What are the best things to do in Paris during the Christmas holidays?
As the festive season approaches, Paris is dressed in lights and illuminations. From the shop windows in the city centre to the Christmas markets that bring every neighbourhood to life, the capital offers a magical journey for everyone. Whether you are with family, children, or friends, the City of Light offers a wide range of experiences to make the most of this special time of year. This guide invites you to discover the best activities, visits, and outings to enjoy a truly unique Christmas in the heart of Paris.
Activity 1: Be enchanted by the Christmas decorations
From November onwards, the streets of Paris light up and invite you on a magical journey through sparkling displays. A simple stroll along the Seine or through parks such as the Tuileries becomes a true spectacle. The glittering decorations across every district of the capital create a warm and festive atmosphere. It is the perfect time for a family outing, a get-together with friends, or simply to immerse yourself in the warmth of Christmas in the heart of the City of Light.
Where to see the Christmas lights and decorations?
For an unforgettable walk under the Christmas lights, start your journey on the Champs-Élysées. From the Arc de Triomphe to Place de la Concorde, the world’s most beautiful avenue lights up every year, creating a true open-air spectacle. It is the perfect activity to enjoy in Paris in winter with family during the holidays.
Continue your route at Place Vendôme, where the windows of the great jewellers compete in creativity. As every year, its prestigious façades are dressed in gold and silver, reflecting garlands and majestic Christmas trees.
End your stroll in the Marais district, a true hub of art and history. Its streets offer a festive atmosphere at this time of year, making it ideal for a get-together with friends.
Parisian shop windows at Christmas
After admiring the sparkling illuminations across the streets of Paris, extend the magic with another unmissable spectacle: the window displays of the department stores. Imagine your children’s eyes lighting up in front of the displays at Printemps Haussmann, which are transformed each year into enchanting Christmas stories.
Just nearby, Galeries Lafayette invite you to a true festival of lights. The festive atmosphere reaches its peak with the sight of the enormous Christmas tree standing beneath the dome, a magical vision that captivates every visitor.
Once your stroll through the 9th arrondissement is complete, head up towards Place Blanche. There, the Moulin Rouge’s wings turn endlessly, creating a striking spectacle. Right next door, the cabaret’s boutique also welcomes you with its Christmas windows. Each year, a new theme immerses visitors in the brand’s own sense of wonder: more than a simple display, it is a true experience, a world where the extraordinary becomes tangible and where every gaze rediscovers a childlike sense of awe.
Don’t forget to end your walk at Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche, whose enchanting displays delight both children and adults alike, for a truly magical family outing.
Activity 2: Discover Paris Christmas markets
Craving mulled wine and gingerbread for dinner? In December, anything goes! Discover the delicious flavours of Christmas at Paris’s charming festive markets.
The Montmartre Christmas Market (open during the month of December)
At the very top of the city, the charming village of Montmartre hosts a delightful market near the Sacré-Cœur Basilica. Here you will find artisanal crafts, traditional French Christmas treats, and delightful trinkets, all while you take in the panoramic views of Paris.
The Tuileries Christmas Market (open from November to January)
You’d rather be at the heart of the party? The Jardin des Tuileries Christmas market in the middle of the city features an ice skating rink and a Ferris wheel as early in the season as November. It’s an ideal place to spend the day shopping for gifts and food while surrounded by Christmas fun.
The Paris La Défense Christmas Market (open from November to December)
However, if you want to see a modern twist on the traditional market, head West towards the La Défense Christmas market and enjoy your warm glass of wine against the backdrop of the district’s iconic skyscrapers.
Activity 3: Treat yourself to a magical interlude
What if you made the most of the festive season to enjoy a truly unique experience in Paris? The Moulin Rouge invites you to immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Parisian celebration, a perfect opportunity to share an unforgettable moment with family, friends or a partner. Each evening, the Féerie revue takes you on a whirlwind of feathers, rhinestones and glitter, with flamboyant costumes and captivating choreography.
For an even more sensational experience, why not opt for the Christmas dinner-and-show package? From 18 December to 6 January, Chef Arnaud Demerville celebrates the festive season with a special menu, where carefully selected seasonal ingredients come together in perfect harmony.
When you emerge from this magical dream, the next morning, stop by the Moulin Rouge boutique on rue Lepic, near Place Blanche, to extend the experience and find the perfect souvenir or gift for your loved ones.
Activity 4: Get active and have fun on Paris’s open-air ice rinks
For those who feel like swapping their shoes for ice skates after wandering through Paris’s festive markets, the ice rink at the foot of the Eiffel Tower offers an unmatched experience. Alternatively, head to the Hôtel de Ville ice rink in the 1st arrondissement and glide across the ice in a truly historic setting.
Activity 5: Take a cultural break in Paris’s iconic museums
Finally, don’t miss the chance to discover Paris’s rich cultural heritage by visiting its world-famous museums, many of which remain open even on Christmas Day. Explore contemporary art at the Palais de Tokyo, admire timeless masterpieces at the Louvre Museum, or discover the very best in design at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs.
Activity 6: A festive detour to Disneyland
During the festive season, Disneyland Paris transforms into a warm and colourful world. Lavishly decorated Christmas trees, sparkling garlands and touches of red, green and gold dress both the avenues and the hotels, creating a lively and enchanting atmosphere.
Beloved characters appear in their finest seasonal costumes, a moment children eagerly look forward to. Take the time to meet them and capture a few photos; these simple yet precious moments are part of the experience. The parade brings together all the park’s heroes, alongside Santa Claus, in a procession animated by dancers in vibrant, intricately designed costumes that bring the spirit of the season to life.
To extend the experience, workshops such as biscuit decorating at L’Atelier des Sens offer a warm and enjoyable moment for both children and adults.
Activity 7: Wander through the streets of Paris
To discover Paris from a different perspective, nothing beats a walk. Start with Montmartre on foot, a neighbourhood of timeless charm, where every street tells a story and where the Paris of the past still seems present.
As you wander, let yourself be drawn to the gentle atmosphere of Rue de l’Abreuvoir, with its historic façades and characterful little shops. Not far away, the famous Montmartre vineyards add an unexpected touch of greenery, a preserved pocket of nature in the heart of the city.
Crowning the hill, the majestic Sacré-Cœur Basilica offers a unique panoramic view over Paris, inviting you to pause and take in the scenery. Below, Place du Tertre pulses with the rhythm of artists and visitors alike, in a lively and welcoming atmosphere.
This stroll through the picturesque streets of Montmartre is the perfect activity for a romantic day in Paris, blending softness, discovery and a truly unique atmosphere.
Activity 8: A cultural outing in Paris’s iconic museums
Finally, don’t miss the chance to explore Paris’s rich cultural heritage by visiting its world-famous museums, many of which remain open even on Christmas Day. Discover contemporary art at the Palais de Tokyo, admire timeless masterpieces at the Louvre Museum, or explore the very best in design at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs.
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