Paris at Christmas: The Most Magical Time of the Year

November 13, 2025

Paris during the holidays feels truly magical – the twinkling lights along the Champs-Elysées, the charming markets and the whimsical displays in the department store windows. When I lived in Paris, I remember distinctly feeling like I was in a movie; I was awe-struck by Paris’ beauty in December. It truly is one of the best times of the year to visit the French capital. Here are some must-see and do things in Paris during the holiday season. The Champs-Elysées lights up on November 16th this year!

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1. Wander Through the Christmas Markets (Marchés de Noël) of Paris

While the weather can be quite chilly and the days are short, the Paris Christmas markets (marchés de Noël) bring warmth and color to even the coldest days. And while other towns in France like Strasbourg and Colmar are well-known for their snowy, cozy Christmas markets, the Paris Christmas markets are just as magical.

Tuileries Garden

Otherwise known as “La Magie de Noël”, this market is the largest, and perhaps most centrally located in the city. Stretching from the Louvre to the Place de la Concorde, with a Ferris wheel, a small ice rink, vin chaud, and wooden chalets filled with handmade gifts and treats, it stays open until early January.

Pro tip: Time your ferris wheel ride to coincide with the Eiffel Tower hourly light show.

Square René Viviani (Notre Dame)

Just near the newly re-opened Notre Dame Cathedral, there is a smaller market with around 30 vendors selling regional food, hot chocolate and artisanal crafts.

Saint-Germain-des-Prés Market

On the elegant Left Bank, the the Saint-Germain-des-Prés Marché de Noël expands along the boulevvard, with the backdrop of the eponymous church and bookshops and cafés. Charming wooden chalets serve the most gourmet treats, like caviar and foie gras. You will also find Savoyord dishes like tartiflette and different flavored pretzels.

Gare de l’Est Train Station

If you cannot make it to Alsace for the well-known Christmas markets on that side of France, the Marché de Noël des Producteurs Alsaciens has you covered! Here you will find all the delicious treats from the mountainous region like kougelhopf.

Montmartre Market

The Montmartre market is smaller but super charming and in a wonderful neighborhood near the Sacré-Cœur basilica.

La Défense Market:

If you are willing to take the ride out to the more modern neighborhood of La Défense, here you will find regional products, like Alsatian pretzels, Provençal soaps, and mountain cheeses.

2. See the Most Magical Holiday Displays

Perhaps more than the Christmas markets, my favorite memory of living in Paris was the fantastic holiday displays at the various famous department stores.

Galeries Lafayette Haussman and Printemps Haussmann (9th arrondisement)

Both located near the Opéra Garnier, this area of town is a holiday wow-factor as the two stores compete for the best display. During the holiday season, the Galaries Lafayette Haussman even has an ice skating rink on the rooftop, complete with an Eiffel Tower view! The display at the Printemps Haussmann won’t be outdone, though, so enjoy the friendly competition.

La Samaritaine (1st arrondisement)

One of my favorite department stores in Paris, the relatively newly remodeled Samaritaine has so many windows, I am so excited to see what they come up with this year.

Le Bon Marché (6th/7th arrondisement)

Last but certainly not least is the fabulous Le Bon Marché. This would be great to visit after visiting the Saint-Germain-des-Prés Marché de Noël as mentioned above.

3. See the Christmas Lights of Paris

Champs-Elysées

I remember coming home from work, grabbing some groceries and crossing the Champs-Elysées during the holiday season. I pinched myself everytime, I couldn’t believe I was so lucky. The most beautiful avenue in the world is at it’s best this time of year and is a must-see. The lights usually go on mid-November and stay on through early January. They light up at 5pm until midnight through the season, except December 24th and December 31st, when they stay on all night long. If you are in town for New Year’s Eve, be sure to find a spot near the Arc de Triomphe, where a fireworks display will take place.

Place Vendôme (1st arrondisement)

Be sure to head to other famous areas, like Place Vendôme, which will be adorned with festive lights and trees. While you are there, head to the Ritz Paris for a Bûche de Noël baking class or just warm up in the Salon Proust for an afternoon tea service or stay for the evening champagne bar in the evening. Also in the Place de Venôme is the Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme, which features a wood clad “Chalet du Park” serving a winter menu including Alp-inspired raclette.

Rue Montorgueil (1st and 2nd arrondisement)

Many iconic streets will have their own festive displays, like the rue Montorgueil.

4. Combine a Concert and an Église (church)

Several of the churches around Paris have Christmas Concerts to enjoy. Sainte-Chappelle, of course is stunning, dating back to the mid-13th century, it was once a royal chapel constructed to house the precious Crown of Thorns relic. The stunning 15 stained-glass windows are some of the most impressive in France, let alone all of Europe.

Notre Dame cathedral, Paris — Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris, France

Combine sightseeing with an experience only taking place during the holiday season by listening to the music of Antonio Vivaldi or Johann Strauss during a classical concert. Churches like the Église de le Madeline and the Église Saint-Germaine-des-Près have concerts during the holiday season.

5. Feast on French Holiday Treats

From Chocolat Chaud to the Bûche de Noël to oysters to foie gras to caviar, the French do not hold back when it comes to celebrating Noël (Christmas) or les fêtes de la fin de l’année (year end holidays). Angelina on Rue de Rivoli has the best hot chocolate in Paris, although Carette is close contender.

You’ll find many holiday season treats at the Christmas markets – from escargots to roasted chestnuts to oysters to even champagne bars.

If you are looking for a traditional raclette, the Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme’s Alps-inspired Chalet du Park will be serving winter menus designed by Michelin-starred chef Jean-François Rouquette.

For holiday inspired luxury tea time – the Ritz Paris, the Hôtel de Crillon and the Hôtel Lutetia are all offering a festive, sweet holiday treat infused afternoon tea.

La Cuisine Paris has holiday cooking classes on various festive treats like how to make the Bûche de Noël or the Gallette des Rois. I have taken several classes with La Cuisine – both cooking and pastry classes – and I highly recommend the experience!

6. Warm Up in Paris’ Museums

I have a whole round up of small, cozy museums that are perfect for avoiding the cold. You can read the post here: The Best Small Museums in Paris That Most Tourists Miss

Where to Stay in Paris during the Holidays?

Please check this post which includes a very vetted list of wonderful hotels by arrondisement (neighborhood):

Your Guide to the Best Paris Hotels: Top Picks by Arrondisement

Best Hotels Under $500 in Paris

Or search the map below to find your perfect Paris hotel:

What to Wear in Paris in the Winter Time

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