Nice place to spend christmas in Europe?

Question

I'm planning to spend this christmas in Europe but I'm not sure how nice it could be considering the weather.

I've read Paris and others are cold this time of the year.

Now, I'm from Canada, when I read the word "cold" I imagine: snow and ice everywhere, no people on the streets, wearing special thermic clothes, gloves, scarf, hat and non slippery heavy boots. Eating mostly pasta, checking weather conditions every hour, just leaving home if it is strictly necessary, do what you have to do outside and go back home soon.....

If it is like that then it makes no sense for me to go....

But I just watched a movie of Paris suposedly in winter where people is outside on the streets, artists, clean places, tourist walking with just a jacket and jeans... so I'm confused

Is there any nice places in Europe to visit this time of the year?

Answer 1

I lived in Montreal for seven years so I have some idea of what Canada is like.

In Paris in December the average daily high temperature is 7 degrees celsius/45 degrees farenheit, and the average low is 2 celsius,/36 farenheit. You can expect snow maybe two days in the month. Not at all that cold by Montreal standards and almost tropical compared to Manitoba.

Answer 2

monaco, italy.iy is beautiful

Answer 3

Portugal is absolutely beutiful!!!

up in the north is good-in porto, viana-do-castelo

lisbon is also goos and same as fatima

its a bit warmer and also very beautiful in algarve at the bottom of portugal

i think viana-do-castelo or algarve are the best

Answer 4

NOT IN PARIS. No, its not cold compared to Canada or New york (where I am from) but it is rainy. Plus, they don't do much for Christmas. Not a lot of decorations or special activities. They have 'marches noel' christmas markets all over the place that are often cute little log cabins but on closer inspection you see they are all selling african masks or at best plastic santa figurines. I recomend germany. They really celebrate in the streets with amazing festivities every night for the whole month of december. If you really want to go to france the festivities are world known in Strasbourg but they do a small imitation of Germany's festivities. And last but not least in Paris Santa is skinny and often wears green... that could just ruin your whole Christmas!

Answer 5

I have lived in England and Germany in the winter.  England was wet and dreary but not much snow.  Germany had some but not much. The biggest fear there was black ice when you were driving.  We did a lot of volksmarches in the winter and even in January!  Very pleasant.  Italy would be better if you want more warmth. Nothing I experienced was so terribly cold like the Northern states if that is what you mean.  Even here in SE Ohio, I would compare it to living over there.  Needed coats but not a heavy one like a parka.  You could do a search on Paris temperatures in winter and see what it turns out to be.

Answer 6

France benefits from an intermediate climate with cold winters and hot summers especially in the north, and in the Paris and central regions. However the weather is not the same as that in Canada. You can certainly be out on the streets… with a coat to keep you warm from the winds.

One of the coolest and most romantic itineraries to France in December is to visit Paris and Strasbourg, the European capital in the Alsace region in eastern France. Marrying the fashion capital of the world and one of the most enchanting cities for Christmas, is probably the best way to have a holiday of dream destinations, fun, friends, parties and … romance.

There is fantastic sightseeing in Paris of the Notre Dame Cathedral, shopping along the very chic Champs Elysées, a visit to the Palace of Versailles and of course no trip to France will be complete without a visit to the celebrated Eiffel Tower!

After a fine chic French shopping experience, you can head east of Paris to Strasbourg, France’s Christmas wonderland in the Alsace region, near the border of Switzerland and Germany in just 2h20 with the TGV (high speed train). An enchanting city of cozy wooden chalets, cobblestone streets and tantalising bakeries, Strasbourg is the fairytale of Hansel and Gretel realised. The city comes alive in December with one of the largest and most spectacular Christmas markets in all of Europe, the Christkindlesmärik. Widely famed since 1570, storefronts overflow with colourful decorations, Christmas carols resonate in the city as the smell of hot spiced cider, fresh gingerbread and waffles fill the air. As night falls, the city comes aglow in glittering display of lights.

Christmas time is lovely in France and represents an important event for French families. As visitors to France, you too can soak into the atmosphere and be a part of this beautiful festive season in one of the world’s most fascinating destinations. For a more informed travel experience, visit www.franceguide.com/sg.