Italy, Switzerland or Austria for Christmas
 

Hello, I am planning a trip to Italy in Dec23 until Jan. 6th. My first question is deciding the best place to be on the 24th and 25th of December since a lot of places close down. Where are we going to eat? Switzerland or Austria? we are not skiers so does that mean staying in? Or perhaps Venice is a better choice until the 27th of December assuming some places open up again. I have been told that Lake Como is not a good choice for December? I know I am asking a lot of questions but I know I will find great advise here. Thank You

Lake Como would be last on my list at Christmas - probably the place with fewest places open - Rome to me begs to be the one with lots of church services.

A great many restaurants will be open for Christmas Eve & Christmas lunch, since many Italians enjoy going to restaurants for those meals. The challenge will be dinner on Christmas night -- but usually a Christmas lunch will leave you stuffed.

Your biggest problem Dec 26, the feast of Santo Stefano, which is like the British Boxing Day when it comes to most every restaurant closing down.

Hotel restaurants will fill the gap. There a plenty of hotels with restaurants in Venice, and no doubt a few small eateries/bars will open as well. If you want to see Venice, go to Venice, but don't go there just to eat. You can go any city in Italy and find some places open.

Personally, for Christmas, I'd most want to be in Napoli.

Christmas and the day after christmas are pretty dead, even in Rome, but hotel restaurants do help so long as you pick the right place. Since apartment rentals are now a thing I would actually do that so you always have the option to prepare your own meals. Personally my heart says Switzerland for Xmas but that's just a preference. Switzerland is also very functional and organized as a country.

I don't think Switzlerand functions very well when it comes to food.

If you want to rent your own apartment, a great many food stores in Italy stay open Christmas morning until about 2pm.

But I honestly don't see what's "dead" about having many restaurants in Italian cities open for Christmas lunch. The Chirstmas lunch restaurant scene in Italy is livelier than in most other countries. Since the Italian Christmas lunch is a feast that lasts hours, it's really not likely one would be looking for dinner in a restaurant after that.

Vienna closes down around midday on 24 December, reopening on 27 December, in terms of restaurants and stores, with some museums open on 26 December. If we stay home for Christmas, we then typically head to Tirol on 26 December to a resort village where "everything" is open for skiers and winter sports enthusiasts.

We spent Christmas in Venice this year and had a lovely time. Lots of things were open both days so no need to worry about eating.

Here is our trip report with our photos:

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...years-2016.cfm

Jamikins, was it cold in Venice? I am looking also for Christmas decor in the cities but could not see that in your lovely photos. I did notice the lack of crowds which is awesome. Perhaps Switzerland is not a good idea for Christmas, I was hoping to see snow. If you had to decide between Austria or Switzerland for the Christmas atmosphere which would you choose? Also if I rent an apartment are the markets close by to purchase food? Thank you to everyone for your inputs is much value.

Italians are not big on Christmas decor or Christmas markets, except in the Alpine areas. Consider going to Bolzano or Trento -- easily reached by train -- with Christmas markets they brag about and a much greater chance of seeing snow. (It can snow in Venice by Christmas -- but you'd need to be "lucky" to experience it, and there's not much investmenet in Xmas decor in Venice.)

http://www.italia.it/en/travel-ideas...lto-adige.html

Hi Shutterbugsy,

Switzerland in general doesn't glam up for Christmas -- outside of the cities. In the cities, you'll find some markets and lights, but little snow or snowy, scenic landscapes. The towns and villages in the countryside will likely give you the snow and snowy landscapes, but they don't do much for Christmas, as it's considered mostly a time for family gatherings and private celebrations.

I think your best bet would be to find a high-altitude Austrian resort.

Have fun as you plan!

s

Shutterbugsy- We wore winter jackets but were able to sit outside in the sun during the day and have drinks.

While you don't get overt Christmas decorations everywhere, there were lights over a lot of canals that you can see in my pics, santas scattered around, Christmas trees in several squares and a great Christmas atmosphere.

We have also spent two New Year's Eve weeks in Montepulciano and loved it so much we are going again this year. Again, you get a lovely atmosphere with unique and subtle decorations.

Pics are here

https://www.flickr.com/photos/pug_gi...57639164500734

Or perhaps Venice is a better choice until the 27th of December assuming some places open up again.>

Yes IMO - better weather -not real cold like Austria or Switzerland in Alpine resorts could well be - why bother with Austria or Switzerland at all if not into skiing at that time - spend all your time in Italy - classic Venice - Florence - Rome- there will be places open Christmas Day in those venues and again weather in Florence and Rome could be downright balmy or at least rarely cold.

For lots on Italian trains check www.seat61.com; www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.ricksteves.com. Book train tickets really early for deep discounts - www.trenitalia.com is the site of Italian Railways.