Paris at Christmas is one of those places that looks like it jumped right out of a storybook. Elegant Haussmann buildings covered in lights, roasted chestnuts on the boulevards, warm and twinkling holiday markets, festive seasonal windows to stop and stare and dream – there’s something undeniably magical about Paris in the winter.
Whether you’re traveling solo or as a couple, with friends, or with family, spending Christmas in Paris is a truly special experience that is filled with tradition, culture, great food, and festive fun.
Our all-inclusive Christmas in Paris itinerary walks you through everything you need to plan the perfect Paris holiday. Where to go, what to see, where to eat, where to shop, and where to find holiday magic in the city. We give you a day-by-day plan, as well as options for unhurried discovery.
Why Visit Paris for Christmas
Christmas in Paris feels different. Paris is a city that perfectly marries elegance and whimsy during the holidays. Christmas lights twinkle on the grand boulevards, restaurants offer special seasonal menus, patisseries fill their windows with the towering Bûches de Noël, and the grand department stores go head to head for the most breathtaking Christmas displays.
Visiting Paris during the holidays means experiencing:
Moderately cold winter weather (warmer than most other European cities)
Decorations throughout the city
Seasonal food, pastries, and drinks
Christmas markets throughout the city
Ice skating at popular landmarks
Extended store hours and seasonal sales
Less crowds in early December and post-Christmas
Romantic vibes like no other place on earth
This itinerary works for a four-to-five-day Christmas trip to Paris but can easily be modified to work for shorter or longer visits.
Day 1: Classic Paris and Holiday Illuminations
Morning: Eiffel Tower + Champ de Mars
Begin your Christmas in Paris holiday at one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. The Eiffel Tower can get busy during the summer months but is less crowded in December. Make the most of shorter lines and get up for panoramic views or simply enjoy wandering around the Champ de Mars.
Take a leisurely stroll along the Seine and enjoy the fresh winter air. Street vendors often sell warm crêpes and drinks nearby, so you can get an early taste of Parisian Christmas flavors.
Lunch in the 7th Arrondissement
The area around Rue Cler is packed with cozy cafés and traditional bistros. Try a classic French onion soup or a warm croque monsieur to heat up.
Afternoon: Christmas Market at Champs de Mars
A charming Christmas market often pops up near the Eiffel Tower in December. Wander through the wooden chalets selling handmade crafts, seasonal snacks, mulled wine, and artisanal chocolates.
Evening: Champs-Élysées Christmas Lights
Make your way to the Champs-Élysées as the sun goes down. The entire avenue is lit up for the holidays, leading toward the Arc de Triomphe. It’s one of the most famous Christmas illuminations in all of Europe and a must-see part of any December visit. Paris streets at night are magical, and this is a great opportunity to take nighttime photos.
End your night with dinner at one of the many brasseries along the avenue.
Day 2: Montmartre, Art, and Festive Windows
Morning: Explore Montmartre
Montmartre is even more magical during the holidays. Start at the Sacré-Cœur Basilica for sweeping views over Paris. Wander around the cobblestone streets, visit the artists’ square at Place du Tertre, and stop at the local bakeries to sample seasonal pastries.
Lunch in Montmartre
Find a traditional French restaurant for a hearty dish of beef bourguignon or coq au vin to warm up on a cold winter’s day.
Afternoon: Grands Magasins Christmas Windows
Make your way over to Boulevard Haussmann for some of the most famous Christmas windows in the city. These “Grandes Magasins” have a long-standing holiday tradition of imaginative and interactive displays for visitors of all ages. Inside Galeries Lafayette, don’t miss the iconic Christmas tree under the stained-glass dome.
Optional Activity: Rooftop Views
Galeries Lafayette’s rooftop terrace is one of the best places in Paris for free panoramic views of the city. In December, it feels truly magical with twinkling lights glowing across the Paris skyline.
Evening: Opera District Dinner
The neighborhoods around Opéra Garnier are known for excellent restaurants and night time strolling. After dinner, take an evening walk to enjoy more of the illuminated Paris streets.
Day 3: Museums, Markets, and River Cruises
Morning: Louvre Museum or Musée d’Orsay
Choose one of Paris’s world-famous museums to visit for your morning. Winter is a quieter time of year to visit Paris, and museums are no exception. You’ll have the collections and galleries to yourself at a more leisurely pace.
Lunch: Warm Up with Classic French Fare
Seek out a brasserie that offers seasonal fare. Many Paris restaurants have a festive menu throughout December.
Afternoon: Tuileries Christmas Market
The Jardin des Tuileries hosts one of the biggest Christmas markets in Paris. Here, you’ll find:
Artisanal gifts
Seasonal food stalls serving raclette, crêpes, and roasted chestnuts
A small funfair complete with a Ferris wheel
Hot chocolate stands
Mulled wine and regional specialties
Take your time and soak in the festive atmosphere.
Evening: Seine River Christmas Cruise
A Seine river cruise is a magical Paris experience at any time of year, but in December it becomes unforgettable. Reflections of the lights shimmer across the water as you sail past the Notre-Dame, Louvre, and Eiffel Tower.
Choose between a simple sightseeing cruise or a dinner cruise with a special holiday menu.
Day 4: Notre-Dame, Le Marais, and Ice Skating
Morning: Île de la Cité and Notre-Dame Area
While the inside of Notre-Dame may still be off-limits depending on the year, the area around the cathedral is well worth seeing during the holidays. Look out for seasonal decorations and festive displays as you wander.
Walk along the Seine, browse the book stalls, and soak up the winter scenery.
Lunch in Le Marais
Le Marais is a foodie’s paradise. You’ll find everything from old-fashioned cafés to the most on-trend eateries. December is also the perfect time to enjoy hot chocolate at the famous Angelina or sample delicious pastries from local bakeries.
Afternoon: Explore Le Marais
The historic district of Le Marais is packed with boutique shops, museums, and narrow medieval streets. It is also home to one of the most charming Christmas vibes in all of Paris.
Make sure to visit:
Place des Vosges
Village Saint-Paul
Trendy shopping streets
Evening: Ice Skating
Paris sets up a number of ice rinks each winter. Some of the most popular places to skate under the city’s lights include:
Mairie de Paris (City Hall)
Tuileries Garden
Eiffel Tower area
Skating is a magical way to spend an evening and fully embrace the Christmas spirit.
Day 5: Day Trip Options and Farewell Paris
If you have a longer itinerary or one extra day, consider one of these festive day trips:
Versailles – Beautiful year-round, but during December the palace hosts special holiday events and seasonal decorations.
Disneyland Paris Christmas – One of the most festive places to spend Christmas in France. Expect holiday parades, decorations, themed food, and special shows.
Strasbourg – Known as the “Capital of Christmas,” Strasbourg is home to one of the best Christmas markets in Europe. This is ideal for a full-on fairy-tale Christmas experience.
Reims – Visit the Champagne region for tastings and festive celebrations.
Return to Paris for a relaxed dinner or evening stroll along the Seine.
What to Eat in Paris for Christmas
A Christmas trip to Paris isn’t complete without trying some French seasonal specialties. Here are a few must-try dishes and treats:
Bûche de Noël (Yule log cake)
Foie gras
Vin chaud (mulled wine)
Roasted chestnuts
Tartiflette
Raclette and fondue
Galette des Rois (typically served early January)
Hot chocolate from a famous café
Visit local patisseries for beautifully decorated holiday desserts.
Where to Stay in Paris for Christmas
Try to stay in a neighborhood with easy access to both major attractions and Christmas activities in Paris. Recommended neighborhoods include:
Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Le Marais
Latin Quarter
Opéra / Grands Boulevards
Louvre / Tuileries
Eiffel Tower area
Choose accommodation near metro lines for easy travel across the city.
Tips for Spending Christmas in Paris
To ensure a smooth trip and enjoy the most of Paris during Christmas, keep these tips in mind:
Book your hotel, restaurants, and special activities early. December is a popular month.
Layer up for cold weather – gloves, scarves, and comfortable walking shoes are essential.
Check the opening hours for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s. Some places have limited hours during this time.
Plan for fewer daylight hours.
Buy your museum and special exhibition tickets in advance.
Carry a portable charger, as you’ll definitely want to take nighttime photos.
Allow time for aimless wandering. Paris is most magical when you stroll around without a plan.
Final Thoughts
Spending Christmas in Paris is one of the most enchanting holiday experiences you can have. A magical mix of festive illuminations, timeless architecture, seasonal food and cozy winter atmosphere make Paris unforgettable in December. Whether you’re admiring the grand department store window displays, strolling through Christmas markets, ice skating under the lights, or taking in views from the Seine, each moment in Paris feels special.
This itinerary will give you structure for your trip but also plenty of space to find your own magical corners of Paris. No matter how you choose to spend your days, a Christmas visit to Paris will be a journey filled with charm, beauty, and memories to last a lifetime.
Save pin for later
