Do you love Christmas? Well, we do too. In Paris, you’ll be able to celebrate Christmas the way you like it, thanks to a wide range of activities. As queen Mariah Carey would say, “It’s tiiiiime”!
Take a stroll through one of Paris’ Christmas markets
Yes, Christmas means Christmas markets. And that’s just as well, because Paris is overflowing with them this season. From the classic to the most original, there’s something for everyone. Our favorites?Shizen, the Japanese Christmas market: great gifts for the whole family!
Browse the most beautiful Christmas windows in Paris
Every year, the window displays of the biggest department stores dazzle young and old alike, bringing their windows to life. This is the case at Printemps Haussmann, which will be revealing its new theme: “Le Printemps Express” this November. A free exhibition to be admired throughout the season, which will delight children of all ages!
Get out your LEGO box
Nathan Sawaya, a former American lawyer turned number 1 Brick Artist, invites you to take a day trip back to childhood with The Art of The Brick, a playful artistic experience that invites you to discover a hundred works of art created entirely from small bricks (it took about a million of them!). From reproductions of iconic masterpieces such as Rodin’s The Thinker, Klimt’s The Kiss and Edvard Munch’s The Scream, to original sculptures such as an XXL T-rex, a gallery of organs and a fascinating mobile installation of suspended skulls… As a family, you’ll want to get out your LEGO® box.
Enjoy a super hot chocolate
This time of year, we’re all in the mood for a comforting drink like a pumpkin spice latte. But if you’re too lazy to make your own, you can always go to the best hot chocolate places in Paris! Angelina’s thick, creamy hot chocolate is legendary!
Treat yourself to comfort food
Cheese season is officially open! To mark the occasion, why not try out the best raclette and fondus restaurants? Our favorite? Chez Monix! A real ski resort in Paris, where you can enjoy delicious fondues in vintage gondolas and cable cars. We love it!
📍Port Van Gogh, 92600 Asnières-sur-Seine
See the Paris Christmas lights in Paris
It’s no secret that Christmas is often synonymous with light, and that’s just as well, since Paris is brimming with places illuminated for the occasion. The Champs Elysées, for example, or Place Vendôme, which is decked out in a thousand lights for the festive season from the end of November.
📍1 Place Vendôme, 75001 Paris
Learn something new at an original museum exhibition
Who said museums were all closed over Christmas? On December 25, many museums are open, such as L’Atelier des Lumières, Le Musée Grévin etc… So make the most of Paris and its cultural offerings.
Celebrate Christmas in a château near Paris
How about a little daydreaming this Christmas? Many châteaux and estates near Paris are opening their doors at this time of year, to celebrate Christmas in a different way. Such is the case at the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, which is preparing several events starting in November. Monumental projections, a treasure hunt, magical illuminations… An idyllic, immersive evening for the whole family.
📍 Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte 77950 Maincy
Book a great candlelit Christmas concert
What could be more magical than a candlelit concert? For 1 hour, listen to the most beautiful Christmas music performed by a string quartet. A magical show to discover!
Go to the ice rink
Christmas is the perfect time to get out your best skates! The capital offers a number of pretty skating rinks where you can glide like a pro (or not). It’s a great opportunity to spend some quality time with family and friends!
Watch Paris light up from a winter rooftop
Whether you want to drink a hot chocolate, eat a waffle or just watch Paris sparkle at night, a winter rooftop is THE place to be this season. Don’t worry, you won’t be cold: most are covered or have heated bubbles so you won’t shiver!
Book a Christmas tea time
What better way to get into the Christmas spirit than with a winter tea time? We loved the tea time at the Peninsula, absolutely delicious and gourmet. Other fine addresses offer equally gourmet tea-time snacks.
Visit the Christmas stores
The magic of Christmas has also invaded the beautiful stores, which offer Christmas decorations to suit all tastes and budgets. The hardest part will be choosing!