

Christmas in Paris: Whimsical Things to Do This Holiday Season
At Christmas time, Paris transforms into a magical wonderland, with twinkling lights and festive decorations set up in its grand boulevards and on the façades of many of its cafés, restaurants and stores, bringing a warm sense of enchantment into the air.
Christmas Lights at Place Vendôme
Place Vendôme is one of those postcard locations in Paris, and even more so during the festive season, blending its all-year-round elegance with Christmas charm. The façades of the high-end jewelers, fashion houses, and hotels are also individually adorned, and in each of the square’s four quadrants, a set of twin tall Christmas trees is placed, creating a whole multi-layered, enchanting, and glamorous ambiance.
Christmas lights at Rue Faubourg-Saint Honoré

Rue Faubourg-Saint-Honoré is one of the most iconic streets in Paris, known for its luxurious stores selling anything from fashion to jewelry, watches, or art, and with some iconic hotels and restaurants too. In late November, the Comité du Faubourg Saint-Honoré prepares a show to celebrate the beginning of Christmas time, with the festive lighting of the street, a DJ set, and some live music.



Galerie Vivienne
Perfectly located by the Palais Royal and the beautiful National Library is the exquisite Galerie Vivienne. Beautifully adorned with Christmas lights and decorations every year, the galerie is the perfect and charming winter wonderland, especially on cold and rainy days. There is a variety of shops and nice cafés, so any time I am in Paris, I like to come here to see what is new in the stores, since this is one of my favourite places to visit all year round.
Ice Skating Rink at Plaza Athénée

For a family experience that is not short of a dreamy and festive scenario, the Le Goûter at Plaza Athénée, in the iconic Avenue Montaigne, is your go-to. One of the highlights during December is the ice-rink that is set in the courtyard of the hotel. Here, young children from three to twelve years of age can go ice-skating and experience the absolute magic of the Christmas spirit, while you enjoy the refined pastries and warm tea inside.


The Notre-Dame Christmas Market
The Notre Dame Christmas market is located at the picturesque Square René Viviani. There you can enjoy the beautiful views of the south façade of the Cathedral, its bell towers, and its iconic flèche. The market starts in late November and is assembled every year around the central fountain, fully decorated in the spirit of the season. In this market, you can find a delightful mix of French crafts, regional gourmet products, and seasonal treats, all while admiring the sound of live music performances.
Discover the Guide

Paris during Christmas is a delightful blend of elegance, tradition, and festive cheer, offering unforgettable memories for anyone who visits, whether it is the first time or the tenth.
To learn more about these five experiences and many more, explore my special Christmas Edition Paris Travel Guide.