Spending Christmas in Paris is a fantastic idea for all types of travelers. The French capital has options to suit every taste.
If you're not sure what to do in Paris at Christmas, in this post we share several ideas.
At this time of year, the city shines brighter than ever, with millions of lights adorning its streets and main landmarks, simply strolling along its avenues will give your Christmas the special touch you're looking for.
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What to Do at Christmas in Paris
Ice Rinks
One of the Christmas traditions in Paris is the ice skating rinks. One of the most popular is the one located at Trocadero. Others are set up around Paris, such as the one at the Grand Palais or the one at Montparnasse, located in front of the Hôtel de Ville, a beautiful building that serves as the home of the Paris City Hall.
Carousels
In several districts of Paris are set up Tiovivos (o carruseles) during the holidays.
They are very photogenic and children love them.
Strolling through the illuminated streets of Paris
The Paris Christmas decorations, like everything in this city, will not leave you indifferent. The City of Light gains an extra glow during these festive days.
Walk its most famous avenues and boulevards such as the Champs-Élysées and the Boulevard Saint-Germain to enjoy the Christmas atmosphere and the decorations on the streets and in shop windows.
If you want to take a guided walk, you can book a nocturnal walking tour of Paris.
You can also admire the Paris Christmas lights from a evening river cruise.
Concerts
For those who enjoy the tradition of pesebre o belén, known in French as: Scène de Nativité, and all Catholic churches tend to hold one in various styles during this time of year.
The Sacré-Cœur Church in Paris in Montmartre and the Church of the Madeleine, offer misas con choirs and concerts during Christmas.
The Notre-Dame Cathedral is usually the main reference for visitors when it comes to concerts and its beautiful nativity scene, and will be so again once it is ready and safe to welcome visitors.
Shopping and Christmas markets in Paris
For los regalos, and the shopping in Paris, as well as famous shops and department stores such as Galeries Lafayette which se adornan con escaparates alucinantes, you can visit the Christmas markets that take place every year. Here we share the most famous ones:
Champs-Élysées Christmas Market
This market runs along the avenue, with small wooden chalets stretching all the way to the Place de la Concorde, where an additional preciosa Noria around the same dates. You'll find local crafts and a variety of culinary products for sale.
Christmas Market at La Défense
It is the largest Christmas market that takes place in La Défense, the financial district of Paris, and also one of the most picturesque. Like most markets, the main offerings are Christmas crafts, small gifts, and food.
Christmas Market at Trocadéro
The Christmas market at Trocadero, may not be the largest, nor have more variety than the two others in this post, but the view of the Eiffel Tower in the background makes it truly special. Alongside the market, a an ice skating rink and a giant Christmas treeis also set up. Not to be missed.
You can also check our list of Paris street markets held throughout the year.
Christmas at Disneyland Paris
The Disneyland Paris Park is always magical, but during the Christmas season it is incredible. The entire park lights up for Christmas, and the parades and processions all carry the theme of this special holiday.
Tickets for Disneyland Paris start desde los 53€ for one day, for both parks. Find more information here about Disneyland Paris.
Christmas Shows in Paris
Finally, we have saved one of the best things you can do in Paris at Christmas: attending a evening showfor last. In this case there are two especially organized for the season that never disappoint:
Show at the Moulin Rouge with Christmas Dinner
A show that captures the very best of the most famous Parisian cabaret, accompanied by a multi-course meal and champagne during the show.
You can guess that tickets for the Moulin Rouge sell out fast, so don't waste time and buy your tickets now.
Book your accommodation in advance
Finally, to staying in central Paris without spending too much, we recommend you check our page on cheap hotels near the Eiffel Tower.
Also, confirm that the places where you plan to have a special meal are open on the day you intend to visit, and make a reservation in advance.
