I love Christmas, don't you? Even if you don't follow the religions, you can't deny that the holiday brings out the most festive in all of us. This is especially true in Paris, a city that's already lively no matter the time of year. If you thought this beloved city was beautiful in spring or charming in autumn, wait until you see it during the holiday season. I've spent many Christmasses here in Paris, and there's no end to where I bring family to celebrate. My favorite is Place Vendôme, while my husband doesn't mind Galeries Lafayette, and the kids always have a good time at Disneyland Paris.
Spending Christmas in Paris might just be the jolliest experience you'll ever have! There's no end to where you can celebrate the beloved holiday with friends and family here, from the city's many Christmas markets to the ever-famous Disneyland Paris, and more!
Paris Christmas Markets
Going to the Christmas markets in Paris is always a good idea. I head to many of them the moment they open up, which is usually as early as mid-November. I admit that I go to them to do my Christmas shopping, especially since they tend to be a lot cheaper than going to the regular stores in Paris. But whether you need to shop or simply hang out with your friends and family, Paris's Christmas markets never fail to give. a good time! My favorite is the Notre-Dame Christmas Market since it often has the tastiest treats in store!Champ de Mars
Another favorite Parisian Christmas market of mine is the one on Champ de Mars, the park right next to the Eiffel Tower. Seeing all those chalets selling various treats and trinkets will warm anyone's heart despite the winter cold. But to view such a scene set against the iconic tower that practically symbolizes Paris itself is truly something else. You know what? Even if there wasn't a Christmas market here, I'd still be going to Champ de Mars in the 7th arrondissement. You truly feel like you're celebrating the holidays in Paris when you see the Eiffel Tower twinkle in all its glory.The Lights on Champs-Élysées
Arguably, the best place to truly experience Christmas in Paris is the famous Champs-Élysées. Year after year, the city sets up the most fabulous light display along the iconic avenue. They even hold a lighting ceremony for the whole thing every November, almost as if they're officially signaling the start of the holiday season in the French capital. Whether you get to attend that ceremony in the 8th arrondissement or not, simply seeing all these trees light up and sparkle will fill you up with the festive spirit in no time. Even locals who've been here for a long time—myself included—still get dazzled by all that spectacle.Jardin des Tuileries
I know you're probably not up to going to the park around Christmas time since it'll be very cold, but hear me out! I think you should still go to Jardin des Tuileries at least, and experience its beloved Christmas market. This is one of the best in the city, complete with cute chalet stalls, awesome culinary offerings, a fun ice rink for the whole family, and Santa Claus sometimes makes an appearance, too. I'd go so far as to say that it's the quintessential market every Christmas in Paris, maybe even more so than the one in Champ de Mars or Notre Dame.Place Vendôme
Many of you choose to celebrate Christmas in Paris to experience just how luxurious it is here, right? The “season of giving” makes for the perfect excuse to splurge for your loved ones, after all, and you couldn't have asked for a better place to go all out! So if you could afford to shop till you drop and to pamper yourselves silly this Christmas, look no further than Place Vendôme in the 1st arrondissement. Not only is this world-famous public square lined with five-star hotels and high-end designer stores, but it also shows off one of the most spectacular Christmas displays in the city.Galeries Lafayette
Speaking of high-end stores with beautiful Christmas decor, Galeries Lafayette is another great spot for celebrating Christmas in Paris. If you thought this department store's annual holiday window displays are already enchanting, wait until you get inside! Seeing this old-world Belle Époque structure all spruced up with twinkling fairy lights, colorful decorations, and a giant Christmas tree in the middle of all the famous designer shops will take your breath away. You'd feel as if you walked into a real-life Parisian Christmas card from the 1900s! Even if you don't have to shop, seeing this magical scene alone is worth the visit!Sainte-Chapelle
Let's not forget that Christmas is still a religious holiday in France, even in general, and that going to church has to be on your holiday itinerary. Whether you're Christian or not, I still suggest you visit Sainte-Chapelle at least. I often think about why this church is less famous than Notre Dame when, in my opinion, this place is more beautiful. My friend took me to a Christmas concert here sometime ago, and I've gone every year since! Seeing its striking Gothic architecture and colorful stained-glass windows while listening to a choir perform Christmas hymns and carols is an experience that always gets to me! I’m sure it will get to you, too.Disneyland Paris
You must've surely expected that I'd include Disneyland Paris on this list! I admit that this is a bit of a throwaway since the holiday celebrations here aren't that different from its many other locations around the world, but you should still bring your little ones to the park at least one Christmas. Disneyland Paris just gets so festive during its annual “Enchanted Christmas” spectacular that it'll instantly get you, no matter how old you are. Before you know it, you'll be as giddy as your toddlers going from one ride to the next, meeting your favorite Disney characters, and seeing the fireworks display at the end of the day!Spending Christmas in Paris might just be the jolliest experience you'll ever have! There's no end to where you can celebrate the beloved holiday with friends and family here, from the city's many Christmas markets to the ever-famous Disneyland Paris, and more!
