Every year, the Galeries Lafayette window displays draw curious onlookers to Boulevard Haussmann. For the 2026 edition, the department store has entrusted the reins of its Christmas universe to Jean-Charles de Castelbajac. Known for his colorful creations and boundless imagination, the fashion designer didn’t stop at simply designing decorations. From animated window displays to the giant Christmas tree under the Dome, an entire Christmas fairy tale comes to life. Childhood memories, fantastical characters, and hand-drawn illustrations are all part of the experience.
When the Galeries Lafayette window displays become a storybook
This year, the traditional window displays on Boulevard Haussmann invite us to discover “Au cœur de Noël” (At the Heart of Christmas). A story entirely conceived by Jean-Charles de Castelbajac. Instead of the usual elves busy preparing our gifts, make way for a different Christmas story. Each character has a role to play, and each window tells a part of the tale.
As you stroll past the windows, you discover a world where the magic of Christmas meets fashion. Angels set out in search of a lost star. Meanwhile, the nativity figures leave their traditional spots in the manger to strut down a runway. Santa Claus, for his part, is buried under letters from children. Then all the characters from the windows gather for a grand banquet.
The story is told through colorful displays, filled with imaginary creatures and references to Castelbajac’s world. A true picture book whose story unfolds throughout Galeries Lafayette, from the storefront windows to the building’s facade.
A Christmas inspired by the designer’s childhood dreams
Behind these displays lies a much more personal story. For nearly fifty years, Jean-Charles de Castelbajac has maintained ties with Galeries Lafayette. But this time, the designer wanted to go even further by bringing to life the Christmas he dreamed of as a child.
To bring this idea to life, he decided to go back to the basics: cardboard, markers, and hand-cut and hand-glued collages. It’s an original choice in the face of new creative tools, where artificial intelligence is increasingly being used in various artistic projects. For nearly a year, Castelbajac spent hours on the drawings before entrusting their life-size creations to several workshops and creative teams.
His artistic signature is evident, with primary colors, angels, winged hearts, and imaginary characters. Beyond the aesthetics, it’s a way to recapture the spontaneity of children’s drawings—and even his own childlike spirit. He explains that his goal with these window displays was to create the Christmas he’d always dreamed of. It’s a way to blend his day-to-day work with a much more personal side.
A giant Christmas tree that extends the story all the way to the Coupole
The experience doesn’t stop at the window displays! Inside the store, the traditional giant Christmas tree takes on a very different look this year.
Under the Dome, Castelbajac creates a protective tree with large, colorful branches, populated by the fairy-tale’s fantastical characters. At the top, an angel places a star, as a nod to the story told by the window displays. Surrounding the tree are large, colorful banners and cut-out silhouettes that complete the display, with a play of light that brings the entire scene to life. The music also contributes to the atmosphere, featuring an original soundtrack by Vladimir Cauchemar. It’s a way to extend the fairy tale beyond the store windows and discover the designer’s creations from a different perspective.
The displays will be unveiled on November 12, 2026, starting at 6 p.m. And just like every year, you don’t have to go shopping to admire Castelbajac’s work. The window displays are free to view, as is the Coupole.
Location: Galeries Lafayette Haussmann, 40 Boulevard Haussmann, 75009
Date: November 12, 2026, starting at 6 p.m.