As someone who lives in Paris and helps others plan their dream trips here for a living, I can confidently say: there’s no time more magical to visit than Christmas.
There are very few things I love more than seeing the new decorations go up each year, sipping hot chocolate at my favorite hotels, and wandering through the city’s many festive markets.
Over the last couple of years, I’ve explored every corner of Paris during the holiday season — and to help you have the loveliest time when you come, I’ve created this guide to help you experience the very best of the season.
Inside, you’ll find a curated collection of the most magical things to do in Paris at Christmas. It’s everything I recommend to friends, family, and clients when they ask me:
“What’s the best way to do Christmas in Paris?”.
I hope you enjoy this guide and that this season in Paris brings you as much wonder and warmth as it has brought me. 🙂
Oh, and if you are visiting Paris soon and need help planning your itinerary or making reservations, make sure to check out my travel and concierge services. Also, don’t forget to follow me on Instagram for more beautiful places to go.
You might also be interested in reading my general travel guide to Paris and my guide to New Years in Paris.
Table of Contents
What to Expect: Weather and Crowds
Weather
December is cold but rarely snowy – expect average temperatures between 3°C and 8°C (37°F to 46°F).
Rain is common, so buy umbrella or a wool hat if necessary and plan for warm indoor breaks (hello, museum cafés and vin chaud).
The city looks especially magical – but also gets way colder – after dark, so bundle up and enjoy the twinkling nights.
Crowds
Paris in December is busy but not overwhelming. The first two weeks of the month are often calmer, while the week of Christmas and New Year’s draws more visitors and locals out to enjoy the festivities.
I would highly recommend booking as much in advance as you can (hotels, activities, restaurants) and getting cut-the-line tickets for thre main museums.
By the way, if you need help planning your itinerary or making last minute reservations, make sure to take a look at my travel planning services.
Where to stay for Christmas in Paris
Where you stay in Paris can shape your holiday experience — especially in December, when lobbies are glowing, trees are lit, and every hotel becomes part of the Christmas story.
Below are three tiers of options: full-luxury, boutique & character, and more affordable but still magical choices.
For All-Out Holiday Magic
- Ritz Paris (Place Vendôme) — The gold standard of Christmas in Paris: opulent décor, festive high tea, and an ambiance that feels like a living fairy tale.
- Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel — With its storied history and spectacular holiday décor, Crillon is an icon.
- Le Meurice — Centrally located across from the Tuileries, combining classical French style with festive flair.
Other options I love include Le Bistrol, Shangri-la and the Peninsula.
Boutique and Elegant
- Saint James Paris – Feels like a private château in the 16ᵉ, perfect if you want sophistication + intimacy over flash.
- Château Voltaire — Stylish and close to key sites like Opéra and Galeries Lafayette.
- Relais Christine (Saint-Germain-des-Prés)
- Maison Mère (9ᵉ arrondissement) — Warm and inviting, with personality, perfect for travelers who want charm without full palace pricing.
- Hotel Balzac — Right near the Champs-Élysées, Balzac blends quiet luxury with chic design. Some rooms offer Eiffel Tower views.
Other options I love: Regina Louvre, La Demeure Montaigne and Hotel La Villa Saint Germain Des Prés.
Best things to do + where to see decorations
Here’s my personal Christmas bucket list – with all the best festive things to do in Paris during the holiday season.
See the Decorations at Place Vendôme
Start your holiday adventure at Place Vendôme, where golden lights and towering trees decorate the façades of Dior, Cartier, and Chaumet.
From there, stroll along Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Élysées, both beautiful with thousands of lights and festive displays.
Spend an Evening at the Moulin Rouge
For something festive and glamorous, book a table at the Moulin Rouge. During December, the show takes on a holiday twist – it’s the kind of glittering, over-the-top night that could only happen in Paris.
BOOK: Paris Dinner Show at the Moulin Rouge
Sip the Best Hot Chocolate in the City
When the air turns crisp, I always find an excuse to stop for chocolat chaud. Angelina’s version is thick and indulgent – practically dessert in a cup – while Carette’s feels a touch lighter but just as luxurious.
Other good places for hot chocolate are the palace hotels: my favorite being La Reserve, Le Meurice and Hotel de Crillon.
Dine at the Eiffel Tower
Dinner at the Eiffel Tower is unforgettable any time of year, but it’s especially special at Christmas. Whether at Le Jules Verne or Madame Brasserie, the view of Paris sparkling below feels straight out of a dream.
BOOK: Elegant Dinner with Drinks in the Eiffel Tower
Visit the Most Magical Christmas Trees
Every December, Galeries Lafayette unveils a spectacular themed tree beneath its stained-glass dome – one of my favorite sights in the city. Stop by the Christmas tree at Notre-Dame too.
Watch The Nutcracker at Opéra Bastille or Palais Garnier
A true Parisian Christmas tradition. Every December, the Paris Opera Ballet performs The Nutcracker (Casse-Noisette) – a spellbinding production with exquisite costumes and world-class dancers. It’s one of the most magical evenings you can spend in the city.
Please make sure to book early, but if you haven’t, you can send an email to hello@camiexplores.com and for help with last minute tickets or reservation.
Attend a Candlelight Concert at Sainte-Chapelle
During the holidays, Sainte-Chapelle hosts intimate candlelight concerts -often featuring Vivaldi, Mozart, or Christmas carols. It’s breathtaking.
Go Ice Skating at a Historic Landmark
You can skate under the stars at several magical spots, including Hôtel de Ville, Galeries Lafayette Rooftop, and some years even at the Eiffel Tower.
Visit Galerie Dior
On Avenue Montaigne, Galerie Dior is an exquisite fashion museum that feels especially festive during December. The boutique windows, Christmas tree, and displays of vintage couture make it one of the most elegant indoor activities for a winter day.
Learn to Bake the Perfect Croissant
Take a croissant-making class with a Parisian chef and learn the secrets behind those perfect, flaky layers. It’s a delicious way to spend a morning, and such a wonderful skill to take home.
BOOK: French Croissant Baking Class with a Chef
Attend Midnight Mass
For a serene Christmas Eve experience, attend midnight mass at Sacré-Cœur, Notre-Dame, or Église de la Madeleine.
Visit a Hidden Passage for Holiday Shopping
Wander through Galerie Vivienne, Passage des Panoramas, and Passage Jouffroy. These covered arcades are full of old-world charm, especially when decorated for Christmas – and perfect for last-minute gifts.
Have a Festive Drink at a Parisian Palace Bar
Even if you’re not staying there, it’s worth stopping for a glass of champagne or a mocktail at one of Paris’s grand hotel bars. Favorites include Les Ambassadeurs (Hôtel de Crillon), Bar Vendôme (Ritz), and Le Bar at Plaza Athénée.
Take a Christmas Dinner Cruise on the Seine
End your trip with a five-course dinner cruise along the Seine. As the Eiffel Tower sparkles above and music plays softly in the background, you’ll realize there’s no better way to say goodbye to Paris at Christmas.
BOOK: Seine Cruise in Paris with 5-Course Christmas Dinner
Explore the Christmas Windows of Parisian Department Stores
A simple but essential tradition. Printemps Haussmann and Galeries Lafayette create storybook window displays every year.
Explore Versailles in Winter
Versailles is magical year-round, but in December there’s a quiet majesty to it. Walk through the Hall of Mirrors, admire the royal Christmas tree, and stop for a hot chocolate at Angelina inside the palace grounds.
BOOK: Versailles Deluxe Guided Tour from Paris
Visit Vaux-le-Vicomte
Outside Paris, the castle of Vaux-le-Vicomte transforms into a true fairytale at Christmastime.
Thousands of candles line the gardens, fires crackle in the hearths, and every room glows with garlands and gold. It’s one of the most beautiful holiday displays in France. You can book a visit here.
BOOK: Château de Fontaine bleau & Vaux-le-Vicomte from Paris
Visit a Paris Christmas Market
From the lively Tuileries Garden market to the smaller, elegant stalls at Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Paris’s marchés de Noël are full of charm. Browse handmade gifts, sip vin chaud, and let yourself get caught up in the festive atmosphere.
Have a coffee at Ralph’s in Saint-Germain-des-Prés
For a cozy break from the cold, I love stopping at the Ralph Lauren café in Saint-Germain. It’s warm, classic, and beautifully decorated for the holidays -perfect for a tea or a coffee by the fireplace.
Take a Day Trip to the Loire Valley
If you have a free day, escape to the Loire Valley. The castles are beautifully decorated for the holidays, and many offer intimate wine tastings by the fire.
BOOK: Loire Valley Castles Day Trip With Wine Tasting from Paris
Spend a Day at Disneyland Paris
For a full dose of nostalgia and magic, spend a day at Disneyland Paris. The park is covered in lights and garlands, and even Sleeping Beauty’s castle wears a crown of snowflakes. It’s a joyful experience no matter your age.
BOOK: Disneyland Paris 1-Day Ticket
Take a Private Art Tour at the Louvre
Winter is the best time to visit the Louvre: the crowds are thinner, and you can really take your time with the art. Book a guided tour to learn the stories behind the masterpieces while escaping the chill outside.
Visit a Classic Paris Cinema for a Holiday Film
Cuddle up in one of the city’s independent cinemas like Le Champo (Quartier Latin) or Le Grand Rex, which often screens Christmas classics in December.
Indulge in a Festive Afternoon Tea
Few experiences feel more indulgent than afternoon tea at one of Paris’s grand hotels.
The Ritz, Le Meurice, Hôtel de Crillon, and George V all create special menus for the holidays, complete with miniature pastries, Christmas music, and stunning decorations.
Key 2025 Dates to Know
Here are the dates you’ll want to plan around if you’re visiting Paris during the holiday season:
Christmas Lights & Decor
Mid-to-late November: Christmas lights begin going up throughout the city, with Avenue Montaigne, Champs-Élysées, Place Vendôme, and Rue Cler offering some of the most stunning displays.
By November 22–25, most major displays will be lit, including Galeries Lafayette’s tree reveal.
Christmas Markets
Tuileries Garden Christmas Market: November 20, 2025 – January 5, 2026 (exact dates TBC)
Saint-Germain-des-Prés Market: Late November – early January
Notre-Dame & Montmartre Markets: Usually run from early December to Christmas Eve
La Défense Village de Noël: One of the largest, typically from late November to December 28
Réveillon de Noël & New Year’s Eve
December 24 (Christmas Eve): Many restaurants serve special menus (Réveillon de Noël). Book early for fine dining or cozy French bistros.
December 25 (Christmas Day): Most shops are closed. Many hotels and a few select restaurants offer festive lunches or dinners.
December 31 (New Year’s Eve): Major celebration night in Paris! Expect prix-fixe menus, parties, rooftop views, and a festive vibe across the city. Fireworks near the Arc de Triomphe and light shows are common.
Where to eat and drink in Paris during Christmas
Paris is always about food, but at Christmas, this love afair get’s even more serious and bookings become really difficult to get.
As a little reminder, I provide concierge services in Paris so if you need help securing reservations please be sure to send an email to hello@camiexplores.com.
Le Meurice Alain Ducasse
If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime Christmas Eve dinner, Le Meurice Alain Ducasse is the one. The dining room is breathtaking, with marble floors and crystal chandeliers.
You can see the menu here.
Café de la Paix
There’s nowhere quite like Café de la Paix in December.
The grand dining room glows under chandeliers, and the Christmas menu blends French classics with festive touches like oysters, foie gras, and champagne.
Need help booking any restaurant in Paris? Check out my travel concierge services or send an email to hello@camiexplores.com.
Ralph’s
In Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Ralph’s is one of my favorite cozy escapes during winter.
The courtyard is strung with lights, and inside, it’s all navy velvet, candlelight, and fireplaces. The menu is comforting but refined, think truffle burgers, lobster salad, and warm apple pie.
Le Train Bleu
Inside Gare de Lyon, Le Train Bleu is one of the most beautiful restaurants in Paris.
The Belle Époque decor – frescoes, chandeliers, and gilded walls – makes every meal feel like a celebration and the service is old-fashioned in the best way.
The Ritz Paris – Christmas Dinner or Afternoon Tea
The Ritz at Christmas feels absolutely magical.
Their Christmas dinner is one of the most elegant meals you can have in the city. Another option is, stoping by Salon Proust for a festive afternoon tea.
Angelina
It’s impossible to talk about winter in Paris without mentioning Angelina. Their hot chocolate is famous for a reason: thick, rich, and the definition of indulgence.
Come for lunch. The Belle Époque room on Rue de Rivoli feels extra cozy in December, and the Mont-Blanc dessert is non-negotiable.
Les Ambassadeurs at Hotel de Crillon
At Hôtel de Crillon, the Bar les Ambassadeurs will forever be, for me, the most beautiful in Paris. You can also enjoy a tea in their beautiful winter garden.
Chez Julien
For something more intimate, Chez Julien near Île Saint-Louis is perfect. The fairy lights, floral details, and view of the Seine make it one of the most romantic spots in Paris.
Fouquet’s
The red booths, black-and-white portraits, and festive lights outside make Fouquet’s a must for a holiday meal.
Order champagne and their signature beef tartare or roasted duck.
Four Seasons George V – Le Cinq
Few places feel as spectacular as Le Cinq during the holidays. The floral displays by Jeff Leatham transform the restaurant into a winter wonderland, and the multi-course menu is a masterclass in French gastronomy.
Café de Flore
There’s no wrong time to visit Café de Flore, but in winter, it’s especially charming. This is one of the best spots for a slow morning or early evening people-watching session.
Hôtel Plaza Athénée – La Galerie or the Brasserie
The Plaza Athénée becomes even more beautiful in December. Their brasserie serves modern French comfort food with flair, while La Galerie is perfect for a glass of champagne or an elegant afternoon tea surrounded by soft piano music/
Ladurée
Whether for brunch or an afternoon treat, Ladurée is a Parisian classic. Their Champs-Élysées and Rue Royale locations are beautifully decorated for the holidays, and their French toast and macarons are the perfect indulgence.
Mariage Frères
When you need a quiet break from the bustle, head to Mariage Frères in the Marais.
The tea room is calm, elegant, and full of history. Order their Christmas blend with a few pastries.
Maxim’s de Paris
If you want to experience the glamour of old Paris, Maxim’s is a must. With its Art Nouveau interior and candlelit tables, it feels like a scene from a 1920s film. Their Christmas menu is traditional, indulgent, and wonderfully nostalgic.
Bouillon Julien
Not everything in Paris needs to be fancy to feel festive. Bouillon Julien offers classic French comfort food in one of the most beautiful Art Nouveau dining rooms in the city.
What to pack for Christmas in Paris
Bring a classic wool or cashmere coat, cozy knit sweaters, and boots you can walk in for hours.
A scarf, gloves, and a wool hat are both practical and stylish, and a neutral palette – black, beige, camel, or grey – will blend in beautifully with the city’s winter tones.
Underneath, pack lightweight layers like turtlenecks and thermals, dark jeans or wool trousers, and one or two elegant outfits for dinners or theatre nights. Don’t forget a rich moisturizer, lip balm, and a travel steamer
Best day trips from Paris in December
As magical as Paris is during Christmas, some of the most unforgettable winter experiences lie just beyond the city.
In December, the French countryside takes on a quieter kind of beauty — castles dressed in garlands, vineyards glowing with candlelight, and villages that feel lifted straight from a fairytale.
Here are my favorite day trips from Paris during the holiday season:
Vaux-le-Vicomte: A Fairytale Christmas Castle
Getting there: 1 hour by car from Paris (private transfer or train + shuttle)
Every year, the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte becomes a real-life Christmas dream. The entire castle is decorated with thousands of lights, roaring fireplaces, and lavish trees in every room. You can wander the candlelit halls, sip mulled wine in the gardens, and even book a horse-drawn carriage ride.
It’s elegant, festive, and feels wonderfully removed from the city’s rush.
BOOK:
Insider tip: Go in the late afternoon to see the castle at sunset, then stay as the lights come on — it’s pure magic.
Versailles in Winter Splendor
Getting there: 40 minutes by RER C train or private car
Versailles in December is quieter (which actually makes it a great time to visit) but just as grand.
After your visit, stop for hot chocolate at Angelina inside the palace grounds or stroll the decorated streets of the nearby town.
BOOK: Versailles Deluxe Guided Tour from Paris
The Loire Valley: Castles and Christmas Wines
Getting there: 1.5–2 hours by train or tour from Paris (Tours or Amboise)
In December, astles like Château de Chambord and Château de Chenonceau are dressed for Christmas with fireplaces, music, and grand festive tables.
Many wineries nearby offer seasonal tastings — a perfect way to warm up after exploring the grounds.
BOOK: Loire Valley Castles Day Trip With Wine Tasting from Paris
My favorite pairing: Visit one château in the morning, enjoy a cozy lunch with wine tasting in the afternoon, then return to Paris by early evening.
Reims & Épernay: Champagne at Christmas
Getting there: 45 minutes by TGV from Gare de l’Est
Winter is a wonderful time to explore Champagne country. V
isit the iconic champagne houses — Veuve Clicquot, Ruinart, Taittinger, or Moët & Chandon — where cellars glow with twinkling lights and tastings feel extra festive.
The streets of Reims are also beautifully decorated in December, with a lively Christmas market near the cathedral.
BOOK: Day Trip to Champagne with 8 Tastings & Lunch
Disneyland Paris
Getting there: 40 minutes by RER A train or car
Even if you’ve been before, Disneyland Paris in December feels completely different with the decorations in Main Street, festive parades, twinkling trees, and hot chocolate at every corner.
BOOK: Disneyland Paris 1-Day Ticket
Tip: Stay for the evening fireworks — they’re set to Christmas music and genuinely magical.
Giverny (for Peace and Quiet)
Getting there: 1 hour by car from Paris
While Monet’s gardens are closed for the season, Giverny in winter is still worth a visit if you’re craving calm.
The small village is beautifully still in December, perfect for a short countryside escape. Pair it with a stop at a nearby town like Vernon or Rouen for a cozy lunch.
BOOK: Claude Monet Tour: Giverny, Rouen, Etretat daytrip from Paris
Honfleur
Getting there: 2.5 hours by car from Paris
While the coast may not be your first thought in winter, Honfleur in Normandy is enchanting this time of year.
The harbor sparkles with lights, seafood restaurants serve comforting dishes by the fire, and the town’s small Christmas market adds to the magic. It’s also a fantastic place to have oysters – typically eaten during winter in France.
Conclusion: Christmas in Paris
That’s a wrap! Every December, Paris reminds me why I fell in love with it in the first place, and I’m sure you can now see why.
Joyeux Noël et bonne année — from Paris, with love.
– Cami
That’s a wrap! For more places to visit & lifestyle in Paris, make sure to follow me on Instagram. Also, don’t hesitate to reach out for a custom itinerary or restaurant reservations.