Christmas in Paris: four places not to be missed

Among the European capitals, Paris is probably not the most "Christmas".Although there are no markets, luminaries and themed events, the Christmas spirit is not intense and felt as in Strasbourg, Aachen or other northern European cities. This does not take away that Christmas in Paris can become a difficult experience to forget, choosing the right places to livethe atmosphere of the holidays.In nine years of Parisian life, I was able to carefully draw my staffTop 4places not to be missed in Paris during the Christmas season.

4. Champs Elysées

Undisputed symbol of French capital, the famousChamps ElyséesThey never fall into banality, especially at Christmas. Christmas lights adorn them from late November until early January, shining every day from 17:00 until midnight about, and throughout the night on 24 and 31 December. With their 2.2 km, theChamps Elyséesdo not leave indifferent even those who know Paris as their own pockets, especially those who love shopping.

3. Christmas MarketsDefense

In FranceVillages de Noëldistinguish themselves from the classicsMarchés de Noëlfor their extension. Christmas MarketDefense,cradle of the Parisian economy, is part of the first category, hosting on a wide surface hundreds of wooden chalets andstanddedicated to traditional French and Mitteleuropea cuisine.

It is the largest Christmas market in the Paris region and in 2022 it arrived at its 27th edition.

In avillage of Noëlof this reach, it is impossible not to taste winter delicacies astartiflette, fondue, tarte flambéeand the inevitableraclette.The market ofDefenseis also the ideal place to buy handicraft products and especially Christmas decorations for all tastes.

While being a bit outside the city center, it is easily accessible by metro, going down to the stopLa Défenseof line 71 or RER A. The market is right at the foot of theGreat Archeeand you have time until December 27 to explore it.

2. Galeries Lafayette

Already festous and elegant every month of the year, theGaleries Lafayettethey dress with authentic magic in the Christmas period. The attention is always focused on the decorations that animate their windows and of course oniconic and majestic Christmas treewhich stands under the dome of the historic building.

Undisputed protagonist of Parisian Christmas, theGrand Sapinpresents itself every year in a new dress, characterized by a different theme.

In 2022, for example, he paid homage to literature, with the creation of aGrand Sapincardboard inspired by the fairy talePlanète Sapinby the author Claire Castillon. Every year, a new story is accompanied by sparkling sound and musical animations. Amustabsolutely not to lose!

1. Christmas MarketsJardins des Tuileries

If there is a Christmas market that I recommend you to see in Paris, it is definitely that of the beautifulJardins des Tuileries.

Born asChristmas marketsChamps Elysées,in 2017 they were temporarily suspended and then moved definitively to the Tuileries Gardens, between the Place de la Concorde and the Louvre Museum. Visitable until January 8, the Tuileries market looks like a small amusement park, with many rides for all ages and even a skating rink. There are obviously food stands and French crafts, as well as the famousBig Rouefrom which to admire a magnificent panorama between a glass ofvin chaud and the other. To spend an unforgettable Christmas weekend in Paris, I can only recommend a cultural visit to the Louvre followed by a well-deserved break at the Christmas markets of the Tuileries.

The activities are not lacking, even the Christmas atmosphere. There is therefore no excuse not to enjoy a trip to Paris during the most magical period of the year. Happy holidays!