Oh yeah - going off what L&B said, everything other than the touristy things pretty much close in the middle of the day due to 'siesta'. Also during December, the Pope officially 'opens' Christmas so there are celebrations relating to that. We saw tradesmen setting up stands and displays in Vatican City.
I've been to both, although only Rome in Winter, and I would probably choose Stockholm out of the two. I found Rome dirty and loved Stockholm. Mind you, I was in Stockholm in Summer and it is a city with lots of outdoor stuff to do. As one of the PP said, why not do both? I would probably say that there is more to do for kids in Rome, although like the others have said I would stray away from Rome a bit as well. I'm another that LOVED Florence and I actually visited Venice in Jan and didn't notice any smell at all.
It all sounds so exciting!!! And such a great plan for Christmas each year!! You're prob more likely to get snow in Stockholm and the Scandinavians do Christmas beautifully!! Oh, you've got my itchy feet going!!
If you want a white Christmas do Stockholm (whether you do both depends on length of time) - very unlikely to get snow in Rome at all never mind Christmas (in 2010 they had snow for first time in 25 years in Rome - so at Christmas as well is highly unlikely). I have been to both places (from UK) and only Stockholm says Christmas to me (as PP said Scandinavians do Christmas beautifully), going with two little ones and with the benefit of knowing someone there I think Stockholm would work better (maybe do a trip to Lapland while you are there?) If I was you that is what I would do. My DH has picked up the saying "Local knowledge is da bomb!" from somewhere but is so true -in my opinion you will get far more out of a trip if you have a local that can inform you and maybe show you the ropes. My memories of Stockholm seem to include more kid friendly places than Rome (both pre-kids) and Rome is a dirty city IMO. The VASA is an old ship in a museum that was dredged up from harbor and preserved - fascinating, and there is a lovely zoo/nature park called Skansen, as Stockholm is a collection of islands just going between them can be fascinating and I imagine quite beautiful if there with snow on ground and ice(I was there in summer). Someone I met via this site, has just moved back to Stockholm - I will direct her to this thread - she might be able to contribute with why is good (or not) place to go at Christmas (although she is back in Mel for Christmas holiday).
I must admit, I am leaning toward Stockholm. Purely because I do that the magical Scandinavian Christmas picture in my head. Perhaps I read too many storybooks as a child? lol
We do have about a month up our sleeves though, so perhaps 2 weeks in Sweeden for Chrissie, then a few weeks covering Italy. I have some people I know in Tuscany, they also have an apartment at their house they lease out, so that could be an option to do both.
Thanks everyone for your replies! I am getting kind of excited now!
Last edited by LimeSlice; January 3rd, 2012 at 04:15 PM.
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