Spend the Holidays in One of These Delightful European Cities

Ready for some good news for a change? Airline prices are starting to – gasp – drop and the dollar is getting stronger. What better time to take a European holiday than during the holidays? Stroll through fabulous markets, enjoy local cuisine and see how the holidays are celebrated in some of the most beautiful cities in the world. So, forget making a holiday wish list this year – just escape and enjoy.

November 28 - December 24, 2008

The Christmas Market in Munich is one of the oldest in Europe. Official records first make mention of it in 1642. And today you can find some of the items originally available 400 years ago such as gingerbread, cotton children's clothes and manger figurines. Now the festival spreads across the vast Town Hall square, Marienplatz and offer the visitor holiday favorites such as warm spiced wine, hot cinnamon chestnuts, traditional Alpine and holiday music and every imaginable Christmas ornament and trinket to make decorating a special event.

The Tollwood Festival takes place almost concurrently at the Olympiapark, Nov. 26 - Dec.31, 2008. Just a few U-Bahn stops from Marienplatz, here you'll find live music, performing arts, and handicrafts from around the world.

If your schedule doesn't allow for pre-holiday trips, try the pre-Lenten season of Fasching. Munich hosts the largest number of balls, parades and other events for this German version of Carnival, or Madrid Gras.

Rome is beautiful, lively and filled with history. What more could you ask for in a holiday escape? The city will be alive and the weather may be mild enough to enjoy some meals and vin brulé (mulled wine) outside – but pack your winter gear also just in case – it can get chilly. Holiday travelers will of course head to the Vatican and visitors may be able to take in the Papal mass on Christmas Eve or the Pope’s Christmas message in front of St. Peter’s. In St. Peter’s square visitors can take in a famous life-size nativity scene. Nativity scenes in general are a big draw in Rome and worth checking out at churches around the city. At the Christmas market in Piazza Navona you shop for own nativity scene, sweet treats, toys, Christmas ornaments and lots of other great gifts to take home.

Where to stay? Try the FortySeven which offers connected family rooms for up to five people and separate bathrooms in each. This hotel also has a special Euro/Dollar exchange programs for US citizens only.

Like most other European cities Madrid puts on its own versions of these traditional Holiday markets and events. The main Christmas Market is located in the beautiful Plaza Mayor. Some of the highlights of the season include; extensive lighting displays along all the main boulevards, a sound and light display for kids at the Gardens of Discovery near the Plaza Colon (Dec. 22 - Jan.7), and the annual animal parade in Retiro Park on Christmas Eve. For a little exercise and fun during this time, the city sets up outdoor skating rinks in the parks around this city.

Try the Petit Palace Arenal Hotel for reasonably priced accommodations, located in the heart of the Holiday fun in the Plaza del Sol. Rates start at €112.

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