Published on October 10th, 2025

How to enjoy the Christmas holidays in Paris?

Best Christmas activities in Paris for a magical getaway for couples or families

Christmas holidays in Paris are a unique time of year, when the City of Light truly lives up to its name. Between the illuminations and light displays that make Paris sparkle, the gourmet and perfumed Christmas markets, the magical window displays of the department stores, and the large winter ice rinks, the French capital offers a magical setting to celebrate the holidays.

Whether you come to celebrate with your partner or your family, Paris offers a myriad of Christmas activities to savor the magic of the holiday season, Parisian style.

The most beautiful Christmas lights in Paris

Every year, Paris is dressed up with thousands of lights to celebrate the magic of Christmas. From legendary avenues to historic streets, discover the capital's most beautiful light displays:

- The Champs-Élysées: from Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe, this legendary avenue is adorned with thousands of fairy lights. A must-see during the festive season.

- Faubourg Saint-Honoré: Paris' iconic luxury district, it sparkles with a thousand lights at Christmas. Prestigious brands compete in creativity to offer elegant and refined decorations.

- Place Vendôme: a true architectural gem of Paris, its golden facades and illuminated fir trees enhance the chic and prestigious atmosphere of the place.

- Avenue Montaigne: between haute couture and enchanting decor, Avenue Montaigne celebrates Christmas with unique refinement. The windows of the major fashion houses light up in an atmosphere that is both magical and elegant.

- Boulevard Haussmann: the famous Galeries Lafayette and Printemps Haussmann department stores put on spectacular light displays every year. The windows become veritable works of art that delight young and old alike.

The most beautiful Christmas lights in Paris

Every year, Paris is dressed up with thousands of lights to celebrate the magic of Christmas. From legendary avenues to historic streets, discover the capital's most beautiful light displays:

- Tuileries Christmas Market: an enchanting setting, over 100 gourmet chalets, rides, a Ferris wheel, an ice rink, and even Santa's house.

- Notre-Dame Christmas Market: at the foot of the cathedral, discover over 40 chalets offering authentic crafts, local cuisine, and a warm atmosphere.

- La Défense Christmas Market: the largest in the Paris region, with over 300 chalets and a magical atmosphere.

- Eiffel Tower Christmas Market: located at the foot of the iconic monument, with over 60 artisan chalets, gourmet specialties, light decorations, and a breathtaking view of Paris illuminated.

The most beautiful department store window displays for Christmas

No visit to Paris during the Christmas holidays is complete without admiring the magical window displays of the department stores. These decorated facades offer a real spectacle for young and old alike, combining creativity, poetry, and a festive atmosphere. You can also take the opportunity to do your last-minute Christmas shopping.

- Galeries Lafayette Haussmann : admire the majestic Christmas tree under the famous dome and marvel at the animated window displays, full of magic for young and old alike.

- Printemps Haussmann : discover immersive and poetic window displays based on a theme that changes every year, transporting you to the magical world of Christmas in the heart of Paris.

- Samaritaine : enjoy a bright and enchanting setting, combining fantasy and elegance, for a magical stroll with your family or partner.

- BHV Marais : the sparkling, carefully decorated shop windows create a warm and festive atmosphere just a stone's throw from City Hall.

- Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche : let yourself be charmed by original and cheerful window displays for an unforgettable Christmas.

The biggest winter ice rinks in Paris

One of the most iconic experiences of Christmas holidays in Paris is putting on your skates. Whether indoors or outdoors, Parisian ice rinks offer moments of joy with family or friends.

- Grand Palais des Glaces:

Every year, the majestic nave of the Grand Palais is transformed into a huge temporary ice rink covering nearly 3,000 m², bathed in natural light during the day and transformed at night into a festive world with DJ sets, light shows, and music. The experience combines architectural beauty with the pleasure of skating, accessible to all ages.

- Tuileries ice rink:

Nestled in the heart of the Tuileries Garden Christmas Market, between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde, it offers a magical setting with wooden chalets, fairground rides, and the delicious smells of the season. On over 1,200 m² of ice, young and old alike can enjoy skating in a friendly and typically Parisian atmosphere.

The magic of Christmas in theme parks

During the Christmas holidays season, amusement parks around Paris dress up in their winter outfits to offer unique and festive experiences. Snowy decorations, light parades, and shows created especially for Christmas add an extra touch of magic to the visit.

- Gaulish Christmas at Parc Astérix :

For the Christmas holidays, Parc Astérix is transformed into a real winter Gaulish village. Snow-covered menhirs, fairy-tale decorations, and illuminations create a magical atmosphere perfect for festivities. Visitors can enjoy unique Christmas shows and the park's iconic attractions, all in a festive atmosphere ideal for the whole family.

- Disney Enchanted Christmas :

During the Christmas season, Disneyland Paris dresses up in festive attire to celebrate Enchanted Christmas. The park is illuminated with sparkling decorations, creating a magical atmosphere perfect for the holiday season. Encounters with Disney characters, Christmas shows, and the park's spectacular decorations, particularly at Sleeping Beauty Castle, immerse visitors in a warm and magical atmosphere.

Unmissable Christmas events

Beyond the lights and markets, Paris is brimming with cultural and festive events that enhance the Christmas holiday season. Concerts, shows, heritage: the magic of Christmas comes alive in the most beautiful places in the capital and its surroundings.

- Grand Christmas at the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte: royal decor, light shows, and activities for the whole family, such as treasure hunts.

- Christmas at the Château de Fontainebleau: Christmas show, concerts, family tours and activities, carriage rides.

- Candlelight Concerts: concerts by candlelight in sumptuous venues, featuring everything from classical music to Christmas carols.

- Sacrée Musique Festival: classical music and gospel concerts in churches and monuments lit by candlelight.

- Festival du Merveilleux at the Musée des Arts Forains: magic, shows, and vintage rides for young and old alike.

Which hotel should you choose for your Christmas holidays in Paris?

Christmas is the perfect time to discover Paris in all its splendor—and choosing the right hotel makes all the difference in enjoying this magical experience. Saint-Louis Hotels welcome you to the most iconic neighborhoods of the capital, combining historic charm, modern comfort, and a warm atmosphere for a magical stay.

Hotel Saint-Louis Marais

A charming 3-star boutique hotel in the heart of Le Marais, between Place des Vosges and Île Saint-Louis. Behind its stone façade lie 12 elegant rooms with exposed beams and Parisian character. The perfect address for an authentic stay near cafés, museums, and Christmas lights.

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Hotel Saint-Louis en l'Isle - Notre-Dame

Located on the Île Saint-Louis, this 3-star hotel offers 20 rooms combining stone walls, wooden beams, and refined elegance. A peaceful haven in the heart of Paris, steps from Notre-Dame and Le Marais — ideal for a romantic Christmas by the Seine.

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Hotel Le Presbytère

Once a 17th-century presbytery and now a listed historical monument, this 3-star boutique hotel blends medieval charm with modern comfort. Its 11 rooms and suites in central Paris provide a unique setting to enjoy the city’s lights, markets, and festive concerts.

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Hotel Perreyve - Jardin du Luxembourg

Facing the Jardin du Luxembourg, this elegant 3-star Haussmann-style hotel features 24 bright, comfortable rooms. Just steps from Saint-Germain-des-Prés, it’s the perfect place for a peaceful Christmas escape on Paris’s Left Bank, surrounded by culture and charm.

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Spending Christmas in Paris means experiencing the magic of the holidays in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Enchanting illuminations, gourmet markets, sparkling shop windows, and winter activities transform the capital into a true Christmas fairy tale. Whether you come as a couple, with family, or with friends, each neighborhood reveals its own charm and light.

To enhance this experience, stay in one of our charming hotels, where Parisian elegance, comfort, and hospitality combine to offer an enchanting break in the heart of the City of Light.

Book directly on our website to take advantage of the best rates and our exclusive offers.

BOOK YOUR CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS IN PARIS