hi - what are the best places to visit in europe in december (over christmas)? thanks -

The weather was beautiful in Malta when I was there last December. Is that what you mean by best? By Christmas I was in Rome, cooler but still nice. But never guaranteed as it's winter after all.

Are you looking for good weather? Or what criteria are we talking for "best places"?

I had a wonderful trip to Garmisch Partenkirchen one Christmas. I was the guest of one of my favorite Fodorites and we went to the Zugspitze (the highest point in Germany)and on a horse drawn sleigh ride in Mittenwald. It was magical. That place defines Christmas.

I've also been to Paris and London over Christmas. It's beautiful, wet and cold.

By and large, cities are best in the winter. The days are very short in December and the countryside is not beautiful for the most part.

Hate you been to Europe before? If so, where and where would you like to visit? I spent a week in London in early December on business and the weather was great but you can never count on the weather in winter.

You need to put up travel dates and specify what you are looking for in a holiday if you want really good recommendations, many countries have interesting festivals and customs during this time of year but whether or not they would be of interest to you is another question entirely. If you can tell the forum what you hope to see during your holiday, it would be a huge help.

Agree - we need to know what you consider 'best' - do you want ski resorts, chance of sunny weather, lots of indoor activities, xmas markets...?