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 :

Pour les vacances de Noël, le Parc Astérix se transforme en un véritable village gaulois hivernal. Les menhirs enneigés, les décorations féériques et les illuminations créent une atmosphère magique propice aux festivités. Les visiteurs peuvent profiter de spectacles de Noël inédits et des attractions emblématiques du parc, le tout dans une ambiance festive idéale pour toute la famille.

- Disney Enchanted Christmas :

Pendant la période de Noël, Disneyland Paris revêt ses habits de fête pour célébrer le Noël Enchanté. Le parc s'illumine de décorations étincelantes, créant une ambiance féerique propice à la magie des fêtes. Les rencontres avec les personnages Disney, les spectacles de Noël et les décorations grandioses du parc, notamment du Château de la Belle au Bois Dormant, plongent les visiteurs dans une atmosphère magique et chaleureuse.

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

This historic district is ideal for a bohemian getaway. With its cobbled streets, trendy boutiques and intimate restaurants, it's the perfect place to stroll and dine together.

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Hotel Saint-Louis en l'Isle

A true haven of peace in the heart of Paris. Stroll along the quays, admire the town houses and enjoy an ice cream at Berthillon as you stroll hand in hand.

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Hotel Le Presbytère

Birthplace of artists and intellectuals, this district exudes romance. Historic cafés, art galleries and antique bookshops make it the perfect place for couples in search of culture and authenticity.

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Hotel Perreyve - Jardin du Luxembourg

Narrow cobbled streets, breathtaking views of the Sacré-Coeur, small intimate bistros... Montmartre is the district of artists and lovers. Don't miss the Place du Tertre and the “Je t'aime” wall at Abbesses.

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Paris is an endless playground for lovers, offering a multitude of activities and magical places to create memories for two. Whatever your style as a couple, there's a romantic experience waiting for you in this unforgettable capital.

For a successful stay, choose one of our charming hotels, carefully selected to offer an intimate and refined setting. Our establishments are the ideal addresses for a romantic getaway in Paris.

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

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