As the Christmas season approaches, Paris is decked out in its finest finery to create a festive atmosphere of light and enchantment. From the Jardin des Plantes to the Champs Élysées, but also in Versailles and Disneyland Paris, the magic of Christmas is at work in exceptional sites that have been transformed for the occasion. Paris lovers, discover the city in a new light! We take you...
Dancing on the Grand Palais ice rink
A firm favourite with visitors to the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Grand Palais, with its incredible renovated glass roof, will be transformed into a 3,000 m² ice rink for the festive season. It's a magical, festive occasion, with a DJ set and light shows during the evening - a must if you're spending Christmas in Paris.
From 14 December 2024 to 8 January 2025
Grand Palais des Glaces
A magical journey at Galeries Lafayette
Galeries Lafayette Haussmann, Boulevard Haussmann, Paris, France
Christmas in Paris is all about the window displays in the department stores, making dreams come true for young and old alike. For the 130th anniversary of Galeries Lafayette, the decorations in the Parisian department stores' are set to be magical and Olympic, thanks to creations by Kevin Germanier, who designed the Golden Voyager costume that set the Stade de France alight for the closing ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The characters were made from upcycled materials. In addition to the traditional Christmas tree, a sound and light show will be celebrating this anniversary.
Dates for Christmas window displays in department stores :
Christmas at Galeries Lafayette: from 14 November to 31 December 2024
Printemps Hausmann: 7 November to 31 December 2024
BHV Marais: from 6 November
La Samaritaine: from 8 November 2024 to 5 January 2025
Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche: from 8 November 2024
Discover the Christmas windows of Parisian department stores
(Re)discover the Champs Élysées
The illuminations on the Champs Élysées are a powerful symbol of the magic of Christmas in Paris. From the Arc de Triomphe to the Place de la Concorde, over 400 trees will be decked out in garlands of lights. And to save energy, the lights will go out at midnight (except on 24 and 31 December), but the enchantment will remain intact! On 24 November, Tony Estanguet, President of the Paris Organising Committee for the Games, will illuminate the Champs Elysées. It's a classic that we'll never tire of!
From 24 November 2024 to early January 2025, from 5pm to midnight, from 5pm to 1am on Fridays and Saturdays, from 5pm to 6am on the nights of 24 and 31 December.
To find out more about the illuminations of the Champs-Elysées
Living a baroque feast in Versailles
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 14 December 2024 to 4 January 2025 Christmas at the Château de Versailles
Take a ride at the Festival du Merveilleux
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 2024 to January 5th, 2025 *
Flaner at the Festival du Merveilleux at the Musée des Arts Forains
Taste French elegance on Avenue Montaigne
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 20 2024 to 6th January 2025 Comité Montaigne
Wonder at the Jardin des Plantes
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.
To the west of Paris, two other parks are offering magical illuminations over the festive period. These include Thoiry zoo as part of Lumières Sauvages and the Domaine national de Saint-Cloud (Lumières en Seine).
Stroll around the ‘Jurassic Illumination’ Festival of Lights at the Jardin des Plantes in Paris
From 20 November 2024 to 19 January 2025 Strolling through the Festival of Lights at the Jardin des Plantes de Paris
Fall back into childhood at Disneyland 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 9 November 2024 to 6 January 2025
Gift ideas and sliding at the Jardin des Tuileries
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, 2024 to January 5, 2025 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.
Tips and recommendations
Paris knows how to adorn itself in its finest finery to sparkle and shine in the eyes of young and old alike for the festive season. Thinking of spending a holiday in the City of Light for the occasion? A word of advice: plan ahead to find accessible accommodation and discounted train tickets. You can also save yourself a lot of stress by using public transport. You'll avoid stressful traffic jams and parking problems, while helping to improve air quality. A magical Christmas to you all!
By France.fr
The magazine of the destination unravels an unexpected France that revisits tradition and cultivates creativity. A France far beyond what you can imagine…
