Paris is special at any time of the year, but Christmas in Paris is a truly magical experience.
The weather is fairly mild, with winter sun and temperatures of around 37°F to 46°F. Occasional rain means it’s worth packing a waterproof jacket and your umbrella. When the weather does turn, there are many charming bistros and cafes offering a warming coffee or cocktail.
Once the festive season takes hold, enthusiasm for Christmas takes over. Christmas markets spring up across the city and everything sparkles. Let’s explore some of the best things to do during Christmas in Paris.
Christmas in Paris is like a fairytale
- Soak up the atmosphere
- Admire the Christmas lights
- Cruise the River Seine
- Shop at the Christmas markets
- Ice skate on the Eiffel Tower
- Browse festive window displays
- Enjoy a classical Christmas concert
- Attend an operatic Christmas masterpiece
- A Christmas night out at the Moulin Rouge
- Join the Festival of Lights
Soak up the atmosphere on the streets of Paris
Paris’ charm seems to intensify at Christmas. Buildings and trees are wrapped in the glow of twinkling lights and festive decorations. Streets are transformed into Christmas markets and the air lingers with the festive smells of roasting chestnuts, cinnamon, and allspice.
Wander the city and you’ll find free carousel rides from the Christmas market at Jardin des Tuileries to the palatial gardens of Trocadéro, as far as the Sacre Coeur. There’s an abundance of Christmas concerts in world-class venues. and ice skating at the Eiffel Tower is a must.
To see what Paris has to offer as a city break destination, check out my favorite things to do in Paris year-round.
Admire the Christmas lights
Paris doesn’t skimp on its festive light shows, taking its ‘City of Light’ nickname to new levels. One of the best light displays is on Avenue De Champs Elysée. From mid-November to January, millions of lights adorn the trees lining the boulevard in a colorful display. They light up from 5pm to 2am every day and all day on Christmas Day and New Year.
A stroll along the boulevard’s shops and chic restaurants is another memorable Parisian experience. Start at Place de la Concorde and head towards the illuminated Arc de Triumph in the distance. Elsewhere, don’t miss the lights on Avenue Montaigne and in Montmartre. The Bercy Village also has some spectacular displays. Not sure where to start? Hop on an open-top Toot Bus tour and see them all.
Take a cruise on the River Seine
For a different perspective of Christmas in Paris, jump aboard a cruise on the Seine. The glass-paneled boat drifts along the capital’s famous river, taking in all the major sites. Cruises depart regularly throughout the day but darker hours make for more spectacular viewing. Some day cruises come with lunch or dinner and champagne.
Other evening options include a champagne cruise to the Eiffel Tower. Here you’ll be whisked up to the Tower’s second floor to better appreciate the splendour of Paris twinkling below. The view here is actually better than from the top of the tower – and you won’t have to queue.
Cruises last up to three hours and are a romantic and atmospheric way to experience Christmas in Paris.
Shop for gifts at the Christmas Markets
Christmas Markets in Paris come with incredible backdrops, architectural wonders, and historic squares, and offer the chance to buy unique, handmade gifts.
There are lots of local treats to try too, but few beat the French version of mulled wine, Vin Chaud. This warm, slightly sweetened red wine laced with cinnamon and other spices is Christmas in a cup.
One of the biggest Christmas markets is at La Défense but big isn’t always the best The most charming is the Marché de Noël Notre Dame in the picturesque Square Viviana by the Latin Quarter. Elsewhere, the market at Jardin des Tuileries is a staple of the Parisian Calendar and home to the ‘Magic of Christmas’. Save some room when you leave and make for nearby Angelina Paris for a proper chocolat chaud. Thick, chocolatey, and seriously indulgent.
Ice skate on the Eiffel Tower
Many of the markets I’ve mentioned also have ice rinks – Jardin des Tuileries, Champs Elysée and Trocadéro included.
Few however can match the impact of skating up the Eiffel Tower. Yep, you can go ice skating on its first-floor rink. With champagne or Vin Chaud in hand and Paris spread out below, it’s a unique festive experience.
Browse festive window displays
Much of the charm of Christmas in Paris is captured through the city’s Christmas window displays. In particular, the Galeries Lafayette Haussmann displays have captivated visitors annually since 1912. Previous displays include a stunning animated scene and light display where toys appeared as if by magic.
After admiring the displays, head inside to see the huge Christmas tree that stands in the shopping mall’s atrium. It reaches out to the dome above with streams of light shimmering like showers streaming from the sky.
There are plenty of other stores whose festive window displays are worth seeing. My favorites include the grand Printemps Haussmann and Le Bon Marché, one of the first department stores in the world. If you head to the trendy Le Marais, Le BHV also puts on a great show.
Take in a classical Christmas concert
Christmas concerts in Paris take place in atmospheric buildings with eons of history. You’ll find classical concerts at the Église Saint-Germain de Prés, the oldest Abbey in Paris located in Saint Germain de Prés.
The Église Saint Eustache close to the Louvre in the 1st arrondissement also puts on a great festive show. It has one of France’s largest church organs in France with 8,000 pipes. So you’ll definitely be able to hear it at the back.
Most atmospheric of all is the medieval Palais de la Cité. Head to Île de La Cité on the River Seine and you’ll come across this one-time residence of French kings. In it lies the gothic masterpiece, Sainte-Chapelle. Listening to Schubert’s Ave Maria inside this magnificent abbey with its 1,113 stained glass windows is truly exhilarating.
Attend an operatic Christmas masterpiece
Paris has a booming theatre district with performances of every kind. Few, however, are more atmospheric than a trip to the Opéra National de Paris.
2023 sees the Opéra Bastille performing Rudolf Nureyev’s Nutcracker for the Christmas season, running from December 8th to January 1st. Set on Christmas Eve to Nureyev’s dazzling choreography, it promises to be a wonderfully festive evening out. Book in advance as tickets will sell out.
Have a night out at the Moulin Rouge
If you prefer your evening entertainment more lively Paris has you covered. For two weeks from December 21st, the legendary Moulin Rouge puts on its legendary Christmas Evening.
Take your table and let the food and champagne flow, as Paris’s most famous dancers put on their spectacular Féerie show. Feathers and sequins, high-kicking cancan, and sumptuous sets make for a night to remember.
Join the Festival of Lights
Each year Paris has a Festival of Lights at the Jardin des Plantes. Hugely popular, it attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors during its annual two-month run.
These botanical gardens in the 5th arrondissement are the perfect setting for an enchanting winter walk lit up by huge illuminated statues. The theme changes each year, with last year’s Mini Worlds focusing on bugs and insects.
If you can’t make it to Paris in time for Christmas, don’t fret. It’s one of the world’s great cities at any time of year. Find out why with my rundown of the best 24 things to do in Paris (no matter when you visit).
