19 Magical Things to do in Paris at Christmas (+ Travel Tips)

Paris at Christmas is a wonderful destination for a festive city trip, and it’s easy to see why. With sparkling Christmas lights, beautifully decorated streets, and festive treats around every corner, the city is full of Christmas magic.

After many winters in Paris, I still look forward to the festive season every year. I always stop by Galeries Lafayette to admire the Christmas tree, head up to the rooftop for the Eiffel Tower view, and grab a warm drink in one of the nearby covered passages.

But with so many Christmas markets, decorations, and festive events across the city, it’s not always easy to know where to go.

In this guide, I’ll show you where to find your full dose of Christmas magic in Paris, from the most beautiful decorations to festive activities and experiences you shouldn’t miss everywhere.

If it’s your first December here, you might feel torn between all the markets and events. Don’t worry. Here’s how to plan your trip without missing the good stuff.

Christmas in Paris: Here are the Best Things to Do

Paris in winter can be cold, grey, and sometimes windy and wet — but don’t let that stop you. The city never runs out of things to do, no matter the season.

At Christmas, Paris feels especially alive: glowing lights, carols, mulled wine, and markets filled with gingerbread and decorations. If you love the holiday season, this is your time to come.

Here’s how to experience the best of Christmas in Paris.

#1 Explore the Paris Christmas Markets

Christmas markets have become a big part of the festive season in Paris. You’ll find them scattered across the city, from large Christmas villages with rides and food stalls to smaller markets selling handmade gifts and decorations.

Here are some of the most popular Christmas markets in Paris for 2026:

• Christmas Market at the Tuileries: November 14, 2026 – January 3, 2027
• Notre-Dame Christmas Market: November 26 – December 27, 2026
• Christmas Village at La Défense: November 12, 2026 – January 3, 2027
• Champs-Élysées Christmas Market: November 22, 2026 – January 4, 2027
• Alsatian Christmas Market at Gare de l’Est: December 2–18, 2026

Looking for more options? The Paris Tourism Office has a full list, including dates and locations.

My personal favorite is the Christmas market at Square René Viviani, just across from Notre-Dame. It’s smaller and usually less crowded than the big markets, and the open square in the middle makes it feel much less cramped.

I also love its location. It’s right in the center of Paris, so you can easily stop by for a cup of vin chaud (mulled wine) or a snack while exploring the Latin Quarter, without having to plan your whole afternoon around it.

The Christmas market at the Tuileries, on the other hand, isn’t really my cup of tea. It’s incredibly crowded, and with all the rides and attractions, I find it a bit too commercial and tacky for my taste. But if you’re looking for a big Christmas fair with plenty of entertainment, especially with kids, you might enjoy it more than I do.

A quick tip: Christmas markets can get very busy, especially on weekends. Keep an eye on your belongings, as crowded markets are popular spots for pickpockets.

And if you want to experience one of France’s most famous Christmas markets, consider a day trip to Strasbourg. It’s less than two hours from Paris by high-speed train, and its Christmas markets are among the oldest and most traditional in Europe.

#2 Enjoy the Christmas Decorations and Illuminations

One of my favorite things about Paris at Christmas is seeing how beautifully the city is decorated. And while you’ll find Christmas lights almost everywhere, some places are definitely worth going out of your way for.

For the most spectacular Christmas decorations, head to the luxury shopping streets:

• Avenue Montaigne: My absolute favorite for Christmas decorations in Paris. The luxury boutiques go all out, and the decorations at Dior are often breathtaking.
• Place Vendôme: One of the most elegant places in Paris at Christmas, with beautifully illuminated buildings and luxury boutiques.
• Rue Saint-Honoré: Another fantastic spot for elaborate Christmas displays. I especially love seeing what Chanel comes up with.
• Champs-Élysées: Famous for its Christmas illuminations, with rows of trees lighting up the avenue. With the Christmas market returning to the Champs-Élysées in 2026, expect particularly big crowds this year.

• Montmartre: Absolutely beautiful during the festive season, with Christmas lights hanging over the streets and plenty of little corners to explore. Also check my Montmartre Guide.
• Saint-Germain-des-Prés: Lovely Christmas decorations, beautiful shop windows, and cozy cafés that make it perfect for an evening walk.
• Rue Cler: A charming market street where you can admire the decorations while browsing food shops and picking up French specialties.
• Rue Montorgueil: Another lovely food-shopping street with festive lights, cafés, and plenty of places to stop for a hot chocolate or dinner.

You don’t need to visit every place on this list. Christmas decorations are everywhere in Paris, and sometimes you’ll discover the prettiest streets just by wandering around.

If you’d rather explore with a guide, a Christmas Lights Walking Tour is a lovely way to experience the festive atmosphere, discover some of the city’s decorated streets and get interesting background information.

If you’re keen on taking a walking tour in Paris anyway, why not make it a Christmas-themed one? A Christmas Lights Walking Tour is a lovely way to explore the city while enjoying the festive decorations and learning a little more about Paris along the way.

→ Check dates and availability for the Christmas Lights Walking Tour

#3 See the Christmas Tree at the Galeries Lafayette

Every November, there’s one Christmas decoration in Paris I particularly look forward to: the giant Christmas tree inside Galeries Lafayette Haussmann.

The tree is unveiled on Thursday, 11 November. This years edition is designed by Jean-Charles de Castelbajac with the theme “At the Heart of Christmas”. I am really excited about this one and will goo see it as soon as it’s up.

You’ll find it beneath the beautiful glass dome of Galeries Lafayette. Usually, there’s also a little music and light show every 30 minutes, which makes the whole thing even more magical.

My local tip: Galeries Lafayette gets incredibly crowded during the Christmas season, especially on weekends and in the afternoons. I strongly recommend visiting first thing in the morning, ideally on a weekday. It’s so much more enjoyable when you can actually take your time looking at the tree without being surrounded by huge crowds.

And while you’re there, don’t miss the rooftop terrace. It’s free to access and offers fantastic views over Paris, including the Eiffel Tower. It’s one of my favorite things to combine with a visit to the Christmas tree.

#4 See the Christmas Window Displays at Paris Department Stores

Every Christmas, the big Parisian department stores decorate their windows with elaborate festive scenes. Some even have moving figures, little characters, and entire Christmas stories playing out behind the glass.

Galeries Lafayette and Printemps Haussmann are the most famous, and conveniently, they’re right next to each other on Boulevard Haussmann. You can easily see both sets of Christmas windows in one visit.

Le Bon Marché in Saint-Germain-des-Prés is another lovely stop, especially if you’re already exploring the Left Bank.

And don’t forget BHV Marais, near Hôtel de Ville, which also puts on festive window displays.

You don’t need to go shopping to enjoy any of them. Just walking past the windows is part of the Christmas experience in Paris.

My local tip: If you’re visiting Galeries Lafayette for the Christmas tree, take a little extra time to see the windows outside, then walk over to Printemps. It’s an easy way to enjoy two of Paris’s best-known Christmas displays without making a separate trip.

#5 See the Christmas Lights on a Private 2CV Tour

This is the tour I’d book: Private Vintage Citroën 2CV Tour of Christmas Lights

If you want to see as many of Paris’s Christmas lights as possible without spending hours walking around in the cold or potentially rainy December weather, a private 2CV tour is a fantastic option.

You’ll explore illuminated Paris in a classic French Citroën 2CV, passing beautifully decorated streets and famous landmarks along the way.

The big advantage over a Christmas lights bus tour is the size of the car. These little 2CVs can drive through narrow streets and reach quieter corners of Paris that the big sightseeing buses simply can’t access. So you’re not limited to the main boulevards and famous landmarks.

It’s a great way to see more of Paris’s Christmas decorations in less time, without having to walk from one spot to the next. And because it’s a private tour, it feels a little more special, too → Check dates and prices for the Private Christmas 2CV Tour

#6 Take a Christmas Lights Bus Tour

If you want to see Paris’s Christmas lights without walking around in the cold, a Christmas lights bus tour is another good option.

You’ll drive along some of the city’s main boulevards and past famous landmarks, enjoying the festive decorations along the way. It’s an easy way to get an overview of illuminated Paris, especially if you’re visiting for the first time.

Unlike the little 2CVs, the big buses can’t squeeze into Paris’s narrow side streets, so you’ll mainly see the larger avenues and well-known sights.

My tip: Dress warmly! Even if you’re sitting on a bus, the open upper deck can get very chilly on a December evening.

→ Check dates and prices for the Christmas Lights Bus Tour

#7 Go Ice Skating in Paris

I’m very happy that Le Grand Palais des Glaces is returning this winter! From December 12, 2026, to January 6, 2027, the magnificent Grand Palais will once again transform into a giant indoor ice skating rink.

Skating beneath that spectacular glass roof is quite a special experience, and definitely one of the most exciting winter activities in Paris.

There are a few other places to go ice skating in Paris at Christmas, too:

• Galeries Lafayette: A small rooftop skating rink is also planned for the Christmas season. But don’t be disappointed if it’s not real ice. Last time, the rink had a synthetic, plastic-like surface. You could still skate on it, but it was more of a symbolic ice skating experience than the real thing.
• Tuileries Christmas Market: There’s usually an ice skating rink here as part of the Christmas fair, alongside the food stalls and other attractions.

My tip: If you really want to go ice skating, I’d choose the Grand Palais. The setting alone makes it worth considering, and it’s a completely different experience from the smaller seasonal rinks. Just make sure to book in advance.

Just make sure to book your tickets well in advance. Even though it’s not exactly cheap, sessions sell out quickly, especially during the Christmas holidays.

#8 Shop for Christmas Ornaments in Paris

If you like bringing home a little Christmas souvenir from your travels, Paris is a wonderful place to shop for Christmas ornaments.

My favorite place is Le Bon Marché, the beautiful department store in the 7th arrondissement. During the festive season, the upper floor is filled with Christmas decorations, themed trees, and elegant ornaments. I always enjoy browsing the displays, even when I’m not planning to buy anything.

You’ll find everything from classic Christmas baubles to more unusual decorations that make lovely souvenirs or gifts.

For something a little less fancy, have a look at the Christmas markets, too. Many stalls sell festive decorations and small gifts, and it’s a nice opportunity to pick up something while enjoying a cup of vin chaud.

My tip: If you’re already exploring Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Le Bon Marché is well worth a stop. You can easily combine it with a walk around the neighborhood to see the Christmas decorations.

#9 Explore the Covered Passages of Paris

Paris can be cold and rainy in December, and that’s when the city’s beautiful covered passages come in particularly handy.

These historic shopping arcades, with their glass roofs, mosaic floors, and little boutiques, are perfect for escaping the winter weather without giving up on sightseeing.

Galerie Vivienne is one of my favorites, especially during the Christmas season. With its elegant architecture, charming shops, and festive decorations, it’s a lovely place to wander around.

My local tip: Hidden inside Galerie Vivienne is Danico, a cocktail bar in Paris that has been featured on The World’s 50 Best Bars list for several years.

I also recommend Passage des Panoramas, Passage Jouffroy, and Passage Verdeau, with their beautiful glass roofs, charming shops, and independent boutiques.

The three passages practically flow into one another, separated only by streets, so you can explore them one after the other without spending much time outdoors. Perfect for a winter day when the weather isn’t on your side.

My local tip: If you’re visiting Galeries Lafayette to see the Christmas tree, you can combine it with a walk through some of the covered passages nearby. It’s a nice way to spend a winter afternoon, especially if the weather isn’t great.

→ Here’s my complete guide to the covered passages of Paris, including addresses and a map.

#10 See Paris Illuminated on a Seine River Cruise

This is the one I’d book to avoid long waiting times: Evening River Cruise with Music

A Seine River cruise is lovely at any time of year, but there’s something particularly special about seeing Paris illuminated on a winter evening.

As you cruise along the Seine, you’ll pass some of the city’s most famous landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Notre-Dame, all beautifully lit up after dark.

My local tip: If you’re planning an evening cruise in December, I strongly recommend booking one with a fixed departure time.

Many of the popular sightseeing cruises departing near the Eiffel Tower sell tickets that are valid for a whole day rather than a specific departure. This means you join the queue and board on a first-come, first-served basis.

Especially after sunset, you might end up waiting outside in the cold, and if the boat fills up before your turn, you’ll have to wait for the next one.

That’s why I recommend this Seine sightseeing cruise with a reserved time slot. You know exactly when your cruise departs, making it much easier to plan your evening without spending ages waiting in the cold.

→ Check available departure times and book your Seine River Cruise

If you’re visiting on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, there are also special Christmas lunch and dinner cruises with festive menus. I’ll cover those further down in this guide.

#11 Try a Traditional Bûche de Noël

If you’re spending Christmas in Paris, you absolutely have to try a Bûche de Noël, the traditional French Christmas dessert.

Originally, it’s a sponge cake rolled with buttercream or chocolate ganache and decorated to look like a wooden log. But these days, French pastry chefs get incredibly creative, and you’ll find everything from classic chocolate versions to elaborate creations with mousse, fruit, and crunchy layers.

You’ll see Bûches de Noël in bakeries and pâtisseries all over Paris in December, and some of the creations are almost too beautiful to eat.

My tip: Traditional Bûches de Noël are usually made for sharing, so they can be quite large. If you’re visiting Paris as a couple or on your own, look for an individual-sized version (bûche individuelle) instead. That way, you can enjoy this French Christmas tradition without having to buy an entire cake.

#12 Attend a Christmas Concert in Paris

If you love Christmas music, attending a concert is a wonderful way to get into the festive spirit in Paris.

Throughout December, churches and concert halls host classical performances, Christmas carols, and choir concerts. And honestly, listening to music in one of Paris’s beautiful historic churches makes the experience even more special.

You’ll find concerts in places like La Madeleine, Saint-Eustache, and Saint-Germain-des-Prés, although the programmes and dates change every year.

Another option I particularly recommend is a Candlelight concert. Here’s the full program.

Musicians perform surrounded by hundreds of flickering candles, often in beautiful historic venues and some are even on the Eiffel Tower.

The atmosphere is magical, especially on a cold December evening, and you can choose from different musical programmes, including Christmas-themed performances.

My tip: Not every Candlelight concert in December features Christmas music. Check the programme before booking if you’re specifically hoping to hear Christmas carols.

→ See Candlelight concert dates and tickets in Paris

#13 Take a French Cooking Class in Paris

If you love French food and enjoy cooking, taking a cooking class in Paris is a wonderful experience, especially during the festive season.

One class I particularly recommend is with Susan Herrmann Loomis from On Rue Tatin. She’s a cookbook author with 14 published books, including bestsellers, and has spent more than 30 years cooking in France.

I was lucky enough to join one of her autumn cooking classes, and it was honestly one of my absolute highlights of the year!

The class takes place in her private Parisian apartment, which makes the whole experience incredibly intimate and personal. We cooked together, learned from Susan’s incredible experience, and had so much fun along the way.

It’s so much more than just following a recipe. You get to spend time with someone who really knows French cooking, in a setting that feels more like being invited into someone’s home than attending a regular cooking class.

And here’s a little bonus for my readers: You can get 25€ off Susan’s cooking classes with the code LENA25 when booking → See Susan’s cooking classes at On Rue Tatin

#14 Discover Parisian Christmas Traditions with a Local Guide

If you want to experience more than just the Christmas lights and decorations, joining a themed tour is a lovely way to discover how Parisians celebrate the festive season.

I particularly like the idea of a Christmas food tour. French Christmas traditions revolve around food, and exploring the city with a local guide is a fun way to learn about seasonal specialties while discovering places you might otherwise walk straight past.

Here are three Christmas-themed tours worth considering:

• Paris Lights Tour With a Local Guide: If you’d like to discover Paris’s Christmas decorations on foot, a private guided tour is a lovely option. You can enjoy the festive atmosphere while learning more about the city from a local guide.
• Paris at Christmas Bike Tour: If you enjoy cycling, this three-hour Christmas-themed bike tour is a fun alternative to exploring Paris on foot. It’s a chance to discover the city with a guide while enjoying the festive atmosphere along the way. Just make sure to dress warmly, as December can be pretty chilly!
• Saint-Germain-des-Prés Christmas Gourmet Tour: Explore one of Paris’s most charming neighborhoods while discovering French Christmas food traditions. A lovely choice if you want to combine sightseeing with festive treats and learn more about how the French celebrate Christmas.

My tip: If you’re particularly interested in French Christmas traditions, I’d choose the gourmet tour. Food is such an important part of Christmas in France, and it’s a great opportunity to learn about specialties you might not think to try on your own.

#15 Celebrate Christmas on a Seine Lunch or Dinner Cruise

Finding a restaurant that’s open on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day in Paris can be surprisingly difficult, if you are looking for something festive. Many restaurants close for the holidays, and those that stay open often offer special Christmas menus that need to be booked well in advance.

And since you’re probably going to book a special Christmas meal anyway, why not go all in and have it on a Seine River cruise?

Instead of sitting in a restaurant, you can enjoy a festive lunch or dinner while cruising past some of Paris’s most famous landmarks. It’s a lovely way to combine your Christmas celebration with a little sightseeing.

Depending on your plans, you can choose between:

• Christmas Eve Dinner Cruise: Perfect if you’d like to celebrate Christmas Eve or Christmas Day with a special evening meal and views of Paris after dark.
• Christmas Day Lunch Cruise: A lovely choice for Christmas Day, combining a festive lunch with sightseeing along the Seine.

My tip: Christmas cruises have limited seating and are popular with visitors spending the holidays in Paris. If this is how you’d like to celebrate, I strongly recommend booking well in advance.

→ See Christmas Lunch and Dinner Cruise dates and prices

#16 Celebrate Christmas Eve at a Paris Cabaret

Sells out weeks in advance: Moulin Rouge Christmas Dinner & Show

If you’re spending Christmas Eve in Paris and want to do something special, why not celebrate with dinner and a cabaret show?

Some of Paris’s famous cabarets offer special Christmas Eve packages, combining a festive dinner, Champagne, and a spectacular performance. It’s a fun way to celebrate Christmas without having to organize dinner and evening entertainment separately.

Moulin Rouge and Paradis Latin are two of the best-known options to look into. Both are famous for their elaborate shows, although their Christmas programmes and packages can differ.

My tip: Christmas Eve is a popular night for these special performances, and availability is limited. I recommend very booking early → See Paris cabaret shows and Christmas Eve availability

#17 Attend Christmas Mass in Paris

If you’re spending Christmas Eve or Christmas Day in Paris, attending a Christmas Mass can be a beautiful experience, even if you’re not particularly religious.

Many Parisian churches hold special Christmas services, often accompanied by traditional music and choirs. And with so many historic churches across the city, you’ll find some wonderful settings for celebrating Christmas.

Some of the most popular churches for Christmas Mass include:

• Notre-Dame Cathedral: One of the most special places to attend a Christmas service in Paris, especially now that the cathedral has reopened.
• Sacré-Cœur Basilica: A beautiful setting for Christmas Mass, with services traditionally held late on Christmas Eve and throughout Christmas Day.
• Saint-Sulpice: A lovely alternative on the Left Bank, known for its impressive interior and church music.

My tip: If you’re planning to attend Midnight Mass at Notre-Dame or Sacré-Cœur, arrive well ahead of time. These services are very popular, and seating may be limited.

Service times vary, so check the churches’ official Christmas schedules before heading out. Most publish their holiday programmes closer to December.

#18 Visit the Eiffel Tower on Christmas Day

Book in Advance: Eiffel Tower Tickets for Christmas

Wondering what to do in Paris on Christmas Day when so many attractions are closed? Visit the Eiffel Tower!

Unlike many Parisian museums and monuments, the Eiffel Tower is open every day of the year, including December 25. So if you’re spending Christmas in Paris, it’s one of the best sightseeing activities to plan for the day itself.

And honestly, going up the Eiffel Tower is a pretty special way to spend Christmas Day, especially if it’s your first trip to Paris.

My tip: Book well in advance. Christmas is a popular time to visit Paris, and Eiffel Tower tickets sell out well in advance, especially on the 25th when it’s one of the very few sightseeing spots that are actually open. Check here for tickets and timeslots.

Remember to dress warmly. It can get very cold on the upper levels in December.

#19 Have a Christmas Dinner in a Brasserie

Many classic Parisian brasseries are open on Christmas Day, including Brasserie Lipp, La Coupole, Bouillon Julien, Le Procope, and Au Pied de Cochon.

It’s a festive yet not upscale way to celebrate Christmas over oysters, traditional French dishes, and a glass of good wine.

Oysters? Yes! They’re a traditional part of Christmas celebrations in France, and you’ll find them on many festive menus.

My tip: Tables disappear fast, so reservations are essential. Many restaurants offer special Christmas menus instead of their regular menu, so check the prices and what’s included before booking.

Keep an eye on their reservation calendars and grab a table as soon as bookings open. Don’t count on finding somewhere at the last minute.

Practical Tips for Visiting Paris at Christmas

Paris is a wonderful place to spend Christmas, but it’s worth planning a few things before you arrive. Opening hours change over the holidays, popular festive experiences sell out, and December weather can be unpredictable.

Don’t miss out on these articles when preparing for your Paris Christmas trip:

• Winter in Paris: 33 Best Things to do
• Paris on New Year’s Day 2026 – Insider Guide
• Paris in December 2026 – What to See, Eat, Pack & Do!

#1 Waterproof Shoes

Nothing ruins a day of exploring Paris faster than cold, wet feet. And with all the walking you’ll do between Christmas markets, decorations, and festive activities, comfortable shoes are essential.

I recommend a pair of waterproof Chelsea boots. They’re practical for rainy Parisian streets, comfortable enough for sightseeing, and stylish enough to wear to a restaurant afterward.

Just make sure you’ve broken them in before your trip!

try them here

If you’re staying in Paris, you won’t need heavy winter boots. Just make sure your shoes are waterproof, wear warm socks, and break them in before your trip!

For more ideas, take a look at my guide to the best walking shoes for Paris.

#2 Small Travel Umbrella

A small travel umbrella is one of those things I always recommend packing for Paris in December. Rain showers can catch you by surprise, and it’s much nicer to have an umbrella ready than to look for somewhere to buy one.

Choose a compact model that fits easily into your handbag or daypack. I particularly like this one because it comes with a pouch, so you can put it away after a shower without soaking everything else in your bag.

Order it here

#3 Warm Merino Socks

One of the best ways to keep your feet warm during a Paris winter is with quality Merino wool socks.

They’re not cheap, but after years of traveling and hiking, I can tell you they’re worth it. Good Merino socks help keep your feet warm, manage moisture, and reduce the friction that can lead to blisters.

You’ll find cheaper alternatives, but check the wool content before buying. Some socks advertised as Merino contain only a small percentage of wool.

Order these game changers here

Christmas Is High Season: Book Your Attraction Tickets in Advance

I know it takes away some of the spontaneous holiday feeling, but honestly — book your attraction tickets in advance.

Christmas is a busy time in Paris, and popular sights can sell out days or even weeks ahead. Even if you manage to find last-minute tickets, you might end up with an inconvenient time slot or spend more time waiting than you’d like.

And with December’s cold weather and short days, standing around hoping to get in isn’t exactly how you want to spend your Christmas trip.

These Are the Attractions I’d Book First

• Louvre Museum: One of the most popular museums in Paris and the best and most efficient way of visiting is booking a guided tour. Book your Louvre tour here.
• Eiffel Tower: Especially important if you want to visit the summit or have a particular time in mind. Check Eiffel Tower tickets.
• Château de Versailles: Book ahead if you’re planning a day trip, particularly around the holidays. Get Versailles tickets here.
• Musée d’Orsay: Another museum where I’d secure a timed ticket rather than leave it until the day of your visit. Book Musée d’Orsay tickets here.

My tip: Don’t leave your must-see attractions until the last minute, especially the Eiffel Tower and Louvre. Book the things you absolutely want to see first, then leave the rest of your itinerary flexible enough to enjoy the Christmas atmosphere.

Want more Paris recommendations? Here’s my free Google Map with 200+ spots 🗺️

À bientôt,

Lena

Parisienne since 2006 🇫🇷
Sharing Paris life, French culture, cafés, food & honest travel tips

Join me on Facebook for updates and news about Paris.

NEW: The Salut from Paris Travel Guide: