All our ideas for a great Christmas in Paris

october 2023

Ligne dégradé
© Ekaterina Pokrovsky

With the holiday season almost upon us, you’re probably wondering where to spend your Christmas in Paris.  Here are our best ideas for an original and festive Christmas!

Christmas in Paris: our best ideas for days out

Are you looking for an original way to celebrate your Christmas in Paris? A family walk, a dinner cruise or a meal out with your loved one, or how about a dinner-show in a cabaret? The French capital is packed with activities to do and places to visit for a wonderful festive season.

Follow our guide and discover our selection of ideas for both a magical and memorable Christmas in Paris. It’s time to get planning!

Un dîner-spectacle au cabaret du Moulin Rouge pour un réveillon de Noël à Paris inoubliable

Are you looking for an unusual way to celebrate your Christmas in Paris? How about booking a unique restaurant for a dinner-show?

The Moulin Rouge cabaret is opening up its doors and inviting you to an incredible and spectacular party! Start your evening with a delicious gourmet meal, with the menu created by the head chef of the Moulin Rouge restaurant. Then it’s time to sip on a glass of champagne or enjoy a bottle of wine while letting yourself be dazzled by the Féerie Revue show. Surrounded by enchanting décor and dressed head-to-toe in amazing costumes, the Moulin Rouge dancers will blow you away during this breathtaking spectacle. After the show, why not continue your night out in Paris with a drink somewhere quirky like the Bar à Bulles, or take a stroll along the banks of the Seine.

 

 

© Sandie Bertrand
toit du bar à bulles
© Le Bar à Bulles ®

A gourmet dinner and river cruise on the Seine for an original Christmas Eve in Paris

Fancy going for dinner in a unique restaurant to celebrate your Christmas in Paris? How about hopping on board one of the many boats that criss-cross the Seine for a gastronomic trip on the water? A dinner cruise is an original and memorable way to celebrate the festive season.

Many companies offer dinner cruises in their floating restaurants, with a special Christmas menu to mark the occasion. This means you can indulge in a delicious gourmet meal whilst admiring the banks of the Seine. As you sip on a glass of champagne, you will see some of the most iconic monuments in Paris, including the Notre-Dame, the Louvre, Les Invalides and even the Eiffel Tower – all lit up against the night sky.

Don’t forget to book your dinner cruise with family members or friends early because the restaurants on these boats often sell out quickly during the festive season.

croisiere sur la seine
© John Kellerman

A walk around one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Paris

To fully immerse yourself in the festive spirit and really enjoy your Christmas, why not wander around the most beautiful Christmas markets Paris has to offer. They are the best place to go for an unforgettable family walk in a festive and joyful atmosphere.

The sparkling lights, Christmas decorations, music and mouth-watering smells create a really warm and magical atmosphere. Visiting a Christmas market is also the perfect opportunity for food lovers to tuck into the many Christmas delicacies on offer, so why not sample some gingerbread or traditional mulled wine?

Among the most popular Christmas markets in Paris (and in our view, a must-visit) is the Tuileries market. Located on Rue de Rivoli, this large Christmas market offers visitors a magical experience. Little ones will love the wide range of entertainment and various rides here. It’s the perfect opportunity to make lovely family memories.

You could also take a trip to business district La Défense to discover one of the biggest Christmas markets in the Paris region. Visitors will find a large variety of stands, entertainment for the whole family as well as an ice rink. What better way to have a show-stopping Christmas Eve in Paris!

If you’re a fan of all things vintage and antiques, pop to the Christmas market at the Cité Fertile in late November – it’s one of the quirkiest markets in Paris. Spread out over 10,000 square metres, this huge flea market has a wide range of stalls, so you’re sure to find something that catches your eye if you like a good rummage. Buying second-hand gifts is a great way to adopt a more sustainable approach this Christmas.

Finally, if you’d like to discover a more traditional Christmas market similar to what you would see in the Alsace, walk in the direction of Gare de l’Est in Paris. At the bend in its alleyways, let yourself be transported by the warm and unique atmosphere of this quirky spot. Discover a whole set of traditions and sample the best produce from the Alsace region.

marché de noel tuileries paris
© Chun Ju Wu

An open-top bus tour of the Christmas lights

Going on a tour of the Christmas lights on an open-top bus is an excellent way to soak up the magic of holiday season in Paris. Don’t forget to book tickets early because spaces are limited.

Once it’s dark, take a seat, make yourself comfy and enjoy an unparalleled view of Paris’s iconic landmarks. Lit up especially for the occasion, the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Louvre Museum and Notre-Dame Cathedral all put on a dazzling display for visitors. You will also be able to take in the main districts in the City of Lights, like the Opéra Garnier, the Champs-Élysées and the Saint-Germain-des-Prés area.  

 

 

illuminations champs elysées
© Arco / G. Lacz

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