Where would you go in Europe in the couple of days preceding Christmas? Thinking Copenhagen, Vienna, Rome, St Petersburg or Prague?

I do not like cold weather, so the further south, the better for me. Also, the days will be longer if you go further south. Spain, France, Italy, Greece.

I did the Amsterdam, Salzburg, Munich, Prague, Berlin, Hamburg, Cologne etc. during December last year. All wonderful winter cities with lots to do inside and outside. I loved it! I am going to do it again this year.

Remember that Russian Christmas is in January, and New Year's Eve is the widely celebrated holiday.

I wish I could go to Europe for Christmas!! Have a great trip!

Munich has a wonderful Christmas market. Also, lots of concerts in the beautiful cathedrals. I was in Germany last December. The cold weather was manageable and the snow just added to that Christmassy feeling.

I second mango's thoughts. I was in Munich over Thanksgiving last year. The weather was cold, but with the snow and Christmas markets, it made for a more "authentic" feel. I woould definitely go back. The city is very clean and very safe.

Loved loved loved the Christmas markets and not just for the shopping. Not only are the markets in Germany, but Switzerland and Austria too.

Weihnachts Markt is one of the german words for the xmas market.

One of the ones we loved, in terms of old tradition, was in Lauscha (SP?) in former East Germany where the first xmas ornaments were made and Woolworth brought them back to the states.

As long as you are dressed for it, I would absolutely go. Everything is so festive, lit trees are everywhere, great holiday foods on offer, the fantastic Christmas markets, esp in Vienna. Mulled wine. A great time to go. For places like Prague and Coppenhagen and Russia, remember that that far north days will be quite short so bear that in mind when sightseeing. Take a look at sunrisesunset.com for daylight hours and weatherbase.com for temps and rainfall. Good point above about the Russian orthodox Chrismas.

London at Christmas is really quite a light show, worth seeing as well. Short days there too.