a week, stay in Paris and do a couple of day trips. If longer, visit Strasbourg for the Christmas markets.

I've been to both for the holidays as well and I wouldn't say Paris wins hands down. However, more sights shut down on Christmas in Italy than in Paris, so if you haven't yet visited either country, France might be a safer bet if you are in the capital for Christmas Eve/Christmas.

I personally had much better weather in Rome but of course that's anecdotal.

My trip reports with photos:

Christmas 2006 - Paris
Christmas 2009 - Rome

http://www.travelswithmaitaitom.com/...ance_2006.html

http://www.travelswithmaitaitom.com/...Rome_2009.html

Nothing can beat Paris on Christmas Day - I was shocked at how full the streets were with strollers and many shops and cafes, etc open and even some museums - midnight of Christmas Eve is when the French traditonal celebrate Christmas with a big meal after folks have come back from Christmas Mass - well the few that go to Mass now - and on Christmas Day they go for walks, etc.

Paris was hopping - nice skating rink in front of City Hall.

Maitaitom's posts were what sold us on Christmas in Paris.

I will say that lowcountryislander would say Rome.

The good news is you really can't lose on this.