What are the most interesting things to do in Paris for Christmas? Well, Paris, the City of Light, becomes even more beautiful during the holiday season.
Here are our recommendation on things to do in Paris for Christmas, including places to enjoy the lights and decorations, memorable tours and cruises, the best seasonal markets & concerts.
Explore the beautiful Christmas Markets / Marchés de Noël, enjoy mulled wine, artisanal gifts, and festive treats treats.
Tuileries Garden Christmas Market: One of the largest in Paris, featuring over 80 chalets with artisanal goods, festive treats, and a giant Ferris wheel opened from November 16, 2024 to January 1, 2025 is located between the Louvre and Concorde.
La Défense Christmas Market: A modern twist on traditional markets, set against the backdrop of the city’s business district. Festive entertainment and ice rink on the program.
La Défense Christmas Market is back from November 14 to December 29, 2024. This year, the market expands and will include arround 250 wooden chalets, with gift ideas, gourmet stalls and a lots of entertainment ! As an added bonus, a real ice skating rink will be set up at the foot of the arch.
Photo by: CampingParis
Saint-Germain-des-Prés Christmas Market: A charming, upscale market in one of Paris’s most iconic neighborhoods.
Over 40 chalets line Boulevard St-Germain next to the famous St-Germain-des-Prés Church, this market will be open from November 26 to January 1, 2025. This one is well known for luxury artisan items, such as fine leather pocketbooks, lovely jewelry, French gastronomy products, and handcrafted items. Also the perfect place to buy scented candles, glass Christmas ornaments and fine chocolate.
Montmartre Christmas Market (near Sacre-Coeur): A picturesque market with a village-like atmosphere, offering stunning views of Paris; about 15-20 charming chale, features local artisans, designers, and local creators. This market will be open from November 23 to December 29, 2024.
Mulled wine, hot roasted chestnut and even a champagne bar will make your experience even more special.
A lighted carousel with casual visits from Santa on the weekends, will make this experience a great one for families and not only .
Photo by: loveandparis
Hôtel de Ville Christmas Market: Located in front of Paris’s city hall, this market offers a magical setting with an ice skating rink.
Hôtel de Ville Christmas Market: Usualluy located in front of Paris’s city hall, this market offers a magical setting. It is known that this year it will most likely move (due to construction) to a temporary location: Place de la Concorde in and will be temporarily renamed “Le Village de NÖEL de la Place de la Concorde”. It will probably open from December 14 to January 5, 2025 ( to be confirmed).
This temporary location allows a visit on Champs Elysses to see the sparkling lights and also do your holiday shopping on Avenue Montagne, or walk to Place Vendôme for even more spectacular lights and shopping along Rue Royale and Rue Saint-Honoré.
Eiffel Tower Christmas Market on Quai Jacques Chirac
The Eiffel Tower Christmas Village open between December 7, 2024 to January 5, 2025 is a not-to-be-missed event for the festive season in Paris. This market offers a large variaty of gift ideas and winter delights.
Remember to check the exact dates and times closer to your visit, as they may vary slightly from year to year. Most markets typically open in late November and run through early January.
Glide across the ice under the magnificent glass roof of this historic venue, transformed into a winter wonderland.
Take a stroll down this famous avenue to see the spectacular Christmas light display.
Paris’s most treasured medieval monument, Notre Dame Cathedral, will partially reopen on December 8, 2024 with a series of celebrations and special events taking place through June 8, 2025.
Although still under renovation, the cathedral’s forecourt hosts a beautiful nativity scene and Christmas tree.
A Paris photo shoot is always a good idea. You get to have souvenirs from your Paris trip, whether you are on a romantic trip or with your family. But around the Winter Holidays, it’s even more special to have photos, as the backgrounds will have Christmas lights that are only available during this time of the year. We would be delighted to take your photos in Paris for Christmas.
Enjoy a gourmet Christmas meal while floating past the twinkling lights of Paris.
Experience the magic of Paris during Christmas with a festive dinner cruise along the Seine River.
Here are some details to help you plan your magical moment:
Remember to book well in advance, as Christmas dinner cruises are very popular and often sell out quickly. Prices typically range from €200 to €300 or more per person, depending on the package you choose.
Marvel at the enormous Christmas tree under the Art Nouveau dome and do some luxury holiday shopping.
Experience the enchantment of Disney during the holiday season, with special Christmas parades, decorations, and shows. November 9, 2024 – January 6, 2025
Remember to book your tickets well in advance, as these concerts are very popular during the holiday season.
Prices vary depending on the venue and performance, but typically range from €20 to €100 or more.
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