Amsterdam or Paris for Christmas?

[KurriKawari]

Both are places I want to visit some time, am desperate to get away for Christmas. Just myself and DD13, like markets, shopping, culture, shows. And a place that looks like Christmas in the movies:) both have flights at a decent price over Xmas. Which would you recommend? Thank you.

They're both great, but I'd say Paris at Christmas has the edge.

Amsterdam- definitely!

Amsterdam is lovely at Christmas. The Rijksmuseum is open on Xmas Day, which is just perfect.

Amsterdam! They have a Winter Festival program of events, including a Light Festival. Plus the gorgeous canals, cosy streets etc make for a lovely atmosphere...gezellig, as the Dutch would say.

Another vote for Amsterdam. Paris is best seen when you’ve got long sunny evenings.

Amsterdam

I've done both.

Neither is known for great weather at Christmas but I was lucky. More is open on the 25th in Amsterdam but Paris won for eating, most restaurants were open, and I'm happy to just walk for miles.

Tough one- Paris has the edge with food and drink, but Amsterdam is so lovely. I think I would pick Amsterdam because I only went for the first time this year and I loved it!

They're both going to be damp and chilly. From Amsterdam you can get to the seaside. The long windswept beaches with a hot chocolate are lovely. Both are starting to do more Christmas fairs to attract tourists but neither have a real Christmas Market tradition. NL doesn't make that big a deal of Christmas at all. You're going to sirens most time indoors: Paris has better shops and bigger museums, but the museums in Amsterdam are really good. Food in Paris is better.

I've never been to Amsterdam in the winter, but I don't find Paris very Christmassy, compare to London. It depends whether you want. I adore Paris in the Spring & Summer, but would go for another city for Christmas.

I’m weird and dislike Paris (except for La Marais) so I’d say Amsterdam.

Prepare for rain, though.

If you’re into food then Paris, I’d that isn’t the most important part of the trip then Amsterdam 100%

Depends what you mean with "Christmas in the movies". Both cities will be most rainy than snowy.

I like both cities so I would check what is open when. Check the typical restaurants (do you need to pre-book from a menu), museums etc and if hotels are doing something special.