I would go to Germany or Austria. All of the towns and cities will already have Christmas markets, and there are tons of other activities too. I'd suggest Vienna or Munich or Berlin. All are great.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We had a great trip to Iceland in December.

It is all about your state of mind. Somewhere like London would also be good - it isn’t like you would ever go there for the weather.

I was going to suggest London. We went once in early December and it was great. Weather was actually nicer than here in DC. It did get dark around 4 pm, but it’s not like life stops when it’s dark.

Long term Londoner here. It starts getting dark around 3.15pm in London in November. It is the most depressing month except for February.

No, it really doesn't. I'm not from London, but even points farther north in Europe (where I am from) don't get dark at 3:15

https://www.timeanddate.com/sun/uk/london?month=11&year=2023

The vast majority of Europe is also going to be darker than summer and have weather comparable to the northeast / mid Atlantic.

If you want weather in the 60s and 70s, you could go to Sicily. It is on the cusp of rainy season but won’t be terrible weather. There is plenty to do off season other than beaches. Fly into Rome and then it’s an hour flight to Catania. Malta is another good option, about 1.5 hours from Rome, but the biggest draw on the island are the boating, water sports, and beaches, and you’ll find much less to occupy your time off season.

If I were you, I would embrace the start of the holiday season, despite colder and darker surroundings, and go to Copenhagen, Brussels, Munich, or London. Brussels opens its Christmas market at the end of November, for example, and it’s a really nice tome of year to visit EU markets and enjoy the cities off season.

Following. Our kids are a bit younger (upper elementary) but spouse is considering a year-long sabbatical at a university in north-central Europe, where the winters are much longer and darker than here! Would love some ideas for where to take the kids on school breaks or long weekends during the winter months, they have not been to Europe so I want to make the most of the opportunity. I imagine we would do something like London and a Christmas market destination at a minimum, but something slightly warmer would be nice too.

I actually love London and Paris this time of year. Without Thanksgiving, Christmas starts early and there are a ton of museum exhibits, cultural events, Christmas decorations and other holiday activities to enjoy. It’s also not that cold yet. I don’t find the early sunset depressing this time of year - more cozy and festive.

Sicily

Anonymous wrote:In November? With teens?

Sardinia
Malta
Croatia
Montenegro
Spain (Seville or to the east, Granada)
Greece
Canaries

very bad idea, most hotels will be closed, also restaurants, except Canaries but nothing more than Florida on a brown, dry island.

Anonymous wrote:I wouldn't try Europe for a week. Way to far and too short a time. Maybe Quebec or Montreal.

Too far, it’s a 7 hour flight . It’s not that hard …

My first time in Italy was in November. It was a bit overcast but not cold. And I imagine these days it is still a lot less crowded then than much of the year.

I wouldn't try Europe for a week. Way to far and too short a time. Maybe Quebec or Montreal.

Anonymous wrote:Morocco ?

Wrong continent.

Morocco ?

In November? With teens?

Sardinia
Malta
Croatia
Montenegro
Spain (Seville or to the east, Granada)
Greece
Canaries

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We had a great trip to Iceland in December.

It is all about your state of mind. Somewhere like London would also be good - it isn’t like you would ever go there for the weather.

I was going to suggest London. We went once in early December and it was great. Weather was actually nicer than here in DC. It did get dark around 4 pm, but it’s not like life stops when it’s dark.

Long term Londoner here. It starts getting dark around 3.15pm in London in November. It is the most depressing month except for February.

Anonymous wrote:We had a great trip to Iceland in December.

It is all about your state of mind. Somewhere like London would also be good - it isn’t like you would ever go there for the weather.

I was going to suggest London. We went once in early December and it was great. Weather was actually nicer than here in DC. It did get dark around 4 pm, but it’s not like life stops when it’s dark.