Christmas Major European City Ideas
 

Hi all. We are thinking about going to Europe for Christmas. We would like to go to a major city that has lots of museums and sights that will be open at the time. We also would like a city with some things to do at night. We prefer pubs/bars to nightclubs. We had oririnally thought of London until I read about eveything being closed on Christmas and Boxing day. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated- we were tossing around ideas- Munich, Brussels, Barcelona, Prague, Amsterdam... Obviously this is still in the infancy stage of planning.
Also- we will be flying from Orlando,Fl and were hoping to do as short a flight as possible as our time is limited.

Thanks, Megan

Have not been personally but Paris is supposed to be good at Christmas. If you do a search on this forum, you will find some trip reports about Christmas in Paris. We spent last Christmas in London and loved it, did lots like theatre, markets, shopping etc. We had an apartment and on Christmas Day we just stayed home and enjoyed relaxing (bought food at Borough Market beforehand). It was great though it's true a lot of things are closed for a day or so (no public transport at all on Christmas Day).

If you end up choosing Brussels, you must visit Brugge for a few nights - one hour away by train. Brugge is magical (have not been at Christmas time though).

It might be worthwhile checking where you can fly into direct, to save time.
Kay

Churches in London will be open for Christmas Day services, and that's a good time to see places like Westminster Abbey and St. Paul's in full glory.

The museums in Amsterdam are open on Christmas Day. I have no idea what the atmosphere is like though. You will need to book restaurants in advance - many Dutch families eat out on Christmas Day, and on Boxing Day.
Don't leave it too long to book hotels whatever your destination if you are planning for Christmas 2007.

How about Rome? Fabulous at Christmas. Paris as well. Be sure to go to mass at SP's on Rome or at Notre Dame in Paris. Very unique experience.

Rome and Prague would be my suggestions. Both have much to see and do. It would be lovely to stroll in those places at Christmas.

What about Salzburg? Here is a great trip report:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34938757