Are you thinking about visiting Paris at Christmas? That’s an excellent choice!
Paris is always a good idea but it gets even better at Christmas time!
Winter in general is a great season to explore Paris and France. It’s less crowded and you can truly experience the magic of Christmas in France.
Christmas markets, lights, activities, delicious food… Paris for Christmas, it’s the full package!
In this article, we tell you everything you need to know to plan your trip to Paris for Christmas.
This includes what to expect in terms of weather, what to pack and of course, the best things to do in Paris at Christmas.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost for you!
Weather in Paris for Christmas
The average temperature in Paris in December is between 3°C and 7°C (37F to 45F). This means that you need to be prepared for cold weather.
It’s also important to note that December is quite a wet month in Paris. It’s very common to have rainy days so make sure you are prepared for that.
When it comes to snow, it usually comes at the beginning of the year but we had some white Christmas in Paris before so it’s not impossible!
What to pack for visiting Paris at Christmas
It’s important to pack well when visiting Paris for Christmas.
Ultimately, it’s not insanely cold or wet so there is nothing to worry about but if you have the appropriate clothing, this will truly enhance your stay.
Here are a few items you will need to pack to visit Paris at Christmas time:
- Flat Leather boots: Paris is known for its cobblestones. Wearing flat and comfortable shoes is essential, regardless of the season. In winter, opt for leather boots so they keep your feet warm and comfy.
- Winter coat: Wearing a good winter coat is super important. If possible, opt for one with a hood so you are covered in case it rains.
- Scarf and hat: The French love their scarves and hats and that for a reason, they are the perfect accessories. Not only will they keep you warm but they can also easily be taken off when you enter warmer places like the metro or a cafe.
- Layers. There is nothing like layers to fight cold weather. Instead of taking the warmest clothes you can find, take several layers of clothes (T-shirts, jumpers….). This is more practical as you will be ready for all sorts of temperatures.
READ MORE: What to Wear in Paris in December: Ultimate Packing List & Insider Tips
Where to stay in Paris at Christmas
Paris is usually less busy in winter which gives you more choices in terms of accommodation however, Christmas time can be quite busy so it’s important for you to book in advance.
Here are the best areas to stay in Paris at Christmas:
The 1st and 9th arrondissements are perfect for shoppers. You will be in the heart of Paris and can easily reach the Galeries Lafayette, le Louvre and La Place Vendome.
Here are some recommendations of places to stay in the 1st and 9th arrondissements:
- Hôtel Thérèse is a chic 4-star hotel just next to the beautiful Jardin du Palais Royal (which is an Emily in Paris filming location by the way) and Le Louvre. The interior decor is absolutely stunning. You’ll love taking photos in this hotel. See prices.
- Le Basile Hôtel is an elegant hotel located in the 9th arrondissement, near the Palais Garnier. It’s the perfect location for sightseeing and shopping. See prices.
- Renaissance Paris Vendome Hotel is located in the 1st arrondissement. It’s a 4-star hotel with an indoor swimming pool, a sauna and a fantastic restaurant. See prices.
The 7th arrondissement is ideal for people who dream of Eiffel Tower views. You will be a bit further from all the other landmarks but don’t worry about that, it’s only a short metro ride away.
Here are some recommendations of places to stay in the 7th arrondissement:
- Hôtel Le Walt is located at the very end of the Champs de Mars and boasts one of the best views of the Eiffel Tower. It’s a luxury 4-star hotel with fantastic rooms, views and a private garden terrace. See prices.
- Derby Alma is one of the most Instagrammable hotels in Paris. The interior decor is absolutely stunning. It’s very close to the Eiffel tower and you can enjoy the views from the balcony. See prices.
- Hotel Relais Bosquet is a cute and quaint hotel in the 7th arrondissement. It has a little garden, breakfast is included and you can see the top of the Eiffel Tower from the balcony. See prices.
The 8th arrondissement is perfect for people who want the best location ever. It’s where you will find the famous Golden Triangle, the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs Elysées. It’s perfect for people who want luxury, Christmas lights and designer shops.
This is also where you will find the most luxurious hotels in Paris.
Here are some recommendations of places to stay in the 8th arrondissement:
- Hôtel Vernet Champs Elysées Paris is a 5-star hotel located in Rue Vernet, right by the Champs Elysées and the Arc de Triomphe. The rooms are spacious and luxurious. It’s also home to a glass dome that was designed by Gustave Eiffel. See prices.
- Hôtel Barrière Le Fouquet‘s is located on Avenue George V. In terms of location, it doesn’t get any better than that. You’ll be able to enjoy the views of the illuminations on the Champs Elysées and the Arc de Triomphe. See prices here.
Montmartre is perfect for couples and travellers who love the picturesque side of Paris. You won’t find as many hotels here but you will find many cute flats. They are called ateliers d’artistes and used to be apartments where artists would create their pieces back in the days.
Here are some recommendations of places to stay in Montmartre:
- Ateliers de Montmartre is a cute guest house, perfect for couples. The bathroom is beautiful and there is a bathtub. See prices.
- The Luminous appartement close to the Sacred Heart is a 2-bedroom flat in Montmartre. It’s perfect for small families or groups of friends. See prices.
Looking for budget accommodation in Paris? Opt for one of the fantastic hostels in the Latin Quarter or the Marais:
- Oops! Latin quarter by Hiphophostels is particularly affordable and great value for money. The Latin Quarter is one of the cutest neighbourhoods in Paris so it’s an excellent location as well. See prices.
- MIJE Marais is a fantastic hostel in the Marais. It’s a bit more expensive than your traditional hostel but it’s also very unique. See prices.
Things to do in Paris at Christmas
Now that you know how to plan your Christmas trip to Paris, it’s time to dive into it and discover the best things to do in Paris at Christmas.
1. Guided tour of Paris at Christmas
The best way to experience Christmas in Paris and discover the best spots is to opt for a Christmas tour.
There are many things to discover and the local guides know exactly where to bring you.
Not only will you be sure not to miss anything but it’s also a great way to learn more about the Christmas traditions in France.
Christmas is big in France and there is a lot to know about it. The local guides are French so they will tell you a lot about the local traditions. This will help you understand more everything that is happening during the rest of your stay.
There are 2 main tours you can take in Paris at Christmas:
- Christmas in Paris tour. This one covers mainly the Champs Elysées & the Arc de Triomphe area. You will discover the majestic lights on Paris’ most famous avenue, the luxury stores and even get some macarons from Ladurée. See prices here.
- Paris Christmas Private tour. This private tour is a bit more expensive but it’s very good value for money as you will truly get to discover the best Christmas spots in Paris. You will be exploring the city both by car and on foot, riding the Ferris Wheel, enjoying a delicious mulled wine and discovering Le Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, and the Champs Elysees and the Galeries Lafayette. See Prices here.
2. Visiting the Christmas markets in Paris
Who says Christmas says markets!
If you love discovering cute Christmas markets, you will be in for a treat in Paris!
There are so many amazing Christmas markets in Paris and you can easily spend your entire stay exploring them if you want to.
Here are the best Christmas markets in Paris:
- Jardin Des Tuileries Christmas Market. This one is particularly famous for its location as it’s between the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde, two iconic locations that you should check out anyway. It’s the largest Christmas market in Paris so you can be sure to find pretty much anything you need.
- Village de Noël at Châtelet – Les Halles. This one is a bit of a hidden gem to be honest as it’s located in the commercial centre of Les Halles. While all Parisians know about it, tourists tend to completely miss it. It;s not that big but you will find a few cute stands here.
- Abbesses Christmas Market. If you are looking for a Christmas market in Montmartre, the one on the Place des Abbesses will be perfect for you. Not only is it located in one of the cutest part of Paris but you will also get to discover one of Paris’ most Instagrammable metro station, Abbesses. This market is ideal for foodies as you will find hot chocolates, mulled wines and even some escargots!
- Saint-Germain-des-Prés Market. Located in the 6th arrondissement, this one is perfect for people looking for luxury presents and french food. There is a wide selection of food stands and it’s not limited to Parisian food. You will find people from all over the country here. It’s a great opportunity to try some delicious and authentic French food.
WANT TO MAKE THE BEST OUT OF IT? Opt for a Christmas Gourmet Tour of St-Germain-des-Prés. You will be with a local guide that specialises in winter tour.
With him / her, you will discover the most delicious French food.
This tour is perfect for foodies especially since it includes food and drink tastings.
3. Discovering the Christmas Lights in Paris
Paris is known for its beautiful Christmas lights. Each year, Parisians and visitors come to the city to admire the sumptuous “illuminations de Noël”.
They are usually installed in November and taken down in January which means you don’t need to visit Paris in December to actually get to enjoy the lights.
The most famous ones are located on:
- Avenue des Champs-Élysées
- Montmartre. They are everywhere throughout the district so the best way to experience them is to walk around the neighbourhood.
- Avenue Montaigne
- Place Vendôme
- Bercy Village
But that’s not all! These are only the “normal” Christmas lights. You can also find light projections at the place de la Bastille and Place de la Concorde.
Basically, when Christmas comes around, Paris becomes, more than ever, the City of lights!
Please note that if you are visiting Paris in November, you can get to see the official inauguration of the Christmas lights. It usually includes a show by a famous French singer and all the lights are turned on at once. It’s quite a cool thing to do!
WANT TO DISCOVER MORE? Join the Open-Top Christmas Lights Bus Tour. It will take you all around Paris to discover the most beautiful and sparkling streets and buildings. See prices here.
4. Watching a Christmas Show at the Moulin Rouge
Paris is the city of Cabarets and the Moulin Rouge is, by far, the most famous one.
When Christmas comes around, all the Cabarets in the city start their Christmas shows.
They are called “Soirées de Noël” and are a true Parisian institution.
If you are looking for a unique thing to do in Paris at Christmas, make sure to go to one of these show!
To do that, you will need to book online. The Moulin Rouge is extremely famous and tickets can sold out quickly.
The evening includes the cabaret show (and yes there is some French Can Can) and a delicious dinner.
The Moulin Rouge puts together an incredible Christmas dinner that is both traditional and fits the character of the cabaret.
They also offer vegetarian and pescatarian menus.
No matter what you choose, you can be sure to have a fantastic evening!
Pro tip: If the Moulin Rouge has sold out, you can also opt for one of the other cabarets such as the Folies Bergère.
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE PRICES OF THE CHRISTMAS SHOW AT THE MOULIN ROUGE.
5. Seeing the Christmas tree of Notre Dame
If you love discovering beautiful Christmas trees, head straight to Notre Dame!
Not only is Notre-Dame one of the most famous landmarks in Paris but it’s also home to a fantastic Christmas tree.
It’s located on the square, right in front of the cathedral. You can easily get there with the metro (Station St Michel Notre Dame) and take beautiful photos.
6. Christmas Shopping in Paris & Christmas Window Displays
Paris is one of the world’s fashion capitals so when it comes to shopping, you will be spoilt for choice.
This is no different at Christmas.
As a matter of fact, it gets even better!
Paris shops, commercial centres and “Grands Magasins”are famous for putting together some of the best Christmas displays in the world!
Here are the ones you should check out:
- Galeries Lafayette. The Galeries Lafayette are the most famous shop in Paris and they don’t spare anything at Christmas. Firstly, you will find an incredible Christmas tree inside. This is particularly impressive as it goes up to the ceiling of the Haussmann store. They also have an incredible Christmas Window display on. Finally, make sure to also walk up to the rooftop as it boasts some of the best views of Paris.
Pro tip: Go on the rooftop in the evening so you get to see Paris illuminated.
- Bercy Village. This commercial centre located in the 12th arrondissement becomes a true Winter wonderland in December. It’s an excellent place to visit if you are looking for things to do in Paris at Christmas with kids. There are lights everywhere, Santa Village (and yes, you can meet Santa here) and some Christmas shows on the weekends.
- Printemps Haussmann. The Printemps Haussmann is also putting on a magnificent Christmas window display. It’s very famous and can get pretty busy but well worth it.
- Bon Marché Rive Gauche. If you love Christmas trees, make sure to head they are literally everywhere!
If Christmas shopping in Paris is something of interest to you, you should consider joining a festive shopping tour.
The local guide will take you to the most charming covered passages, the “Grands Magasins” and their beautiful windows as well as in places where you can eat some delicious French Christmas snacks.
7. Discovering the covered passages
Although you can visit them all year round, the covered passages in Paris get even better at Christmas time.
There is something pretty magical about these little covered alleys full of small shops and when Christmas comes around, they are all decorated with lights and Christmas trees.
Not only is it super cute but you will also find very unique Christmas gifts here.
It’s also a great place to visit if you like to stay away from the crowds as most of them are true Paris hidden gems.
Here are the best ones to visit:
- Galerie Vivienne
- Passage des Panoramas
- Passage Jouffroy
- Passage du Caire
8. Discovering the beautiful Nativity scenes
Nowadays, France might be a secular country but it still kept its strong catholic heritage
For this reason, you will find many nativity scenes in Paris.
In French, they are called “Crèches” and they represent the birth of Jesus. Some of them are more traditional than others. Regardless, they are all beautiful things to see and something you shouldn’t miss!
Here is where to find the best ones:
- Madeleine church
- Notre Dame Cathedral
- Basilique Sacre-Coeur (Montmatre)
- Saint-Germain L’Auxerrois
- Saint-Sulpice
9. Seeing a ballet at the Palais Garnier
Although that’s something you can do all year round, there is something pretty magical about the idea of seeing a ballet in Paris at Christmas.
If that’s something you’d like to do, head to the Palais Garnier (also known as Opera Garnier). It’s the most famous and prettiest opera house in Paris.
It’s often featured in movies and TV shows, including Emily in Paris.
In December, not only does it host incredible ballet performances but the whole opera house becomes a bit of a winter wonderland. Christmas trees, decorations … it’s so pretty and unique!
If you want to experience Paris and do things like the locals, that should be on your bucket list.
You can check out the program and buy tickets on the official website.
10. French Christmas Dinner Cooking Class
If you are a foodie who wants to discover what traditional Christmas food is like, you should consider joining a cooking class.
Not only will you be spending time with a local chef that will teach you how to make authentic Christmas french food but you will have so much fun doing it!
Once everything is done, you will of course get to enjoy your dinner!
The activity lasts 3.5 hours and includes the meal, which is good value for money.
Here is what the menu includes: velouté, supreme of guinea fowl, cheese and yule log.
Click here to see the latest prices.
11. Ice Skating in Paris
One of the best things about visiting Paris in winter is that there are ice rinks everywhere.
Ice-rinks are called “patinoires” in French. You will see them in many places. Most of them are pop-up outdoor ice-rinks but you can also find some indoor ones. This is perfect for people looking for cheap things to do in Paris at Christmas.
They are usually quite affordable and some of them are even free!
More importantly, they are placed in very convenient locations, near the famous landmarks.
This means that you can have fun while enjoying the views! What else can we ask for!
Here are some of the best ice-rinks in Paris:
- Patinoire du Champs de Mars / Tour Eiffel. Located on the Champs de Mars, at the bottom of the Eiffel Tower this is one of the most scenic ice-rinks in the city. You can access it for free but will have to pay to hire the skates. Definitely a great place for people who love the Eiffel Tower.
- Patinoire des jardins du Trocadéro. Located in the Trocadéro gardens, this is another scenic ice-rink as it boasts fantastic views of the Eiffel tower. Unlike the previous one, you will have to pay an entrance fee to access it.
- Patinoire du Grand Palais. This is the most famous ice-rink in Paris as it’s also the largest indoor ice-rink in Europe. It’s 3,000 square metres! It’s located under the glass vault of the Grand Palais, near the Champs Elysees. The entrance is not that cheap (around 20 euros) but you are in for an experience like no others.
- Patinoire Galeries Lafayette. This is another unique ice-rink in Paris as it’s located
12. Christmas at Disneyland Paris
If Disney is the happiest place in the world, then just picture what Christmas at Disney is like! Magical? Yes! That’s exactly what it is.
Disneyland Paris organises many Christmas events and no matter what, you can be sure of one thing: you are in for an enchanting visit.
It’s very easy to visit Disneyland from Paris. You can take a train to the park.
Make sure to book your tickets online and in advance. See prices here.
Disney’s Enchanted Christmas usually runs from mid-December to the beginning of January.
You will find an incredible collection of twinkling trees, snow falling on Main Street USA, a giant Christmas tree on the Town Square and the Disney Christmas village.
They also organise special Christmas activities such as Christmas selfies with Donald, Christmas shows, Santa’s workshop …
Click here to see the latest prices.
13. Going to a Christmas Eve Service in Paris
As previously mentioned, the catholic heritage in France is still very much present at Christmas time and one of the best examples of that is the Christmas Eve service.
These masses are called “messe de minuit” in French which means midnight mass.
Thankfully, most of them are not at midnight anymore however, they are still pretty late in the evening and that truly adds to the magic.
The Christmas Eve Service is the best mass you can attend in Paris. The lights, the candles, the singing… Everything about it is truly enchanting.
If that’s something you are interested in, here are the best Christmas Eve Services in Paris:
- Sacré Coeur in Montmartre
- Notre Dame
- Église Saint Eustache
- Église Saint Sulpice
14. Visiting the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte
Located about 50 minutes from Paris city centre, the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte is a stunning Baroque chateau that offers one of the most incredible Christmas spectacle in France.
Each year, when December approaches, the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte becomes a true winter wonderland.
Stunning illuminations, decorated gardens, carriage rides… Everything Christmas is here!
It will make you feel like you just stepped into a fairytale!
It will be a magical experience for both adults and children.
Also, it’s a great day trip idea for people who want to get away from the city for a bit.
Make sure to book your tickets online and in advance to be sure to get in.
Click here to see the latest prices.
15. Eating Yule Logs
The Yule Log is the traditional Christmas dessert in France.
As the name may suggest, it is a cake in the shape of a log.
It can have all sorts of flavours including coffee, chocolate, raspberry, passion fruit and plenty more!
This is not street food which means it’s unlikely you’d find it in a Christmas market however, it’s as traditional as it gets.
If you want to truly experience Christmas in France, you must get one.
The easiest way to do that is to go to a boulangerie patisserie. They always sell some in December.
Usually, they are quite big as they are meant to feed between 4 and 10 people but most patissiers also do mini versions.
Just walk in and look for a small patisserie shaped like a log or ask for a “petite buche de Noel”.
Alternatively, you can choose to go on a pastry tour of Paris. This tour runs all year round but the guides make sure to include some Christmas treats at this time of the year.
16. Night dinner cruise in Paris
There is no better way to see the city of lights than from the river Seine. If you are looking for the ultimate romantic experience in Paris for Christmas, book a dinner cruise on the Seine.
You will be on one of the famous bateaux mouches (Parisian riverboats) and cruise along the river Seine while admiring the beautiful views of Paris illuminated.
Although that’s a great thing to do all year round, it gets even more magical at Christmas time as you will get to see Paris decorated.
Amongst the landmarks you will get to see, you’ll find the Eiffel tower, le Louvre and Notre Dame.
Finally, you will also be getting a delicious 4-course dinner with live music.
17. Taking a day trip (or weekend trip) to Strasbourg
Strasbourg is another French city situated in Alsace, near the border with Germany.
Although it’s not that close to Paris, it’s well worth a visit if you love all things Christmas.
Strasbourg is the French Christmas capital. It’s home to one of the best Christmas markets in the world.
As you stroll around this cute city, you will feel like you’ve just stepped into a fairytale.
It’s a must-do for any Christmas lovers in France!
Getting to Strasbroug from Paris is pretty easy with the train. It only takes a couple of hours.
Here are your options:
- Book a train ticket and explore on your own
- Book a guided day tour that includes transportation
- Book a guided weekend tour from Paris to Strasbourg
18. Eating Christmas chocolate
Eating chocolate for Christmas is one of the most important traditions in France.
Yes, we’d agree that it’s the case a bit everywhere, but in France, it’s a whole new level.
If you go to a supermarket, you will see that there are aisles and aisles of chocolate boxes. Speaking of which, that’s an excellent souvenir to bring back.
The most popular ones are:
- Lindt Champs Elysees
- Pyreneens
- Ferrero Rochers
- Lindt d’or
If you are interested to learn more about the chocolate culture in Paris, you should consider joining the Paris chocolate walking tour.
It takes place in the 1st arrondissement and lasts about 2 hours. The tour includes various chocolate tastings. You will also get to discover some of Paris’ most famous landmarks.
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LATEST PRICES.
19. Create your own Perfume workshop
As you may know, France and Paris specifically are known for their perfume.
Chanel No.5, Chloé, Guerlain, Dior… There are so many French perfumes that became famous internationally.
Creating perfumes is an important part of the French savoir-faire. It’s also an incredibly popular Christmas present in France.
As a French person, I can promise you that no matter what you can be sure to get at least one perfume each year.
If you want to discover more about this, you can join a perfume workshop in Paris.
This is a very unique thing to do in Paris and it’s a great way to bring back your own souvenir.
You will learn about the scents and the perfume industry before creating your own.
At the end of the workshop, you’ll take back with you your very own French parfum.
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LATEST PRICES.
Reasons to visit Paris for Christmas
Are you still debating why you should visit Paris for Christmas? Here are some reasons that will convince you.
Paris is beautiful for Christmas
Paris may not be as good as Berlin when it comes to Christmas markets but it definitely competes with any other big city when it comes to Christmas lights.
The illuminations are installed everywhere. It’s absolutely gorgeous!
It’s magical
Paris is one of the most romantic cities in the world as it is but when Christmas comes around, it becomes truly magical.
The atmosphere is unbeatable and there is something very unique about seeing the Eiffel Tower and the Champs Elysees illuminated.
You’ll get to eat even more delicious food
French food is delicious. This is a given. But guess what, it gets even better at Christmas time.
The French don’t kid when it comes to food and if there is a reason to celebrate, they go even further.
If you are a foodie, you will be in for a treat at Christmas. Chocolate, vin chaud (mulled wine), foie gras, seafood… France spares nothing!
It’s the perfect place to go Christmas shopping
If you love Christmas shopping, you will be in for a treat in Paris.
Firstly, Paris is the perfect destination for shoppers all year round but when Christmas comes around, it becomes a true shopping paradise.
All the grands magasins put on these amazing displays and events. Christmas trees, decorations, songs… Christmas is all around.
And of course, you’ll find thousands of shops and cute little boutiques all around the city.
It’s a great place to get unique Christmas presents for everyone.
Pro tip: If you are flying from outside of Europe, you can even claim VAT back at the airport!
It’s perfect for photos
Paris is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and it gets even better at Christmas.
If you want to fill your Instagram with beautiful festive photos, you can easily do so.
Also, it’s a great place to hire a holiday photographer. You can easily book a photoshoot online. It includes a tour of the best photo spots in Paris with a professional photographer.
After a few days, you will receive your professionally edited photos of Paris.
Tips for visiting Paris at Christmas
Want to avoid mistakes? Here are a few tips for visiting Paris in December.
Plan your itinerary for Christmas Day
Most places will be closed on Christmas day so that’s something you have to consider.
Even if you don’t usually plan everything, this is something you will want to do otherwise you might be disappointed.
Make sure to book the restaurant where you want to eat and check the activities available on that day.
That having been said, my best piece of advice would be to go for a stroll on Christmas day. Traditionally, French people celebrate Christmas on Christmas Day. They spend the day with their family and are not out and about.
Paris on Christmas Day is pretty quiet which is very refreshing.
For food, chances are that only touristy restaurants will be open. For this reason, I’d recommend getting food at the supermarket the days before.
If you go on Christmas Eve though, try to get there early as it will be insanely busy.
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