Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year and an experience that is made even better with friends and family. The coming together of loved ones, the excitement of sharing presents, and the general feeling of joy that encapsulates everything; there’s something truly special about the holiday season. If you’re in Paris during Christmas, you have some wonderful times to look forward to. Read through our Christmas in Paris guide and get a rundown of everything festive in the city of love.
13 Things to do during Christmas in Paris
#1 Shop at the Christmas markets
A Christmas market is built up in the heart of town at Les Halles, replete with 30 wooden chalets selling mulled wine and trinkets, a 65-foot illuminated Christmas tree, and even Santa Claus's home. Across from Notre Dame, is an intimate market with about 30 vendors selling regional food, hot chocolate, and handcrafted goods in the Square Viviani!
#2 Catch sight of Paris Christmas lights
Paris is decked out in her Christmas splendor starting mid-November. Glittering lights are strung across the trees, and colorful decorations are hung across the streets, with Champs Elysées putting on the most extravagant show! Trust us, you don't want to miss this.
#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" this year.
#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.
