You could fly in and out of Paris and do mini trips to both the Strasbourg and Cologne Christmas markets. Both are easy direct train rides from Paris. I would do 2 nights in each.

German cities (like Berlin) are wild on NYE, with fireworks fired off everywhere - by anyone, thousands. It’s exciting, especially for older teens, but I would caution that it’s of course also a very busy night for ER visits.
For more peace of mind, I’d choose Germany for Christmas and France (something organized) for NYE, if you want a combined trip to see both.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The Christmas markets in Germany shut down at Christmas. If you want markets open after Christmas day, you need to go to Austria.

This is incorrect. The markets in Austria are over on Christmas Eve. Lived there for a few years.

You are incorrect. They are indeed open on Christmas and after in Austria. I was there this past Christmas.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think Paris is pretty gray and not so christmassy

And just not safe anymore.

Quoi?

Anonymous wrote:I think Paris is pretty gray and not so christmassy

And just not safe anymore.

I did Paris at actual Christmas time last year (4 days) and honestly, it wasn't great. The city was overrun with tourists yet all the local shops and many restaurants were closed (remember people are home celebrating with their family). The markets aren't that great compared to Germany/Austria/elsewhere. It was very difficult/impossible to get into any museums without reserving well in advance. Would not recommend.

I did do the Strasbourg market the last weekend before Christmas and it was great, but hotels were SUPER expensive. Book now if you can. Innsbruck and Nuremberg were also great markets and hotels weren't so crazy.

I think Paris is pretty gray and not so christmassy

Anonymous wrote:The Christmas markets in Germany shut down at Christmas. If you want markets open after Christmas day, you need to go to Austria.

This is incorrect. The markets in Austria are over on Christmas Eve. Lived there for a few years.

The Christmas markets in Germany shut down at Christmas. If you want markets open after Christmas day, you need to go to Austria.

Anonymous wrote:I like the Christmas markets in Munich more than the ones in Paris as they just feel more quintessentially Christmassy. But I'm pretty sure most, if not all, of the Munich markets will close after Dec 24/25. There isn't just one market in either city, but rather several big ones. In Munich, some are themed (medieval, pink, etc).

[b]And the week between Xmas-NYE is rather quiet in both places. So if the markets are what you're specifically traveling for, I'd recommend pushing it ahead a little and traveling the week before Christmas, if possible.

I've never been to Strasbourg, but their Christmas market is supposed to be very good.

Have others experienced that? We are looking at Paris either Christmas week or the week after. We've done Christmas markets in other cities so that's not the main focus. Would the week after Christmas be better?

I like the Christmas markets in Munich more than the ones in Paris as they just feel more quintessentially Christmassy. But I'm pretty sure most, if not all, of the Munich markets will close after Dec 24/25. There isn't just one market in either city, but rather several big ones. In Munich, some are themed (medieval, pink, etc).

And the week between Xmas-NYE is rather quiet in both places. So if the markets are what you're specifically traveling for, I'd recommend pushing it ahead a little and traveling the week before Christmas, if possible.

I've never been to Strasbourg, but their Christmas market is supposed to be very good.

We went to Austria at Christmastime and loved the Christmas markets in Vienna and Salzburg. But they are all similar. I'd say do both Munich and Strasbourg.

In the planning stages and booked flights into Paris for 12/23-Jan3. We want to get the holiday experience and pick the best holiday market. We plan to visit Strasbourg & Munich. Which has the better Christmas market? Do we need to do both?

Where is the best location to celebrate NYE with teens, France or Germany? Any recommendations that aren't outrageous? Debating Disneyland Paris...