Paris during the Holidays: A City of Sparkling Lights and Snowy Dreams

“There are only two places in the world where we can live happily: at home and in Paris.” -Ernest Hemingway

The Magic of Paris

This happiness is no exception during the Holiday season! Paris is even a better idea during Late November and all of December.

I last explored this magical city on a mother-daughter trip in December for all things festive. Parisians know how to live, how to celebrate, and how to love. That magic is in the air everywhere, but most especially during the Holidays. My mom and I thoroughly enjoyed our merry time!

The extra magic of Paris throughout the holidays somehow allows the centerpiece and symbol of Paris, the Eiffel Tower, to shine even fuller. The golden tower sparkles for 5 minutes every hour, on the hour while it towers over its magical city!

Top Things to Do

Christmas Outdoor Markets: A German Tradition brought to life in Paris

This annual tradition boasts festive treats, drinks, handmade decorations, and gifts. My favorite is the almost half-mile-long Christmas market in the Tuileries gardens near the Louvre, named ‘Magie de Noël’! This one opens mid-November and stays open through the first week of January.

On the fairgrounds at La Défense, there is a giant Ferris wheel to ride!
There is an inflatable igloo with a Champagne bar inside!
My mom & I loved the French Mulled Wine called “Vin Chaud” and even got to take home souvenir cups!

Christmas Lights: The Streets Sparkle

In Paris, every street tells a photogenic story! Every roundabout, street, garden, and sidewalk goes all out throughout the city with over one million lights on the trees lining the streets.

Walk Avenue de Champs-Élysées lit up storefronts and window displays with projections, illuminations, and decked-out festive-themed window displays. Strolling this famous shopping strip during the holidays is magical, even if just window shopping!
Visit Galeries Lafayette, the over-century-old department store on Boulevard Haussman, with its 11 window displays that are newly themed each year. Since 1976, a huge tree has decorated the center of the building beneath its large glass dome and rises all floors of the department store. Every half hour, there is a light show!
View the light show projections and holiday decorations from the street in front of Hôtel de Ville Christmas Market starting the 1st of December!

To Eat & Drink & Be Merry

Exceptional seasonal menus are offered all around the city center. Cafes with large window-covered and temperature-controlled seating, twinkling lights, and views of the city and pedestrians around you.
- Picture This: Just like EPCOT’s World Showcase – France Pavilion Restaurant – Chefs de France – but on EVERY street corner and roundabout full of scenic restaurants ready to shield you from the cold, feed you the best cuisine you’ve ever tasted, and sip on a glass of champagne or mulled wine!
You can try French Mulled Wine called “Vin Chaud” at many Christmas markets and cafes. It is as comforting as it is delicious!
You can Taste Bûche de Noël, a sponge cake covered with chocolate buttercream to resemble holiday yule logs, whole or by the slice at many bakeries (patisseries).
I regret not including the famous Ladurée coffee and macarons! These French delicacies come in many flavors, are sweet and petite, and are a true art because of how long the process takes to master and make. Send some home for a loved one!
During the Holiday season, especially on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day, many Parisian Cabaret shows turn festive, including dinner. Some famous ones include Crazy Horse, Paradis Latin, Lido 2 Paris, and Moulin Rouge.

Family Friendly & Guided Activities

Although Paris is known for love, the city does not discriminate against who that love is shared with! There are a wide variety of activities for the whole family, lovers, and friends alike.

Ice skating has been displayed on the lawn area in front of the Eiffel Tower and even on the 11th-floor landing of the Eiffel Tower itself! Try out your skating skills on the ice rink (patinoire) in the festive surroundings of the “Magie de Noël” Christmas Market I mentioned above. Another option is the Patinoire de l’AccorHotels Arena, which is a sure bet to find a Winter ice skating rink annually in Paris.
There is an annual Light festival in the pathways of the national park at Lumières en Seine at Domaine National de Saint-Cloud. It is a magical journey of light and sound through an illuminated wonderland!
One of my favorite characteristics about Paris is the enchanting Carousels (manèges) throughout the city. They are surprisingly popular, with about 20 around the city! The most memorable thing for me is the well-known carousel near the Eiffel Tower. Many are free for children to ride during the Christmas season!
This Disney-loving lady has to mention that Mickey celebrates the holidays in style at Disneyland Paris, too!
Viator: The TripAdvisor Tour Company sells tickets for walking tours of the city’s Christmas lights, the outdoor Christmas markets, bus tours, and Lunch/Dinner Cruises on the Seine River!

I will always agree with Audrey Hepburn, “Paris is always a good idea!”