Where to Feel the Holiday Spirit in Paris
There’s something undeniably magical about Paris at Christmastime. The glow of twinkling lights, the scent of roasted chestnuts in the air, and the excitement of holiday markets make every street in the city feel alive. Whether you’re exploring historic neighborhoods or admiring decorated department stores, the holiday spirit is impossible to miss.
Read on to discover the best places to enjoy the city’s festive charm this season.
Where to Feel the Holiday Spirit in Paris
Enjoy the Christmas Holiday Season in Paris
Visiting Paris in the winter comes with countless unforgettable seasonal activities and experiences. Here are some of the best ways to immerse yourself in the city’s festivities.
Marvel at the magic of Galeries Lafayette
Each year, Galeries Lafayette Haussmann transforms into one of Paris’ most enchanting holiday destinations. Its creative teams spend months designing the annual theme, resulting in beautifully crafted store windows, special holiday editions of luxury products, and a towering Christmas tree suspended beneath the stained-glass dome.
Christmas Decorations Private Walking Tour with a Licensed Guide
The Grands Magasins, Galeries Lafayette and Printemps, have some of the most impressive window displays in the city. During this tour, you’ll explore these iconic department stores, then head up to the rooftop for an amazing panoramic view. Finally, go on a walk through nearby covered passages and shopping arcades, which are full of Christmas decorations and a great place to shelter from the winter weather.
Soak up winter charm in Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Few neighborhoods capture the cozy spirit of Parisian winter like Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Its narrow streets glow with stylish decorations, and its Christmas market features artisanal ornaments, gourmet treats, and handcrafted gifts. Indulge in an afternoon treat at Café de Flore or Les Deux Magots, where the chocolat chaud arrives thick, steaming, and covered in whipped cream.
Private Walking Tour of Saint-Germain-des-Prés
During this tour, your guide will share the neighborhood’s intellectual and artistic legacy. Explore the stories of icons such as Sartre and Beauvoir, jazz clubs that defined post-war nights, and brasseries where painters and philosophers debated late into the evening.
Experience Paris’ most lively Christmas market
Located in the 1st arrondissement between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde, the Marché de Noël at the Jardin des Tuileries is one of the best Christmas markets in France. Rows of stalls sell everything from handmade wooden toys to some of France’s most famous holiday foods, including tartiflette, crêpes, and raclette. There’s also an ice skating rink, a ferris wheel overlooking the city, and carnival-style attractions that the whole family can enjoy.
Stroll down the illuminated Champs-Élysées
Every November, the ceremonial lighting of the Champs-Élysées draws crowds who gather to watch the avenue burst into lights. Every tree is wrapped in glittering lights, guiding visitors from the Arc de Triomphe to the Place de la Concorde during an evening stroll past luxury boutiques. It’s a dazzling reminder of why Paris is known as the City of Light.
Illumination tour of Paris in a legendary Citroën 2CV
Settle into a vintage open-topped Citroën 2CV and admire Paris’ most iconic monuments lit up for the season. Glide past the Eiffel Tower, Place Vendôme, the Grand Palais, Notre-Dame, and more as your Parisian guide shares stories, architectural details, and French Christmas traditions. It’s an intimate and unforgettable way to experience the city at night.
Discover Montmartre’s enchanted winter streets
Montmartre’s appeal only deepens in winter. The artistic hilltop village comes alive with twinkling lights, lively cafés, and panoramic views over the city’s rooftops. Visit landmarks such as the Moulin Rouge and Sacré-Cœur Basilica, then make your way over to the small Christmas market near Abbesses, where artisanal stalls add a touch of holiday warmth to the crisp Paris air.
Private walking tour of Montmartre
Follow the footsteps of the artists who shaped Parisian creativity, from Picasso to Toulouse-Lautrec. With its winding lanes and storied past, this neighborhood in the 18th arrondissement offers a festive atmosphere that blends history with charming winter romance.
Shop for gifts in style at Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche
Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche transforms into a sophisticated holiday haven each December. Its annual Christmas theme unfolds through imaginative window displays and striking decorations that elevate the already refined atmosphere of this historic department store. Inside, you’ll find beautifully curated fashion and design pieces, as well as gourmet delights from La Grande Épicerie.
Where to Stay in Paris During the Holiday Season
Mandarin Oriental Lutetia
The Mandarin Oriental Lutetia is where Parisian heritage meets artistic luxury. Its acclaimed spa, culinary residencies, and overall refined contemporary atmosphere make it a sanctuary in the heart of the Left Bank. Staying at this five-star hotel places you steps from Saint-Germain’s cafés, its holiday market, and its illuminated streets, making it perfect for leisurely winter evenings.
Hôtel du Rond-Point des Champs-Élysées
This four-star stylish boutique hotel is just a short walk away from the golden glow of the Champs-Élysées. At the Hôtel du Rond-Point des Champs-Élysées, the interiors are sleek and modern, with elegant finishes that feel indulgent after a day of exploring. Its location offers effortless access to holiday lights, luxury boutiques, and some of Paris’ most iconic monuments.
As you wander through lively holiday markets, sip warm drinks in historic cafés, and marvel at sparkling decorations, Paris reveals itself as a city where the holidays are celebrated in style. The lights may come down in January, but the memories of your Christmas in France will linger long after you leave.
You may also be interested in our specially curated Paris travel packages, such as Wintertime in the City of Lights and Exquisite City Trip in Paris.
Want to spend your holidays in Paris? There’s still time to work with our travel designers on your perfect itinerary!