My wife and I are thinking we may do a trip over Christmas just the two of us instead of going to either of our family's. At Christmastime we like to feel something wintery and not just escape to somewhere warm (we live in Maryland).

We were thinking about doing a couple days in Montreal, a couple in Quebec City, and a night or two maybe somewhere amongst the nature. Last year over Thanksgiving we did something similar with Vienna, Salzburg, and a small town on a lake in the middle of Austria and we loved the balance.

Anyone been to the area over Christmas before? Would love some tips or inside info.

I didn't go at Christmas (went in May), but for your night or two in nature, consider Manoir Hovey. I stayed there for a couple nights, and it's a very charming small hotel with a great restaurant and spa.

We went in the Fall and loved it. We stayed at a ski resort about 20 miles East of the city. We enjoyed some outdoor activities that we wouldn't or couldn't do at Christmas time. We really enjoyed our time in the city and there was no language issue.

Bring warm clothes. Plan for sunset at 430.