Christmas in Paris

All our tips on celebrating Christmas in the French capital

Christmas is approaching, and the cold is already here. Yet being locked in all day is out of the question. Paris is always beautiful, even when winter is just around the corner, and it's always full of activities to do with friends or family.

Let us take you to the magic of the French capital, which is nicknamed as the most beautiful city in the world.

1. The Lights

Every year the city is illuminated and adorned by thousands of lights. Christmas trees, window displays and streets wait to put on their garlands of light, and it is the time when the La Ville lumière really holds true to its name.

From the Champs-Elysées to Montmartre, through the place Vendôme and the Avenue Montaigne, the lights will immerse you in a glittering universe. You can see all the important monuments by taking a sightseeing bus, and the Open Tour company offers tours in 9 languages.

Le Village Hostel is located in the heart of Montmartre, offering a typical 18th-century ambience near to Sacré Coeur.

Crédit : @Yann Caradec : Espèce en voie d’illumination licence

We suggest heading to the 1st festival of lights in the Jardin des Plantes display 'Illuminated species' for those who can't get enough of the festive lights, a display that is a nod towards all the species that no longer exist, or are in danger of extinction. These animals will be re-born as rays of light for the 2 months of the display and will make you realise how important it is to preserve the natural flora and fauna of this world.

Need somewhere to stay? The Young and Happy Hostel is located just 10 minutes from the Jardin des Plantes.

2. The Department Store Windows

Credit: Galeries Lafayette Communiqué de presse

Something not just for kids, but anyone with a child's soul. True to tradition, the windows of these shops are turned into a theatrical display that allows you to (re)plunge into the spirit of Christmas! You can see themes such as Mary Poppins at the BHV Marais, the 'Oh Christmas Tree' song at the Bon Marché, while different imaginary worlds are showcased at the Galeries Lafayette.

If you want to stay in the nearby area then we recommend the Aloha or the Bastille Hostel.

3. The Chrismas Market

Crédit : @ Jean-Pierre Dalbéra licence

What better than the Christmas Markets to feel like you are walking through Santa's village! Chalets, artisanal works on sale, letter writing workshops to the man in the red suit... and it's also an opportunity to taste the seasonal products: mulled wine, gingerbread, roasted or glazed chestnuts, as well as products from afar thanks to the themed markets with African, Swedish and Japanese specialities.. your mouth will be watering when you see what's on offer!

The Plug-Inn Hostel is 20 minutes walk from the Swedish and Nordic Market.

4. Ice Skating

Crédit photo : @Passion Leica licence

Christmas is the ideal time to go ice skating. Paris turns some of its most emblematic places into ice rinks, such as La Défense icerink and at the Nef du Grand Palais, considered to have the largest glass roof in Europe, and a symbol of 19th-century architecture. Light shows are also organised. Hotel Lebron is situated near the museums of the Louvre, the Centre Pompidou, the Notre-Dame de Paris and the Place de la Bourse with the Palais Brongniart and only 20 minutes by metro to the Grand Palais.

5. Disney

Disney is just a few minutes away from the centre of Paris in Marne la Vallée, and it offers a special festive program: Christmas parades, entertainment, decorations, gigantic Christmas trees.... a fairytale atmosphere awaits you.

We recommend you stay at the Milton Hotel, located just 30 minutes from Disneyland and with a welcoming and warm atmosphere.

If you love Paris and want to know more about what to do and see in the city, then check out the Tourist Office site for more information.

Feel free to use the form below to check out other accomodation options in and around Paris. For those of you who wish to continue travelling after, remember that London is just a few hours away thanks to the Eurostar, and you can check out our article on how to spend a Magical Christmas in the English capital.