Christmas in Paris is a magical experience that transforms the City of Light into a winter wonderland. The holiday season brings a special joy, with loved ones gathering, presents being exchanged, and a festive atmosphere enveloping the city. Paris offers enchanting activities and experiences during this time, from cozy cafes to brilliantly lit streets. This year is particularly exciting with the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral. You can look forward to unforgettable moments in the city of love. Whether you're sipping hot chocolate at a charming bistro, admiring the twinkling lights along the Champs-Élysées, or exploring festive markets, Paris during Christmas is truly special. Our guide will help you discover all the holiday magic the city has to offer.
14 things to do during Christmas in Paris
#1 Shop at the Christmas markets
Paris's Christmas markets are a festive delight. At Les Halles, 30 wooden chalets offer mulled wine and trinkets, alongside a towering 65-foot Christmas tree and Santa's home. Don't miss the markets at Jardins des Tuileries and La Défense for artisanal goods and holiday cheer. For a unique experience, visit the Eiffel Tower's first-floor market. Here, you can savor seasonal treats like buckwheat galettes, crepes, and waffles, paired with warming drinks from mulled wine to Irish coffee.
#2 Catch sight of Paris Christmas lights
From mid-November, Paris transforms into a festive wonderland. The city's trees sparkle with twinkling lights, and streets come alive with vibrant decorations. The Champs-Élysées steals the show with its dazzling display of over one million lights, illuminating the tree-lined avenue from 5pm to midnight. This iconic street becomes a magical spectacle, with stunning decorations adorning both sides.
More venues with Christmas Lights
- Place Vendôme
- Avenue Montaigne
- Rue Saint-Honoré
#3 Spend Christmas in Disneyland Paris
While Disneyland is the most enchanting place on earth, the festive atmosphere in the theme park makes it even more magical during the festive season! Disneyland Paris, brimming with your favorite Disney characters, is the ideal spot to get into the Christmas spirit, as they celebrate "Disney Enchanted Christmas" beginning on November 9 this year. Don't miss Mickey’s Dazzling Christmas Parade featuring colorful floats and nearly 100 performers, including Disney characters and Santa Claus.
#4 Gaze at the Christmas lights of the Eiffel Tower at night
Even in the depths of winter, the Eiffel Tower provides guests with exceptional experiences: a gastronomic delight on the 1st level during the Christmas season, a late-night opening every day, and a breathtaking glimpse of the glittering Eiffel tower at night!
#5 Attend a classical concert at Sainte-Chapelle
The Sainte-Chapelle is one of France's most visited sites, located just minutes from Notre Dame Cathedral. Euromusic Productions gives you a series of concerts and recitals honoring classical music greats, bringing together the best sets and soloists in Paris. The list includes works by JS Bach, Mozart, Vivaldi, and Handel.
#6 Set Sail on a Seine River Christmas Cruise
On an exquisite Bateaux Parisiens dinner cruise, spend a festive Christmas Eve or Christmas Day drifting along the Seine. With a glass of champagne in hand, toast your friends and loved ones while enjoying views Paris' iconic buildings. Whether you prefer to take in the romantic vistas of the city while sipping champagne, or simply want to see things from a different perspective, a Seine River cruise is a must-do when visiting Paris.
#7 Ice Skating at Hotel de Ville
Step onto the ice at the heart of Paris, where the Hôtel de Ville transforms into a winter wonderland. Glide gracefully across the rink under the watchful gaze of this architectural gem, beautifully illuminated to add a touch of enchantment to your skating experience. The juxtaposition of history and modern festivities creates a unique and unforgettable memory.
#8 Nativity Scenes at Saint-Sulpice
Discover intricately crafted Nativity scenes at the historic Saint-Sulpice Church, often adorned with intricately designed figurines and meticulous attention to detail. This historic Roman Catholic church located in the 6th arrondissement of Paris, and is celebrated for its exquisite Baroque architecture and impressive interior. It would make for a wonderful quiet Christmas evening!
#9 Try Mulled Wine
To warm your spirits, savor a cup of aromatic mulled wine at charming Christmas markets like Champs-Elysées or the festive stalls along the Seine River. These enchanting settings offer not only the perfect backdrop but also a wonderful opportunity to enjoy this traditional holiday beverage, infused with spices and warmth!
#10 Check out the Christmas decorations of the grand magasins
Paris's big departmental stores, or grand magasins, such as Bon Marché and Galeries Lafayette, are renowned for their extravagant Christmas decorations. These stores transform into dazzling winter wonderlands during the holiday season, with magnificent window displays, towering Christmas trees, and enchanting decorations capturing the spirit of Christmas.
#11 Indulge in the French yule log, Bûche de Noël
This quintessential French yule log cake, can be found in various patisseries and bakeries throughout Paris, so make sure to take a moment to sample this decadent sponge cake. For other delectable French Christmas specialties, explore local markets and bakeries offering delights like crispy galettes, fluffy choux à la crème, and buttery Bredele cookies!
#12 Montmartre Artists' Village
Venture into the artistic heart of Montmartre during the Christmas season, where the local artists set up stalls offering one-of-a-kind, handcrafted gifts and souvenirs. This will be a perfect opportunity to find unique treasures while immersing yourself in the bohemian charm of this historic neighborhood. The cobbled streets and artistic energy make Montmartre a place where the spirit of Christmas truly comes alive!
#13 Visit the Jardin des Plantes for
Visit the Jardin des Plantes in the 5th arrondissement during its annual Winter Festival of Lights, where the gardens are brought to life with enchanting illuminations, creating a magical atmosphere that's perfect for a festive stroll. Each year's exhibition illuminates a different period or type of species. The exhibition usually spans 2 months, from mid-November to mid-January.
#14 The long-awaited Christmas Eve Mass at Notre Dame
The reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral on December 8, 2024, marks a momentous occasion for Parisians and visitors alike. After extensive restoration following the 2019 fire, the cathedral will once again host its beloved Christmas Eve Mass. This event holds deep nostalgic value for many locals and offers a chance for all to experience the cathedral's awe-inspiring architecture and spiritual ambiance. Even if you are non-religious, it's worth attending the midnight mass just for the experience. As the clock strikes twelve, step outside to hear a magical Paris tradition: the simultaneous ringing of church bells across the city.
