lly01

I've got a question(s) about Europe. My husband and I, plus our 2 college "kids," (ages 19 and 21), are going to Europe for Christmas. We are going to fly in and out of Paris, but we can add one more city for the same ticket (using frequent flyer miles). Right now, we have reservations to go to Athens too. But here's the situation:
We intend to be in Paris for the last leg so that we can be there for New Year's eve. We are going to Europe on Dec 22 (arrive Dec 23) and return on Jan 1. We tentatively plan to be in the first city (Athens, at this moment) from Dec 23 to early morning Dec 27. Then Paris from Dec 27-Jan 1. I am concerned that the 1st leg (Athens) will be a disappointment because we'll only be there the afternoon of Dec 23, Dec 24, then Christmas is on Saturday, making the 26th on Sunday. I'm guessing
everything will be closed on the 25th and 26th.

So, is there a better choice than Athens for the 1st leg? My friend mentioned that she would choose a place closer to Paris so as to avoid loosing precious time traveling, plus packing for a similar climate. I've heard that some places in Germany have great Christmas festivities. The Delta Airlines agent suggested Prague. (I really don't want to fight alot of snow, but I guess I could.)

Does anyone have a suggestion of where (anywhere, except Rome) in Europe that would be good for arrival Dec 23-depart Dec 27, that would be great for Christmas Eve, plus will have lively activities even on Dec 25 and 26? I guess one possibility is to stay in
Paris the entire time and take side trips from there. I have 2 weeks until I must actually book my air reservations.

Your suggestions are appreciated! Also, any lodging suggestions in Paris or the "other" city would be welcomed too. Finally, do you think I must/should book two hotel rooms? It seems that rooms for 4 people in Europe are scarce.

Thanks soooooooooooo much

Kascha912

Since you mentioned Germany as a possibility for the first leg of your trip:
I'm not sure which christmas activities you were referring to but for most christmas markets the 23rd is the last day. Some are open on the 24th as well. But that's it then.

I'm sure other Fodorites will have great suggestions for a second destination. Especially if you give us some more hints as what you're interested in doing/ seeing. Museums, history, hip places/restaurants, specific activities?

JulieVikmanis

We will be in Garmisch-Partenkirchen with our grown children this year and I'm very excited about it. I must warn you, however, that I had an awful time getting lodging there. Most places (like 25 I tried) were fully booked when I started looking in August or so and others required a minimum 7 or 10 day stay. I had better luck booking rooms in Munich which is where I suggest you look if you're serious about making Germany your other stop. Sure hope you get some good advice about places that will afford you lots to do over the actual days of Christmas. We aren't leaving until Dec. 26. We spent a Christmas in Paris one year and had no problems finding restaurants and things to do/places to go, etc.

JulieVikmanis

Consider Vienna for the first part of your trip. It is somewhat Germany-like and a larger city so more likely to have things going. Just don't try to go there for New Year's since tickets to their various balls and concerts are booked a year or more in advance.

jay

We did this trip last year and had a blast. we were ther on the 18th and left on the 30th. we did 8 days in paris with a couple of side trips to fountainbleu and versailles. then on christmas day rented cars and drove to strasbourg. from there we took day trips to baden baden, colmar, riquier the alsace etc. on the way back stayed in reims and some champagne. we have also done rome at christmas. the flight would only be about an hour from paris. rome is great. be careful on the champs on n y e. 350,000 drunk people with fireworks and champagne bottles. things tend to close on chr. eve. email with any questions enjoy!

miguelgcuadra

How about Madrid or Barcelona.... two beautiful cities with lots going on before x-mas. I do think that most big European cities slow down on X-mas day..stores are closed, but there is always something to do...Paris and Madrid are two wonderful cities to walk..