Paris at Christmas: Things to do this Christmas in Paris

Last Updated on 9th December 2023 by Sophie Nadeau

Vin Chaud, glittering lights and the possibility of snow: the experience of visiting the City of Light during the colder months is like no other time of the year. Here’s your ultimate guide to the best of Paris at Christmas, including travel tips, and what to wear…

Christmas in Paris makes the City of Light more beautiful than ever (if that’s even possible!). The start of advent marks the beginning of a whole host of Paris at Christmastime activities in the French capital which you’ll absolutely love.

While there are some free festive activities in Paris, others are pricier, meaning that there’s something for everyone. After all, the Grand Magasins are filled with twinkling displays and illuminations, while Christmas trees can be found in abundance all throughout the French capital

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#1 Visit the Grands Magasins (Department Stores)

Admire the shopfronts, soak up the ambiance and take part in a favourite Parisian pastime, that of ‘faire du lèche-vitrine’. Otherwise translated as ‘window licking’ or simply ‘window shopping,’ there is no better way to do this than by heading to one of the grand Parisian department stores and enjoying their festive themed window displays. My personal favourite is Printemps, which tends to be lit up around mid-November!

Galeries Lafayette Boulevard Haussmann

No trip to Paris would be complete without visiting the World Famous department store, Galeries Lafayette. Situated in the 9e arrondissement, the store first opened its doors in 1912. 

Although now an international company with storefronts worldwide, the flagship store on Boulevard Haussmann has got to be the place to go for a spot of Paris at Christmas shopping. After all, this is where you’ll find the Galeries Lafayette Christmas tree, as well as the iconic Art Nouveau Cupola!

Printemps Department Store

Each year, the Printemps Department store ‘vitrines’ (window displays) tend to be the first to be unveiled to the public. Situated close to the Palais Garnier opera house, there are several illuminations in the department stores, in addition to the beautiful window displays. For a glimpse into how amazing they are, check out this post about the Printemps windows from 2019.

BHV Le Marais

Located right next to Hôtel de Ville (i.e. Paris’ main town hall), BHV Le Marais stands for Bazaar Hotel de Ville and is one of the five grand department stores that the city has to offer. In 2022, the theme of the stalls is the beautiful French region of Provence and there are several chalets outside of the store selling gifts as well as vin chaud and hot chocolate!

Le Bon Marché

Situated on the ‘rive-gauche’ (i.e. left bank) and far away from the rest of the Parisian department stores, Le Bon Marché at Christmas is still worth a visit for those who wish to see some truly spectacular Christmas decorations. After all, it’s here in the grand staircases where giant trees are suspended and glittering for all to see!

#2 Go Ice Skating (Patinoire)

Unfortunately, as of 2023, there is nowhere seasonal or festive to go ice skating in Paris. In previous years, the following destinations have had ice skating rinks. However, I can confirm that none of these places have any ice skating rinks this year!

L’Hôtel de Ville, (Ice Skating rink, Hotel de Ville)

While many ice skating rinks spring up around Paris as quickly as the temperature plummets, there is none more famous than that of Hotel de Ville, i.e. the Parisian town hall that can be found in the heart of Le Marais area of the French capital.

Every year the rink is opened by a large skating show and the queues that ensue are enough to scare off even the hardiest of travellers. However, if you do wait, there are ice skating classes, yoga and many more shows all on the ice. The ice skating rink is part of the Hôtel de Ville Christmas Village. Please note that there is not an ice skating rink every year at Hôtel de Ville.

Jardin des Tuileries ice skating

The Jardin des Tuileries is the largest Christmas Market in Paris and is free to visit, though you’ll have to pay for activities once inside. One of the biggest highlights are the ice skating rink equipped with a DJ. Another highlights is the Christmas themed haunted house with zombie Santas on every floor!

La Defense ice skating

One of the more unusual places to go ice skating in Paris is at La Défense, within the area of the giant Christmas Market. The ice skating rink is actually on the rooftop of the Grande Arche of la Défense and offers views onto the rest of the buildings of the area and beyond.

Galeries Lafayette ice skating

In 2019, the rooftop of the Galeries Lafayette flagship store hosted an ice skating rink that was completely free to visit. In 2020, there was no event due to ongoing world events.

In 2021, a rollerblading rink was installed on the rooftop. In 2022, one of the main events was an immersive viewing experience. In 2023, there is no specific seasonal event.

#3 Explore the Covered Arcades of Paris

If you don’t really feel like braving the cold, there are an array of ‘passages couverts’ (arcades) around the city where you can shop for all your Christmas presents without the discomfort of getting snowed on (or should that be rained on). Of all the Christmas things to do in Paris, wandering down the covered arcades of the city may well be my favourite…

Predominantly built in the 1800s, there are now under 50 remaining following the extensive renovations by Haussmann later that century. Filled with tiny boutiques and cafés, each has its own vibe and is decorated with an array of tinsel, lights, and ribbons.

Passage du Grand Cerf

One of my very favourite Covered galleries of Paris is that of Passage du Grand Cerf, a beautiful double-decker shopping centre filled with cute boutiques and small cafés. This is one of the best places to head to in the city to purchase unique Christmas gifts.

Galerie Vivienne

Best seen at night when it’s possible to enjoy the twinkling lights that completely cover the passage at their best, Galerie Vivienne is to be found in the 2nd arrondissement of Paris and is always spectacularly decorated for Christmas.

Passage du Havre

Though more modern than some of the other covered arcades of Paris, the Passage du Havre is almost always decorated for Christmas and also happens to be a great place to head to for Christmas shopping.

#4 Wander through the Parisian Christmas markets

Best seen by night, Paris’ Christmas markets really come to life when the sun sets over the city and the lights are turned on. The city’s Christmas markets are completely free to wander around, although you might want to make a purchase if something catches your eye!

While there are many Christmas markets to see throughout the city, some of my favourites include that of Montmartre (held in Place des Abbesses) and the Christmas Market at la Defense– which is also the largest in the city.

Yet another fun event is the Jardin des Tuileries Christmas Market. Located in the space where the summer funfair is usually held, the Christmas market that was once held in the Place du Concorde and is the most popular in Paris Is that of the Jardin des Tuileries. Highlights include food stalls, arcade rides, bars, and boutiques.

#5 Sip on Mulled wine

Does anything say Christmas better than a glass of hot, spiced wine? The French translation for mulled wine is Vin Chaud, literally ‘hot wine’. And come Christmas time in Paris, it is available everywhere; from cafés to markets to bars and fairs, most places price the warming beverage at between 3 and 5 euros a glass.

While you’d be hard pressed to find any mulled wine served in mugs, you can still enjoy some vin chaud at various spots across the city (including, of course, in all of the Christmas Markets). Fancy making some at home? Here’s our Christmas Market wine recipe.

#6 Enjoy a Chocolat chaud (hot chocolate)

No one combines hot drinks and cafés quite like the French. Sip on a chocolat chaud (head to Angelina for the best in town), short espresso (here’s how to really order coffee in Paris) or a vin chaud (depending on the time of day!). Thanks to the wide boulevards and outdoor heaters, you can even enjoy your drinks outside, in front of the café en terrace…

Even if you’re not a drinker of chocolat chaud, there’s no denying the charm of the terraces on the boulevards of Paris, especially those surrounding Place des Vosges. In other parts of the city, the area surrounding the Grands Boulevards metro station offers some of the best cocktail hours the city has to offer.

Carette

If you’re looking for an über luxe hot chocoalte in a pretigious setting, then you need to look no further than Carette. While there are several branches across the city, my personal go-to is at Place des Vosges, where you can sit on a square where Victor Hugo once lived and soak up the atmosphere.

Lindt

Of course, while we’re on the subject of warming beverages, there is perhaps no better excuse to indulge in a hot chocolate than a takeaway cup from Lindt (located close to Palais Opéra Garnier). I personally recommend taking your cup to go (with whipped cream on top) and heading down the road to Palais Royal or the Jardin des Tuileries.

Angelina

Though not my personal favourites of the hot chocolates to be found in Paris, many cite Angelina as being their favourite drink of choice! Situated at several locations across the city (including on the first floor of the Galeries Lafayette flagship store), Angelina’s chocolat chaud is known for its thick texture.

#7 Spy the best illuminations in Paris!

Glittering, sparkling and all decked out for Christmas: there’s a reason Paris is called the City of Light (and no, it’s not actually because of the Christmas illuminations but go with me on this one…)

From the twinkling tree outside of Notre Dame to the decorations to be found within the walls of the ecclesiastical building, no stone (or store, or attraction) is left unturned when it comes to seeing decorations in the City of Love.

The holiday season is one of my all-time favourite times to spend time in the city and from Christmas Markets to Grand-Scale illuminations, there’s no shortage of festive things to see and do. Here’s where to see and find the very best Christmas lights in Paris…

See the Paris Christmas Lights at Bercy Village

Nearest metro: Court Saint-Émilion (line 14)

Free to enter and full of fir trees, Bercy Village is a commercial centre located in the 12e area of the city. Registered as a French historical monument since 1986, the area was once home to one of the largest wine stores in Paris.

Today, Bercy Village houses around thirty stores and restaurants. And in Paris during Christmas time, a festive holiday market is opened on site which is open to all and filled with plenty of festive decorations.

Check out the decorations at Au Vieux Paris d’Arcole

Nearest metro: Île de la Cité (line 4)

Down a small little side street, not far from the impressive Notre Dame and in the very heart of Île de La Cité, you’ll find the cutest café in Paris. Au Vieux Paris d’Arcole (address: 24 Rue Chanoinesse) is ‘insta-famous’ and one of those spots that’s easily prettier in person than on the ‘gram. Head here to check out twinkling fairy lights and snow-covered sculptures.

Rue Montorgueil

Situated in the second arrondissement of Paris and best known as being the home base of the oldest patisserie in Paris, i.e. Stohrer, rue Montorgueil is a true delight to wander around at Christmas time, particularly come night time when the glittering and twinkling lights illuminate the many bars and shops which line both sides of the partly pedestrianised street.

See the Eiffel Tower sparkle

Nearest metro: Ecole Militaire (Line 8), Bir-Hakeim (Line 6). If you want to find the very best views of the Eiffel Tower, particularly during a Parisian sunrise, then head to the Trocadéro metro (lines 6, 9)

Paris in December is aglow with twinkling lights and the Eiffel Tower is no exception. When you’re visiting Paris at Christmas, although there are no ‘Christmas Eiffel Tower’ lights per se, the tower still twinkles for five minutes every hour, on the hour. Admire the sparkling lights of the Eiffel Tower, or head to the Tour Eiffel itself to enjoy one of the best ice skating rinks in the city.

Admire the mistletoe along Avenue Montaigne

Nearest metro: Alma Marceau (line 9)

Sparkling lights and oodles of mistletoe, stroll down Avenue Montaigne for a more romantic take on Christmas in Paris. This iconic road is close to the Champs Elysées and a wander along the Champs can easily be combined with a visit to Avenue Montaigne. Many famous haute couture stores find their bases here; Chanel, Christian Dior and, Chloé to name but a few.

Champs-Elysées

Nearest metro: Charles de Gaulle Etoile (lines 1, 2, 6), Franklin D Roosevelt (lines 1, 9)

Of all the things to do in Paris at Paris, what screams Paris and Christmas more than a walk from the Arc de Triomphe down through the Champs-Elysées? This is the perfect place in Paris to see Christmas lights and en route you can even do a spot of shopping!

From the sparkling plane trees to the Bow topped buildings, there is something to see in every direction you look. While there used to be a Christmas market along the iconic avenue, a dispute between the organiser and the City has meant that this festive event has since moved nearby and into the Jardin des Tuileries.

Place Vendome Christmas trees

Each year, from the end of November onwards, you’ll find a whole host of fir trees covered in glittering lights and of gargantuan proportions in the heart of the world-famous square. Best seen at dusk so as to admire the trees when their fairy lights begin to twinkle, Place Vendome is easily home to some of the best trees in Paris.

Louis Vuitton Flagship store

The site where the Louis Vuitton store now stands also happens to be the location of Louis Vuitton’s very first store, some one hundred and sixty years ago. Each year, the shop’s façade is decorated for Christmas. Back in 2012, Louis Vuitton sponsored the Galeries Lafayette Christmas Tree.

Each year, on Place Vendôme, Louis Vuitton decorates its shop front with an eye-catching design. Whereas 2017 was a large sun-shaped mirror, 2018’s decorative piece was a quirky and modern tree, draping around the sides of the building. In more recent years, there has been a return to the sun-shaped mirror.

#8 Go in search of some of the best Christmas trees in Paris (Sapins de Noël)

Christmas trees (known as Sapins de Noël in French) can be found in abundance when it comes to Christmas in Paris. From little themed displays to larger than life glittering masterpieces, there are trees to be found all across the city. For more inspiration, be sure to check out our guide to the best Christmas trees in Paris.

#10 Attend a Seasonal Church concert

Of all the free Christmas activities in Paris running throughout the holiday season, attending a Christmas concert in a church or chapel may be the one activity that hadn’t even crossed your mind.

While you’ll have to pay a pretty hefty fee to attend a concert at Sainte-Chapelle (though admiring the medieval glass while listening to choral music may well be worth the fee), other churches hold regular concerts which are entirely free to attend.

Some of the most popular venues include the Saint-Roch Church, the Louvre Oratory and occasionally the Madeleine Church. Attending mass on Christmas day or on Christmas Eve at Notre Dame is also free, though you’ll have to queue early if you want to secure a spot. Please note that since the fire at Notre Dame, there are no services until further notice.

#11 Take a trip out of the city and see some festivities in the rest of France

Although you’ll have to pay the price of a ticket to leave the city, many of the best Christmas activities and festive things to do in the pretty towns and cities surrounding Paris are completely free. Many of these small settlements around the city are filled with festive decorations and Christmas markets of their own.

Chantilly

Pretty and magical, Chantilly makes for the perfect chilly day trip from the city. Here, you’ll find a beautiful town to wander around, a château that is one of the most beautiful places to visit in France. Around Chantilly, you’ll also be able to admire and enjoy lots of festive lights!

Provins

The well preserved medieval town of Provins is home to an annual Christmas market (just make sure to head there earlier in the day as the crowds can become quite large), lots of cobbled lanes and a basilica where Joan of Arc herself attended Mass.

Versailles

Of course everyone has heard of the Palace of Versailles, but did you know that the rest of the town is well worth a visit. The Gardens at the Palace of Versailles are pretty to visit during any time of the year- even in the winter- and are free to see! The rest of Versailles town is filled with museums, small churches and cute coffee shops, making it the perfect day trip from Paris.

#12 You’ll have the perfect excuse to get indoors and explore some of the city’s inside attractions

Small passageways, opera performances, quirky museums and plenty of cute cafés: the chillier air and shorter days are the perfect excuse to cosy up indoors and get familiar with Paris’ indoor attractions. Even if it’s windy and raining outside, the covered passages of Paris mean that there’s no excuse not to be able to wander around while staying dry.

Some of my favourite small museums in the city include Musée de Montmartre, Musée de la Vie Romantique and Musée de L’Orangerie. Even if you’re ‘not a museum person,’ then you’re sure to find a gallery or vintage shop that’s right up your alley. So head inside to soak up the history, all the while keeping warm!

What to know before visiting Paris at Christmas

Know that grey skies are the norm

If you’re headed to Paris in the winter and are expecting blue skies and plenty of sunshine, then you may be in for a disappointment. Instead, pack your warmest clothes and hope for the best. There’s still plenty of fun to be had in the city, even on a dreary day!

Check opening times for museums and attractions

Though most things are open as normal, many galleries and museums will have reduced opening times as a result of the fewer crowds and shorter days. This may also be the case for restaurants and cafés so be sure to check before going there!

There’s no better time for a self-guided walk

As a result of fewer people, you can really take your time to wander around the city and soak up Paris’ many millennia of history. Some of my favourite walking tours of the city include this Le Marais Walking Guide, this Montmartre Tour, and this Ile de la Cité self-guided walk.

The January sales are pretty incredible

By law, stores and shops in France are only allowed to hold sales twice a year. The first of these occurs just after the Christmas holidays at the beginning of January. Travel to Paris during this time and you can also expect to find some of the lowest hotel rates!

What to wear in Paris in winter

A winter jacket

By far the most important thing you’ll need to pack when visiting Paris, a winter jacket is an absolute essential on any packing list. I personally have a North Face jacket. Although it is a little on the pricier side of things, I’ve had mine for years and am sure it will last for years to come! If you’re looking for a comfortable vegan alternative, then check out this jacket.

Comfortable shoes and warm socks

Paris is not the place to be bringing your heels, nor is it a destination for bringing along your newly purchased shoes. Instead, bring along some attractive yet well-worn in shoes and warm socks. Like many European cities, you’ll probably be walking a lot when you visit Paris in the winter.

I personally always bring a pair of comfortable trainers (I love these fashion ones) and a pair of cute boots like these ones or these ones for when it’s raining.

A warm scarf

Bringing along a large scarf is a must-pack for any European trip. After all, it can be used as a pillow or blanket while in flight. Once at your destination, a scarf is not just for wrapping up warm, but also great for accessorising an evening outfit where you’re worried you might get a little chilly!

An umbrella

Much like bringing a jacket, packing an umbrella is an absolute must. Even if you’re only in the city for a few days, it’s likely that it will rain at some point or another. As such, it’s best to come prepared. Just be sure to bring a pretty umbrella so as to make the most of your photos!

Watch the Christmas in Paris video

Where to stay in Paris

Mandarin Oriental: Located along rue Saint-Honoré, which is famous for its many shops, this five-star luxurious accommodation is home to highlights like a marble lobby and beautiful courtyard. Check availability and rates here!

Shangri-La: If you’re looking to seriously splurge on a romantic stay during your time in the city, then this hotel faces the Eiffel Tower, is home to a 2 Michelin star restaurant and spa facilities. Check availability and rates here!

Luxury experience: The Hoxton: For those who are looking for the ultimate luxury experience when staying in Paris, The Hoxton has it all. Charm and several beautiful communal guest spaces including a stunning bar and restaurant, other highlights of the hotel include breakfast options, WiFi, and room service. Check prices and availability here.

Mid-range boutique stay: Hôtel Fabric: As you might gather from its name, Hôtel Fabric is set against the backdrop of a former textile factory and simply oozes charm. Beautiful and with friendly staff, this four-star hotel is welcoming and is located just a fifteen-minute walk away from Le Marais area of the city. Check prices and availability here.

Mid-range: Hotel Petit Paris: Not far from the Luxembourg Gardens and close to the Latin Quarter of the city, this boutique hotel is in the perfect position for exploring Paris on foot. From here, it’s easy to explore top Parisian attractions such as the Paris Pantheon, as well as the Saint Germain des Prés area of the city. Check availability and rates here!

Affordable chic: Hôtel Chopin: Located within one of the covered passages of Paris, in the 9th arrondissement, and close to all the action (the nearby Grands Boulevards are full of bars and restaurants), Hôtel Chopin is a small hotel offering affordable rooms. Amenities include a restaurant and spa on site. Check prices and availability here.

Budget hostel: Generator Hostel: Those in search of an affordable option, Paris has a number of hostels which are fairly conveniently located. This hostel is situated close to the lively area of Canal Saint Martin and offers mixed-sex and female-only dorms. Check prices and availability here.

Did you enjoy reading Christmas things to do in Paris? Pin it now, read it again later!

Sophie Nadeau loves dogs, books, travel, pizza, and history. A Francophile at heart, she runs solosophie.com when she’s not chasing after the next sunset shot or consuming something sweet. She splits her time between Paris and London and travels as much as she can! Subscribe to Sophie’s YouTube Channel.

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