Whether you are planning a trip or dreaming of one, here are our best Christmas in Paris travel tips for a Joyeux Noël
Paris, city of light, is even brighter during the Christmas period which gives it an even more magical air and is a very beautiful destination to spend the end of the year.
Don’t forget your winter clothes, it could be very cold but the atmosphere and the “vin chaud” or “mulled wine” will be there to warm you up.
Fly away and here is a short guide of activities to do in Paris for Christmas.
The Paris Illuminations appear all over the city in November and continue to shine until January. Sumptuous displays on The Champs Elysées and other famous sites such as Place Vendôme or Avenue Montaigne, Christmas lights on Place de l’Hôtel de Ville, sparkling decoration in more than 100 streets. You will find more lights at Place de la Bastille, Place de la Concorde, and along the banks of the Seine River. Paris is truly the city of lights!
The best « window licking” experience is found in the famous 5 Department Stores. Each year, the windows are transformed with imaginative Christmas entertainment for the pleasure of children and adults: Animated scenes, sparkling lights, holiday music, teddy bears, wrapped gifts …
Galeries Lafayette, Printemps Haussman, Bon Marché, BHV Marais and La Samaritaine reveal their spectacular windows at the beginning of November.
Be patient … crowds of Parisians and tourists gather to enjoy the Christmas spirit. And don’t forget to have a look at the famous and huge Christmas Tree under the glass dome at Galeries Lafayette.
At Christmas time, all the great pastry chefs, restaurants, pastries, tea rooms… offer the famous French Christmas Cake: La Bûche de Noël.
Frozen or not, refined or classic, the recipes are varied and there is something for every taste.
Small, Medium or Large, some pastries also sell “Bûche de Noël” by slice. No excuse not to be tempted!
Starting in November, Christmas Markets appear all-over Paris, offering a wide variety of arts and crafts, regional food specialities and other gifts.
Most famous Christmas Markets in Paris:
Follow the Parisian tradition: sip mullet wine “vin chaud” and nibble some roasted chestnuts while exploring these markets.
Ingredients for a mulled wine
Of course, another way to toast the Holiday Season is with Champagne! Santé!
Don’t miss the opportunity to go ice skating in some of Paris’ iconic locations. Every year and just for the holidays, Ice skating rinks pop up around the city, a fun way to discover Paris.
A day at Disneyland Paris is always fun but even more during Christmas. Giant Christmas Tree, Christmas Parade, lights and decorations everywhere, snowflakes… Enjoy this magical experience you will not forget! This year, the show will be more dazzling and elevated for the 30th Anniversary of Disneyland Paris. Mickey and his friends will welcome you with fireworks!
The Covered passages of Paris are a world apart from the famous and busy Department Stores. During the Christmas Holiday, their beautiful 18th century architecture is decorated with festive ornaments.
It’s a good place to do your Christmas Shopping in a more intimate atmosphere.
There are many wonderful Churches and Cathedrals throughout the city, from the most historic to smaller ones you can enjoy the architecture, see nativity scenes and hear spectacular organ and choirs.
Climb up the Eiffel Tower, take a Seine River Cruise with Christmas dinner and sail the Seine with the city lit up, go to a Parisian Cabaret with a special Christmas dinner and show, go to church for Christmas Mass (The Sacré Coeur in Montmartre holds prestigious celebrations on December 24 and 25 with exceptional choirs and concerts) or just walk around outside, you will hear church bells ringing all over Paris at midnight on Christmas Eve.
Enjoy your stay in Paris and Joyeux Noël!
