Visiting Paris during the holidays is a great way to experience the beauty of the city and enjoy the festive spirit that comes with the season. Whether you’re a couple or a family, you can have a wonderful Christmas in Paris.
Champs-Elysees
During the holidays, the Champs-Elysees is transformed into a magical winter wonderland. The iconic avenue is lit with red lights and decorated with dozens of chalets, holiday lights and trees. From November through January, visitors can enjoy the lights and shopping along this famous Paris street.
The Avenue Montaigne, lined with luxury boutiques and high-end residences, shines with festive decorations. Visitors can walk along the avenue from 5pm to 11:45pm to admire the decorated trees.
The Hotel de Ville is another popular location. This is an ideal spot to take in the Christmas lights and enjoy the view of the Arc de Triomphe from the second floor of the building.
The Hotel de Ville is also home to a Christmas market. This includes a traditional food market selling hot food, drinks and picnic tables. You can also watch craftspeople working on wares at the market.
There are also a variety of Christmas markets in Paris. There are hundreds of chalets, many serving hot mulled wine and raclette sandwiches. There are also many gift stands selling standard Christmas items.
The most popular Christmas market in Paris is the Tuileries Gardens. This is the largest market and the best place to buy Christmas gifts. It also features a 500m2 skating rink. It is free to enter the market.
The Hotel de Ville’s Christmas market is larger in scale and includes an evening light show. It is open from 5pm to 2am on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. The market features a mulled wine stand and gift stands.
The Tuileries Gardens is also home to a traditional food market. Visitors can enjoy live music and carnival rides. It also features an enclosed Ferris wheel.
Ice skating
During the holidays, Paris comes alive with festive decorations, a host of special events and delicious gastronomic experiences. There are also plenty of outdoor rinks that put on enchanting light displays. Whether you’re a pro or a novice, you’re sure to find something to enchant you in Paris.
The ice skating rink at the Eiffel Tower is a highlight of the season. The tower is open for ice skating from late November through early January. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the holidays.
Another great winter activity is the rooftop ice skating rink at Paris La Defense’s Grande Arche. It’s a 110 meter high ice rink that offers panoramic views of the city. The skating rink is free to visit and open to all ages. It also has a DJ and a light show.
The roof of the famous department store Galeries Lafayette also features an ice rink on its 8th floor. This one has a capacity of 88 ice skaters at once. It’s free and has unobstructed views of the Eiffel Tower and the Paris Opera. The rink also has an onsite cafe with French hot dogs and a hot chocolate fountain.
If you’re looking for a more traditional Christmas market, La Defense has some of the best in Paris. It’s open November 25 through December 29, 2021. This market is a good choice for those looking for a less expensive Christmas in Paris. You’ll also need to account for the RER train to get into the city.
Another great Christmas in Paris ice skating experience is the one at the Hotel de Ville. The hotel is located outside of Paris City Hall and has a festive atmosphere. There’s also a carousel that’s old fashioned and fun.
A sunset cruise on the Seine while sipping champagne
Taking a cruise along the Seine in Paris during the evening is a unique experience. It’s a romantic way to see the city and a great way to get a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower. A Champagne cruise is also an excellent choice, especially if you are celebrating a special occasion.
If you’re wondering what to do in Paris during Christmas, then consider a night cruise on the Seine. This festive experience includes a delicious meal and live music. You will also be able to see the Eiffel Tower illuminated.
If you’re looking for something more affordable, you may want to consider the glass-topped trimaran tour. This tour includes a one-hour cruise along the Seine, the Eiffel Tower, and Palace of Versailles. You’ll also receive an informative audio guide.
Another great option is the Candlelit Champagne Cruise. This cruise is illuminated by candle lights and is perfect for a romantic evening. You’ll be able to enjoy a glass of champagne and see the Eiffel Tower and other major landmarks. This cruise is also perfect for Valentine’s Day.
You’ll also receive a glass of champagne as well as live entertainment. The three-course meal will include a glass of wine. The show includes live music and dancing.
The Champagne Tasting and Lunch day trip departs from Paris and includes a visit to a Champagne vineyard. You’ll learn about the terroir and taste eight different Champagnes. You’ll also have the chance to purchase a bottle or two.
If you’re looking for a more personalized experience, you may want to consider a private tour. Your tour includes a champagne tasting, a private car ride to and from the city, and a gourmet lunch.
Dinner and a show at the Moulin Rouge
Whether you’re planning a Christmas vacation or want to spend a festive holiday in Paris, a dinner and a show at the Moulin Rouge is a great way to kick off the season. This historic cabaret has been entertaining audiences for over a century. In fact, it was originally intended as a cabaret for the rich and famous in Montmartre.
The Moulin Rouge offers shows that run every day. Depending on the show, you’ll see acrobats, acrobatic performers, dancers, singers, musicians, and a variety of other circus-inspired acts.
The Moulin Rouge is a popular cabaret, and tickets for its shows sell out months in advance. The Moulin Rouge’s Christmas Eve show, known as the Festivities of Christmas, is a special holiday dinner and show. Guests can choose between three different menus: a traditional French dinner, a special Christmas dinner, and a vegan dinner. You can even take your pick of champagne and wine.
The Moulin Rouge is located at the intersection of Rue Blanche and Boulevard de Clichy. The closest Metro stop is Blanche. However, you’ll have to take a taxi to get to the cabaret. There is a taxi rank across the street.
You can also take a stroll along Boulevard de Clichy. The trees along both sides of the avenue are decorated in Christmas-themed shades of red and gold. You’ll also see a number of luxury stores, many of which have their own Christmas decorations.
You can also visit the Louvre on Christmas Eve for a semi-private tour. This is a great way to skip the crowds and learn more about the art museum. However, you will need to make reservations ahead of time.
A visit to Galeries Lafayette
During the Christmas season, the famous Galeries Lafayette transforms into a festive beehive. The central hall is filled with 70,000 square meters of retail space. It features the iconic dome and neo-Byzantine windows, which are lit up with multi-coloured lights.
The roof of the department store is open to visitors and offers some of the most beautiful views of Paris. Visitors can spot the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and Sacre Coeur. For Christmas, the roof is also home to an open air ice rink.
Galeries Lafayette offers a selection of gourmet foods and wine as well as a variety of fashion and jewelry. Visitors can also sign up for cooking classes. The store also offers a selection of gift items, home decor and beauty products.
The ground floor market at the Galeries Lafayette offers bread, cheese, spices, fish and meat. It also offers coffees and wines. The ground floor market features a variety of local and regional specialties.
The Lafayette store also hosts prestigious events with major designers. There are also art exhibits and sculpture displays. During the holiday season, the store features animated scenes, including festive Christmas trees, teddy bears and jolly Santas.
If you are looking for a special place to shop for gifts this Christmas, Galeries Lafayette is the place to go. The store is open from 10 am to 8:30 pm on Mondays to Saturdays, and 11 am to 8 pm on Sundays. There are also two restaurants in the store, which accept reservations. There is also a cafeteria, which offers American and Mediterranean cuisine.
The ground floor also features a market, which is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm. The market features bread, cheese, fruit, meats, spices and baked goods.
