Although Christmas in Paris is not a white winterland, you can surely experience the magical seasons as the city is lit up with thousands of lights and Christmas decor. With many things to do at Christmas in Paris, we are here to answer your questions about what to do on Christmas in Paris, from sipping a hot mulled wine or hot chocolate while you’re tempted to visit Paris during Christmas time. Indulge in the city’s biggest department store displays holiday or attend New Year concerts, or you could visit Disneyland or ice skating at the Grand Palais.
Christmas Markets In Paris
With a dozen happening Christmas markets across the city, we have combined a list for you to experience Christmas in Paris to the fullest.
1. La Magie de Noël at Tuileries Garden Christmas Market
Witness one of Paris’s biggest and most fun-filled Christmas markets, La Magie De Noel. Visitors walking across the Tuileries Garden would see a Ferris Wheel with bright lights, amusements, and fun promised before entering the market. As one gets closer, the air is filled with aromas of sausages that are getting sizzled, freshly made waffles with Christmas music feeling the high-seasonal energy. Divided into three parts, the Christmas-themed carnival has an entertainment section for all ages. The second section is an artisan village that offers an array of stalls with souvenirs and gifts worldwide. The third section is about mouth-watering snacks and delicious drink options, as every market is complete with all three – entertainment, shopping and food.
Enjoy the breathtaking night skyline view of Paris from the giant Ferris wheel. The Christmas season is about spending chilly evenings with friends and family immersed in the festive spirit. Indulge in roasted chestnuts while marvelling at the beautiful decorations all around.
Location: North side of Tuileries Garden
Opening Hours: November 16, 2024 – January 5, 2025
Nearest Metro Station: Concorde, Tuileries
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2. Paris Notre-Dame Christmas Market at Square Viviani
Christmas isn’t a season; it’s a feeling. To get the holiday spirits high, add Paris Notre Dame to your list of Christmas Markets to visit this season. It started on November 29th. Visitors can flock to Square Viviani to meet Santa Claus, click pictures and savour French delicacies while you get free entertainment for children. Tagged as one of Paris’s most beautiful Christmas markets, the celebration is unique each year.
Notre Dame also features genuine French artisans and craftsmen for their best, high-quality goods like handcrafted candles, ceramics and even precious stone jewellery. You can taste the French specialities like gingerbread, pretzels, hot chestnuts and the famous mulled wine. There’s also a free supervised drawing workshop where one can stand a chance to win a charity plush toy.
Location: Square René-Viviani on Quai Montebello, at the edge of the Latin Quarter in the 5th Arrondissement
Opening Hours: November 29 – December 25; 10 am – 8 pm (9 pm on Friday, Saturday, Sunday)
Nearest Metro Station: Saint Michel, Maubert-Mutualite
3. Abbesses Christmas Market in Montmartre
Abbesses market is a must-have experience for celebrating Christmas in Paris, France. Dubbed one of the most photo-worthy areas in Montmartre, it is a small and charming Christmas market in Paris. Guests can experience about 20 stalls that feature local artisans, designers, and creators. They can also witness a beautifully decorated Christmas tree and occasional visits from Santa. A perfect combination of a cup of warm spiced wine with a packet of hot roasted chestnuts while enjoying this market is one of the things to do at Christmas in Paris. Or you could even join the crowd at the Champagne Bar.
The friendly neighbourhood vibe is something you wouldn’t want to miss! For kids, there is a brightly lighted carousel, and for adults, it is an ideal place to stock up your hand-knit scarves and one-of-a-kind jewellery. After attending this Christmas Market, you could explore the winding hills of Montmartre, just a few blocks away.
Location: Next to the Abbesses Butte Montmartre Métro station in Montmartre, 18th Arrondissement.
Opening Hours: November 23 – December 29
Nearest Metro Station: Abbesses Butte Montmartre
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4. Saint-Germain-des-Prés Christmas Market
Situated next to the infamous St-Germain-des-Pres Chruch, this market offers a speciality with luxury artisan items like fine leather, jewellery, French gastronomy products and high-quality handcrafted products. Despite being of the best quality, the reasonable prices make it the ideal place for shopaholics. Take home boxes of chocolates filled with liquor that are great for gifting purposes or to be enjoyed with your family during Christmas.
Book tickets for a Christmas concert at the Saint-Germain church to fully experience the Christmas events in Paris. You could also explore nearby places, like the Cluny Museum, or indulge in freshly baked French food at the local eatery.
Location: Blvd Saint-Germain, next to Eglise Saint-Germain-des-Prés, 6th Arrondissement
Opening Hours: November 26 – January 1, 2025
Nearest Metro Station: Saint-Germain
5. Alsatian Christmas market at the Gare de l’Est
In the North-East of France, the Alsace region is recognised for its wine and colourful half-timbered houses. Bringing the culture to the table, you can experience fifteen Alsatian artisans and producers, including winemakers, cheesemongers, pastry chefs, butchers, and many more, ensuring you indulge in their regional gastronomy. One thing to try out at this market is their charcuterie. For those with a sweet tooth, gingerbread houses, Bredele, and Kougelhopf cookies are something we highly recommend trying.
It is notably one of the longest-running Christmas markets outside the region, and guests can sample local wines, brandies, Alsatian whisky, and craft beer. When in France, do what the French do. Alcohol has been a part of French culture for centuries and is a staple of their socialising life. And what is Christmas without some good food and great wine?
Location: Place du 11 Novembre 1918, Paris 10
Opening Hours: November 29 – December 15
Nearest Metro Station: Langstross Grand’Rue
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Things To Do At Christmas In Paris
Feel the holiday spirit with all the beautiful things to do at Christmas in Paris. If you think Paris went all out with its Olympics celebrations, wait until you witness it in December.
1. Experience the dazzling lights on the Champs-Elysées
Walk around the 400 balloon glass garland-adorned trees decorated in a highly modest and chic look, with 100% LED lights on the Champs-Elysées to the Arc de Triomphe. The lights will get lit around 5:00 pm and shut off at midnight. Make sure to see the city being dazzled up. Not just the lighting but more than 3,000 fireworks are set to cover up the night on New Year’s Eve with a countdown to midnight as the French artists ring in 2025.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, spend your Christmas Eve in Paris, experiencing the sparkling lights on the Champs Elysées road.
Location: Champs-Elysées to Arc de Triomphe
Timings: 5:00 pm to midnight
2. Sip Hot Mulled Wine at the Christmas Market In Paris
Starting in November, visitors can experience the Christmas markets in Paris, and one of the best things to do at Christmas in Paris is sip a hot cup of mulled wine. The famous mulled wine, also known as spiced wine, is usually made with red wine, spices, or even raisins, and it’s best served hot or warm. Some best-mulled wines are at Maison Sauvage Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Le BarOurcq 19ème, or experience it like a true local at any Christmas market. The best snack with spiced wine is roasted chestnuts or grilled sausages.
Best Spots: Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Le BarOurcq
Price: It’s generally cheaper than a bottle of wine.
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3. Spend Christmas Day in Disneyland Paris
One of the best ways to celebrate the holiday spirit is by planning your Christmas Day in Disneyland Paris. During the Christmas season, Disneyland is filled with enchanting decorations that include a 78-foot Christmas tree and festive lights with decor. Witness Mickey’s dazzling Christmas Parade, the Disney Electrical Sky Parade, or even a magical music show. If you’re looking to celebrate Christmas with your kids in Paris, then Disneyland is something they would look forward to. Stay at the Disney Hotel to continue the Christmas magic. It is ideal for families to take the Disneyland packages, including park admission and accommodation at a Disney Hotel.
Location: Bd de Parc, 77700 Coupvray, France
Timings: 9:30 am – 10 pm
Price: Starting price ₹ 9,172 onwards.
4. Enjoy a scrumptious Christmas Dinner at Moulin Rouge Cabaret
French legendary Moulin Rouge’s cabaret performance would be a highlight when visiting Paris all year round. Christmas Eve dinner in Paris is highly recommended, especially at Moulin Rouge. Enjoy the festive atmosphere with the dancers’ lavish sequins and rhinestones world, followed by a gourmet feast and the iconic Féerie revue show. Sip Champagne in style with prime seats on a private balcony, getting the best view of the dancers. One’s Christmas in Paris Tours is incomplete without this experience.
Location: 82 Bd de Clichy, 75018 Paris, France
Timings: 7:00 PM
Price: Starting price ₹22,272 onwards.
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5. Take in the soulful Christmas Music in Historic Churches
Several historic churches in Paris feature Christmas and classical music each year during the holiday season. From Sainte-Chapelle to Eglise Saint-Germain-des-Prés and even the Eiffel Tower are a few places to visit to take in the soulful music of the holiday. Apart from classical music, guests can book concerts to make their December in Paris memorable. However, concert tickets sell out quickly, so book yours before it’s too late, even for a concert at the Eiffel Tower.
Best Spots: Saint-Germain-des-Pres Church, La Madeleine Church and Eiffel Tower.
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Christmas season has just begun, and it’s time to click selfies with Santa Claus, shop your heart out, spend quality time with your loved ones, and decorate gingerbread and Christmas trees while vibing to carols. Are you feeling festive after reading about Christmas in Paris and wish to experience it yourself? Then don’t wait any longer and plan your trip to Paris. You can witness the magic of Disneyland during Christmas or sip a hot mulled wine while shopping at Christmas markets in Paris.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Markets In Paris
Are restaurants open on Christmas in Paris?
While many restaurants in Paris close on Christmas Day, significantly smaller or family-owned establishments, several larger hotels and popular tourist destinations typically remain open. It’s advisable to make a reservation in advance, as those that do open may offer special holiday menus.
What to do in Paris on Christmas Day?
There are plenty of enchanting activities to enjoy in Paris on Christmas Day. You can explore the beautifully decorated streets and iconic landmarks, stroll along the Seine, visit the magnificent Notre-Dame Cathedral, or enjoy a festive meal at a restaurant. Some museums may be open, so consider visiting popular spots like the Louvre or Musée d'Orsay if they operate on Christmas. A walk through the holiday markets can also be a delightful experience.
Is Christmas in Paris cold?
Yes, Christmas in Paris tends to be quite chilly, with temperatures typically ranging from 2°C to 7°C (35°F to 45°F). It's common to experience brisk winds and overcast skies, so bundling up with warm clothing, including coats, scarves, and gloves, is a good idea to enjoy your time outdoors comfortably.
Which Christmas market is the best in Paris?
Among the many charming Christmas markets in Paris, the market at La Défense is often regarded as one of the best, featuring various festive goods, delicious food options, and beautiful decorations. Another notable market is the one at Les Halles, known for its vibrant atmosphere and selection of artisanal products. The market at Tuileries Garden is also a popular choice for its picturesque setting and cheerful holiday ambience.
Does Paris snow at Christmas?
While it is not very common, Paris can occasionally experience snowfall during Christmas. The weather can be unpredictable, so there is a chance of light snow flurries, which can create a magical winter wonderland atmosphere in the city, especially around the holiday decorations and lights.
What area is best for Christmas in Paris?
The Champs-Élysées is one of the most festive areas during Christmas, adorned with breathtaking light displays and a bustling Christmas market. The area around Notre-Dame Cathedral and Île de la Cité is also stunning, with beautiful decorations and a central location to enjoy the holiday spirit. Montmartre offers a more quaint, charming experience with its cobblestone streets and lovely cafés.
What is Christmas like in France for kids?
Christmas in France can be a magical experience for children, filled with delightful traditions and activities. Many families celebrate with festive decorations, nativity scenes, and special meals that include treats like Yule log cake. Children often look forward to Father Christmas visiting on Christmas Eve. In some regions, they might also celebrate with festive village markets and fun events tailored just for them.
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