European Christmas vacation

[r1lissa]

If you could go anywhere in Europe for Christmas vacation, where would you go and why?

Mu husband who is in Iraq, might be able to get some vacation time around Christmas, and he would like us (me, DS 12 and DD11) to come to Europe. So, we would definately be looking for something family friendly. Possibly somewhere with snow for some snowboarding and sledding. Somewhere with a festive Christmas atsmosphere since we will be away from family.

Someone had already suggested the military resort Edelwiess in Germany. Has anyone been there before? Downside was that everything nearby shuts down on Christmas Eve and Christmas.

Thanks for any help.

 

[pogo791]

We've had experience with a few places in Europe at, or just before Christmas: Vienna, Paris and Rome. On that basis, we would strongly suggest that you think of Rome. A beautiful city with lots to do, and with the added attraction of being able to go to midnight Mass at the Vatican. (Even though we are noth Catholic, we were able to get seats behind the altar, and so we were only a few feet away from where Pope John Paul II was officiating!)

I know that there is no snow there, but Rome is definitely a family-friendly city. And there are so many beautiful Italian Christmas traditions ...

 

[FireDancer]

Bavaria no doubt. There are Christmas Markets (Christkindlmarkt) all over Germany but the whole Bavaria region looks like it would be the place to be around the Holidays.

 

[Acklander]

I don't know why, but when I saw the thread title I thought they were coming out with a new National Lampoon vacation movie.

If it were me I'd pick Italy, because I've always wanted to see Italy. It looks stunning on the travel channel, and I like pasta.

 

[kristilew]

Yes, I've been to the MWR resort in Garmisch, Germany. That is the perfect family place to spend a Christmas break!

First of all, it is breathtakingly gorgeous. The little town is picture perfecct and an easy walk from the resort. All sorts of cute little shops to poke around in, great restaurants, friendly people. The resort is comfortable and very family friendly. I believe they do a big Christmas dinner and festive party atmosphere. There are beautiful churches in town if that is part of your Christmas tradition.

The ski lodge is large and well equipped, you can rent every kind of equipment there. We put DD, 6 at the time, in ski school for a couple of days there and she was skiing like a champ in no time. There is also skiing and snowboarding for the adults, either on your own or with guides, on a wide range of trails. We also quite enjoyed sledding in the evenings. It would be easy for you to get some alone time with your DH, as there are many activities offered for kids of all ages.

The resort can also arrange day trips to other sites in Germany or Austria.

 

[suejai]

For me personally I would go to either Vienna or Salzburg, or anyplace in Germany or Switzerland.

What about trying a ski resort in Switzerland or Austria?

You made the comment that things would be shut down over Christmas Eve and Day, what kind of things were you looking for? If you just need a restaurant the resorts would likely keep them open. Keep in mind that many places in Europe celebrate on Christmas Eve (especially the ones I mentioned above) and many areas are quite religious so there won't be anything open.

 

[focusondisney]

I don't know why, but when I saw the thread title I thought they were coming out with a new National Lampoon vacation movie.

Me too!!! I got so excited I jumped right into the thread!

 

[padams]

Garmisch is a beautiful Alpine town in Bavaria. It would be a wonderful place to spend Christmas. You could take a day trip to see Neuschwanstein (probably mangled the spelling), the castle that Walt based the Disney castle on. You would most likely have a white Christmas, and certainly there will be snow at higher elevations.

Just like in the US, most places in Europe are closed on Christmas Day. I'm sure the base will have activities that day. Of course, hotels will be open and a few restaurants in tourist areas.

 

[traviesojmt]

Garmisch is a beautiful Alpine town in Bavaria. It would be a wonderful place to spend Christmas. You could take a day trip to see Neuschwanstein (probably mangled the spelling), the castle that Walt based the Disney castle on. You would most likely have a white Christmas, and certainly there will be snow at higher elevations.

Just like in the US, most places in Europe are closed on Christmas Day. I'm sure the base will have activities that day. Of course, hotels will be open and a few restaurants in tourist areas.

I was going to suggest Garmisch as well. We lived in Germany for 3 years and I loved going to Rothenburg for their Christmas market.

Here is an article about Rothenburg. Please note: you can find a bit of Disney anywhere. LOL

There is a city in Germany where Christmas can be experienced all year long - Rothenburg ob der Tauber on the Romantic Road in Bavaria. It is also home to one of the most romantic Christmas markets in Germany.
Known for its medieval setting, Rothenburg is a walled city that has been left largely untouched for hundreds of years. Some complain of the Disney-like feel of the city, whose unspoiled beauty fills the city’s cobblestone streets with visitors during the holidays.

Visiting Rothenburg ob der Tauber is like stepping into a time warp. The town boasts some of the most impressive medieval architecture in Europe, and citizens fight tooth and nail to keep developers outside of the city walls.

Its medieval stage is home to the annual “Reiterlesmarkt,” the Rothenburg Christmas Market named after a local Teutonic legend, which began during pre-Christian times as the story of a horrid rider who carried the souls of the dead. As Christianity swept through Europe, the figure developed from a wild man into a loving, gentle man who gave gifts to all people on earth.

While Christmas decorations can be bought all year long in Rothenburg, the holidays are a special time to view the city and the market in its illuminated splendour.

A local specialty that shouldn’t be missed is the "Schneeball" or snow ball, made from strips of sweet dough fried and covered with powdered sugar or chocolate. Rothenburg ob der Tauber is also home to the German Christmas Museum.

 

[plutotek]

Bavaria no doubt. There are Christmas Markets (Christkindlmarkt) all over Germany but the whole Bavaria region looks like it would be the place to be around the Holidays.

I would go to Germany again in a heartbeat. Gluhwein and the Christkindlmarkts are great. We were in Oberammergau when a snow storm hit and made it just magical. Just a reminder; decorations are much more subtle (in Germany, at least) so you're not going to see the lights on houses/businesses that you would expect in the states. That being said, there is something to be said for the small towns/villages (EVERYONE has a Christmas market) where you just get a more basic, traditional feel about the season.

 

[padams]

I was going to suggest Garmisch as well. We lived in Germany for 3 years and I loved going to Rothenburg for their Christmas market.

Here is an article about Rothenburg. Please note: you can find a bit of Disney anywhere. LOL

There is a city in Germany where Christmas can be experienced all year long - Rothenburg ob der Tauber on the Romantic Road in Bavaria. It is also home to one of the most romantic Christmas markets in Germany.
Known for its medieval setting, Rothenburg is a walled city that has been left largely untouched for hundreds of years. Some complain of the Disney-like feel of the city, whose unspoiled beauty fills the city’s cobblestone streets with visitors during the holidays.

Visiting Rothenburg ob der Tauber is like stepping into a time warp. The town boasts some of the most impressive medieval architecture in Europe, and citizens fight tooth and nail to keep developers outside of the city walls.

Its medieval stage is home to the annual “Reiterlesmarkt,” the Rothenburg Christmas Market named after a local Teutonic legend, which began during pre-Christian times as the story of a horrid rider who carried the souls of the dead. As Christianity swept through Europe, the figure developed from a wild man into a loving, gentle man who gave gifts to all people on earth.

While Christmas decorations can be bought all year long in Rothenburg, the holidays are a special time to view the city and the market in its illuminated splendour.

A local specialty that shouldn’t be missed is the "Schneeball" or snow ball, made from strips of sweet dough fried and covered with powdered sugar or chocolate. Rothenburg ob der Tauber is also home to the German Christmas Museum.

We love Rothenburg. You can walk around the top of the city wall (just a story or so up). There is a fun nightly event, the Nightwatchman's Tour, in which he shares the history of the town during a walking tour. My DSs 12 and 14 love this place.

 

[Dr.Girlfriend]

I don't know why, but when I saw the thread title I thought they were coming out with a new National Lampoon vacation movie.

If it were me I'd pick Italy, because I've always wanted to see Italy. It looks stunning on the travel channel, and I like pasta.

Same here. I got all excited. Boo.

 

[traviesojmt]

We love Rothenburg. You can walk around the top of the city wall (just a story or so up). There is a fun nightly event, the Nightwatchman's Tour, in which he shares the history of the town during a walking tour. My DSs 12 and 14 love this place.

Don't forget the Medieval Torture Museum. I think I scared my DH with my interest in that one. LOL

 

[r1lissa]

Thanks for all the great info!

 

[DSNY4ever]

Bavaria no doubt. There are Christmas Markets (Christkindlmarkt) all over Germany but the whole Bavaria region looks like it would be the place to be around the Holidays.

Ditto. I have been to Bavaria but never at Christmas...but I can only imagine it would be even more beautiful. The villages just give that dreamy Christmas feel even at other times of year.

 

[Catananche]

I visited Bavaria in the 2nd week of January, and a lot of Christmas decorations were still up. It was beautiful and snowy, and was very Christmas card-like. So I would also recommend Rothenburg.

 

[NHdisneylover]

Absolutely go to Garmisch. It is so lovely. SOME Christmas markets stay open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day (and the 26th, which is also a holiday when most thigns are closed). The ski area and ice rink should be open too. It is a good idea to make some dinenr reservations though (especially for the 26th we have found--we always go out that day for DD's birthday).

 

[r1lissa]

Yes, I've been to the MWR resort in Garmisch, Germany. That is the perfect family place to spend a Christmas break!

First of all, it is breathtakingly gorgeous. The little town is picture perfecct and an easy walk from the resort. All sorts of cute little shops to poke around in, great restaurants, friendly people. The resort is comfortable and very family friendly. I believe they do a big Christmas dinner and festive party atmosphere. There are beautiful churches in town if that is part of your Christmas tradition.

The ski lodge is large and well equipped, you can rent every kind of equipment there. We put DD, 6 at the time, in ski school for a couple of days there and she was skiing like a champ in no time. There is also skiing and snowboarding for the adults, either on your own or with guides, on a wide range of trails. We also quite enjoyed sledding in the evenings. It would be easy for you to get some alone time with your DH, as there are many activities offered for kids of all ages.

The resort can also arrange day trips to other sites in Germany or Austria.

How easy is it for the average American to get around in rental car? I looked at the day trips the hotel will arrange and they charge twice, sometimes four times the price of the actual entrance fees. Example- if arranged by Edelweiss, a trip to the Neuschwanstein Castle costs $41 each for adults and $31 each for kids. On the castle site, it states the entry fee as $18 for adults and $9 for kids. Big difference!

 

[chloelovesdisney]

Yes, I've been to the MWR resort in Garmisch, Germany. That is the perfect family place to spend a Christmas break!

First of all, it is breathtakingly gorgeous. The little town is picture perfecct and an easy walk from the resort. All sorts of cute little shops to poke around in, great restaurants, friendly people. The resort is comfortable and very family friendly. I believe they do a big Christmas dinner and festive party atmosphere. There are beautiful churches in town if that is part of your Christmas tradition.

The ski lodge is large and well equipped, you can rent every kind of equipment there. We put DD, 6 at the time, in ski school for a couple of days there and she was skiing like a champ in no time. There is also skiing and snowboarding for the adults, either on your own or with guides, on a wide range of trails. We also quite enjoyed sledding in the evenings. It would be easy for you to get some alone time with your DH, as there are many activities offered for kids of all ages.

The resort can also arrange day trips to other sites in Germany or Austria.

Ditto. Loved Garmisch! It's a very easy train ride from there to Munich, other nearby Bavarian towns and Innsbruck, Austria. You could also go to Salzberg very easily from there. Have fun, I'm jealous.

 

[chloelovesdisney]

How easy is it for the average American to get around in rental car? I looked at the day trips the hotel will arrange and they charge twice, sometimes four times the price of the actual entrance fees. Example- if arranged by Edelweiss, a trip to the Neuschwanstein Castle costs $41 each for adults and $31 each for kids. On the castle site, it states the entry fee as $18 for adults and $9 for kids. Big difference!

The extra cost was worth it to us for the escorted trip. The tickets sell out, it's not the easiest drive there (curving roads) and it was nice not to have to worry about anything. We also got a $10 discount on the tour with our Rick Steves guidebook. We also went to an addtional castle and stopped for a very lovely lunch.