What's the best European city to spend Christmas in?
Dec 16th, 2019 | 02:45 PM
#2
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,651
Likes: 3
I think this is a difficult question to answer unless you've spent Christmas in more than several European cities. And living in a place spending Christmas in a place is very different than visiting a place at Christmas.
That said, I've lived in 2 European cities, and London has always been my favourite at Christmas-time. I love the window shopping and decorations along Regent Street and along Oxford Street, along with the liveliness and spirit. The quiet festivities of Christmas Day itself with friends and relatives at home, and the crazy, hectic after Christmas sales where you can hardly walk the streets of London due to the throngs of visitors and shoppers. Mulled wine in Covent Garden and roasting chestnuts on street corners. And New Years Eve is fun and rowdy (if you wish), either celebrating with the masses along the shivering Thames, or in one's local pub.
That said, I've lived in 2 European cities, and London has always been my favourite at Christmas-time. I love the window shopping and decorations along Regent Street and along Oxford Street, along with the liveliness and spirit. The quiet festivities of Christmas Day itself with friends and relatives at home, and the crazy, hectic after Christmas sales where you can hardly walk the streets of London due to the throngs of visitors and shoppers. Mulled wine in Covent Garden and roasting chestnuts on street corners. And New Years Eve is fun and rowdy (if you wish), either celebrating with the masses along the shivering Thames, or in one's local pub.
Dec 16th, 2019 | 04:04 PM
#4
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 13,215
Likes: 0
My first choice would be London. When living there or visiting. No matter now many times I had done it, riding in the upper front of a bus and seeing the Christmas decorations was a treat. I usually stayed home on Christmas day so the lack of transit was not an issue for me. Second was Paris
Dec 16th, 2019 | 06:17 PM
#6
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 75,009
Likes: 50
>>my worst: London (I love London, but the transit shut down is very inconvenient, and the museum crowds were insane Christmas week.)<<
No crowds and having to walk isn't inconvenient IF one plans ahead it is just the one day after all. I LOVE London over Christmas -- though I haven't been there ON Christmas Day in about 5 years. I do try to visit the city at least a few days every December. Just got back from a week in the city and last year I spent a few days before heading to Germany where I was on a river boat over the actual Christmas holiday - which was great fun.
Other than London -- my favorite places for ON Christmas are the Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite, or a little town in far northern California where relatives of mine have horses and wagons and we go caroling on horseback, often in the snow. Spent one Dec 24-26 in NYC and had a BALL!
No crowds and having to walk isn't inconvenient IF one plans ahead it is just the one day after all. I LOVE London over Christmas -- though I haven't been there ON Christmas Day in about 5 years. I do try to visit the city at least a few days every December. Just got back from a week in the city and last year I spent a few days before heading to Germany where I was on a river boat over the actual Christmas holiday - which was great fun.
Other than London -- my favorite places for ON Christmas are the Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite, or a little town in far northern California where relatives of mine have horses and wagons and we go caroling on horseback, often in the snow. Spent one Dec 24-26 in NYC and had a BALL!
Dec 16th, 2019 | 09:42 PM
#7
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 6,374
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I love London at Christmas time. The day itself is so quiet, perfect for long walks or cycling. And while the main shopping areas are way too crowded after Christmas, the more residential areas are quiet. Try to do your sales shopping in smaller shopping streets such as Westbourne Grove/Ledbury Road.
The pubs and restaurants are welcoming. Add to that the theatre, bars, Christmas lights..
Then again, we lived in London for many years and still spend a lot of time there, so have no need to visit the main tourist sites during the Christmas holidays. We turned away from the British Museum last year; the queue was too long, and no shortcut for members. If this is your first ever visit to London and you want to hit all the main sites, you may want to think again.
The pubs and restaurants are welcoming. Add to that the theatre, bars, Christmas lights..
Then again, we lived in London for many years and still spend a lot of time there, so have no need to visit the main tourist sites during the Christmas holidays. We turned away from the British Museum last year; the queue was too long, and no shortcut for members. If this is your first ever visit to London and you want to hit all the main sites, you may want to think again.
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Dec 17th, 2019 | 04:58 AM
#8
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,069
Likes: 26
Having spent Christmas in D.C. (20!), Paris, Krakow, and Vienna (5), I can't pick a winner. With D.C. and Vienna we were able to take the cities at slower paces and enjoy the season away from the tourist crush. Paris is my forever love, but the Christmas we spent in the City of Lights was our 7th overall visit, so again we could take the city at a slower pace (even amongst the tourists). Krakow was lovely and simply slow-paced.
In my imagination, Christmas in an alpine village would be the "best."
In my imagination, Christmas in an alpine village would be the "best."
Dec 17th, 2019 | 07:21 AM
#10
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 5,564
Likes: 12
Germany, Paris and now back to Munich for this Christmas. I have packed and unpacked due to weather. Leaving tonight and the forecast looks very rainy. I just threw in the rain jacket with the goosedown. It is a 20 inch suitcase btw. Leaving from hot Florida so not wearing any jacket to the airport. The windows and markets are magical in both places. I think Paris is more open on the day though. I am happy we didn't pick Paris this year.
Dec 17th, 2019 | 09:30 AM
#11
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 4,677
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No crowds and having to walk isn't inconvenient
Could we please dispense with the no-walk shaming? Not just this thread, it pops up semi-regularly. People may have legitimate reasons for not wanting to walk and even if they simply don't want to, that's nobody else's business. Some years back, I asked on this forum what was the best way to get to a venue in London from Paddington station -- bus or cab. Instead of answering the question, a dyspeptic British Fodorite heaped scorn on my query, wondering why I was so lazy as to pass up a "perfectly glorious" 30 minute walk. Had he parked his arrogant judgmentalism in the trash where it belongs, I could have told him the request was on behalf of my 80-something mother with residual weakness from a stroke.
That aside, we've spent Christmas in Brussels, Milan, London, Dresden, Paris and, of course, at home in Basel.
Of these, our favorites were Dresden, Paris, and Basel. Dresden because of its wonderful Christmas markets, its compact and beautifully restored historic center, its excellent transportation system allowing easy travel to Leipzig, Gorlitz, the Erzgebirge villages/mountains, Berlin, Prague, etc. Plus there are several aparthotels, allowing you the option of dining at "home" rather than at a restaurant. Very useful when everything is closed or already booked!
Paris because, well, Paris. We had an apartment there (yes, it was registered) for four weeks over the 2018/19 holiday season covering both Christmas and NYE. We appreciated the city's winter atmosphere -- simultaneously festive but completely different from a German/Austrian/Swiss Christmas experience. Caveat: the crowds around the Rue de Rivoli and the GL/AuP department stores were mind-boggling. We avoided those areas (for something completely different and crowd-free, stroll around the Parc Monceau). Surprisingly, the elegant Place Vendome was not crowded at all. Although we mostly just hung out enjoying the urbane holiday vibe, we also did a few special occasion things like Christmas Tea at the George V (Four Seasons) Hotel, NYE at the Opera Garnier, and some shopping at stores that did not have long lines outside. We were blessed by good weather, no strikes and minimal disruption from the gilets jaunes. Tip: we rode buses instead of taking the metro, especially just after dark where we could see Paris lit up for the season.
Here in Basel because, after all, east or west, home is best. The city has a very pleasant Christmas market, some handsome historic neighborhoods, good restaurants and an increasingly lively social scene, and is a short hop from Alsace (literally on Basel's doorstep) and the Black Forest. With Switzerland's superb public transit network, you have your choice of scenic journeys to the Swiss Alps, Italy and more. Downside is that a white Christmas here is highly unlikely -- we haven't had one in 11 years -- and Basel is in the midst of several major city projects with dug up sidewalks and streets that are definitely not looking their best.
Could we please dispense with the no-walk shaming? Not just this thread, it pops up semi-regularly. People may have legitimate reasons for not wanting to walk and even if they simply don't want to, that's nobody else's business. Some years back, I asked on this forum what was the best way to get to a venue in London from Paddington station -- bus or cab. Instead of answering the question, a dyspeptic British Fodorite heaped scorn on my query, wondering why I was so lazy as to pass up a "perfectly glorious" 30 minute walk. Had he parked his arrogant judgmentalism in the trash where it belongs, I could have told him the request was on behalf of my 80-something mother with residual weakness from a stroke.
That aside, we've spent Christmas in Brussels, Milan, London, Dresden, Paris and, of course, at home in Basel.
Of these, our favorites were Dresden, Paris, and Basel. Dresden because of its wonderful Christmas markets, its compact and beautifully restored historic center, its excellent transportation system allowing easy travel to Leipzig, Gorlitz, the Erzgebirge villages/mountains, Berlin, Prague, etc. Plus there are several aparthotels, allowing you the option of dining at "home" rather than at a restaurant. Very useful when everything is closed or already booked!
Paris because, well, Paris. We had an apartment there (yes, it was registered) for four weeks over the 2018/19 holiday season covering both Christmas and NYE. We appreciated the city's winter atmosphere -- simultaneously festive but completely different from a German/Austrian/Swiss Christmas experience. Caveat: the crowds around the Rue de Rivoli and the GL/AuP department stores were mind-boggling. We avoided those areas (for something completely different and crowd-free, stroll around the Parc Monceau). Surprisingly, the elegant Place Vendome was not crowded at all. Although we mostly just hung out enjoying the urbane holiday vibe, we also did a few special occasion things like Christmas Tea at the George V (Four Seasons) Hotel, NYE at the Opera Garnier, and some shopping at stores that did not have long lines outside. We were blessed by good weather, no strikes and minimal disruption from the gilets jaunes. Tip: we rode buses instead of taking the metro, especially just after dark where we could see Paris lit up for the season.
Here in Basel because, after all, east or west, home is best. The city has a very pleasant Christmas market, some handsome historic neighborhoods, good restaurants and an increasingly lively social scene, and is a short hop from Alsace (literally on Basel's doorstep) and the Black Forest. With Switzerland's superb public transit network, you have your choice of scenic journeys to the Swiss Alps, Italy and more. Downside is that a white Christmas here is highly unlikely -- we haven't had one in 11 years -- and Basel is in the midst of several major city projects with dug up sidewalks and streets that are definitely not looking their best.
Last edited by WeisserTee; Dec 17th, 2019 at 09:55 AM.
Dec 17th, 2019 | 09:57 AM
#12
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 1,937
Likes: 0
Any one of the capitals of the British Overseas Territories, sorry cross off Port Stanley.
Other than that -
Hamilton
Providenciales
George Town
The Valley
All wonderful, politically European cities to spend Christmas Day out of the cold and damp.
Snorkeling in The Turks and Caicos beats listening to the head of The Saxe-Coburg family bleating on about her horrible annus.
Other than that -
Hamilton
Providenciales
George Town
The Valley
All wonderful, politically European cities to spend Christmas Day out of the cold and damp.
Snorkeling in The Turks and Caicos beats listening to the head of The Saxe-Coburg family bleating on about her horrible annus.
Last edited by BritishCaicos; Dec 17th, 2019 at 10:00 AM.
Dec 17th, 2019 | 12:22 PM
#13
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 75,009
Likes: 50
>>No crowds and having to walk isn't inconvenient
Could we please dispense with the no-walk shaming?<<
Jeeze Louise! I wasn't 'shaming' any one . . . And I've been to London when I couldn't walk or use the tube, so I know about mobility issues. Transit being shut down is only a little over one day and there are always car services and taxis.
Could we please dispense with the no-walk shaming?<<
Jeeze Louise! I wasn't 'shaming' any one . . . And I've been to London when I couldn't walk or use the tube, so I know about mobility issues. Transit being shut down is only a little over one day and there are always car services and taxis.
Dec 17th, 2019 | 01:07 PM
#14
Adminstrator
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 418
Likes: 1
I haven't been during this time of year, but I'd go with somewhere in Germany or Oslo. Everything my friend has shared each year from Oslo has been amazing. I'd also like to shoutout Vancouver, which has wonderful Christmas festivities and is extremely European-influenced.
Dec 17th, 2019 | 01:36 PM
#15
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 5,238
Likes: 0
It is shaming, though. In my case, I don’t care, because while I could deal with it, I just don’t want to. To me it’s a wasted day, and I don’t like those on vacation. I love London for the excellent transit.
but that would be a deal breaker if I had my mother along, who is handicapped. She honestly would need buses, or tube, and she wouldn’t want to rely on taxis. I’ve never been to any other major city where transit just shuts down then. I suppose it’s traditional, and if the locals like it that way, great, but it’s odd to me.
However, really, I just found the whole week a hassle. The transit and crowds get very intense. I did find more obscure museums, and that sort of thing is fun, but to me, BM, and Harrods, Natural History are also reasons I go to London. Crowded is fine—crazy making is not. Loved the city earlier in the season. Loved it in January. Just hated Christmas week itself.
but that would be a deal breaker if I had my mother along, who is handicapped. She honestly would need buses, or tube, and she wouldn’t want to rely on taxis. I’ve never been to any other major city where transit just shuts down then. I suppose it’s traditional, and if the locals like it that way, great, but it’s odd to me.
However, really, I just found the whole week a hassle. The transit and crowds get very intense. I did find more obscure museums, and that sort of thing is fun, but to me, BM, and Harrods, Natural History are also reasons I go to London. Crowded is fine—crazy making is not. Loved the city earlier in the season. Loved it in January. Just hated Christmas week itself.
Dec 18th, 2019 | 02:20 AM
#16
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 44,597
Likes: 3
OK what do we have today?
The Caribbean board died a long time ago, the Canada board is just about alive along with Asia and South America. The Africa board has a few posts a week and now......
Moderators are having the discuss travel between themselves to drum up business.
Sad really.
The Caribbean board died a long time ago, the Canada board is just about alive along with Asia and South America. The Africa board has a few posts a week and now......
Moderators are having the discuss travel between themselves to drum up business.
Sad really.
Dec 18th, 2019 | 02:16 PM
#18
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 84,757
Likes: 46
[QUOTE=WeisserTee;17031492]No crowds and having to walk isn't inconvenient
Could we please dispense with the no-walk shaming? Not just this thread, it pops up semi-regularly. People may have legitimate reasons for not wanting to walk and even if they simply don't want to, that's nobody else's business. Some years back, I asked on this forum what was the best way to get to a venue in London from Paddington station -- bus or cab. Instead of answering the question, a dyspeptic British Fodorite heaped scorn on my query, wondering why I was so lazy as to pass up a "perfectly glorious" 30 minute walk. Had he parked his arrogant judgmentalism in the trash where it belongs, I could have told him the request was on behalf of my 80-something mother with residual weakness from a stroke.
Paris because, well, Paris. /QUOTE]
How does one do the applause emoji?
+1 on the anti-cab/ shared ride rants on this forum
+ 1 on Paris at Christmas
Maybe I should do a delayed Paris at Christmas TR
Could we please dispense with the no-walk shaming? Not just this thread, it pops up semi-regularly. People may have legitimate reasons for not wanting to walk and even if they simply don't want to, that's nobody else's business. Some years back, I asked on this forum what was the best way to get to a venue in London from Paddington station -- bus or cab. Instead of answering the question, a dyspeptic British Fodorite heaped scorn on my query, wondering why I was so lazy as to pass up a "perfectly glorious" 30 minute walk. Had he parked his arrogant judgmentalism in the trash where it belongs, I could have told him the request was on behalf of my 80-something mother with residual weakness from a stroke.
Paris because, well, Paris. /QUOTE]
How does one do the applause emoji?
+1 on the anti-cab/ shared ride rants on this forum
+ 1 on Paris at Christmas
Maybe I should do a delayed Paris at Christmas TR
