33 reasons why you should visit Paris in Winter 

Last updated on 20th of September 2021 by Lena

If you are wondering if you should visit Paris in Winter, the answer is YES, absolutely!  I know that traveling to Paris in winter may not sound like the most obvious thing to do at first, but I assure you that winter opens up a completely new set of awesome activities in Paris and you will have a great time.

Don’t get me wrong, winter does have its downsides though. Undeniably, it’s rather cold, often rainy, and night sets in early. However, this means as well, that you have plenty of occasions to enjoy the illuminated city, spend time in restaurants and cozy cafés, stroll through museums and browse the shops.

And there are a few more reasons to visit Paris in Winter: It’s less crowded, you are more likely to find cheaper hotel deals and most important: the Christmas season in Paris is magical. Some even consider winter the best time to visit Paris. 

Paris is Winter – A quick guide to your winter trip to Paris!

When is winter in Paris? Winter starts officially on the 21st of December. However, usually, when traveling to Paris during wintertime, November is considered as well. Not without reasons – the cold season has already started and so has the Christmas season. Paris is already beautifully illuminated in Christmas lights and Christmas markets are open as well.

Just keep in mind that Christmas holiday time as well for the French – schools close shortly before Christmas and don’t open again until early January. While winter is generally shoulder season in Paris, Christmas is the high season!

Average temperatures and rainfall in Paris during winter

It can get chilly in Paris, without a question. However, December is usually milder than February, even though more humid. Temperatures in winter are on average between 3°- 9°C  (37°- 48°F). But, I already experienced temperatures as low as -10°C (14°F)  and as high as 15°C (59°F)!

Can I expect snow in Paris in winter? No, I am sorry! Snow in Paris is extremely rare even in Paris in the winter time. It is simply rarely cold enough, so even if it snows, it won’t stay but transforms into grey mud within minutes. Within the past 15 years, I remember only 3 times where we were granted snow that actually stayed – one time was at easter!

What do I need to pack for my Winter trip to Paris? Keeping in mind that the temperatures mentioned above are averages, you absolutely need to pack winter gear! A hat, scarf, fleece jacket, and even potentially long undergarments if you plan to stay longer outside: temperatures can fall far under 0°C (32°F). However, try to dress in layers though – it’s often very warm inside.

Winter days are short in Paris! On the shortest days, the sun is not rising before 8:45 am and it can be dark well before 5 pm.

But even though Paris’ winter will be cold, and probably often grey, wet, and windy, don’t worry! There are so many things to do in Paris, that whether you travel to Paris during the Winter or Summer, you will never run out of activities.

Check the following 33 ideas to know the best things to do in Paris during winter

What are the best things to do in Paris in winter?

Traveling to Paris is always a fantastic experience and winter is especially magical! We collected the best ideas for your trip to Paris, that are perfect for your winter adventure. Know exactly about the best things to do in France in Winter!

Plan ahead for the top sights!

Before you dive in and get inspired, I want to stress out that it is almost mandatory for many activities in Paris to purchase your admission in advance. I know, it kills a bit the spontaneous, easy-going holiday vibe. But there are a few reasons why you should book your tickets in advance

1. Popular sights like the Eiffel Tower or the Catacombs are booked out weeks in advance
2. Covid-19 and social distancing measurements limit visitor numbers. In order to comply, most sights require prebooking.
3. Some ticket booths on site are closed or require you to queue for hours

Hence, I strongly recommend reserving your entrance tickets in advance in order to avoid disappointment and /or wasting time queuing.

Below, I listed the sights that you definitely need to book in advance. For your convenience, I added a link to my most trusted ticket provider:

• The Eiffel Tower – click here for tickets to the summit!
• The Louvre – Click here to see the Mona Lisa
• The Catacombs – click here to enter Paris’ underground
• The Castle of Versailles – book your ticket here

You also can purchase tickets directly on the sights homepages, however, the downside is that they usually don’t have a cancellation policy. While reserving your Paris tickets with get your guide grants you a 24h cancel and refund policy.

33 Ideas for your trip to Paris in the winter

Now that you are covered with everything you need to know when traveling to France in winter, let’s check the fun things to do in Paris!

≡ Put the skates on! – Go ice skating at the most famous locations in Paris

During the winter season, several ice skating rinks are installed all around town and it’s one of the best winter activities in Paris during winter.

The ice skating rink at the Christmas Market at the Tuileries Garden is open, and so is the little rink up the Galeries Lafayette. The latter is free of charge, however, it is not the usual ice but a kind of artificial surface you slide on.

The nicest ice skating rink usually opens in mid-December in the Grand Palais. It is a stunning location and the biggest ice skating rink in Europe!

Dates for 2021 are yet to be announced.

≡ Take a Macaron baking class

Winter is the best time for baking and there is no place better than Paris to learn how to bake delicious Macarons. There are many cooking schools in Paris that are offering this skill, but the best are the following two:

• Macaron Class at Galerie Lafayette (the cheapest) click here for prices and availabilities
• Macarons Class, Tea Time & To-Go box (the best rated) click here for bookings

≡ Visit all the museums in Paris

For convenient visits and free entrances think about getting the Paris Museums Pass.

Visiting a museum is an obvious activity when the weather isn’t great. Luckily there are quite a few great museums in Paris: The Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay, the Picasso Museum, just to name a few.

However, you should purchase your tickets in advance, especially for the Louvre. The ticket queues can be a real-time taker, or depending on the Covid situation even closed! Click here for tickets and rates and reserve your spot.

Tip for visiting the Louvre: Don’t take the outside entrance at the glass pyramid – the waiting times are always longer. Head instead to the underground entrance at the Carrousel du Louvre.  It will be warmer as well while waiting for the security check!  (If you wonder though if it’s cold in the Louvre during winter.. it isn’t!)

The Louvre or the Musée d’Orsay are obvious choices when looking for museums in Paris, but did you hear about those ones?

• Musée des Egouts the museum of the Parisian canalization – the history of sewers from the times of Lutèce until today (closed for renovation – reopening delayed)
• Discover Parisian artifacts from throughout history at the free Musée Carnavalet
• Musée de la Magie an exhibition about magic, illusions, and automats that offers as well magic workshops
• Musée de Montmartre a museum about the history and the artists of Montmartre
• Musée Gourmand du Chocolat – taste your way through 4000 years of chocolate (check here to know more)
• visit  the Fragonard Parfumeur and Museum

If you’re on a budget, don’t miss our guide on free museums in Paris!

I recommend to look into the 2 day Paris Museum Pass that grants you “Skip the Line” access to more than 60 Parisian Museums and activities (Louvre and Musée d’Orsay included) – it’s paying off as soon as you visit 2 museums with priority access: it’s a really good value for money and time, especially if you are only a few days in town! Check here for rates or check out Kasey’s review on the Museums Pass.

≡ take some “me time” at a Spa

There is really nothing better on a cold and rainy Parisian winter day than spending a few relaxing hours in a Spa. Personally, I have been a few times to the Lush Spa and I liked it a lot. You need to book quite in advance though and well, you need to like the scents of the cosmetic manufactury Lush.

For everyone else and also for the more spontaneous traveler I can recommend Massage Concept.  It’s not as fancy but good value for money. I have been there one time and I enjoyed it. The massage was good, the ambiance nice and the location very convenient in the very center of Paris.

For an authentic Hammam experience, you can also take a look at La Grande Mosquée in Paris.

≡ see a cabaret show 

Visiting a cabaret show is one of the big 5 of Paris – a classic “must do” in Paris, especially in winter! Enjoy a show while having dinner and of course: Drink Champagne!

Especially The Dinner Shows at the Moulin Rouge are very popular. Did you know that the more than 125 years old theater is the world’s biggest single buyer of Champagne?

≡ see the parades for the Chinese new year

The Asian quarter in Paris is the largest Chinatown in Europe. So obviously there are parades for the Chinese new year. The biggest one takes place near Place d’Italie, be there early to get a good spot! Good to know: It’s one of the free things to do in Paris in winter.

≡ take a sightseeing tour in a vintage Citroën 2CV!

Winter is not the best season for a classic hop on hop off tour with an open roof bus (to be fair, there are closed ones though) but why not taking advantage of the weather and opt into something special?

Take a private sightseeing tour in a vintage car! ! Click here for more info, rates and options!

≡ explore the covered galleries during winter in Paris

Escape the rain and the cold with a stroll through the covered passages. Most of them are close by so it’s really a good-themed walk through Paris on a wet day. (I found this excellent map a while back and did not find anything better since!)

≡ Take a Seine River Cruise: a great way to stay warm and to enjoy Paris during Winter

Click here directly to see all available tours and prices for the Seine River Cruise

Despite all the clichés, a cruise on the Seine is a VERY nice thing to do and probably one of the most romantic things to do in Paris during the cold season. I lived in Paris for years when I took finally a Bateau Mouche and the change of perspective was simply amazing. Plus, you can sit comfy and warm inside. You could even have dinner there! (click here to know more about our own River Seine Cruise experience)

≡ attend a reading at “Shakespeare and Company”

There are quite a few American book stores in Paris and most of them are hosting regular events like concerts or readings. Check out the programs of Shakespeare and Company,  there is always something going on. Even if your visit is not matching one of their sessions, the stores are well worth a visit!

≡ see a concert

it can be overtaxing to find a good gig, especially in a city like Paris with an uncountable amount of venues, bars, and open mic sessions. Check out the list of Parisian Venues and find the right place for you. Also have a look at the concert calendar, fnac.fr, or Ticketmaster 

≡ have fun at a Pub Quiz

Are you wondering what to do in Paris at night when picnics at the Seine are not an option? Go to the Quiz!!! That tradition is well established in Paris and you find Quiz Nights in basically all Irish, English, and Scottish pubs, but also in a hand full of “not the UK themed” Bars. For example at The Highlander on Sundays

If you fear that a Sunday pub night might not meet your expectations when it comes to a party, join a pub crawl! Click here to secure yourself a spot

≡ put on your coat and have a walk – a classic activity when visiting Paris in the winter season

Winter time in Paris is cold but it’s not really crazy freezing. Put on a winter coat, a scarf, and maybe a bonnet and you’re good to go outside to enjoy the humidity that will crawl up your legs and bones. Nah, don’t worry haha 🙂 Having a walk-in Paris along the Seine, the Bois de Boulogne, or Bois de Vincennes is always nice. Or just walk around Montmartre, the Père Lachaise cemetery, or the Marais. Just get outside, it’s worth it!

≡ go shopping

Sayin’ Paris is decent for shopping is a vast understatement. If the weather is not on your side, check out Les Halles, La Beaugrenelle, or Le 4 Temps at La Defense. Those are the big shopping malls in and around Paris. If you are at La Defense, you can also visit the Grand Arche!

≡ sign up for an Escape Game

It’s not super cheap and you have to book in advance, but it’s a great activity and you have quite some choice in Paris. From Maya Temples, Haunted Manors, Submarines, Japan, Catacombs… you name it. You escape!

(Personally, I am a huge fan of escape rooms and I loved the Assassins Creed escape room and the Japan-themed one!)

≡ take a swim at Aquaboulevard

Paris’ Number 1 water park:  artificial waves, 11 waterslides (some are outside though), wakeboard, and a Caribbean feeling. Aquaboulevard is a good way to spend a day in the warmth, especially if you are traveling to Paris with kids.

≡ have a hot Chocolate at Angelina

Hot chocolate is a remedy for many to counter the cold season. Enjoy it at Angelina; a classic Parisian tea room. They are running a few tea rooms in Paris, but usually, it’s quite popular. Think about reserving a table in advance.

≡ visit an Aquarium

The Aquarium of Paris, just in front of the Eiffel Tower, is the largest in Paris. Apart from fish and more fish (in 43 fish tanks) you get the full program: workshops, movies, animations, shows, you can even pair your visit with a Sunday brunch. However, If this is blowing up your budget, you can visit as well the Aquarium Tropical in the Palais de la Porte Dorée. It’s maybe not as spectacular, but it offers everything that the Aquarium of Paris does; just on a smaller scale. For a fraction of the entrance fee (8€ and free admission for everyone under 26). Kill two birds with one stone: the Palais de la Porte Dorée hosts as well the National Immigration Museum (closed for works until fall 2022)

≡ Enjoy a wine tasting 

France is known to be THE wine country (there is no need to argue about this with any french person!) and Paris is a great place to enjoy a wine tasting. Especially if it’s all cold and grey outside!

Click here for the most popular wine tasting session in Paris and know more about their availabilities

≡ go wild on Paris’ winter sales in mid-January

No matter if you are preparing your shopping tour or just randomly checking out stores; Paris is THE city to hunt for good deals. Check your favorite stores a few days before the Sales begin. They are already prepped for the big day and you will find all items that will be on sale hanging/laying together. Just get back there early on sales day and buy it at a reduced price 🙂

≡ have some Arcade Games at “La Tête dans les Nuages”

No matter if you are 5 or 50, everyone likes to play a pinball game from time to time, right? “La Tête dans les Nuages” is with more than 100 gaming terminals one of the biggest Arcade Center in Paris and a fun way to spend a (rainy) afternoon in Paris. Not only in winter 🙂 and not only for kids and teenagers!

Do you need more tips on how to entertain your children in Paris? Don’t miss my first-hand tips! Check out  my top 10 activities for kids 

≡ take a cooking or pastry class in Paris!

What about a new skill as a souvenir from your Paris trip? Learn how to make Croissants, prepare a Magret de Canard, a Filet Mignon or know how to bake an authentic Baguette!

The countless Parisian cooking classes have for sure something for your taste (and to impress your friends back home!) How about a 3-course Lunch including wine and a market visit? Or maybe you are more up for learning how to bake Macarons?

For more Pastry Classes in Paris, you can check out this post or click here

≡ Play some board games at the “Dernier Bar avant la Fin du Monde”

Rainy days and board games are just a perfect match. Just head over to the Bar at the End of the Universe, have a Mario Bruschetta, a Death Star Cocktail, and pick a board game from their library. Oh, and don’t forget to take a picture on the Iron Throne or a Selfie with R2D2!

≡ Go to the Movies

Yes, you could do that at home. But there is more to it than the big and modern cinemas like UGC, Cinema Gaumont or MK2. Paris has a variety of small and/or old movie theatres, that are worth experiencing. Have a look at the Cinema Luxor, Le Grand Rex or La Filmothèque du Quartier Latin. If you are not up for a french movie, check for VOST or VO to see a movie in the original language. Or what about a rather artistic approach to the cinema? Then you should not miss La Peniche Cinema.

What to do in Paris in December?

Are you visiting Paris in December 2021 or even planning to celebrate Christmas in Paris?  There are of course Christmas events going on all over town, read on to know what special Christmas-related activities you can do in Paris!

If you are staying over New Year,  know what’s open on New Year’s Day in Paris! 

≡ go to a Paris Christmas Market while visiting Paris in December

Christmas Markets are rather a tradition known in the east of France, but since some years they are becoming more and more popular in Paris as well. The biggest Christmas Market in Paris is installed usually at La Défense. However, you can find smaller ones although around Montmartre, Trocadero, and Saint Germain. Visiting a Christmas market is one of the best things to do in Paris in December.

For now, there are now dates announced for the Christmas Markets in 2021.

Did you know that the oldest Christmas Market in Europe – and also one of the nicest – is less than 2h away? If you’re keen to get the full Christmas experience, check this post and know how to take a day trip to Strasbourg!

≡ enjoy the Christmas events at Disneyland Paris

It’s likely you always dreamed about visiting Disneyland and maybe you have it already on your Paris must-do agenda. But know that they are running special events for Halloween and Christmas that you don’t wanna miss! For many Disney is a must when visiting Paris around those events.

≡ see the festive Christmas displays at the big department stores

A must-do for many Christmas fans in Paris is the visit to the big department stores. Not only because the facades of Gallery Lafayette, Le Bon Marche, Printemps Haussmann, and BHV are illuminated! The window displays are revealing whole worlds of Christmas scenes with animated figures, wrapped gifts, and everything that goes with it. If you are already at the Galeries Lafayette, don’t miss their excellent food hall! Click here to know more about it!

≡ see the Christmas tree at the Galarie Lafayette

If you are following Paris-related social media channels, you will notice that there is barely another topic by the end of November than the Christmas Tree at the Galerie Lafayette, and the big question: What is the theme of this year?!

The gigantic tree is always stunning and something you shouldn’t miss at all.

≡ Learn how to cook a traditional French Christmas Dinner 

Did you ever wish you could cook a french dish as a real French Chef would cook it? That’s your chance! Take a cooking class in Paris and learn from a professional french Chef how to cook a 3-course Christmas Dinner from scratch! Click here for more information

≡ Enjoy the Christmas decorations and illuminations all over Paris

During Christmas, many Parisian streets are decorated and beautifully illuminated. The most famous illuminations are along the Champs Elysées, but you find them within every neighborhood. For example in the Rue Montorgeuil or the Rue Daguerre. Those streets are excellent places as well to buy french specialties as they are home to many delis.

What to do in Paris on Christmas Day?

If you celebrate Christmas day in Paris, you have many options to make this day a very memorable one. However, know that many sights and museums are closed on Christmas Day, not the Eiffel Tower though!

≡ Have a Bûche de Noel

The traditional French Christmas cake! A Bûche de Noel is a Yule log made out of sponge cake with buttercream, icing, or/and ganache.

≡ Have a Dinner on Christmas Eve at a Cabaret!

If you are celebrating Christmas Eve in Paris and are looking for a very festive and unique way of spending this special day, check out the Cabarets! Many are hosting special events on Christmas Eve with a festive dinner, Champagne, and of course the famous Cabaret show.

Tip: Those shows are insanely popular and quickly sold out, reserve your spot quick. If you want to be on the safe side, some shows are offering free cancellations up to 24h before the show

≡ attend a Christmas concert

During Christmas in Paris, many classical concerts and chorals are taking place in Paris. Click here to know what’s going on where and purchase your tickets.

≡ Have a Christmas Dinner Cruise on the Seine on Christmas Day!

A very special way of celebrating Christmas day in Paris – or Christmas eve – is on board of a ship! Take a Cruise on the Seine and enjoy a festive 5-course Christmas dinner while enjoying the beautiful view over the illuminated Paris by night.

This tour got very good reviews last year 🙂

≡ Attend a Christmas Mass in Paris

Parisian churches are obviously celebrating Christmas and you can choose whether you want to go to one of the big churches like the Basilika Sacré Coeur or Saint Sulpice, or attend a service at a local church.

Basilique de Sacré Coeur service times

Christmas Eve

• 10 pm: Organ concert
• 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

Do you need more ideas for your upcoming winter trip to Paris? Or maybe ideas about how to spend those sunny, clear, and cold winter days? Check out our 80 insider tips to explore Paris as a local would. Don’t miss our seasonal Paris guides either, if you are unsure when it’s best to travel to Paris.

If you have any questions about Paris or need some advice and how to plan your trip, don’t hesitate to reach out!  I created a Facebook group for this matter and I am available to help you out! Click here to join the Salut from Paris Facebook group!

Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. This means – at no additional cost for you – I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. I am independent and the opinions expressed here are my own.

Not winter yet? Pin it now and find it back later!