Hi All,<BR> I'm looking for advice (as usual). We are in the process of planning a winter wedding in Austria for Decemember (yes this year and I haven't much time). I know it will be quite cold. I'm concerned about the ability to sight see. We are planning for the 8th - 20th in Salzburg, Bavaria, Lucerne (sp?) and Venice. . . what will be open during this time? Will we miss out on a lot if we do go in December? We are music and art lovers. . . will there be any concerts going on? <BR><BR>Has anyone been to any of the above places the 1st and 2nd week of Decemeber? <BR><BR>Any information would be greatly appreciated. Restaurants, hotels, ski resorts, cafes, tours, etc would be greatly appreciated. <BR><BR>Any idea on the perfect place for a winter wedding? I was thinking Zell Am See.... any other suggestions?

Start making hotel inquiries now as ski season start around the first of Dec. The rates go up and rooms are very hard to get.I would also try the searching the internet to answer some of your specific questions. Since this is the first response and it has been sunk to the low end of the list. You are also asking to many questions. It is your wedding and my idea of the perfect place and yours may be two very different things. I had a winter wedding in Copenhagen, it was in March 02, and I hadn't planeed for a major snow that day and didn't even have a winter coat with me just a fuzzy pullover and some sweaters. Food for thought

Hi J<BR><BR>You'll have no problem finding Mozatr concerts in Salzburg at any time of the year.<BR><BR>Enjoy

We were in Venice last year 28 Nov-01 DEC.There was Acqua Alta(spell?),the high water 2 weeks before my arrival but we had no problem at all. On the contrary, every day was fine and Sunny at latest from late in the morning till the rest of the day/night. The full moon was so bright in the clear dark sky which we saw from Rilato Bridge. With warm clothes on, we wallked always till after midnight. So few people at night and we had Piaza San Marco for ourselves alone (or almost). It was not even cold. Were we just lucky with the weather ? So happy about this, we are going to Venice again the same time this year, 29 Nov-03 Dec. Shops and other important things seemed open and hotel rooms were cheaper due to Winter rate.

I believe that most of central Europe closes down COMPLETELY on December 10, and does not reopen until February 1. That means no art, no culture, no restaurants, etc.

Leave a day to go to the Christmas markets in Nurnberg or Munich if you are in Bavaria in early December. Nurnberg is the biggest & IMHO best

J,<BR>I have spent the last two Decembers in Lucerne and it really is lovely. Their is an energy in the city, the trees on the lake are decorated (as well as the city itself) and their are many musicians in the streets. It is not overly cold, ranging from freezing to 50 degrees. There may or may not be snow. 2000 -no snow; 2001, snow. Last year, the ski resorts opened about the 17th of December. The boats are chugging and some of the best views are int he winter. There is a crystal quality to the air.<BR><BR>For more information, check out www.myswitzerland.com.<BR>AS far as hotels go, Hotels with charm include Hotel Des Balance, Wildenmann (A Romantik hotel) 5 stars with style include the Palace and the National. All are in excellent locations with the last two being right on the lake.<BR>Congratulations,<BR>jan