tuscanlifeedit

The best Thanksgiving (I'm from the US) I ever spent was in Paris. I believe I was wearing my heavy-ish pea coat, but had lots to layer with it.

PalenQ

And you can gorge on turkey and usual food accoutrements in Paris:

https://france-amerique.com/en/an-am...ving-in-paris/

ksbeem

Thanks for all the great info! My BFF from childhood (we've been friends since we were toddlers) and I are celebrating our birthdays there! I turn 50 on Nov. 24, and she turns 51 on Nov. 25! She has done the most work planning it -- I'm happy to do anything! We are excited!

billandcindy

We were in Paris from late Nov to early Jan 2015-16, just weeks after the infamous terrorist attack. Difficult to be in celebratory mood, especially with squads of soldiers patrolling the streets. The weather was generally in the 40s; high in low 50s; lows in high 30s. Some rain. Short days! Not overwhelmed by Xmas decorations -- maybe in the Tuileries and along the Champs-Élysées, but elsewhere, not much. Thought the Christmas market at La Defense was the best of the lot. But, if you have the time, highly recommend an overnight to Strasburg, the "Capitale de Noël." Xmas markets there were splendid.

BlueSwimmer

ksbeem- I hope your birthday trip is amazing! Also heading to France and Italy this winter for my 50th and trying to decide between a long wool coat or a puffer. I'm leaning toward wool- I find it easier to drape over my arm and carry around inside museums and things. I've been to France and northern Italy in Nov/Dec a few times in the past before puffers were fashionable and always did well with a long camelhair coat, good hat, gloves, and scarf, plus merino and cashmere layers underneath. Have a great trip!