<p>My D will be studying abroad all next year, and we plan to visit her over Christmas and New Years (approx. 10 days). We will be in Berlin over Christmas. Any recommendations for a New Year’s city trip? We’d prefer a destination that’s easily accessible by train (one day/overnight OK) from Berlin; considering Prague, Vienna, Paris. Any recommendations?</p>
<p>no recommendations, but seriously jealous!</p>
<p>We did Christmas in Salzburg and it was amazing and we did New Years in Paris and the Eiffel Tower at midnight was amazing - trust me when I say we were not the only ones at the tower that night. The tower was lit up in blue lights and everyone brought champagne. We will always remember the sound of the corks popping at midnight (and the muddy grass from all the spilled champagne) We, along with all of Paris took the metro to the Eiffel. It got a bit scary because the metro areas were wall to wall people - to the point where you just moved with the crowd. Fortunately our hotel was near the Arch de Triumph so we were able to walk back.</p>
<p>A tip for Christmas in Europe. If you plan to eat out for your holiday meal, note that any restaurants open on Christmas Eve or Day will require reservations far in advance and large hotels seemed to have the most available dining options. (We didn’t plan for this and ended up eating pizza in an Irish pub!)</p>
<p>I also spent a magical New Year’s in Paris a few years ago. The whole city seemed buzzing with life, fun, lights and energy. It didn’t hurt that it was a particularly mild night. </p>
<p>A friend went to Paris for New Year’s and raved about her experience. One caveat - everything in Paris is expensive and will get even more expensive around holidays. </p>
<p>Prague is great any time of year. And relatively cheap compared to Berlin and Paris. I haven’t been there at New Year’s, but given it’s reputation as a party town, I’m sure they do a great New Years Eve.</p>
<p>We spent 1999-2000 New Year in Paris. It was pretty awesome. We also went by the Eiffel Tower. The whole city was lit up. The only inconvenience was trying to find a place to eat on New Year’s day. Paris weather is more like DC, a bit milder.</p>
<p>I was in Vienna once and absolutely loved it. I’d go back there in a heartbeat. It’s a wonderful city. Not sure what it’s like in Dec/January; I was there at the end of March.</p>
<p>Visited Vienna for the first time last June and loved it. Really, really want to go back. (And not for the weather: it was pouring rain and chilly and windy most of the time.)</p>
<p>Thanks, everyone! I appreciate the suggestions. I am turning 50 on Jan. 1 so will be in a festive mood.</p>
<p>I spent one absolutely wild and fun New Years Even in Paris. (Probably the only wild and fun NYE of my life.)</p>