Pre-Christmas in Europe
 

I've been to Germany in December and loved the whole atmosphere of the Christmas markets, decorations, food, etc. I'm looking for somewhere other than Germany to go this year that would be interesting and put me in the Christmas spirit. I'm thinking about Paris, Rome, or someplace in Scandinavia. I'm not am much interested in Christmas shopping, but love seeing the storefront windows and Christmas displays. Also like the food from the Christmas markets and vendors and bakeries instead of gourmet restaurants. Maybe even a cooking class somewhere. Any ideas?

Rome is wonderful before Christmas- two great Christmas markets, the streets in the old part of town decorated with tiny twinkly lights, lots of very special Nativity scenes in shop windows and in each church, lots of special music performances. Also it is not nearly so crowded and the weather is between 40 and 60 degrees.

Search on this forum for Rome in December.

We have done Rome, Paris and the Alsace at Christmas time. they are all very festive and fun. In France thought the markets shut on Christmas Eve and are then done. The markets in Rome stayed open after the fact. There are tons of markets in Paris. The biggest one we found was by Les Halles and the Pomopidou Center. But done after Christmas Eve. The weather in Paris at that time of year is pretty hit or miss but on the cooler side. We are from the Pacific N.W. so it was like winter here. Sally is spot on about the weather in Rome. The Alsace was milder than Paris but not as warm as Rome. If you go to Paris then do Christmas Eve mass at Notre Dame and if you go to Rome do the Papal blessing at St. Peters on Christmas Day.

Thanks for the suggestions. I'm thinking of going early to mid December so I'm not concerned with activities and closures for Christmas day and Christmas eve. Cold weather is not a problem. Any information on Norway or Sweden Christmas markets?

Can anyone tell me about the Christmas markets, etc. in Norway?

Hi

Norway, Sweden have very short (2-4 hr) days in December.

Think carefully before visiting at that time of year !

Peter

I was in Denmark AND Sweden right after Christmas last year. I got light about 8:30 - 9:00 a.m. and dark about 3:30 to 4:00. Now, it could be different in Norway because I think it's farther north. I will say that it was cold, but I was dressed for it so was quite comfortable but I was overcast almost all of the two weeks I was there. The Christmas decorations were wonderful and Tivoli Gardens was open for the Christmas season and it was very fun and festive there.

Oh to be able to edit. Of course I mean the skies were overcast..I was NOT overcast!!! LOL