christmas and new year's in europe
 

My husband and I want to spend the holidays in Europe this year. Possisbly fly into Munich for the Christmas Market then on to Prague, Vienna, Venice, somewhere in Switzerland then back to Munich. We have about 14 days. We would love suggestions for an itinerary. Should we rent a car or try the rail. We are 'directionally challenged' but have a gps and have both been to Europe before but it has been 20 years or so. I have read about the Christmas Markets in Europe and would like to visit several of them...which ones are the best? We plan to arrive on Dec. 22 and depart January 5. We don't have reservations anywhere yet so we are open to all suggestions.

You won't visit too many Christmas markets, I'm afraid, because most of them, at least in the German-speaking world, terminate by Christmas Eve. Starting in Munich is thus a good idea.
It takes careful planning to find some that (against all tradition for the sake of commerce) reopen after the holidays, there are but a few, for example in Berlin, Speyer, Braunschweig.
The markets in Strasbourg stay open until New Year's Eve and Strasbourg is highly recommended for its Christmas atmosphere.

On NYE be prepared for an artillery barrage of amateur fireworks wherever you are. It is amazing. Many restaurants and cafes are closed on NYE.

the market in Salzburg is open thru Dec. 26

Thanks for all of the information. Would my husband need an international drivers' license or would his US work?

"<i>Would my husband need an international drivers' license or would his US work?</i>"

He MUST take his US license. The International Drivers <u>permit</u> is simply a translation of his regular license. The IDP is a legal requirement to drive in Italy (not sure about the Czech Rep. but it is absolutely required in Italy).

So he'll need both. Now, he may not even be asked for it when your pick up the car, but if anything happens -- not having it will void your insurance and may have other consequences.

Thanks janisj! Also, has anyone heard of or used the website 'EuropeanDestinations'?

There is nothing quite like Christmas in Europe - just amazing. Yes, most christmas markets close by Christmas Eve -unfortunately only a few remain open. Speyer is one that continues on into the New Year (I went last year and it was fantastic), and the town itself was equally gorgeous.

Its also true what another poster said about New Year's Eve - its absolutely crazzzzzyyyy, and very very loud - but just utterly fabulous. I was in Bamberg last New Year's and I was truely blown away with it all. It was just wunderbar!!!!

Flying into Munich would be a good idea and if it were me, I'd fly home from Venice. Prague is a bit out of the way, but well worth it (I was in Prague a few Christmas's ago and they had a christmas market open between Christmas and New Year).

Perhaps something like:

Munich - Salzburg (and a side trip to its lakes district) - Vienna - Prague - fly to Venice from Prague, Venice - fly home.

Or

Munich - work your way up to Prague through Germany (am thinking here of Nuremberg/Bamberg area) - Prague - Vienna - Salzburg - Venice - fly home.

The possibilities are really endless. You could do it all by train or car or even flying between the longer distance cities, if you are short of time.

It doesn't matter where you end up going - it is all great and you will have an amazing time. Christmas in Europe is one of the best things to ever experience.

Prague and Vienna have great Christmas Markets and are very beautiful cities. It is a great year to spend Christmas in Europe.No matter where you decide to stay you will need to book your accommodation in advance.Use websites like booking.com or hitrooms.com where you can book your accommodation now for better prices. Note that with the coming of the holiday the prices rise.

<i>Tamara23 on Sep 3, 11 at 4:57am
Note that with the coming of the holiday the prices rise.</i>

And availability goes down.

Thank you all for your helpful responses! I am so excited about spending the holidays in those parts of Europe!

<<the market in Salzburg is open thru Dec. 26>>

Is this new? It's been several years, but when we were there it closed about noon on Xmas Eve.

Yep<
their website lists Hours both on 25 and 26 Dezember at 11:00-18:00!!
www.christkindlmarkt.co.at
So begins the commercialism creep!