All Articles How to have the most magical Christmas in Paris

How to have the most magical Christmas in Paris

From where to see the best Christmas trees to the top things to do on Christmas Day.

By Dina Malyana15 Nov 2023 5 minutes read
Taking photos at the Christmas Village, Trocadéro
Image: Maremagnum/Getty Images

The scent of mulled wine, the ringing of carols, and the sparkling decorations along Champs-Elysées could only mean one thing: it’s Christmas in Paris.

The festive atmosphere takes over Paris throughout December—putting you in the mood for all things Christmassy, like shopping for gifts, ice-skating in outdoor rinks, and sampling treats in Christmas markets.

The days leading to Christmas are chock-full of concerts and events. Parisians spill out onto the streets to become tourists in their own city. After all, Paris is a different Paris this time of the year. As cliché as this sounds, it’s a Christmas wonderland… minus the snow. Be sure to pack your winter jackets, scarves, and an extra suitcase for all the gifts you won’t be able to resist.

The best Christmas trees in Paris

It’s an open secret that Christmas brings along a battle for the most outrageous Christmas trees in Paris—the bigger, the better. These giant trees are erected throughout the city from mid-November onwards. Here’s where you can see the best Christmas trees in Paris.

Large Christmas tree decorating Galeries Lafayette store floor
Galeries Lafayette
Image: Bruce Yuanyue Bi/Getty Images

The best department store Christmas trees

The Galeries Lafayette along Boulevard Haussmann has been pulling out all the stops for Christmas since 1920. Venture on the Glasswalk, a glass walkway that’s suspended 52 feet above the ground. You can snap the best photos of the massive Christmas tree, decked in hundreds of ornaments and lights, from here—but only if you manage to keep your hands steady.

The Christmas decorations in Galeries Lafayette don't go unchallenged. It’s a tradition for all Parisian department stores to put up Christmas trees and window displays. Head to Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche or Westfield Forum des Halles and be the judge.

The best outdoor Christmas trees

Of course, there are plenty more Christmas trees standing proud and tall outdoors. In the historic heart of Paris, Place Vendôme dazzles with fir trees draped in lights. Just around the corner from this public square is a Louis Vuitton store that will surely be decked in Christmassy luxe. A few streets away, at Place de la Concorde, perfect cones surround the Luxor Obelisk.

The best Christmas markets in Paris

To soak up all the festive vibes you’re craving, just walk into a Christmas market in Paris. Some of them pop up for a weekend or two in December, while others stretch from mid-November to early January.

Christmas tree in front of Notre-Dame Cathedral - Paris, France
Notre-Dame Cathedral
Image: Jorg Greuel/Getty Images

Tuileries Garden Christmas market

When: November 18, 2023–January 7, 2024

The largest of them—and the one you don’t want to miss—is La Magie de Noël (“The Magic of Christmas”) which is held at the Tuileries Garden. Under the shadow of the Ferris Wheel, this epicenter of fun combines a market and a fun fair. You can walk from stall to stall browsing French artisanal products or go straight to the carnival rides for bumper cars; there’s even ice skating. Afterward, tuck into food laden with cheese or sip Champagne in an igloo bar.

Notre-Dame de Paris Christmas market

When: December 8–25, 2023

The Notre-Dame de Paris Christmas Market in Square René Viviani is small in size but big on quality. Its stalls are manned by artisans specializing in ceramics, jewelry, and French food.

Eiffel Tower Christmas market

When: November 17, 2023–December 16, 2024

The Champ de Mars Christmas market, on the other hand, is a gourmet delight that will take your taste buds around the country. Enjoy delights from the Alsace and Savoy regions, and of course, the Christmas classic—mulled wine. While you’re there, you might as well skip the lines and head up the Eiffel Tower.

The best Christmas lights and decorations in Paris

Christmas lights at champs elysses in Paris
Champs-Élysées
Image: Dyana Wing So/Unsplash

Want to see Paris at its sparkly best? Put on your walking boots for this tour of the City of Light. Christmas lights and decorations are usually up from mid-November and last through New Year’s.

Start at the most emblematic avenue of Paris, Champs-Élysées, when the lights flicker on at 5 p.m. This walk takes you from the Arc de Triomphe to Place de la Concorde. You might succumb to shopping—but that’s just part of the experience. Then, turn back and wander into Avenue Montaigne for more ornate decorations all the way to Alma Bridge.

A dinner cruise is another great way to see the city lights and illuminations along the Seine while enjoying a five-course meal.

If you can’t get enough of the Christmas lights in Paris (and who can blame you?), there are two more locations to visit: the bohemian neighborhood of Montmartre and Bercy Village, an open-air shopping and dining district where you might just encounter Santa Claus and his elves.

We recommend the all-in-one private tour where you can see the Christmas lights around town, visit the Christmas markets, and enjoy a ride on the Ferris wheel.

Disneyland Paris at Christmas

Mickey Mouse at Disneyland Paris
Image: Handout/Getty Images

Disneyland is always a good idea. But Disneyland around Christmas—now, that’s a fantastic idea. Disneyland Paris is at its merriest during the holiday season, when the Christmas light-up starts from mid-November to early January. All your favorite Disney characters will be dressed up in their Christmas best, ready to enchant you with exclusive seasonal shows and parades.

To get the low-down, check out our guide to Disneyland Paris at Christmas.

Things to do in Paris on Christmas Day

The Christmas hurrah builds up through the advent and reaches a peak on Christmas Eve when families gather for a feast that typically comprises roast turkey, foie gras, and prized seafood like oysters, scallops, and lobsters.

If you’re traveling in Paris during this time, there are still plenty of things to do even though many shops and restaurants are closed on Christmas Day. Tons of attractions remain open, so let’s start planning.

Dessert at Restaurant Cleo in Paris
Restaurant Cléo
Image: Management/Tripadvisor

Get up close with the animals

Get tickets for Parc Zoologique de Paris or Aquarium de Paris for a day of animal discovery. At Parc Zoologique de Paris, go on a festive Christmas-themed tour of the zoo and stay for present unwrapping time where the animals tear into their special Christmas "gifts".

Check out museums

Head to Grevin Museum to strike a pose with the wax figures of celebrities, step into Atelier des Lumières for an exhibition of lights and sounds, or peek into the Centre Pompidou's extensive modern and contemporary art collection.

Visit the “Iron Lady”

Even the Eiffel Tower is open, but if you’ve checked that off your list, head up the observation deck of Montparnasse Tower for panoramic views. After all, you can’t take pictures of the Paris skyline with the Eiffel Tower from the Eiffel Tower.

Hit the shops for some Christmas shopping

If Santa has topped up your bank account and you’re in the mood for shopping, a handful of department stores like Printemps and Le BHV Marais remain open on Christmas Day.

Score a table for a Christmas Day lunch or dinner

Want some fine dining, too? Then make your reservations now (we mean it: now!) at the few French restaurants that are open on Christmas Day, such as Cléo and Bouillon Julien.

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Dina Malyana
Dina Malyana is a Singaporean writer and marketing specialist who’s living the good life in France. She’s also a travel addict who’s lost count of the number of countries she’s visited. When she’s not traveling, she’s probably planning her next trip.