Paris in December: Your Guide to Christmas Charm and Winter Fun

Thinking about visiting Paris in December? Let us stop you right there: don’t think—do it! Trust us, this is one of the most magical times of the year to experience the City of Love. Paris pulls out all the stops for the holiday season, transforming into a glittering winter wonderland with twinkling lights (true La Ville Lumière!), charming markets, and cozy corners where you can warm up with a steaming cup of chocolat chaud.

Snow might not always show up for the party (sorry, no Hallmark movie moments here), but Paris creates its own kind of winter magic. With festive cheer spilling onto every street and the scent of mulled wine wafting from the Christmas markets, it’s impossible not to feel like you’re living in a dream.

So, whether you’re here for the lights, the food, or just to have an excuse to wear your chicest coat and stroll along the Seine, we’ve got you covered! Here’s the ultimate list of things to do in Paris in December to make your trip unforgettable.

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1. Visit Charming Christmas Markets

Let’s start with the obvious: Parisian Christmas markets (Marchés de Noël) are the stuff of holiday dreams. These markets pop up all over the city starting in late November, and each one feels like stepping into a festive postcard. Picture cozy wooden chalets, twinkling fairy lights, and the smell of roasted chestnuts in the air.

The Must-Visits:

• La Défense Christmas Market: The big one. A bit off the city centre, but a short metro ride will get there in no time. Hundreds of stalls with artisanal crafts, festive food, and all the holiday vibes you could ask for. Plus the neighbourhood itself is worth visiting for its modern architecture. 
• Tuileries Garden Christmas Market: Nestled right by the Louvre, this one comes with a ferris wheel, carnival rides, and enough mulled wine to keep you warm no matter the weather.

• Neighborhood Favorites: For a more low-key experience, head to charming spots like Montmartre, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, or Saint Michel in the Latin Quarter. These markets might be smaller, but they’re brimming with character—and fewer crowds!
• There are plenty of others set in the most important places around the city like the Notre Dame Cathedral and Hotel de Ville so you will definitely stumble upon them. 

What to Eat:

You have to try the Parisian winter staples:

• Savoury raclette, fondue, tartiflette – delicious dishes centered around melted cheese, potatoes, and savory toppings like bacon or charcuterie—need we say more? 
• Warm, sweet crepes dripping with Nutella.
• Decadent, rich hot chocolate, practically a hug in a cup. Make sure you try it at iconic cafes such as Angelina, known for its famous chocolat chaud l’Africain or Carette, where the cozy atmosphere is just as enticing as the warm drinks on the menu.

• Bûche de Noël (yule log cake), a traditional chocolate roulade dessert or festive macarons in unique holiday flavors from. To try these goodies visit pâtisseries like Pâtisserie Viennoise, Ladurée or Pierre Hermé  

• Mont Blanc Pastry - meringue base and chestnut cream topping, the best one is at Angelina.
• Vin chaud - mulled wine, red or white, with a variety of spices, such as cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, ginger, nutmeg and star anise. Try also warm cider for a delicious alternative.

Trust us, calories don’t count in Paris, especially in December.

2. Marvel at Paris’s Christmas Lights

If you thought Paris was the City of Lights before, wait until you see it during the holidays. The city positively glows! So where to go for a beautifully illuminated evening stroll? Here are some ideas!

Where to Go for the Best Lights:

• Champs-Élysées: Walk this iconic avenue under a canopy of twinkling lights, ending at the Arc de Triomphe. It’s the perfect place to soak in the festive spirit.

• Place Vendôme (1st arrondissement), Rue St. Honoré and Avenue Montaigne (8th arrondissement) are all covered with lights and decorations and brimming with a warm holiday atmosphere.

• Galeries Lafayette and Printemps, both located near the Metro Havre-Caumartin on Boulevard Haussmann, are seasonal highlights and ideal for a family outing. For this year’s holiday season, their enchanting window displays will run through early January. Galeries Lafayette traditionally displays their giant Christmas tree sparkling with 20,000 lights, suspended from the historic glass dome, with a glass walkway for close up views and selfies, a sound and light show, and a dazzling fireworks display at the top. The tree is unveiled in mid-November and serves as one of the biggest holiday tourist attractions until 31 December. Plus, you can head up to their free rooftop terrace for breathtaking views of Paris lit up at night (it’s free!).

• BHV Marais on Rue Rivoli was the first to reveal their Christmas window displays at 5pm on November 6. This spectacle takes the form of an annual street party in front of the store featuring French celebrities, music and performances.  

• La Samaritaine has been transformed into an enchanted winter garden this year. Thoiry Lumières Sauvages’ filled this grand magasin with illuminated lantern sculptures, depicting all sorts of fantastical creatures and foliage, from huge butterflies to snails and mushrooms so get ready for a truly magical stroll. On top of that, window displays were designed by 6 local artists so there is plenty to see.
• Jardin des Plantes was transformed into a Jurassic paradise with massive lanterns shaped like plants and animals that inhabited the earth millions of years ago. Perfect for kids—and anyone who’s a kid at heart. 

3. Go Ice Skating in Iconic Locations

Channel your inner figure skater (or just shuffle around and try not to fall—we don’t judge) at some of the city’s best ice rinks:

• Grand Palais des Glaces: The world’s largest indoor ice rink is back after a five-year break. Skate under the gorgeous, newly renovated, glass canopy of this beautiful Art-Nouveau building. Evenings here are a vibe, with DJs and light shows.
• Trocadéro: For an equally stunning experience, glide across a 300 m2 rink nestled in the Christmas village near Trocadéro, one of Paris’s largest holiday markets, with a breathtaking view of the Eiffel Tower. Yes, it’s as magical as it sounds.
• Tuileries Gardens: Combine a spin on the ice with a stroll through the nearby Christmas market. Perfect combo! 
• Galerie Lafayette: Head to the rooftop for the ice skating rink and incredible views of the Eiffel Tower and the back of the Garnier Opera House. Perfect for those romantic Paris sunsets! 

4. Celebrate New Year’s Eve Like a Parisian

Paris certainly knows how to throw a New Year’s Eve bash, and you’ve got several options to pick from:

• Champs-Élysées Countdown: Join thousands of people for a festive countdown, light show, and fireworks on one of the most beautiful avenues in the world.
• Montmartre: Looking for something a little quieter (but still magical)? Head to the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, the highest point of Paris, for panoramic views of the fireworks across the city. It’s also a perfect choice if you’d like to start the evening with dinner in one of Paris’s most charming neighborhoods (just remember to book your dinner in advance!). 
• Seine Dinner Cruise: Ring in the New Year with a gourmet meal as you glide past Paris’s iconic landmarks, including Notre-Dame, the City Hall, the Conciergerie, the Louvre Pyramid, the Musée d’Orsay and of course the Eiffel tower, with the reflections of the city lights glistening on the water. Sounds just perfect, isn’t it? Companies like Bateaux Parisiens and Bateaux Mouches and The Marina offer special New Year’s dinner packages, complete with live music.
• If your budget allows, indulge in the gourmet delights that make Paris the culinary capital of the world. Treat yourself to festive menus at renowned restaurants like Palais Royal or Drouant, or dine in prestigious hotels such as Nolinski or George V. Alternatively head to iconic brasseries like La Coupole and Café de Flore, which cater to all tastes and budgets with their special menus.

5. Experience the Dame’s Reopening

Make sure you mark your calendar! Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris most iconic medieval treasure, is reopening its doors on December 8, 2024, after years of painstaking restoration following the devastating 2019 fire. 

Located in Ile de la Cité, the historical "heart" of Paris, the 13th century gothic-style Cathedral came within minutes of being destroyed by a horrific fire on April 15, 2019. While the spire and roof of Notre Dame were destroyed, the interior, including most of the Cathedral’s treasured art, historical artifacts, religious relics and magnificent stained glass windows miraculously stayed intact. The ambitious process of renovation involves local artisans and builders, reconstructing not only the roof from scratch, but also renovating the whole Cathedral from the roof to stained glass windows and gargoyles. The Cathedral will reopen this December but the large-scale renovations of its delicate decorations, statues and structures will continue until 2030. 

What to Know:

• The reopened sections will allow you to marvel at the iconic stained glass windows and restored interiors.
• The Cathedral will be open daily from the 8th of December until the 14th of December until 10 PM for a small entry price of 5€. From December 16th, it will be open during its regular opening hours from 7:45 am to 7 pm.
• To cope with the large number of visitors expected, the diocese will be opening an online platform enabling everyone to reserve an access slot. Get your tickets to visit Notre Dame (bookings possible from the 1st of December) here: https://www.notredamedeparis.fr/ 

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the rebirth of one of Paris’s most beloved landmarks.

6. Enjoy a Classical Concert in Sainte-Chapelle

For a magical evening, head to Sainte-Chapelle and let the music transport you!

Built in the mid-13th century as a royal chapel housing the precious Crown of Thorns relic, Sainte-Chapelle is celebrated for its extraordinary beauty to this day. Its 15 impressive stained-glass windows, composed of 1,113 intricate panels, are among the finest in France – and arguably in all of Europe. During the holiday season, the chapel offers a unique blend of culture and history: you can attend a classical concert in its awe-inspiring Gothic masterpiece and immerse yourself in the sounds of Mozart, Franz Schubert, and other great composers. This will surely be a magical experience! 

Concerts run from December 22–31 (excluding Christmas Day).

Find more information here: https://www.ticketmaster.fr/fr/salle/sainte-chapelle-paris/idsite/196 

7. Escape the Chill in Paris’s Museums

December is the perfect time to explore Paris’s world-famous museums without the peak-season crowds. Immerse yourself in the city’s rich art, history, and culture at a leisurely pace while escaping the winter chill.

Top Picks:

• The Louvre: Say “hi” to the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo and lose yourself in the grandeur of the world’s most visited museum.
• Musée d’Orsay: Stunningly housed in a former train station, this museum is a treasure trove of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, featuring works by Monet, Van Gogh, and Renoir.
• Musée de l’Orangerie: Don’t miss Monet’s Water Lilies in this serene space tucked into the Tuileries Gardens.
• For something more intimate, visit the Musée Rodin, where the sculptures of The Thinker and The Kiss come alive in a serene setting. 

Pro tip: Many museums host special exhibitions in December, and some extend their opening hours for the holiday season, offering even more opportunities to explore. 

8. Take a Walkative Tour!

Finally, let us show you around! Our local, expert guides will take you through Paris’s most iconic holiday spots and hidden gems sharing stories and anecdotes that will make you fall in love with the city all over again. Book your Paris tour with us here!

Final Thoughts: Paris in December

Paris in December is a love letter to everything magical about the holiday season. Whether you’re wandering through Christmas markets, skating under glittering lights, or sipping hot chocolate in a cozy café, every moment feels like a scene from a movie.

So, grab your warmest coat, pack your holiday spirit, and get ready to fall head over heels for Paris this winter.

Joyeux Noël et bonne année!