Paris is always charming, especially around Christmas. Under the brilliance of the holiday season, there’s something magical about watching the city come to life with celebratory cheers. There was Christmas around the corner, so I came up with time to share the best ways to spend Christmas in Paris.
Updated in November 2022.
1. Christmas shopping in Lafayette
This luxurious department store is the perfect place to come to Christmas shopping. This is not only thanks to the festive decorations you can purchase all of the Christmas presents under one roof. The giant Christmas tree hanging from the ceiling is always a central setting and a sight to be seen. This year, the 27 metres tall tree hangs upside down and is decorated in rich colors with thousands of brightly colored gems.
2. Christmas window appears in printemps
A window will appear in spring It’s an annual ritual. Every year, crowds gather and see the epic launch of Christmas windows where celebrities are always chosen to present them. My favorite year was 2013. When the windows were born, the dance Prada Bears appeared, captivating children and adults. This year, Burberry takes over the window and tells the story of a little boy leaving London to celebrate Christmas in Paris.
3. Champs-elysΓ©es Christmas Market
Of all Christmas markets in town, the markets that take place along Champion and Eilsays are probably the most famous. This famous avenue lights up on a stand selling homemade chocolate, soap and other trinkets. Perusing the market while drinking mulled wine is a very enjoyable way to get into the spirit of celebration.
4. Ice skating in the town hall
When an ice skating rink is open in Paris, you know it’s that time of year. The most popular spot is the HΓ΄tel Devil’s ice rink, located in front of the iconic city hall and next to several fairy tale carousels. (Image source: Erasmus of Paris)
5. Drink hot chocolate
Christmas in Paris isn’t Christmas until you eat the first hot chocolate of the year. One of the joys of winter is to feel yourself thawing yourself as you curl up in a gorgeous, rich hot chocolate in Angelina’s tea room.
6. Place VendΓ΄me
Place VendΓ΄me is a fascinating square in Paris. With the Ritz Hotel and many high-end jewelry stores, it’s a beautiful place for a walk. Coming in the holiday season, the architecturally rich square looks even more beautiful as Christmas trees lined up in front of the shop.
7. Radure Yule Log
During this time of year, all of Paris’ Top Pastry Shops offer limited edition Christmas menus. Ladure’s Yule Log has a variety of festive flavours and is as tasty as it is cute. A Christmas-inspired pastry pause is a good way to simmer your appetite for all the festive foods to come.
8. Christmas concert in the Holy Chapel
Lacent Chapel is one of Paris’ architectural gems. This 14th century chapel has the most breathtaking and intricate stained glass windows. Come to Christmas, the place resonates with classical music concerts and you can hear the works of famous composers such as Vivaldi & Bach.
9. Christmas dinner cruise on the Seine
Christmas is a time of year when you treat yourself a little bit. Food along the Seine is a great experience. Especially the menu has lots of festive dishes and the atmosphere is a great Christmas experience when it’s more cheerful than any other time of year.
10. Christmas lights
What’s better than passing through all the monuments in Paris is seeing them decorated with the light of a glowing fairy. A great activity is simply to wander around the city, suck up the atmosphere of Paris’ holiday season, and never forget to look up at all the magical Christmas lights around you.
So, to you… what do you like to do in Paris during the festive season?