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

Thinking about visiting Paris at Christmas but not sure if it’s worth it? I hear that a lot. The crowds, the weather, the endless things to see — it can sound like too much. But after many winters here, I can tell you it’s one of the most memorable times to experience the city.

Every year, I still stop by Galeries Lafayette to see the Christmas tree, head to the rooftop for that Eiffel Tower view, and grab a warm drink in the covered passages nearby.

The holiday season in Paris has its own rhythm. It’s busy and bright, yet somehow still cozy — cafés buzzing, lights reflecting on wet pavements, the smell of roasted chestnuts 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.

How’s the weather in Paris at Christmas?  

Let’s start with the truth: a white Christmas in Paris is unlikely. December isn’t freezing, just wet. If rain ruins your mood, this might not be your month.

Temperatures usually range from 4°C to 8°C (39–46°F) and can dip below zero at night. Paris also gets some of its highest rainfall in December.

The upside? It rarely rains all day. Showers come and go, and there’s so much to do indoors that you’ll hardly mind. Dress in layers, keep an umbrella handy, and the weather won’t stop you from enjoying the city.

How to dress & what to pack for Paris during Christmas?

Packing for Paris in December means preparing for shifting temperatures and occasional rain. It can be cold outside, yet surprisingly warm indoors — cafés and museums are often overheated.

The best approach is layering and keeping light rain gear close at hand.

→ My Local Tip: I always keep a small tote in my bag to tuck away my hat, scarf, or jacket when I’m indoors for a while. Simple, but it makes a big difference.

You’ll find more affordable versions, but check the wool content — the less Merino, the lower the quality. My favorites are these ones.

It’s High Season: Book your Attraction Tickets in Advance

I know it takes away some of the spontaneous holiday feeling, but honestly — buy your tickets in advance. Christmas is high season in Paris, and popular sights sell out fast.

Even when last-minute tickets are available, the lines are long. Booking ahead saves you hours you’d rather spend enjoying the city.

Here’s a list with sights that sell out the quickest:

• Louvre – avoid the ticket queues in December: Book here ┃or here at Viator
• Eiffel Tower – head up to the summit: GetYourGuide  ┃or here at Viator
• Château de Versailles – queues onsite all year round: GetYourGuide ┃or here
• Musée d’Orsay – booked out days in advance: secure your spot here

You can also book tickets directly on each attraction’s website, but most don’t offer refunds or changes. If you prefer maintaining a bit of flexibility, platforms like GetYourGuide usually include free cancellation up to 24 hours before your visit.

Christmas in Paris: Here are the Best Things to Do

Paris in winter can be cold, grey, and sometimes windy — 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 Market

Christmas markets started as a tradition in eastern France and Germany, but in recent years they’ve become a big part of Paris too. According to the Tourism Office of Paris, there are now more than 27 markets across the city.

Most open by the first weekend of December, though some start as early as mid-November. Here are the most popular ones to visit:

The most popular Christmas Markets in Paris are these ones:

• Christmas in the Tuileries: 15th of November to 4th of January
• Notre-Dame Christmas Market: 28th of November to 25th of December
• Christmas Village at La Défense: 13th November to 28th December
• Christmas Village at La Villette: 20rd November to 28th December
• Alsatian Christmas Market: 28th November to 14. December

ATTENTION: Christmas Markets are a popular place for PICKPOCKETS! Read this article and know how to prevent getting scammed. 

The largest Christmas market is usually at La Défense, but you’ll also find smaller, charming ones in Montmartre, Trocadéro, and Saint-Germain. Strolling through a market with a cup of mulled wine in hand is one of the best things to do in Paris in December.

Did you know the oldest Christmas market in Europe — and one of the most beautiful — is less than two hours from Paris? If you want the full festive experience, consider a day trip to Strasbourg. You’ll find all the details in my guide.

#2 Cruise on the Seine: Admire the Illuminated Paris

Quick Link: Click here to book your cruise

Treat yourself to something special and take a night cruise on the Seine. You’ll see Paris at its best — the monuments glowing, the reflections dancing on the water — and you can lean back with a glass of Champagne if you like.

A simple sightseeing cruise is perfect if you just want to enjoy the city lights. But for something more festive, consider an illuminated dinner cruise instead.

#3 Tour Christmassy Paris with a Local

With a local on your side, you can be sure to make the most of your trip to Paris during Christmastime. You will not only explore corners you normally wouldn’t have set foot in, but you also get interesting insider stories, anecdotes and so much Christmas cheer.

Luckily, a few local guides know exactly how to show you the best of Paris at Christmas — the hidden spots, the stories behind the lights, and the quieter corners most visitors miss.

Tour	Area	Price
Paris Christmas Gourmet Food Tour	Central Paris	view
Paris at Christmas Bike Tour	Center	view
St.Germain-de-Près Christmas Gourmet Tour	Saint-Germain	view

#4 Buy Christmas Ornaments in Paris

Paris is full of beautiful Christmas decorations, especially in its department stores. I especially love the selection at the Bon Marché — the upper floor turns into a display of themed trees covered in elegant ornaments.

You’ll also find charming and more playful decorations at the city’s Christmas markets, perfect for a small keepsake to bring home.

#5 Enjoy Disneyland Paris at Christmas

→ My Local Tip: If you’re planning to visit in December, go ahead and book now — it’ll sell out fast.

If Disneyland has been on your Paris list, Christmas is one of the best times to go. The park is beautifully decorated, full of festive music and lights — a real treat if you’re a Disney fan.

Weekdays are usually quieter, with shorter queues. And getting there is simple: Disneyland is an easy day trip from Paris by train.

For more tips on planning your visit, take a look at these guides:

• 15 Quick Tips for Visiting Disneyland Paris
• How to get from Paris to Disneyland
• Disneyland to the Eiffel Tower – How to get there Best

#6 Take an Open Bus Tour to see the Illuminations

-> Secure your spot and book here

To see all the Christmas lights without rushing around, join a sightseeing bus tour. It’s an easy way to admire the city’s best decorations and enjoy the sparkle from a cozy seat.

You’ll pass Paris’s most festive spots and get a great view of the illuminations — just don’t forget a warm coat.

Click here for more information and schedules for your Christmas lights bus tour.

#7 See the Festive Christmas Displays at the Big Department Stores

Visiting the big department stores is a must for anyone in Paris at Christmas. The facades of aleries Lafayette, Le Bon Marche, Printemps Haussmann, and BHV glow with lights, while their window displays tell little Christmas stories with moving figures and sparkling scenes.

If you stop by Galeries Lafayette, take a moment to explore their excellent food hall Galeries Lafayette Gourmet too — it’s a perfect spot for festive treats or gifts.

#8 Learn how to Cook a Traditional French Christmas Dinner 

Ever wanted to cook like a French chef? This is your chance. Join a cooking class in Paris and learn how to prepare a full three-course Christmas dinner from scratch — with plenty of local tips along the way. Click here for more information

#9 Admire the Christmas Tree at the Galeries Lafayette

If you follow any Paris accounts on social media, you’ll see the same buzz every November — the reveal of the Christmas Tree at the Galeries Lafayette and the question everyone asks: what’s this year’s theme?

The tree is always spectacular and absolutely worth seeing in person. It’s usually unveiled around November 15, and yes, I always go check it out right away.

Here’s the tree from 2021:

→ My Local Tip: When you visit Galeries Lafayette to see the Christmas tree, leave a bit of extra time for the rooftop terrace. It’s free to access and offers one of the best panoramic viewpoints in Paris — including a perfect shots of the Eiffel Tower..

#10 Enjoy the Christmas Decorations and Illuminations

All across Paris, streets light up for Christmas — not just the Champs-Élysées. You’ll find beautiful illuminations in almost every neighborhood.

Stroll through Rue Montorgueil, Rue Daguerre, or Bercy Village for a more local feel. These streets are also great for picking up French specialties, with plenty of small delis and shops to browse.

#11 Go Ice Skating

Christmas in Paris means ice-skating season. Rinks pop up all over the city, from small neighborhood spots to big festive venues. In 2024, the largest were at the Grand Palais and Parc André Citroën — and the Grand Palais rink is set to return in 2025.

In past years, Paris has even hosted rinks on rooftops, including Tour Montparnasse and Galeries Lafayette — skating with a view doesn’t get more Parisian than that. For 2025, the one on the Galeries Lafayette Rooftop will have it’s return as well.

#12 Visit the Bon Marché

The Bon Marché is the perfect stop if you’re hunting for Christmas gifts in Paris. This elegant department store in the 7th arrondissement is ideal for both gourmet treats and high-end shopping, and it’s one of the best places to find original ornaments.

Just be warned — it’s easy to lose your bearings. The store spans several buildings linked by covered walkways, so take your time exploring.

#13 Stroll through the Covered Galeries of Paris

→ here’s the complete guide to the covered passages including exact adresses (+map)

Did you know there were once more than a hundred covered galleries across Paris? These elegant arcades, with their glass roofs and mosaic floors, were the city’s first shopping malls — places where Parisians could stroll, shop, and stay dry on rainy days.

Today, about twenty remain, perfect for a winter walk. Galerie Vivienne is the most famous, lined with vintage bookshops and cafés, while Passage du Grand Cerf and Passage des Panoramas are equally charming.

→ My Local Tip: one of Paris’s best speakeasy bars hides inside one of these passages — you’ll find all the details in this post.

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What to do in Paris on Christmas Day?

If you’re spending Christmas Day in Paris, there are plenty of ways to make it special. Just note that many museums and sights close for the holiday.

The Eiffel Tower stays open, though — and it gets busy. → Book your tickets in advance to skip the long lines.

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#14 Enjoy a festive Christmas Dinner on Christmas Eve at a Cabaret!

Click here to know which Cabarets in Paris are the best

If you’re spending Christmas Eve in Paris and want to celebrate in style, consider a cabaret. Many venues host special Christmas dinners with Champagne, music, and their signature show — a festive mix you won’t forget.

→ My Local Tip: These shows sell out fast. Book early, and if you prefer flexibility, look for ones offering free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

Very popular are – of course – the Christmas Show at the Moulin Rouge, but also at the Paradis Latin.

#15 Take a Panoramic Christmas Dinner Cruise

A special way to spend Christmas Eve or Christmas Day in Paris is on a dinner cruise along the Seine. You’ll enjoy a festive meal while gliding past the city’s illuminated landmarks — a mix of celebration and quiet beauty.

Here’s a selection of the most popular events — don’t wait too long, tables go fast.

• Seine Cruise with 5-Course Christmas Dinner – reserve your table here
• Christmas Special Lunch Cruise – book your table here

#16 Have a Bûche de Noel

The Bûche de Noël is the classic French Christmas dessert — a sponge cake rolled and filled with buttercream, ganache, or icing to look like a Yule log. It’s a staple of every holiday table in France.

While full-size versions are made for families, most bakeries sell smaller ones throughout December — perfect for a sweet treat after a winter walk.

#17 Attend a Christmas Candlelight Concert

→ Here’s the full program with booking & dates

During Christmas, Paris fills with classical concerts and choir performances, often held in its most beautiful churches and historic halls.

But if you’re up for something truly special, try a candlelight concert. It’s exactly what it sounds like — music performed by candlelight, creating an atmosphere that feels timeless.

These concerts take place in different venues across the city, with various themes and musicians, so you can easily find one that suits your taste.

Some are even hosted on the Eiffel Tower, offering an unforgettable mix of music and view.

#18 Attend a Christmas Mass in Paris

Parisian churches celebrate Christmas with beautiful services, from grand midnight masses to quiet neighborhood gatherings. You can attend one of the larger ones — like Basilica Sacré Coeur or Sacré-Cœur or Saint-Sulpice — or choose a smaller local church for a more intimate experience.

Basilique de Sacré Coeur service times:

Christmas Eve

• 11 pm: Sung Christmas vigil
• Midnight: Midnight Mass

Christmas Day

• Mass: 7 am, 11 am, 6 pm, and 10 pm.
• Vespers: 4 pm

Tip: arrive at least 30 minutes early

#19 Have a Christmas Dinner in a Brasserie

Many classic Paris brasseries open on Christmas Day — Brasserie Lipp, La Coupole, Bouillon Julien, Le Procope, Au Pied de Cochon. It’s a festive, no-stress way to celebrate over oysters, roast dishes, and good wine. Oysters? Yes! They are often eaten at Christmas in France.

Tables disappear fast, though. Reservations are essential — watch their booking calendars and grab a spot as soon as it opens.

Wrapping Up: Christmas in Paris

Christmas in Paris is both messy and magical — crowded streets, twinkling lights, cold hands wrapped around a hot drink. It’s not about perfect weather; it’s about atmosphere.

If you plan well, you’ll skip the stress and enjoy what makes this time so special — festive markets, long dinners, and quiet winter walks that remind you why Paris steals hearts year after year.

So book those tickets early, pack warm layers, and give yourself time to slow down between the big sights. Whether you’re watching the tree at Galeries Lafayette, cruising the Seine, or sitting in a brasserie on Christmas Day, you’ll see why this season has its own kind of charm.