Paris through the Christmas season ah, what a sight to behold! Think about strolling by streets that twinkle like a starry sky, because of the enchanting lights. Town transforms right into a Christmas wonderland, promising magical occasions and a festive spirit that’s onerous to search out wherever else.
It’s a great time to expertise the distinctive allure of France’s capital. Nonetheless, amidst this plethora of pleasure, it’s simple to really feel a bit overwhelmed.
Salut, I’m Lena – Journey Planning Knowledgeable and parisienne since 2006 🩷
There’s a lot to see and do, from the twinkling lights of the Champs-Elysées to the charming Christmas markets. Every nook of town bursts with festive allure, making it tough to resolve the place to go first.
However don’t fear, I’m right here to information you thru, making certain you don’t miss out on the quintessential Parisian Christmas experiences.
My Prime 3 Shortlist: Paris at Christmas
I’ve put collectively a useful listing of the most well-liked Christmas actions in Paris to your comfort. If any of them spark your curiosity, it’s sensible to behave swiftly. Similar to freshly croissants, these experiences are in excessive demand and have a tendency to promote out quick.
#1 Skilled Christmas Photoshoot in Paris: Verify right here for availabilities & costs
#2 Personal Christmas Tour by Night time in a CV2: Verify right here for charges & dates
#3 Paris at Christmas 3-Hour Bike Tour: Discover extra information & costs right here
CHECKLIST to your Paris Journey
Christmas in Paris: Sensible Journey Suggestions
However earlier than you dive in and get impressed on fill your treasured trip days with actions, let’s check out the necessities.
Right here’s for you, a fast information on what to find out about touring to Paris throughout Christmas: How’s the climate, what do you should pack, and the place to remain so that you can have probably the most great expertise.
That will help you plan your Christmas journey to Paris, I put collectively a listing of issues which can be good to know when touring to Paris. For a extra in depth guidelines, check out my Paris Journey Planning & Packing Necessities.
Don’t miss out on these articles when getting ready to your Paris Christmas journey:
How’s the climate in Paris at Christmas?
The unhealthy information first: In case you are hoping for white Christmas in Paris, it’s in all probability not going to occur. December will not be a really chilly month in Paris, however quite a moist one.
December often sees the highest precipitation of the yr, with temperatures ranging between 4° C ( 39 °F) and eight° C (46 °F), and dropping under zero through the evening.
However the excellent news is, that even if you happen to’ll have showers in December, it not often rains in Paris for a whole day. Moreover, Paris has so many indoor actions, that you simply’ll hardly discover the climate anyway. Simply put together for altering climate and gown in layers, and the climate received’t be a difficulty.
gown & what to pack for Paris throughout Christmas?
The best problem when packing for Paris in December is to anticipate altering temperatures and rain. Whereas it is likely to be fairly chilly outdoors, indoors it’s usually fairly scorching, overheated even. Therefore, one of the best is you’re ready to gown in layers and carry some easy rain gear with you.
Tip: I all the time carry a little bit tote bag in my purse, so I can simply retailer my hat, scarf, and jacket when spending a little bit extra time in shops or museums.
#1 Waterproof Sneakers
December is the month with probably the most rainfall AND as properly one of many coldest, so maintaining your ft dry and heat is a should!
Your greatest and most versatile possibility is a pair of waterproof Chelsea boots. They appear not solely nice, however in addition they maintain your ft heat and dry.
Plus, you’ll be able to simply gown them up and down, and the sturdy sole provides grip on the slippery cobblestones. In case you keep in Paris, you don’t want heavy-lined winter boots, it’s sufficient in the event that they keep dry, and also you put on heat socks.
For extra winter shoe concepts, additionally check out my information in regards to the greatest journey footwear for Paris.
#2 Small Journey Umbrella
Truthfully, you shouldn’t journey wherever in Europe and not using a little umbrella in your
purse. This one is simply the proper dimension to do each: slot in your purse and maintain you dry. It additionally comes with a little bit pouch, so you aren’t flooding your purse when placing the umbrella again, moist after utilization.
#3 Heat Merino Socks
The easiest way to maintain your ft heat in Winter in Paris is by investing in a superb pair of high quality Merino Socks. I do know it hurts to spend a lot on a pair of socks, however from my very own (long-distance) climbing and journey expertise, I can assure you that it completely pays off.
They maintain your ft heat and dry, and stop blisters.
My favorites are these ones. You discover as properly extra reasonably priced Merino socks, however be certain to confirm how a lot Merino wool they really have. The much less Merino, the cheaper – and the much less good.
It’s Excessive Season: E-book your Attraction Tickets in Advance
I do know, it kills a bit the spontaneous, easy-going vacation vibe you’re actually eager on, however I can’t stress this out sufficient: Purchase your tickets prematurely! Christmastime is high-season in Paris, and plenty of sights will likely be sold-out fast.
Therefore, I strongly advocate reserving your entrance tickets properly prematurely. Even when some sights have some leftover tickets, the queues are big, and also you’ll spend treasured time ready in traces.
Right here’s a listing with sights that promote out the quickest:
You can too buy tickets immediately on the sights homepages. Nonetheless, the draw back is that they often don’t have a cancellation coverage. Whereas reserving your Paris tickets with get your information, you’re usually granted a 24h cancellation and refund coverage.
Christmas in Paris: Listed here are the Finest Issues to Do
However though Paris’ winter will likely be chilly, and doubtless usually grey, moist, and windy, don’t fear! There are such a lot of issues to do in Paris, that whether or not you journey to Paris through the Winter or Summer season, you’ll by no means run out of actions.
If you spend Christmas time in Paris, you’ll be able to absolutely immerse your self within the Christmas magic. Glowing fairy lights, Christmas carols, mulled wine, and naturally, Christmas markets, gingerbread, and festive decorations. In case you love the vacation season, Paris is your house to be this Christmas.
Learn on and know embrace Christmas in Paris to the fullest.
#1 Discover the Paris Christmas Market
Christmas Markets are a practice from the east of France and Germany, however for some years they’re very talked-about in Paris as properly. The Tourism Workplace of Paris hasn’t revealed the listing of Christmas Markets in 2024 but, however final yr there have been a minimum of 25 markets registered!
Most markets open on the first weekend of December, however some markets open their chalets already by the 18th of November. The one within the Tuileries for instance.
ATTENTION: Christmas Markets are a well-liked place for PICKPOCKETS! Learn this text and know stop getting scammed.
The most important Christmas Market in Paris is often at La Défense. Nonetheless, you could find smaller ones round Montmartre, Trocadero, and Saint Germain. Visiting a Christmas market is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Paris in December.
Do you know that the oldest Christmas Market in Europe — and in addition one of many nicest — is lower than 2h away? In case you’re eager to get the total Christmas expertise, verify this publish and know take a day journey to Strasbourg!
#2 Cruise on the Seine: Admire the Illuminated Paris
Fast Hyperlink: Click on right here to e-book your cruise
Deal with your self to one thing particular and revel in a Cruise on the Seine by evening. You’ll not solely be awarded one of the unbelievable views of Paris, however you additionally get to unwind, lean again, and admire a glass of Champagne, if you happen to like.
This finances possibility means that you can cruise up and down the Seine. It’s completely sufficient if you wish to take within the mesmerizing and twinkling citiyscape.
For a festive further, check out the Illuminated Dinner Cruise, although:
- 3-Course Dinner with Drinks
- Reside Jazz Music & Window Seating
- Panoramic views on Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and extra
- Boarding close to Musée d’Orsay
#3Tour Christmassy Paris with a Native!
With an area in your facet, you’ll be able to be sure you take advantage of your journey to Paris throughout Christmastime. You’ll not solely discover corners you usually wouldn’t have set foot in, however you additionally get attention-grabbing insider tales, anecdotes and a lot Christmas cheer.
Fortunately, there are a handful of native specialists obtainable to divulge to you what this unbelievable metropolis has to supply.
#4 Purchase Christmas Ornaments in Paris
With its many department shops, Paris is a good place to fill up on lovely and authentic Christmas decorations.
Probably the most great choice you discover within the Bon Marché. The higher flooring has many themed Christmas Bushes on show with loads of attractive ornaments.
Nevertheless it’s as properly an amazing concept to look out for cute Christmas decorations on the Parisian Christmas Markets.
#5 Get pleasure from Disneyland Paris at Christmas
Purchase your tickets to Disneyland prematurely, they promote out fast
It’s possible you all the time dreamed about visiting Disneyland, and possibly you might have it already in your Paris must-do agenda. However know that Christmas at Disneyland is gorgeous, particularly in case you are a Disney fan.
You discover the park magically embellished and Christmas aptitude is all over the place. For a lot of, Disney is a should when visiting Paris round these occasions. Plus, in case you are visiting through the week, you’ll discover shorter queues.
Disneyland is a simple day journey from Paris by practice, as it’s only a quick journey.
For extra infos about planning your journey to Disney, see these posts:
#6 Take an Open Bus Tour to see the Illuminations
-> Safe your spot and e-book right here
Be sure you don’t miss something within the Christmas embellished Paris and join a sightseeing bus tour.
Throughout Christmas, you’ll not solely get a glimpse of probably the most lovely corners of Paris, however additionally, you will be granted improbable views of probably the most breathtaking Christmas illuminations of Paris. Simply don’t neglect a heat coat!
Click on right here for extra data and schedules to your Christmas lights bus tour.
#7 See the Festive Christmas Shows on the Massive Division Shops
A must-do for a lot of Christmas followers in Paris is the go to to the massive department shops. Not solely as a result of the facades of Gallery Lafayette, Le Bon Marche, Printemps Haussmann, and BHV are illuminated!
The window shows are revealing complete worlds of Christmas scenes with animated figures, wrapped presents, and all the pieces that goes with it. In case you are already on the Galeries Lafayette, don’t miss their glorious meals corridor! Click on right here to know extra about it!
#8 Discover ways to Cook dinner a Conventional French Christmas Dinner
Did you ever want you may cook dinner a French dish as an actual French Chef may? That’s your likelihood! Take a cooking class in Paris and be taught from knowledgeable French Chef cook dinner a 3-course Christmas Dinner from scratch! Click on right here for extra data
#9 Admire the Christmas Tree on the Galarie Lafayette
In case you are following Paris-related social media channels, you’ll discover that there’s barely one other subject by the tip of November than the Christmas Tree on the Galerie Lafayette, and the massive query: What’s the theme of 2024?!
The large tree is all the time gorgeous and one thing you shouldn’t miss in any respect. The tree get often revealed across the seventeenth of November and naturally, I all the time verify it instantly. Right here’s the tree from 2021:
Professional Tip: When you find yourself on the Galeries Lafayette to marvel on the Christmas tree, plan in a bit further time to go to the free rooftop.
It’s a great viewpoint, and really additionally an amazing spot to take improbable pictures of the Eiffel Tower.
#10 Benefit from the Christmas Decorations and Illuminations
Throughout Christmas, you’ll be stunned to search out many Parisian streets fantastically embellished and illuminated. Probably the most well-known illuminations are alongside the Champs Élysée, however you discover them inside each neighborhood.
For instance, within the Rue Montorgueil or the Rue Daguerre.
These streets are glorious locations as properly to purchase french specialties, as they’re house to many delis. Don’t miss this publish if you wish to know extra about in hidden gems in Paris!
#11 Go Ice Skating
Paris at Christmas is Ice skating season. Throughout city ice skating rinks are opening, simply ready so that you can check out your expertise. One of the in style is on the huge Christmas Market within the Tuileries backyard.
For 2024, it’s not introduced but the place ice skating rinks will likely be put in. Nonetheless, previously, there was one on prime of the Tour Montparnasse, on the Roof Prime of the Galerie Lafayette, and even within the gorgeous Grand Palais! Keep tuned for 2024!
#12 Go to the Bon Marché
The Bon Marché is the place to be in case you are in search of Christmas presents in Paris. The huge Division retailer within the seventh Arrondissement is a superb place to fill up on culinary treats but in addition for top finish procuring and in case you are in search of authentic and distinctive Christmas Ornaments in Paris.
Don’t get misplaced although. The Bon Marché is unfold over a number of buildings which can be related by coated bridges.
#13 Stroll by the Lined Galeries of Paris
Do you know that again within the days, greater than 100 coated galleries had been sprinkled throughout Paris? The attractive procuring passages with the long-lasting glass roofs had been the primary procuring malls in Paris. It’s right here the place the wealthy may comfortably run their errands, with out being bothered by the mud and the rain.
At present, round 20 of those lovely monuments are left and are simply good for outings on gray winter days. Probably the most identified Galerie is the Galerie Vivienne, with classic e-book shops and eating places.
Different lovely arcades are the Passage du Grand Cerf and the Passage des Panoramas.
Tip: One of many greatest converse simple bar of Paris is tucked away in one of many Passages, learn this publish to know extra!
What to do in Paris on Christmas Day?
In case you plan to rejoice Christmas day in Paris, you might have many choices to make at the present time a really memorable one. Nonetheless, know that many sights and museums shut on Christmas Day.
Not the Eiffel Tower, although! E-book your tickets right here prematurely as a result of it’s going to get very busy!
#14 Get pleasure from a festive Christmas Dinner on Christmas Eve at a Cabaret!
Click on right here to know which Cabarets in Paris are one of the best
In case you are celebrating Christmas Eve in Paris and are in search of a really festive and distinctive manner of spending this big day, take a look on the Cabarets! Many are internet hosting particular occasions on Christmas Eve with a festive dinner, Champagne, and naturally, the well-known Cabaret present.
Tip: These exhibits are wildly in style and quick bought out, reserve your spot fast. If you wish to be on the protected facet, some exhibits are providing free cancellations as much as 24h earlier than the present.
#15 Take a Panoramic Christmas Dinner Cruise
An distinctive manner of celebrating Christmas day in Paris – or Christmas Eve – is on board of a ship! Take this Cruise on the Seine and revel in a festive 5-course Christmas dinner whereas having fun with the gorgeous view over the illuminated Paris by evening.
#16 Have a Bûche de Noel
The standard French Christmas cake! A Bûche de Noel is a Xmas log constructed from sponge cake with buttercream, icing, or/and ganache. It’s one of many indispensable meals objects to strive throughout Christmas season.
It’s a conventional French Christmas dish and often ate for dessert. A full-size Bûche is often for a whole household, however all all through Christmas time, you discover small Bûche in each Parisian bakery. Good for a little bit candy trait.
#17 Attend a Christmas Live performance
Throughout Christmas in Paris, many classical concert events and chorals are happening in Paris. Click on right here to know what’s happening the place and buy your tickets.
#18 Attend a Christmas Mass in Paris
Parisian’s church buildings are clearly celebrating Christmas and you’ll select whether or not you wish to go to one of many huge church buildings just like the Basilica Sacré Coeur or Saint Sulpice, or attend a service at a native church.
Basilique de Sacré Coeur service instances
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 a minimum of half-hour early
Et Voilà, that’s it! I hope I may provide you with some concepts on what to do throughout Christmas in Paris. In case you want any clarification, be a part of my free Paris Journey Planning Fb Group!
Parisienne since 2006 🩷
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