10 Best Places to Visit in Europe in December With Kids
Including the destinations that are still magical AFTER Christmas!
Soemone in our Jolly Good Travel community recently sent me a question that I thought was SO good: “Is there anywhere you would recommend for travel in December that wouldn’t be a place you would regret not going when it’s warmer?”
She is hoping to travel right after Christmas through New Year’s with her three kids, ages 3, 6 and 9, plus her brother’s family with three more kids around the same ages. And I immediately started thinking about it and it inspired me to write this. Because there are plenty of places in Europe that you can visit in December… But that wasn’t really her question. She wanted somewhere where winter is part of the reason you go. Somewhere you aren’t walking around thinking, This is beautiful…but I wish we had come in June.
My first thought was Chamonix, France. Then I asked our Jolly Good Travel community where they would go—and one answer came in over and over and OVER again: Finland. But there were also so many votes for Austria, Copenhagen, Switzerland, London, Colmar, Germany and more. So instead of simply sharing a list of pretty winter destinations, I went a step further and researched the things I would want to know before spending thousands of dollars taking my own kids there:
Is the Christmas magic actually still happening after December 25?
What would kids actually DO there?
Where would I stay with a family?
Which tours and experiences are worth looking at?
And what are the downsides the beautiful Instagram pictures don't show you?
Quick note before we get into it: We have not personally taken our kids to Europe at Christmas yet. Some of these are destinations we know and love in other seasons like Chamonix, London and the Swiss Alps and others came directly from families in our community. I researched current 2026–2027 schedules, accommodation options and reviews before putting them on this list.
So think of this as the Jolly Good Travel community’s winter wish list + some of the research done for you! After looking into these, I think I just might be booking a Christmas trip!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Finnish Lapland: Rovaniemi
BEST FOR: The “my kids will remember this forever” Christmas trip
This was easily the destination our community recommended the most! And after researching it, I understand why. Although, we have not personally been here, we absolutely have added it to our list of recommendations! If your kids are still young enough to believe in—or just completely love—the magic of Christmas, Rovaniemi is probably the most different experience you could give them. This isn't just wandering through a Christmas market. You can visit Santa Claus Village, cross the Arctic Circle, ride through the snow behind reindeer, meet huskies, go sledding, play in the snow and possibly see the Northern Lights.
And unlike many Christmas destinations, the entire experience does not disappear December 26th.
What we would do with kids
I would plan one major winter experience each day rather than trying to cram everything together. Santa Claus Village would obviously be one day. Then I would choose a husky experience, a reindeer sleigh ride, snow play or snowmobiling designed for families. One of the most-reviewed GetYourGuide options I found combines Santa Claus Village + reindeer + huskies and currently has a 4.6/5 rating from more than 2,300 reviews. It is about six hours, though, which is exactly the kind of thing I would think twice about with a younger kid!
For younger kids, I might actually spend more money booking shorter experiences separately so we could go back to the hotel to warm up instead of committing everyone to a six-hour excursion.
➡️ Experience to book: Rovaniemi Reindeer, Huskies & Santa Claus Village Tour
➡️ Alternative option: Shorter reindeer sleigh experience
Where we would stay with kids: Lapland Hotels Ounasvaara Chalets
This is the kind of accommodation I love finding for families.
The property has actual five-person and six-person chalets, fully equipped kitchens and private saunas—which sounds approximately 10,000 times better to me after spending a day outside in Finnish Lapland. It is beside Ounasvaara Ski Centre and current family reviews repeatedly mention the location, warmth, kitchen and private sauna.
➡️ Check rates at Lapland Hotels Ounasvaara Chalets
If you have a bigger group and want even more space, I would also compare Ounasvaaran Lakituvat Chalets. Reviews are excellent, families mention the space and fully equipped kitchens, and you get more of that “cabin in a snowy forest” feeling.
➡️ Check rates at Ounasvaaran Lakituvat Chalets
What parents need to know
This is not a “throw on the kids’ normal winter coats and go” destination. Around December 26–31, Rovaniemi only gets roughly 2½ hours between sunrise and sunset, although twilight stretches the usable light beyond that. It is also seriously cold. Visit Finland recommends proper base layers, insulating middle layers, waterproof/windproof outer layers, warm footwear and gloves or mittens. Winter gear can also be rented locally.
I would build in warm-up breaks and not schedule two major outdoor excursions back-to-back. And I would treat the Northern Lights as a fantastic bonus, not the reason the trip is successful. Nature doesn't care how much the vacation cost.
HOW LONG I’D STAY: 4–5 nights
2. Chamonix, France
BEST FOR: Families who want dramatic Alps without making skiing the entire trip
This was my first answer when the follower asked me this question. We've been to Chamonix and the mountains here are just on another level. It feels like a place where snow and winter make sense. And what I like about it for families is that you don't necessarily have to ski for five straight days to have a reason to be there.
You can ride mountain trains, see a glacier, wander the village, eat somewhere cozy, play in the snow and make winter itself the experience.
What we would do with kids
The Montenvers train to the Mer de Glace would be at the top of my list. We loved the Mer de Glace, and taking the little red mountain railway up is half of the fun with kids.
For adults and older children, Aiguille du Midi is also one of Chamonix's most famous experiences, but this is where reading the fine print matters. The official guidance states that the Aiguille du Midi excursion is prohibited for children under 10. I would do some research ad make sure your kids could do it before booking! If you have younger kids, I would just do Montenvers/Mer de Glace instead.
➡️ Experience to book: Montenvers Train + Mer de Glace
➡️ For families with older kids: Aiguille du Midi / Montenvers combination experience
Where we would stay: Appartements de l'Héliopic
I originally looked at Héliopic Hotel because it gets excellent family reviews and is right beside the Aiguille du Midi cable car. But for a family of five, I actually like Appartements de l'Héliopic even more. They have apartment configurations that sleep five, six and even eight people, kitchens, access to an indoor pool and spa, and an extremely central location. Current reviews are excellent, including multiple recent winter stays from families.
This is exactly the kind of setup you would want: enough space to spread out, somewhere to make snacks or breakfast, and an indoor pool when everyone has had enough cold for the day.
➡️ Check rates at Appartements de l'Héliopic
What parents need to know:
Mountain weather controls the schedule here. Cable cars and attractions can close because of high winds or conditions, so don't construct an itinerary where everything falls apart if one specific mountain attraction doesn't operate. And again: check age requirements before paying for a mountain excursion.
HOW LONG I’D STAY: 3–4 nights
3. Copenhagen, Denmark
BEST FOR: A first European Christmas trip with younger kids
The more I researched Copenhagen for this specific question, the more I liked it. Because Tivoli Gardens gives the kids a reason to be excited about the trip that has absolutely nothing to do with appreciating beautiful architecture. At Christmas, Tivoli becomes lights, decorated gardens, rides, Christmas stalls, special kids' rides, treats and a whole Christmas-world experience. And most importantly for our original family:
Christmas in Tivoli continues after Christmas Day. For the 2026–27 season, Tivoli's Christmas programming runs through January 3, 2027, including its nightly Christmas animation.
What we would do
I would give Tivoli an entire late afternoon/evening rather than treating it like something you squeeze in after sightseeing. Then balance it with a canal cruise, Nyhavn, pastries, wandering the city and a good amount of indoor time.
➡️ Experience to book: Tivoli Gardens admission
➡️ Alternative option: Copenhagen canal cruise
Where we would stay: Tivoli Hotel
For a family trip, this may be the easiest hotel recommendation on this entire list. Tivoli Hotel has specific family rooms for 3, 4 and 5 people, including connecting-room configurations. There is an indoor pool, a children's playroom and family-oriented programming during school holidays. That is exactly what I want in December. I don't need my city hotel to be the coolest boutique hotel on Instagram… I want enough beds for my children, an indoor pool and somewhere they can play while I drink coffee.
➡️ Check rates at Tivoli Hotel
What parents need to know
Copenhagen in December can be dark, cold, windy and damp. I would not over-plan daytime sightseeing. Pick a couple of things you really want to see, then let Tivoli be the big event. Also compare Tivoli ticket options before buying. Entrance and rides can be packaged in different ways, and with several kids, that math matters.
HOW LONG I’D STAY: 3–4 nights
4. Salzburg, Austria
BEST FOR: The most storybook European Christmas feeling
If the version of Europe you have in your head is old buildings, mountains in the distance, glowing Christmas stalls and a fortress sitting above the city…Salzburg is probably what you're picturing. And Salzburg works particularly well for an after-Christmas trip because the main Salzburg Christkindlmarkt at Domplatz and Residenzplatz is scheduled through January 1, 2027.
What we would do
Start with the Old Town and Christmas market. Ride the funicular to Hohensalzburg Fortress. Have a very long lunch.
And depending on your kids' ages and tolerance for bus tours, consider the Original Sound of Music Tour. It currently has around a 4.8/5 rating from more than 5,000 reviews and takes you through both Salzburg and the surrounding countryside. With an energetic 3-year-old, though, I might choose the fortress and market instead of a four-hour tour.
➡️ Experience to book: Original Sound of Music Tour
➡️ Experience to book: Hohensalzburg Fortress + Funicular
Where we would stay: Altstadthotel Wolf-Dietrich
The reason I like this one for December is the combination of location + family rooms + indoor pool. It is in a very walkable part of the city, current reviews from families specifically mention large family rooms and the location near restaurants and pedestrian areas, and it gives you somewhere to decompress when the kids have had enough sightseeing.
➡️ Check rates at Altstadthotel Wolf-Dietrich
What parents need to know
This is where the exact Christmas market matters again. The main Domplatz/Residenzplatz Christmas market continues through January 1. Other Advent events, including the fortress Advent market - finish before Christmas. So if you're traveling December 26–January 1, don't save a random Pinterest pin titled “Salzburg Christmas markets” and assume it applies to your dates.
HOW LONG I’D STAY: 3 nights
5. Vienna, Austria
Salzburg Christkindlmarkt
BEST FOR: Christmas atmosphere + plenty of indoor backup plans
Vienna may be one of the smartest options on this list for families because it gives you Christmas magic without making your entire vacation dependent on the weather. You get palaces, cafés, history, museums, indoor attractions and public transportation alongside the Christmas experience. And for after-Christmas travelers, Schönbrunn is the standout.
The Christmas Market at Schönbrunn Palace runs through January 6, 2027, and after December 25 it remains open daily. It also specifically offers family programming, including children's activities, rides and ice skating.
What we would do
Pair Schönbrunn Palace with the Christmas market outside. With younger children, look at the Children's Museum rather than expecting them to patiently admire imperial rooms for hours. With older children who enjoy history, the highly reviewed skip-the-line Schönbrunn tours are worth comparing; the current top option has a 4.8/5 rating from more than 5,000 reviews.
➡️ Experience to book: Schönbrunn Palace Skip-the-Line Tour
➡️ Alternative option: Schönbrunn Zoo or Children's Museum
Where we would stay: Adina Apartment Hotel Vienna Belvedere
This immediately stood out to me as a place we would genuinely stay and love! The apartments have kitchens and washing machines. There is an indoor pool and sauna. It is convenient to public transportation and currently has excellent reviews from more than 2,500 guests. Families staying longer than a couple nights especially appreciate having a kitchen and laundry.
➡️ Check rates at Adina Apartment Hotel Vienna Belvedere
Traveling as a family of five or more? I would also compare Belvedere Suite, because its two-bedroom apartments can accommodate five or six people and current family reviews specifically mention the space.
➡️ Check rates at Belvedere Suite
What parents need to know
Vienna has enough Christmas markets that I could absolutely see myself turning this into a mission and making everyone miserable. Don't. Pick one major Christmas experience per day. The goal is not to see them all, it’s the experience.
HOW LONG I’D STAY: 3–4 nights
6. Innsbruck, Austria
BEST FOR: Families who can't decide between a city trip and a mountain trip
I think Innsbruck may be one of the most underrated ideas on this list. You can walk through a beautiful old European city in the morning and be riding a funicular toward the mountains that afternoon. And there is a VERY important detail for anyone traveling after Christmas: Some Innsbruck markets close December 23. But the Maria-Theresien-Straße market and the Hungerburg market continue through January 6, 2027.
What we would do
I would combine Nordkette + the Alpine Zoo. There are combination tickets that let you take the Hungerburgbahn up and visit the zoo, which feels like the perfect kind of sightseeing day with kids: transportation that is part of the fun, animals and mountain views.
➡️ Experience to book: Alpenzoo + Hungerburg Funicular
➡️ Alternative Experience : Top of Innsbruck/Nordkette ticket
Where we would stay: Hotel Das Innsbruck
Location is the big reason. It is only a few minutes from the Golden Roof and Nordkette transport, and it has an indoor pool and spa, which would absolutely be one of my requirements for a December city trip with children. It currently has a 9.1/10 rating from more than 5,000 reviews.
➡️ Check rates at Hotel Das Innsbruck
What parents need to know
Do not plan this trip around the famous Old Town Christmas market under the Golden Roof if you're arriving after Christmas. That one ends December 23. You want Maria-Theresien-Straße and Hungerburg for a Dec. 26–Jan. 6 trip. Same city. Completely different answer depending on the dates.
HOW LONG I’D STAY: 3 nights
7. Baden-Baden, Germany
BEST FOR: The family who says, “But I really want a GERMAN Christmas market”
This one earns its place on the list for one very specific reason: It solves the after-Christmas Germany problem. A lot of Germany's most famous Christmas markets finish December 23 or 24. Baden-Baden's Christmas Market is scheduled from November 26, 2026 through January 6, 2027. So instead of showing your kids photos of a magical German Christmas market that was dismantled before your flight landed, you can actually experience one. The city also sits beside the Black Forest, giving you an easy way to turn this into something more than a market trip.
What we would do
Spend plenty of time at the market itself, explore town and consider either a short city tour or a Black Forest excursion. The highest-volume Baden-Baden tour I found is the Best of Baden-Baden Guided City Tour, which is the highest rated!
➡️ Experience to book: Best of Baden-Baden Guided City Tour
Where we would stay: Maison Messmer
If I were splurging here, this is where I'd start. It is extremely central, has an indoor pool and spa, and current reviews repeatedly praise the location. One verified holiday-season review specifically noted being directly opposite the Christmas market.
➡️ Check rates at Maison Messmer
For something less splurgy, I would also compare THE FLORIS - formerly Hotel am Sophienpark. Recent reviews are excellent, including families praising the larger rooms and central location.
➡️ Check rates at The Floris (Hotel am Sophienpark)
What parents need to know
“Germany at Christmas” and “Germany after Christmas” are two different searches. If you're traveling during the school break, market closing date should be one of the very first things you research. Not one of the last!!!
HOW LONG I’D STAY: 2–3 nights
8. Colmar, France
BEST FOR: The family who wants to walk into a real-life Christmas village
Colmar almost doesn't look real when it is decorated for Christmas. Half-timbered houses, canals, lights, tiny streets, market stalls…it is the full storybook experience. And there is a separate Children's Christmas Market in Petite Venise, with little wooden houses, a carousel and Santa's giant mailbox. For 2026, it continues through December 29.
And that date is VERY important.
If your flight lands December 26 and you go straight to Colmar for two or three nights? Fantastic. If you arrive December 30 expecting the Christmas market you saw on Instagram? You missed it.
What we would do
I would spend one day in Colmar itself and then explore some of the smaller Alsatian villages. The 4 Wonders of Alsace Day Tour from Colmar currently gets an extremely strong 4.9/5 rating from nearly 500 reviews and visits Eguisheim, Kaysersberg, Ribeauvillé and Riquewihr.
But here's my parent caveat: It lasts eight hours and includes a wine-country component. With little kids, I would strongly consider a shorter/private version or simply rent a car rather than forcing a 3-year-old through an eight-hour organized day because the internet told you it was the “best tour.” We found a great shorter option with a short boat ride included, which is usually really fun for kids!
➡️ Experience to book: 4 Wonders of Alsace Day Tour
➡️ Alternative option: Colmar: Walking tour with Little Venice Boat Tour
Where we would stay: Novotel Suites Colmar Centre
This is the kind of practical city hotel I would choose with kids.
Current reviews are excellent, the suites are spacious, the Old Town is walkable and there is even an indoor children's play area along with sauna/hammam facilities.
➡️ Check rates at Novotel Suites Colmar Centre
What parents need to know
December 29!! Put it in giant letters in your itinerary. Colmar is one of my favorite places to go for the beginning of that post-Christmas/New Year's break but I would not choose it for January 1 if the Christmas markets are the entire reason you're going.
HOW LONG I’D STAY: 2–3 nights
9. London, England
BEST FOR: Families who want Christmas magic but also a million backup plans
We have spent a LOT of time in London with our kids, so this is one of the cities on the list where I feel very comfortable saying: London is SO good with kids. And while we haven't personally done our long London stay at Christmas, I like London as a winter choice because if the weather is terrible, your vacation isn't ruined. Museums. Shows. Afternoon tea. Toy stores. Markets. Indoor attractions. History. Restaurants. You are never sitting there thinking, Well, I guess the whole day is canceled.
What we would do at Christmas
Christmas lights absolutely become part of the sightseeing!!! But one experience I would prioritize is Christmas at Kew. For 2026 it runs on selected dates through January 3, 2027, with illuminated trails, large light installations, food and timed entry.
➡️ Experience to book: Christmas at Kew
➡️ Experience to book: Christmas Lights Santa Bus Open-Top Tour
I would also consider a Christmas-light bus with younger children who aren't going to happily walk five miles around central London at night—but reviews vary quite a bit between operators, so read the most recent ones before booking.
In my opinion, you don’t need to book this to experience the magic of London at Christmas. You could walk around and still get to see everything but with kids in the winter the bus tour is s great way to do both without cold and complaining kids.
Where we would stay: St. Ermin's Hotel
This one I can actually recommend from our own London stays. I LOVE the location, especially with kids. You're near St. James's Park, Westminster, Buckingham Palace and a Tube station without feeling like you're staying in the middle of Times Square-level chaos. Family room styles are available and they cater to families so nicely!
Read our full review of staying at St. Ermin’s Hotel in London.
➡️ Check rates at St. Ermin's Hotel
What parents need to know
London over the holidays is not the budget choice. Book the things that really matter to you in advance, then leave breathing room around them. You can walk around and simply see all the amazing christmas shop displays and lights as an activity! And don't plan the trip around snow. Plan it around Christmas lights, shows, festive experiences and everything London already does well with families.
HOW LONG I’D STAY: 4–5 nights
10. The Swiss Alps: Wengen or Grindelwald
BEST FOR: The family who wants their winter trip to actually feel like WINTER
This probably isn't a surprise if you've followed us for a while. The Swiss Alps are one of our favorite places we have ever taken our kids, and Wengen is still our favorite base in the Jungfrau Region. We've mostly experienced this area in warmer months, so I want to be clear about that. But winter here isn't a compromise version of Switzerland. It is an entirely different trip.
Read Why Wengen is the best place to stay in the Swiss Alps.
Instead of playground-to-hike-to-mountain-coaster, think: snowy mountain trains + sledding + winter walks + skiing + hot chocolate + ridiculously beautiful scenery. The Jungfrau Region has more than 100 km of prepared winter hiking trails and more than 50 km of sledding runs. Its Winter Hiking and Sledging Pass for the 2026–27 season is available from November 21 through April 25.
What we would do
I would make sledding and mountain transportation the adventure rather than feeling like everyone has to ski. That is one of the reasons I think Switzerland works for a multigenerational group or two families where not everyone wants to do the exact same thing. I would say look into doing Jungfrau but it’s not a neccessity… It is expensive and esoecially for mutliple people this can add up very very fast! You can get GREAT views and pictures from multiple places in the area.
➡️ Experience/pass: Jungfrau Region Winter Hiking & Sledging Pass
➡️ Alternative option: Jungfraujoch
Where we would stay
If you want a hotel, I would look at Maya Caprice because it has a hot-tub and spa for after winter activities, is right by the train station and cable-car connections, which is a huge advantage when everyone is hauling winter gear around.
➡️ Check rates at Maya Caprice Boutique Hotel & Spa
For a family of 6 or more, I would recomennded Wengen Apartments. We love stayin at Chalet Alpenheim 1. We’ve stayed here 3+ times now when we stay in Wengen if we have more than 6 people in our group, which we usually do if my parents or someone else comes along.
➡️ Check rates at Wengen Apartments
What parents need to know
This is peak winter season… I would expect Christmas/New Year prices to be high and family-sized rooms to disappear quickly. Also, don't choose the most dramatic sledding run because it has the coolest YouTube video. Some Jungfrau sledging routes are genuinely fast and steep. Choose based on your kids' ages and confidence, and check current trail conditions.
HOW LONG I’D STAY: At least 4 nights. I would not travel all the way into the Alps for two.
A FEW MORE DESTINATIONS OUR COMMUNITY RECOMMENDED
There were a few other answers that came up from our audience that I think are worth addressing.
Rome + Florence
Yes, especially if your goal is Europe without summer heat rather than a snowy Christmas trip. We love both cities with our kids, and December could be a really nice time to focus on sightseeing, food and history without planning every day around escaping the heat. But I would classify these differently. Rome and Florence are great places to visit in winter.
Lapland, the Alps and Austria are places where winter becomes part of the actual experience.
If you want the former, we have complete family guides to both Rome and Florence, including hotels we have personally stayed in and activities our kids loved.
👉🏻 Rome Itinerary with kids
👉🏻 Our Florence Itinerary with kids
👉🏻 5 Day Tuscan itinerary for families
Madrid + Seville
I would put these in the same category. Fantastic if you'd rather have a European city trip with cooler temperatures than a winter-wonderland vacation.
Iceland + Tromsø
Absolutely bucket-list worthy. I would personally put Finnish Lapland for a family with smaller kids though over this. If I'm going to accept Arctic weather and very short winter days with several young children, I love that Rovaniemi has such a concentrated collection of experiences designed specifically around families and Christmas.
Gothenburg
Another community favorite and one I would absolutely research further. But for a first Scandinavian Christmas trip with younger kids, Copenhagen gets my vote because Tivoli gives you such an obvious anchor for the trip.
So…where should you choose?
If these were my kids and I had one Christmas-break trip to pick, I would narrow it down like this:
For maximum Christmas magic:
👉 Rovaniemi, Finland
For the easiest Christmas city with younger kids:
👉 Copenhagen
For Christmas markets + mountains:
👉 Salzburg or Innsbruck
For a German Christmas market AFTER Christmas:
👉 Baden-Baden
For the classic fairytale Christmas village:
👉 Colmar—but arrive by December 29
For a real snow-and-mountains vacation:
👉 Chamonix or the Swiss Alps
For the most things to do regardless of weather:
👉 London or Vienna
FAQ: Visiting Europe in December With Kids
Q: Where is the best place to visit in Europe in December with kids?
A: For a true winter experience, Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland would be my top pick for younger children because the trip is built around snow, Santa, reindeer and huskies. Copenhagen is one of my favorite alternatives for families who prefer a city trip, while Salzburg, Vienna and Innsbruck combine Christmas atmosphere with traditional European sightseeing.
Q: Are Christmas markets still open in Europe after Christmas?
A: Some are, but many are not! Which is why checking exact dates is so important. For the 2026–27 season, the Salzburg Christkindlmarkt runs through January 1, Schönbrunn's market in Vienna through January 6, Baden-Baden through January 6, and Innsbruck's Hungerburg and Maria-Theresien-Straße markets through January 6. Colmar's children's market continues through December 29.
Q: Is Lapland too cold for young children?
A: Families travel to Finnish Lapland with young children every winter, but you need appropriate clothing and a realistic schedule. Visit Finland recommends layering with warm base layers, insulating midlayers and weather-resistant outer layers. I would also schedule shorter periods outdoors with warm-up breaks rather than planning consecutive full-day outdoor activities.
Q: Where can families see snow in Europe in December?
A: Finnish Lapland and higher-elevation Alpine destinations such as Chamonix and the Jungfrau Region of Switzerland are among the places I would look at first for a snow-focused December vacation. Weather is never something I would promise, but these are winter destinations rather than cities where you're hoping to get lucky with a snowfall.
Q: What is the best Christmas market in Europe for kids after Christmas?
A: For an after-Christmas trip, I especially like Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna, because its market continues through January 6 and has activities specifically aimed at families. Baden-Baden is another strong choice if experiencing a German Christmas market is the priority because its 2026–27 market also continues through January 6.
Q: How many nights should you spend in a European winter destination with kids?
A: For most cities, I would plan at least three nights. For Lapland, London or the Swiss Alps, I would choose four or five. Winter travel takes longer because everyone has extra clothing, weather can change plans, and younger kids need more breaks. Moving hotels every one or two nights would be the exact opposite of how I would want to do this trip.
Q: Do you need a rental car for a European Christmas trip?
A: Not necessarily. Copenhagen, Salzburg, Vienna, Innsbruck and London all work very well without one. Wengen is actually car-free. For places such as Colmar, a car or organized tour can make visiting the surrounding Alsace villages much easier.
Q: Is Europe cheaper in December?
A: Do not assume that Christmas break equals off-season pricing. The period between Christmas and New Year's is extremely desirable in places like Lapland, the Alps and major festive cities. You can find some cheaper accomodations from like peak summer though. If your dates are tied to school vacation, I would book the accommodation you really want as soon as your trip is firm, especially if you need a family room that sleeps five or six.
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