Best Things to Do in Paris at Christmas
Paris at Christmas is nothing short of magical. Christmas is my favorite time of the year, and I always try to spend time in Paris during the holidays to soak up all the winter magic the city has to offer. As the city lights up with festive decorations, Christmas markets, and cozy cafés, the French capital becomes one of the best destinations in Europe for the holiday season. Whether you’re planning a romantic winter getaway, a festive city break, or simply dreaming of a Parisian Noël, this guide covers the top things to do in Paris at Christmas to fully experience the season.
From iconic Christmas lights on the Champs-Élysées to traditional Christmas markets and winter activities, here’s how to make the most of Christmas in Paris.
1. Discover the Best Christmas Markets in Paris
Exploring Christmas markets in Paris is one of the most festive things to do during the holiday season. The most iconic market is the Christmas Market at Jardin des Tuileries, located between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde.
The Tuileries Christmas Market features traditional wooden chalets selling vin chaud (hot mulled wine), crêpes, raclette, roasted chestnuts, and festive gifts. With its carousel, holiday music, and sparkling lights, it perfectly captures the magic of Paris at Christmas.
2025 Dates open : November 15, 2025-January 4, 2026. Open every day from 11 am-11:45 pm.
For a more local feel, don’t miss some of the smaller Christmas markets in Paris, such as:
La Défense Christmas Market, one of the largest in the Paris region, known for its alpine-style chalets
Notre-Dame Christmas Market, offering artisan gifts in a historic setting
These markets are ideal for soaking up the cozy atmosphere of Christmas time in Paris.
2. Go Christmas Lights Sightseeing in Paris
Seeing the Christmas lights in Paris is one of the most magical experiences of the season. The highlight is without a doubt the Champs-Élysées Christmas lights, where millions of sparkling bulbs illuminate the avenue from Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe.
Walking under the lights of the Champs-Élysées truly captures the festive spirit of Paris at Christmas and is a must-do during December.
3. Go Ice Skating at the Grand Palais in Paris at Christmas
One of the most iconic winter experiences in Paris is ice skating at the Grand Palais, often referred to as the Grand Palais des Glaces. Set inside the breathtaking glass-and-steel Art Nouveau nave, this rink is considered the largest indoor pop-up ice skating rink in the world.
Covering nearly 3,000 square meters, the rink transforms the Grand Palais into a magical winter playground, complete with a giant mirrored disco ball, immersive light displays, and an onsite café serving casual French snacks. There is also a separate protected skating area for young children, making it a great option for families visiting Paris at Christmas.
In the evening, the atmosphere changes completely. From around 8pm to 2am, the ice rink turns into a festive party scene, with a DJ, music, light shows, and mirror balls transforming the ice into a dance floor. Skating here at night feels truly unforgettable and is easily one of the most unique things to do in Paris during the Christmas season.
If you only have time for one ice skating experience in Paris, make it this one: twirling around the ice beneath the illuminated glass ceiling of the Grand Palais may just become your most epic Paris Christmas memory.
Useful tip: Gloves are required at all ice skating rinks in Paris, including the Grand Palais. If you forget yours, don’t worry you can easily purchase a pair from a vending machine on-site for just a few euros.
4. Go Window Shopping at Paris Department Stores at Christmas
Window shopping in Paris at Christmas is an experience in itself. The most famous stop is Galeries Lafayette Haussmann, known for its spectacular Christmas window displays and its iconic Christmas tree beneath the glass dome.
Other great spots for Christmas window shopping in Paris include:
Le Printemps (Boulevard Haussmann, nearest Metro: Chaussée d’Antin)
Le Bon Marché (24 Rue de Sèvres, nearest Metro: Sèvres-Babylone)
BHV Marais (52 Rue de Rivoli, nearest Metro: Hôtel de Ville)
Even if you don’t plan to shop, visiting these department stores is one of the most classic Christmas activities in Paris.
5. Eat a Traditional Bûche de Noël in Paris
No Christmas in Paris is complete without tasting a Bûche de Noël, the traditional French Christmas log cake. By early December, every boulangerie and pâtisserie in Paris fills its windows with creative and beautifully decorated versions of this classic dessert.
From chocolate and praline to chestnut and citrus flavors, tasting a Bûche de Noël is one of the most delicious things to do during Christmas in Paris.
6. Find the Best Hot Chocolate in Paris
One of my favorite winter rituals and one of the coziest things to do in Paris at Christmas is stopping for a rich, indulgent hot chocolate (chocolat chaud). When temperatures drop, Parisian cafés become warm refuges, and hot chocolate turns into a true seasonal essential. Paris is famous for its thick, almost pudding-like hot chocolate, often made with real melted chocolate rather than cocoa powder. Taking the time to sit down, warm up, and people-watch with a cup of chocolat chaud feels especially magical during Christmas time in Paris.
Here are some of the best places for hot chocolate in Paris that are perfect to add to your Christmas itinerary:
PLAG, 4 rue du Nil, Paris 75002 – A more modern and discreet address, loved for its high-quality chocolate and cozy atmosphere.
Angelina, 226 rue de Rivoli, Paris 75001 – One of the most famous hot chocolates in Paris, known for its ultra-thick, decadent recipe. A true classic, especially during the holidays.
Carette, 25 place des Vosges, Paris 75003 – One of the trendiest spots this year, offering a creamy and elegant hot chocolate in a beautiful, festive setting.
La Chocolaterie Cyril Lignac, 25 rue de Chanzy, Paris 75011 – Perfect for chocolate lovers looking for a more artisanal and refined chocolat chaud.
Les Deux Magots, 6 place Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Paris – A legendary Parisian café where enjoying hot chocolate feels like stepping into history.
7. Attend Christmas Concerts in Paris
For a cultural and festive experience, attending Christmas concerts in Paris is a beautiful way to celebrate the season. Many historic churches and venues host classical concerts and Christmas music performances throughout December.
From traditional carols to orchestral performances, Christmas concerts add an elegant and magical touch to Christmas time in Paris.
8. Spend a Day at Disneyland Paris During Christmas
Spending a day at Disneyland Paris at Christmas is a magical experience for both kids and adults. The park is beautifully decorated with Christmas trees, festive parades, and seasonal shows.
From meeting characters in holiday outfits to enjoying special Christmas entertainment, Disneyland Paris is one of the most memorable things to do during Christmas in Paris and the surrounding area.
9. See Paris at Night on the Big Wheel at the Tuileries Christmas Market
One of the most magical ways to experience Paris at Christmas is by seeing the city from above. Take a ride on the Big Wheel Ferris wheel at the Tuileries Garden Christmas Market and enjoy panoramic views over Paris illuminated for the holidays.
From the top, you can spot iconic Paris landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Sacré-Cœur Basilica, and the beautifully lit avenues stretching across the city. Riding the Big Wheel at night, surrounded by Christmas lights, is one of the most romantic and unforgettable things to do in Paris during the holiday season.
10. Visit the Winter Festival of Lights at Jardin des Plantes in Paris
The Winter Festival of Lights at Jardin des Plantes is one of the most enchanting Christmas events in Paris. Held each year in the city’s Botanical Garden in the 5th arrondissement, this nighttime experience features giant illuminated animal sculptures set among the garden paths. As you wander through the Jardin des Plantes after dark, the glowing installations create a magical, almost fairytale-like atmosphere that’s perfect for both couples and families.
Dates: November 12 – January 18, 2026
Visiting this festival is a beautiful way to experience Paris in winter and adds a unique touch to any Christmas in Paris itinerary.
Final Thoughts: Why Paris Is Magical at Christmas
With its festive lights, cozy cafés, Christmas markets, and timeless charm, it’s easy to see why Paris is one of the best destinations in Europe during the holidays. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning in winter, these top things to do in Paris at Christmas will help you experience the city at its most enchanting.
If you’re planning a winter getaway, Paris at Christmas promises romance, culture, and unforgettable holiday memories. Or you can check our guide to the best winter travel destinations in Europe here
