7 of the most festive places in Paris
Paris is a city that knows how to celebrate the festive season in style, with twinkling lights and holiday cheer transforming its famous landmarks. While many visitors flock to see the Eiffel Tower or explore the Champs-Élysées during the holidays (and both of those are resplendent at Christmas), we’re here to take you to some of the less-trodden, but equally charming, festive spots. Let’s wander through Paris and discover the delightful corners where Christmas magic truly comes to life.
1 | Marché de Noël at the Jardin des Tuileries
Every year there are between 15-20 Marchés de Noël in Paris (Credit: A. Currell CC BY-NC 2.0)
One of the most beloved Christmas markets in Paris, the Jardin des Tuileries is a wonderland of festive treats. Wooden chalets offer everything from artisanal gifts to warming mulled wine, and of course, there’s an ice-skating rink for those who want to glide under the twinkling lights. It’s a popular spot, so aim for late afternoon when the festive lights really shine. This year’s market runs from 16th November to 1st January, 2025, making it the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit.
2 | Galeries Lafayette Christmas display
Spectacular glass dome in Galleries Lafayette (Credit: David Huang, CC BY-SA 2.0)
Galeries Lafayette on Boulevard Haussmann is synonymous with Christmas in Paris. Not just a department store, it’s an annual festive spectacle. The iconic Christmas tree beneath its domed roof is a dazzling sight, but don’t miss the intricate window displays that capture the magic of the season. For a unique view of the city, head up to the rooftop terrace — timing your visit with sunset is highly recommended for a memorable view over the glittering city.
3 | Luxury boutiques in Place Vendôme
The French shirtmaker, Charvet, on Place Vendome (Credit: Claude Truong-Ngoc, CC BY-SA 4.0)
For a quieter festive moment, Place Vendôme is your go-to. This elegant square, known for its luxury boutiques, is beautifully understated in its festive decorations. The lights are chic, the atmosphere calm, and it’s a perfect spot to take a serene stroll. Grab a coffee or hot chocolate and soak up the refined, Parisian charm.
4 | Attend a Christmas concert at a Paris church
Saint-Eustache at Christmas (Credit: Philippe Georges Grossiord CC BY 2.0)
Though Notre-Dame is under restoration (set to re-open just in time for Christmas 2024), you can still experience the festive spirit through Christmas concerts at nearby historic churches like Saint-Sulpice or Saint-Eustache. These majestic spaces offer classical music concerts and carol services that are guaranteed to leave you with a festive glow.
5 | Wander through the covered passages of Paris
The Galerie Vivienne (Credit: Benh LIEU SONG, CC BY-SA 2.0)
Head to Galerie Vivienne and Passage Jouffroy, two of Paris’ beautiful covered passages, which date back to the 19th century. During the holiday season, they’re decked out with vintage-style festive decorations, making it feel like you’ve stepped back in time. These are lovely spots to explore small boutiques and stop for a coffee at one of the cafes inside.
6 | Taste something made with truffles from La Maison de la Truffe
La Maison de la Truffe (Credit: scalleja, CC BY-SA 2.0)
A delicious stop for those in search of Paris’s gourmet festive side, La Maison de la Truffe near Place de la Madeleine offers truffle-infused treats. Whether you go for their signature truffle pasta or pick up some truffle butter to take home, this luxurious spot adds a flavourful touch to your holiday experience.
7 | Montmartre’s hidden holiday charm
The Sacré Coeur in Montmartre
Far from the crowds of the Champs-Élysées, Montmartre offers a cosy, festive escape. Wander around Place du Tertre, where artists continue to paint under the festive lights, and stop by the small Christmas market at Place des Abbesses. With a warm cup of mulled wine in hand, climb up to Sacré-Cœur for one of the best views of Paris, and enjoy the peace that Montmartre’s hidden streets bring at this time of year.
Festive Paris Challenge | Ice-skating at the Grand Palais des Glaces
Le Grand Palais des Glaces (Credit: Passion Leica from Paris, France, CC BY-SA 2.0)
Ready to up the festive fun? Head to Grand Palais des Glaces for a skating experience like no other. Open from 13th December to 8th January, this incredible rink beneath the Grand Palais’s iconic glass dome offers a truly grand setting for your festive glide. Afterwards, treat yourself to some foie gras at a nearby café—a French holiday classic!
This challenge is rated 2/3 in difficulty: it’s a bit physical but full of festive joy.
Travel essentials: What you need to know
Getting around Paris is a breeze, especially during the festive season. The metro and RER network is fast and efficient, and most of the key festive spots are easily accessible by public transport. If you’re flying in, Charles de Gaulle (north east) and Orly (south west) are both around 45 minutes from the city centre by train or taxi. Paris is generally very walkable, but wrap up warm — it will be chilly in winter. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, so language barriers are minimal, but a few French phrases will go a long way.
Why visit Paris at Christmas?
Christmas in Paris is all about understated elegance mixed with timeless charm. The festive lights, beautiful architecture, and cosy markets create an atmosphere that is uniquely enchanting. Visiting between mid-November and early January means you’ll catch the city at its most festive. With its blend of iconic sights and hidden gems, Paris offers something for everyone during the holidays — whether you’re ice-skating under glass domes or strolling through serene, twinkling squares. So, grab your winter coat and head to the City of Light this Christmas — you won’t regret it!
