13 Festive Things to Do in Paris at Christmas

When you think the City of Love couldn’t get any more magical, spending Christmas in Paris will prove you wrong! The Christmas decorations in Paris are seriously next level and everything that Paris is known for becomes even better.

The high-end fashion boutiques swap out their usual window displays for festive alternatives, the luxury hotels are all decked out with sparkling lights and decorations, and the Christmas markets are in full swing.

If you’re planning a trip to the French capital during the holiday season, here are the best festive things to do in Paris at Christmas you absolutely can’t miss!

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Table of Contents

Paris Christmas Guide – Quick Tips

Best Hotels in Paris

Best Experiences in Paris

If you’re planning to visit multiple museums during your stay, make sure to check out the Paris Museum Pass that gives you access to more than 60 museums and monuments in Paris.

Best Things to Do in Paris at Christmas

1. Admire the Christmas tree at Galeries Lafayette

The iconic department store Galeries Lafayette is always a must-visit in Paris, but it becomes even more magical during Christmas.

From mid-November until New Year’s Eve, a huge Christmas tree is installed in the center of the store, reaching all the way up to the beautiful Art Nouveau glass dome. The tree is always themed differently each year and it’s safe to say that it’s always a show-stopper.

If this wouldn’t be enough, there is also a sound and light show displayed on the Christmas tree every half hour, making it an unforgettable experience.

After checking out the Christmas tree, make sure to go up to the rooftop terrace! I didn’t know that Galeries Lafayette had one until my third visit to Paris and the beautiful views of the city totally blew me away.

There used to be an ice skating rink on the terrace but unfortunately, it’s not there anymore. However, you can still enjoy the breathtaking views for free and take some stunning photos of the Eiffel Tower!

2. See the Champs-Elysées Christmas lights

The Champs-Elysées is hands down the most famous street in Paris and every year during Christmas, it transforms into a magical wonderland.

Starting from the Arc de Triomphe all the way to Place de la Concorde, the street is illuminated with millions of lights and decorations. The whole atmosphere is incredibly festive and it’s a perfect spot for a romantic stroll or some holiday shopping.

Plus, the street is lined with luxury boutiques and famous department stores such as Louis Vuitton and Guerlain. If you want to splurge on some Christmas gifts, this is the place to do it!

Pro tip: If you are tired of walking, consider joining an Open-Top Christmas Bus Tour that takes you through the best holiday sights in Paris, including the Champs-Elysées.

3. Browse the Tuileries Garden Christmas market

Christmas markets are a staple during the holiday season and Paris has some of the best ones in Europe. One of my personal favorites is the Christmas market at Tuileries Garden, located right next to the Louvre Museum.

Nicknamed La Magie de Noël by locals, meaning the magic of Christmas, this market is Paris’ very own winter wonderland and usually runs from the middle of November until the first week in January each year.

All the classic winter market staples are found here, including an ice skating rink, carnival rides, and countless cabins selling everything from mulled wine and locally produced cheeses to handmade Christmas ornaments and unique keepsakes.

The Tuileries Garden Christmas market is often where you’ll come across the tallest Christmas tree in Paris most years, though I’ll always have a soft spot for the quirky tree in the Galeries Lafayette.

Strolling through this Christmas market is among the best things to do in Paris at Christmas, and entry is also completely free.

4. Check out the Christmas trees at Place Vendome

The gorgeous neoclassical-style Place Vendome is an expansive square in the heart of Paris that’s best known as a hotspot for luxury designer stores.

France’s most beloved fashion houses, including Chanel and Dior, plus opulent jewelry stores like Cartier and Rolex, have placed Place Vendome among the most upscale corners of Paris.

As you’d expect, even the Christmas decorations here are as tasteful and classy as can be, with two huge trees and dozens of smaller editions filling the square every December.

After you’ve admired the sparkling trees and taken more photos than you can count of this magical location, you might be lucky enough to spot the Ritz Hotel’s mini Christmas market.

From their little white cabin, you’ll be able to pick up some premium pastries, cream-topped hot chocolates, and fruity mulled wine to help fight off the winter temperatures.

5. Enjoy the festive window displays around Place Vendome

While you’re in the area, it’s an excellent opportunity to check out a couple of the eye-catching and super-creative window displays that some of the big-name brands have set up.

Considering this area is home to the likes of Chaumet, Chanel, Burberry, and Alexander McQueen, you’re pretty much guaranteed to see some stellar window exhibits, but there are a couple of stores that I think do it better than anyone else.

Louis Vuitton knocks it out of the park year after year – I absolutely loved the giant golden sun decorating its facade when we visited! You also can’t miss the miniature hot air balloon created by the Montgolfier brothers, just a corner from the Louis Vuitton store.

6. Take a festive cruise on the Seine River

A cruise down the Seine River is always a good idea, and there are a bunch of amazing options whether you’re traveling on a budget or want to splash out on a fine dining experience along the way.

This tour is ideal for anyone looking for a short and sweet tour along the Seine, during which you’ll pass by the Louvre, the Place de la Concorde, and the Notre Dame over the course of your hour-long excursion.

For something a little more fancy, opt for this dinner cruise that includes a delicious three-course French meal that changes depending on the season. Seeing as you’ll be sailing down the Seine at Christmas, get ready for plenty of turkey, cranberry sauce, and cheese.

In addition to your dinner, this tour also includes live music and access to the upper observation deck, so bring your winter woolies on board with you.

7. Drink hot chocolate at Angelina

Getting indoors and enjoying a hot drink is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Paris at Christmas, and if you’re a fan of hot chocolate, you have to check out Angelina.

This iconic cafe has gone viral over the last few years thanks to the divine hot chocolates they serve, which come with a healthy (or not so healthy!) serving of cream on the side for you to add as you please.

As well as their world-famous hot chocolates, Angelina prepares a whole range of tasty treats on the daily, including the beloved Mont-Blanc dessert and their chocolate eclairs. Perfect pairing with your hot chocolate!

The lines usually get crazy long so be prepared to queue outside, especially around Christmas time.

Pro tip: If you want to avoid standing in line for hours, skip their flagship store on Rue Rivoli and visit Mademoiselle Angelina at Jardin du Luxembourg instead, just like we did!

8. Enjoy the light show at Hotel de Ville

Despite the name, Hotel de Ville is actually Paris’ city hall and is a jaw-droppingly beautiful building that looks fit for a king.

This 16th-century palace has seen some pivotal and sometimes gruesome moments in France’s history, as it was once the site of guillotine executions during the late 1700s.

Today, it’s much less controversial and is mostly used by local government officials or the Mayor of Paris, and free guided tours and exhibits run regularly.

However, we’re focusing on the more seasonal side of things, and the Hotel de Ville’s light show is among the top things to do in Paris during Christmas and runs for the month of December.

Thousands of blue and white bulbs light up the entire building and make for a sensational winter backdrop to the hall’s annual Christmas village, which features a collection of pop-up stalls, a carousel, and more Christmas trees than you could even attempt to count.

9. Stroll around Le Village Royal

With a name like Le Village Royal, you can best believe that this is one of the most glamorous Parisian locations.

Le Village Royal is an outdoor mall lined on either side of its main street with luxury stores and high-end retailers, including some of France’s most celebrated fashion houses. If you’re planning on splurging on some designer goods while you’re in Paris, this is the place to do it.

Even if you have no intentions of making some new purchases or simply have no room to spare in your suitcase, Le Village Royal is worth checking out for its Christmas decorations alone.

If you are in need of an afternoon pick-me-up or a quick snack, you can head to Le Village Cafe. Here, you’ll have your choice of some tasty European dishes and flaky French pastries.

10. Have dinner at Le Recrutement Cafe

While we’re on the subject of food, I can’t recommend a visit to Le Recrutement Cafe enough. Enjoying a meal here is one of my favorite things to do in Paris at Christmas or at any other time of year, for that matter.

You’ll have your very own Emily in Paris moment here, as this picture-perfect restaurant is where you can take in views of the Eiffel Tower over a cafe au lait or a steaming bowl of French onion soup. This is one spot that’s sure to make for some incredible photos.

Other French classics like crepes, steak tartare, and sharing plates like cheeseboards and charcuterie platters are on the menu, as are dishes like cheeseburgers and lasagne.

The outside tables have the best views but to be honest, sitting outside when it’s cold is not fun, so we asked for a table inside. I’m glad we did because this way we could also enjoy the decorations inside!

Make sure also to snap some pictures of the cafe from the outside as the combination of its Parisian charm and the festive decor with the view of the Eiffel Tower makes it one of the best Instagram spots in Paris.

Girl standing in front of Le Recrutement Cafe in Paris

11. Explore the arcades of Paris

Parisian architecture is renowned all over the world, and some of the most remarkable features of their building designs are the arcades, which are rows of archways that make up numerous structures around the city.

Most of these arcades started out as covered shopping passages during the 18th and 19th centuries. Although a lot of them still house boutiques and upmarket stores today, many of these arcades have been transformed into museums and galleries, such as Galerie Colbert.

Each of these arcades is splendid in its own right, but Galerie Vivienne is always the one I recommend to anyone visiting on a time crunch. This glass-covered mall is brimming with bookstores, cafes, and clothes shops, that’s especially pretty when the festive period rolls in.

Another arcade worth adding to your list is Passage Jouffroy, which is often overlooked by travelers but has an eclectic line-up of shops and even a wax museum.

During the holidays, many of the storefronts at Passage Jouffroy are full of retro decorations and unique ornaments, and the eateries often serve up seasonal bites and specials that are sure to fill you with plenty of Christmas spirit.

12. Take in the views from Montparnasse Tower

While the Eiffel Tower is an absolute must-visit when in Paris, the Montparnasse Tower offers a different perspective of the city and its iconic landmark.

Standing tall amongst the surrounding traditional French buildings, this skyscraper has an observation deck on the 56th floor that provides stunning panoramic views of Paris, including an amazing view of the Eiffel Tower!

You can also avoid crowds and long lines by purchasing your tickets online beforehand. It goes without saying that the best time to come here is for sunset, but the views are just as spectacular during the day or at night when the city is all lit up.

13. Take a day trip to Strasbourg or Colmar

Paris isn’t the only French city with cute Christmas markets and a vibrant festive ambiance. In fact, if you are after the best Christmas markets in Europe, I actually prefer the Alsace region over Paris!

Strasbourg and Colmar are two of the most picturesque towns in France, especially during the holiday season. The good news is that they are located close enough to Paris that you can easily visit them on a day trip!

Located close to the German border, Strasbourg is known as the “Capital of Christmas” and is home to one of the oldest and most traditional Christmas markets in Europe. With over 300 chalets spread throughout the city’s historic center, it’s a truly magical experience to wander through them all while sipping on some mulled wine or hot chocolate.

Meanwhile, Colmar is a super cute small town with plenty of charming half-timbered houses, canals, and many impressive Christmas markets. It’s the perfect place to experience a cozy and traditional French Christmas.

You can reach Strasbourg in 1 hour 45 minutes with the high-speed train from Paris, while Colmar is just 45 minutes further by train. It’s definitely worth adding to your Parisian Christmas itinerary!