Christmas enchantment: when Paris amazes us...

Of course, there are the shop windows of the Grand Boulevards that make young and old dream of Christmas. But let's not forget the Bon Marché, on the left bank of Paris. This year, the animated windows of the Parisian department stores', which is blowing out its 170 candles, show the stages in the manufacture of Christmas baubles by the elves, from blowing to drying and colouring. Inside Le Bon Marché, you can also expect surprising strolls through the floors to add magic to Christmas shopping and wait for the presents to be opened!

Christmas at the Bon Marché Rive Gauche From November 10, 2023

Discover the Christmas windows of Parisian department stores

The illuminations of the Champs Élysées are a strong symbol of the Christmas magic that takes place in Paris. This year, golden lights will sparkle on the most beautiful avenue in the world. From the Arc de Triomphe to the Place de la Concorde, more than 400 trees will be decorated with garlands. And to save energy, the lights will go out at 11.45pm (except on 24 and 31 December) but the enchantment will remain intact! See you on 20 November for the lighting of the Champs Elysées. A great classic that we never tire of!

From 19 November 2023 to 7 January 2024, from 5pm to midnight and on the nights of 24 and 31 December.

To find out more about the illuminations of the Champs-Elysées

Time to celebrate at the Château de Versailles! For the festive season, the "Parcours du Roi" invites visitors to a magical discovery of the Château. The visit is orchestrated by musicians and baroque dancers from the Royal Opera who take over the Hall of Mirrors to plunge us into the fantastic world of Christmas in the time of the Sun King. Pyrotechnic effects visible from inside the Château complete the show to add to the wonder of the moment.

*From 16 December 2023 to 7 January 2024 Christmas at the Château de Versailles

In the west of Paris, two other parks offer magical illuminations during the festive season. This is the case for Thoiry Zoo as part of Lumières Sauvages and the Domaine National de Saint-Cloud Lumières en Seine

Like every year, the Musée des Arts Forains opens its doors during the end-of-year festivities for the Festival du Merveilleux. Young and old alike are enchanted by the magical environment of the fairs of the Belle Époque. You will marvel at the hundred-year-old rides, which you can even climb on! An unforgettable moment to share with the family, punctuated by shows including a dance performance by La Goulue...

*From December 27th 2023 to January 7th, 2024 *

Flaner at the Festival du Merveilleux at the Musée des Arts Forains

For nearly 30 years, Avenue Montaigne has been the playground of international artists and designers, competing in talent and elegance to create ever more grandiose Christmas trees. To celebrate the magic of Christmas, the avenue is adorned with delicate lighting even on the gates of the gardens of luxury houses, for a Christmas shopping experience placed under the sign of refinement and French elegance. Every Sunday in December, the neighbourhood's jewellery houses will offer events and tastings.

From November 20th 2023 to 7th January 2024 Comité Montaigne

Once through the gates of the Jardin des Plantes, the visitor is plunged into an enchanted world. In the stillness of the night, at the foot of the National Museum of Natural History, one discovers spectacular lanterns representing all sorts of tiny animals in large size, like so many "species in the process of being illuminated". The programme for this luminous and magical walk includes shows, illuminations of the sculptures, but also workshops for the youngest, who can take their lanterns home and prolong the magic of the moment.

*From 22 November 2023 to 21 January 2024 * Strolling through the Festival of Lights at the Jardin des Plantes de Paris

Double celebration this year at Dinseyland Paris! In addition to the Christmas festivities, the theme park is celebrating its 30th anniversary. And for this occasion, we take advantage of the return of the night show "Disney Dreams" but also of the Christmas carol show "Chantons Noël" to soak up the atmosphere of the end of year celebrations. If we add to this the exceptional illuminations, a 24-metre high tree and encounters with the heroes of our childhood, we get a beautiful moment of enchantment to share with the family. It's the perfect way to rediscover the joys of childhood during a magical holiday.

Noël au Parc Disneyland Paris From 11 November 2023 to 7 January 2024

What better way to get caught up in the magic of Christmas than in the Jardin des Tuileries and the view of the Louvre Museum? Christmas decorations, flavours and scents from the four corners of France coming out of the chalets, rides to keep the children busy, The Christmas Market in the Jardin des Tuileries is the place to be for the whole family as the festive season approaches. Between two shopping trips, you can let yourself be transported by the magic of the market by taking a few dance steps on the ice rink installed on the market.

Christmas market in the Tuileries Gardens. *From November 19, 2023 to January 7, 2024 Christmas markets in Paris

Among the other Christmas markets to discover in Paris: the Notre-Dame, Abbesses or Eiffel Tower Christmas markets, the Christmas villages in Saint-Germain-des-Prés and on the forecourt of La Défense, the Alsatian Christmas market at the Gare de l'Est or the Christmas eco-villages at the Recyclerie.