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 live the atmosphere of the holidays. In nine years of Parisian life, I was able to carefully draw my staff Top 4 places not to be missed in Paris during the Christmas season.

4. Champs Elysées

Undisputed symbol of French capital, the famous Champs Elysées They 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, the Champs Elysées do not leave indifferent even those who know Paris as their own pockets, especially those who love shopping.

3. Christmas Markets Defense

In France Villages de Noël distinguish themselves from the classics Marchés de Noël for their extension. Christmas Market Defense, cradle of the Parisian economy, is part of the first category, hosting on a wide surface hundreds of wooden chalets and stand dedicated 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 a village of Noël of this reach, it is impossible not to taste winter delicacies as tartiflette, fondue, tarte flambée and the inevitable raclette. The market of Defense is 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 stop La Défense of line 71 or RER A. The market is right at the foot of the Great Archee and you have time until December 27 to explore it.

2. Galeries Lafayette

Already festous and elegant every month of the year, the Galeries Lafayette they 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 tree which stands under the dome of the historic building.

Undisputed protagonist of Parisian Christmas, the Grand Sapin presents 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 a Grand Sapin cardboard inspired by the fairy tale Planète Sapin by the author Claire Castillon. Every year, a new story is accompanied by sparkling sound and musical animations. A must absolutely not to lose!

1. Christmas Markets Jardins des Tuileries

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

Born as Christmas markets Champs 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 famous Big Roue from which to admire a magnificent panorama between a glass of vin 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!