Christmas in Paris: Best Things to Do & See

Are you thinking of spending Christmas in Paris or coming to the capital during the holiday season? In this guide, I'm sharing all the practical information you'll need to enjoy the City of Light at this very special time: Christmas lights, markets, shows, family activities, open museums and monuments, Christmas Eve restaurants, public transportation.

The idea is to help you plan a smooth, realistic, and enjoyable stay, whether you're coming for a simple weekend or for a full week. You'll also find ideas for things to do outside Paris if you already know Paris a bit or if you'd like to experience something different. The goal is to answer your practical questions while giving you concrete options to experience a Christmas in Paris that feels right for you.

What are the must-sees in Paris at Christmas?

The must-sees in Paris at Christmas are the major light displays, department store windows, Christmas markets, and a few special evening experiences or cultural activities worth booking in advance. If this is your first stay at this time of year, there's no need to try to see everything: it's better to choose a few complementary experiences.

To capture that classic postcard-perfect Paris Christmas, I suggest devoting an evening to the Champs-Elysées, Place Vendôme, and the department stores on Boulevard Haussmann. Add in a Christmas market, for example the Tuileries, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, or the very large market at La Défense.

Then book an experience that really appeals to you: a Christmas concert in a church, dinner cruise on the Seine, light trail at the Jardin des Plantes or the Parc Floral… If you're staying several days, you could also plan a day at Disneyland Paris, Parc Astérix, or the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte.

Finally, keep some time simply to walk around Paris at Christmas. Montmartre, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the Marais, Bercy Village, Faubourg Saint-Honoré, or Avenue Montaigne let you soak up the atmosphere without necessarily booking an activity.

Just below, I go into detail about the most beautiful light displays, the Christmas markets, the shows and activities, as well as my practical tips for organizing your stay.

Where can you see the most beautiful Christmas lights in Paris?

The most beautiful Christmas lights in Paris are usually concentrated around the Champs-Elysées, Place Vendôme, and the department stores, but neighborhoods such as Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Bercy Village, or Montmartre also offer very lovely light displays.

The Champs-Elysées at Christmas

At Christmas, the Champs-Elysées are best known for the illuminated trees lining either side of the avenue, creating a glowing perspective between Place de l'Étoile and Place de la Concorde. Blue until 2017, they turned red in 2018, then were replaced in 2022 by LEDs able to change color, with an increasing focus on saving energy.

As you walk down the avenue, you will come across all kinds of decorations and, from one year to the next, you will see the most prestigious brands customize their storefronts. Sometimes it is the famous Cartier panther settling in for the winter on a façade, sometimes a lovely play of lights and a big bow on the façade of Fouquet's, sometimes the illuminated Ladurée storefront, not to mention a few much more kitsch decorations (I will not name any names so as not to offend anyone ^^).

Dates – The lights on the Champs-Elysées are generally switched on from late November to early January (exact dates to come for 2026), with a celebrity guest traditionally invited to switch them on during an opening ceremony. They are turned on at the end of the day, usually from 5pm to midnight, with extended hours on some festive evenings. It can be very crowded at that time, but the width of the avenue still leaves enough space to enjoy the show without feeling crushed.

Avenue Montaigne at Christmas

Just a stone's throw from the Champs-Elysées, Avenue Montaigne offers a more subdued and sophisticated atmosphere each year, with beautiful lighting on the façades of the couture houses.

The Christmas lights are usually switched on in the second half of November, and the boutiques also contribute to the atmosphere with their festive windows and decorations. The Comité Montaigne also organizes various events throughout the season. It is a pleasant walk if you enjoy chic Haussmann-style architecture and refined window displays, and it combines very easily with the Champs-Elysées.

Rue Royale at Christmas

Near the Champs-Elysées, you will find the very chic Rue Royale, generally richly decorated for Christmas, with spectacular façades.

Do not miss "Village Royal", at 25 Rue Royale. A small haven of peace, luxury, and elegance in the heart of Paris, it is always nicely decorated, with a more intimate atmosphere than on the major boulevards.

Note that Village Royal has opening hours and closes in the evening. This is a detail to keep in mind if you plan to go there a bit late during your walk.

Place Vendôme lit up

Place Vendôme is one of the most photogenic spots in Paris at Christmas, with its illuminated trees and the uniform facades framing the central column.

This neighborhood is one of those I find most beautiful at Christmas, because the surrounding streets are lavishly decorated and illuminated, while preserving a very Parisian feel.

The department stores' Christmas window displays

The Christmas window displays of the department stores are one of the highlights of Christmas in Paris and are clearly among the must-sees at this time of year.

Paris is full of department stores and every year, their windows and animated figures are a real attraction for passersby. Notable examples include those of Printemps and Galeries Lafayette on Boulevard Haussmann, but also the BHV windows in the Marais neighborhood (Rue de Rivoli) and those of Le Bon Marché (Rue de Sèvres).

The crowds can be really dense during the day and on December weekends. To enjoy the windows without getting caught in the crush, I would recommend going to see them on a weekday and fairly late in the evening.

When the stores themselves are closed, there are far fewer people and you will be able to enjoy the windows more peacefully. Ideally, you can even go in the second half of the evening (after a good restaurant meal?), when you will come across only a handful of tourists.

The Galeries Lafayette will unveil their 2026 Christmas displays from November 13, with an "Au cœur de Noël" theme designed by French artist Jean-Charles de Castelbajac. Dates and themes for Printemps and BHV will be added here as soon as they are officially announced.

The unmissable Galeries Lafayette Christmas tree and its skywalk

The Galeries Lafayette Christmas tree is one of the most spectacular decorations in Paris at this time of year, especially since the creation of the Glasswalk skywalk.

Every year, a monumental tree is installed beneath the store's century-old dome. It has been a tradition since 1976, with a different style each time. Since winter 2019, there has been a glass skywalk, the Glasswalk, under the dome, which is 9 meters long (about 30 ft) and suspended 16 meters (about 52 ft) above the void. At Christmas, it offers the chance to take a photo as close as possible to the tree, under the magical decor of the dome.

Faubourg Saint-Honoré

Faubourg Saint-Honoré offers a very chic setting at Christmas, with a more sophisticated, less family-oriented atmosphere than some other neighborhoods, but particularly pleasant for an evening walk.

Every year, the Comité du Faubourg Saint-Honoré turns on its Christmas lights from around mid-November to mid-January. The facades of the luxury boutiques are adorned with lights, and various events traditionally accompany the holiday season.

Dates 2026: launch of the Christmas lights on November 15, 2026.

The charm of Bercy Village

Bercy Village is a place I'm especially fond of in Paris, even though it's a shopping center, because it combines stores with a village atmosphere.

The cobblestone lanes, the former wine warehouses that have been converted, and the pretty boutiques have undeniable charm. From mid-November to about early January, Bercy Village shifts into Christmas mode with lovely lights and occasional events. It's a good choice if you're traveling with children or if you're looking for a setting that's a bit less crowded than central Paris.

Christmas in Saint-Germain-des-Prés

At Christmas, the Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood combines historic charm, small shopping streets, and elegant lights.

Boulevard Saint-Germain and Place Saint-Germain-des-Prés are generally lit up too, with a small Christmas market next to the Church of Saint-Germain. It's a way to soak up the Christmas atmosphere in one of the oldest districts of Paris, going from bookstores to cafés to illuminated shop windows.

The Les Halles Christmas tree

Under the Canopy, the Les Halles Christmas tree adds a festive touch to this central neighborhood, which is already very popular for shopping.

During the holiday season, Les Halles are full of hustle and bustle and a large Christmas tree is traditionally set up under the Canopy of the Forum des Halles. While it might not be worth a special trip on its own, it will make your time in this transport and shopping hub more pleasant, especially if you combine your visit with a nearby market or a walk toward the Louvre.

The forecourt of Paris City Hall

On the forecourt, the Paris city council creates a festive Christmas village every year, right in the heart of the city.

During the month of December, a Christmas village is usually set up on the forecourt of the Hôtel de Ville. Illuminated trees, activities, wooden chalets, and a festive atmosphere are on the agenda. It's an easy-to-reach place that you can combine with a walk in the nearby Marais.

Montmartre at Christmas

Montmartre already looks like a postcard the rest of the year, but at Christmas, a few extra touches of light bring out even more of its charm.

Place des Abbesses usually also hosts a Christmas village in December, and the decorations you find in the streets enhance the natural charm of Montmartre.

Of course, many other streets and neighborhoods also put on their finest decorations during the holiday season. If you have a few favorites, feel free to mention them in the comments on the article to inspire other travelers.

How to choose your Christmas walk in Paris?

If you do not know which Christmas lights to prioritize, the easiest way is to choose your walk according to the atmosphere you are looking for: classic postcard views, chic decor, animated window displays, quieter neighborhood, or family-friendly atmosphere.

For a first discovery, the combination of Galeries Lafayette Christmas tree + Place Vendôme + Champs-Elysées makes for a particularly striking trio and lets you see several sides of Christmas in Paris over the course of a single evening.

To help you choose, here is a comparison table of the main Christmas light displays:

During my December walks, I have often had a soft spot for Place Vendôme at nightfall: the light is softer there, the trees are reflected on the wet cobblestones, and you can easily continue toward Rue Royale and then the Champs-Elysées, or head back up toward the department store window displays on Boulevard Haussmann. For a first stay, I would really recommend combining at least two of these places in the same evening, so that you can discover different atmospheres.

What Christmas markets exist in and around Paris?

The Christmas markets in Paris range from large, very touristy villages to small, sustainable, artisan, or themed markets, and some of them are worth dedicating an entire evening to on their own.

The Tuileries Christmas market

The Tuileries Christmas market is now the main large Parisian Christmas market, in a setting that's perfect for strolling.

A few years ago, the main market was held at the lower end of Avenue des Champs-Elysées. Since 2018, it has been moved to the Tuileries Garden, just steps from the Louvre and slightly set back from the main Parisian thoroughfares. Every year from mid-November until the beginning of January, many wooden chalets are set up offering treats and handicrafts. The smell of waffles, mulled wine, and cotton candy creates a very pleasant atmosphere, and you can sample French specialties on site. Santa Claus of course makes a few appearances for the little ones.

In addition, the Tuileries Christmas market also features a funfair, with a Ferris wheel, rides, game booths, and an ice rink depending on the year. The attractions appeal to both adults and children and make it easy to spend an entire evening there.

On weekdays during the day, the market is often very quiet, visited mainly by tourists: if you have young children, it might be worth going at that time; that's what I did with my son when he was 1 or 2 years old.

Dates 2026: to be announced

The Saint-Germain-des-Prés Christmas market

The Saint-Germain-des-Prés Christmas market is a smaller market, but with a unique atmosphere, located right in the heart of the Left Bank.

It stretches along Boulevard Saint-Germain and the Church of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, combining food chalets and handicrafts. Every year, the neighborhood is also lit up for the holidays. It is a cozy, charming market that fits nicely into a broader walk through the area, between shops, art galleries, and literary cafés.

Dates 2026: to be announced

The La Défense Christmas market

The La Défense Christmas market is the largest Christmas market in the Paris region and offers a very different setting from central Paris.

For more than 20 years, it has been set up on the esplanade of La Défense, facing the Grande Arche. The 2025 edition welcomed around 300 chalets and 2.2 million visitors, with an ice rink and various activities as well. The market has already been announced for 2026, from mid-November to the end of December.

The setting is more unusual than that of the markets within Paris proper, with office towers as a backdrop, but the market also benefits from a lot of space. Visitors come both to look for gift ideas and to eat on site and enjoy the entertainment. If you are mainly looking for a very large Christmas market, it is clearly one of the most interesting ones around Paris.

Dates 2026: November 12–December 31, 2026.

The Notre-Dame de Paris Christmas market

The Notre-Dame Christmas market stands out for its location and its selection of vendors.

It sets up in Square René-Viviani, right next to Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, during the weeks leading up to Christmas. The market highlights French artisans and designers, with a focus on arts and crafts and gourmet food products. So it is a good place to go if you would like to buy gifts made in France. Since the reopening of Notre-Dame, you can of course take the opportunity to combine the market with a visit to the cathedral or its towers and a walk around the Île de la Cité or the Latin Quarter.

Dates 2026: November 26–December 27, 2026.

The Eiffel Tower Christmas market

The Eiffel-Branly Christmas village lets you soak up the holiday atmosphere with the Eiffel Tower as a backdrop.

At the most recent edition, it was set up on the Mail Branly, at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, with food stalls and gift ideas. Its main asset is still its location: if you are planning to visit the Eiffel Tower or stroll around the neighborhood, it is an easy stop to add to your itinerary without making a major detour.

Dates 2026: coming soon

Other Christmas markets in Paris

Many smaller or themed markets complement the offerings in different districts. They are interesting if you are staying nearby or if you enjoy discovering original creations.

• The market on the forecourt of City Hall (4th arrondissement) – A Christmas village is set up every year in front of City Hall, with chalets that particularly highlight products and creations labeled "Fabriqué à Paris" ("Made in Paris"), as well as activities. Dates 2026: coming soon.
• The Montmartre Christmas market (18th arrondissement) – It is held on Place des Abbesses. Personally, I have always found it tiny and rather disappointing every time I passed by, purely my own opinion of course. Dates 2026: coming soon.
• The Alsatian market at Gare de l'Est (10th arrondissement) – It hosts producers and artisans from Alsace on the station forecourt. You will find many Alsatian culinary specialties there, which makes it one of the most interesting themed markets in Paris. Dates 2026: coming soon.
• The "Canaux" Christmas market (19th arrondissement) – Organized in the Bassin de la Villette neighborhood, it showcases artisans and organizations from the Paris region focused on sustainable, locally made, and upcycled goods. A good choice if you are looking for a more responsible Christmas market. Dates 2026: coming soon.
• Le Hasard Ludique (18th arrondissement) – This cultural venue housed in a former train station organizes several themed Christmas markets on its large terrace along the Petite Ceinture. In 2025, for example, there was a vegan market, a Latin market, and a makers' market. Program 2026: coming soon.
• La REcyclerie (18th arrondissement) – This former train station, now an eco-friendly community space, also hosts Christmas markets focused on more responsible consumption. Program 2026: coming soon.

In the nearby suburbs, several events are also worth the trip, especially if you are already familiar with the major Parisian markets.

• ICI Montreuil's "Noël des créateurs" (Montreuil, 93) – ICI Montreuil brings together many local artisans and makers. Its Christmas market is a great place to find handmade gifts: ceramics, jewelry, lighting, illustrations, clothing, or decorative objects. Dates 2026: coming soon.
• The "Foire des savoir-faire" (Saint-Denis, 93) – This event highlights local artisans, makers, and traditional crafts in the center of Saint-Denis. Take the opportunity to visit the nearby basilica: you can book your ticket online in advance. Dates 2026: coming soon.

To find out what each neighborhood is organizing, it is also worth checking the official websites for each arrondissement: many small markets and Christmas events are announced only a few weeks before the holidays.

What Christmas shows can you see in Paris?

Christmas shows in Paris range from traditional carol concerts in churches to major cabaret shows and immersive light trails, with many options for families.

Christmas carols and concerts in churches

If you would like a more musical and contemplative Christmas, Christmas carol concerts in Parisian churches are a very good option.

In 2026, the Orchestre Hélios is presenting several major concerts of traditional Christmas carols between December 18 and 26, notably at the Church of Saint-Eustache, the Church of Saint-Sulpice, and the Church of La Madeleine. You can book tickets in advance. The program combines traditional French and international Christmas carols with works by composers such as Handel, Mendelssohn, Bizet, and Saint-Saëns. Other classical concerts are also scheduled in Parisian churches throughout the month of December.

At the same time, the schedule of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Masses is available on the website of the Diocese of Paris. Places such as the Church of La Madeleine, Saint-Eustache, the Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur in Montmartre, Saint-Sulpice, and Saint-Germain-des-Prés generally offer very beautiful celebrations and feature Nativity scenes that can be admired throughout the month of December.

Cabarets and iconic shows

If you are dreaming of a very Parisian Christmas, a cabaret show can be a great idea for an evening out.

The most iconic of them is still the Moulin Rouge, which offers a special Christmas holiday package with a festive dinner, champagne or wine, and a performance of the revue. The dates for the 2026-2027 season have not yet been announced; last season, this package was offered from December 18 to January 5, except on December 31. You can book here to secure your evening, as these dates are in very high demand.

Other cabarets or performance venues may also offer special revues or concerts as Christmas approaches. If you enjoy this kind of show, it's worth checking the programs as early as fall and booking in advance.

Which Paris museums and monuments are open on Christmas Day?

On December 25, many Paris museums and monuments are closed, but several cultural sites, major attractions, and iconic monuments remain open. Among the main options are the Arab World Institute, the Museum of Jewish Art and History, the Eiffel Tower, the Musée Grévin, and the Paris Aquarium.

Museums and cultural sites open on December 25

On December 25, it can be a good idea to focus on cultural sites that stay open on public holidays.

For example, there is the Arab World Institute, open from Tuesday to Sunday, including public holidays except May 1. On public holidays, the museum and exhibitions are accessible from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. You can explore the collections devoted to the cultures of the Arab world, visit temporary exhibitions, and enjoy the panoramic terrace. The Dar Mima-Ziryab restaurant is also located on the top floor. The IMA is at 1 rue des Fossés Saint-Bernard, in the 5th arrondissement.

Another option in the same arrondissement is the Grand Mosque of Paris, at 2 bis place du Puits de l'Ermite. The visit lets you discover its Hispano-Moorish architecture, its courtyards, and its garden. The café-restaurant and the hammam round out the site if you would like to extend the experience. Note: the Grand Mosque is closed to visitors on Fridays… and in 2026, with Christmas falling on a Friday, it will therefore be closed to the public.

You can also visit the Museum of Jewish Art and History, located at 71 rue du Temple in the 3rd arrondissement. The museum is indeed open on December 25 2026. Housed in the Hôtel de Saint-Aignan, it retraces the history of Jewish communities in France, in Europe, and around the Mediterranean through artworks, objects, manuscripts, and historical documents.

The Eiffel Tower and a few major classics

The Eiffel Tower is one of the monuments that are open every day of the year, including December 25, which makes it an excellent option for that day.

I strongly recommend booking a ticket in advance, because between Parisians on vacation, visitors from elsewhere in France, and international tourists, time slots can fill up quickly. Going up the Eiffel Tower at Christmas also lets you see the city and its decorations from above, which really changes your perspective.

Another idea: Musée Grévin, open every day of the year including public holidays, offers a fun experience that families tend to enjoy. Striking a pose among statues of famous historical figures and contemporary celebrities makes for a fun, quirky break from traditional sightseeing. You can book your tickets in advance here to avoid the line.

Other things to do on Christmas Day

Even though there are fewer options on the 25th, there are still plenty of things to do to round out your day.

For example, you can:

• Visit the Paris Aquarium (online tickets to book here), a great option for families with children;
• Head to Chantilly Castle (tickets on sale here) to enjoy the castle and its winter setting. The estate also puts on a special Christmas program every year;
• Visit the Banksy Museum (ticket office here), open every day including public holidays, if you're in the mood for a visit focused on street art and Banksy's world.

These are all good options for planning a Christmas Day in Paris that isn't limited to walking outdoors, especially if the weather isn't great. For December 25, do remember to check the day's opening hours before your visit: some places may operate on special holiday hours. I share plenty of tips here on what to do in Paris on Christmas Day.

What else can you do in and around Paris at Christmas?

Around Christmas, Paris and the surrounding area offer plenty of seasonal experiences: light trails, dinner cruises, amusement parks, decorated châteaux, lantern festivals, and temporary ice rinks.

Lumières en Seine will not take place in 2026

If you were planning to visit Lumières en Seine at the Domaine national de Saint-Cloud, be aware that the event will not take place during the 2026-2027 season.

The organizers have announced that this new edition will be postponed due to major construction work planned around the Domaine national de Saint-Cloud and its impact on access to the site. Among the work planned in the area, the Saint-Cloud tunnel on the A13 is notably due to close in the Paris–province direction from November 16 2026 until the end of August 2027.

You will therefore have to wait a while to experience this 1.2-mile light trail, which transformed the estate every winter with light sculptures and installations. In the meantime, you can turn to the Odyssée lumineuse at the Parc floral or the light displays at the Jardin des Plantes, which I talk about just after this.

L'Odyssée lumineuse at the Parc floral de Vincennes (94)

The Parc floral de Vincennes hosts a large nighttime light trail, the Odyssée lumineuse, which is popular with both families and couples.

In 2026, the trail returns with completely redesigned staging. The major new feature is a Fairyland of Illuminated Fountains installed on the lake, enhanced by northern lights recreated in the sky above the trail and a shadow theater show. Allow about 1 hr 30 for the full experience. It's a great option if you’ve already seen the Christmas lights in central Paris and are looking for something different.

Dates 2026-2027: from November 14, 2026 to January 24, 2027.

The lantern festival at the Jardin des Plantes in Paris

The lantern festival at the Jardin des Plantes has become one of the highlights of the end of the year in Paris for those who enjoy nighttime walks.

The event "En voie d'illumination" has been organized for several years now, with a different theme for each edition. The trail combines a light show with scientific discovery: animals, plants, natural phenomena, and extinct species have all been featured over the years. It's more than just a walk among lanterns: it's also an original way to discover biodiversity and the history of our planet.

Dates and theme 2026-2027: to be announced.

A dinner cruise on the Seine

At the end of the year, a dinner cruise on the Seine lets you admire Paris's Christmas lights from a different angle, nice and warm behind the boat's large windows.

During the holiday season, the Bateaux Mouches and other companies continue to offer cruises on the Seine. You can, for example, check out this dinner cruise with live music, which combines a tour of illuminated Paris with a meal. There are also cruises on December 24 and 25 with a festive menu (information here, for example). As with many menus and experiences offered at this particular time of year, the price is quite high, but it can make for a truly special Christmas Eve.

Christmas at Disneyland Paris

Disneyland Paris is probably one of the destinations most closely associated with Christmas for families and Disney fans.

In general, the place divides opinion — you either like it or you don't — but the park really knows how to bring out the magic of Christmas: lights, a huge tree, Disney characters dressed up for the occasion, a Christmas parade, and seasonal music. It's one of my favorite seasons to experience in the park. You can book a 1‑day entrance ticket or a multi‑day ticket in advance; booking is highly recommended because it's a very popular time of year.

In 2026, Christmas also arrives for the first time in the World of Frozen at Disney Adventure World, with an atmosphere inspired by Scandinavian traditions and musical celebrations with Anna, Elsa, Olaf, and Kristoff.

You can find the program online here to see the season's special shows and parades.

Dates 2026-2027 for Disney Enchanted Christmas: from November 7, 2026, to January 6, 2027.

The magnificent Christmas at the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte

In Maincy, in Seine-et-Marne, the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte is transformed every year to offer a fairy-tale Christmas.

The château is adorned with magnificent decorations in every room, and the gardens are illuminated as well. Activities for children and adults are available and, if there is one place I would recommend you visit at Christmas outside Paris, it's this one. Each year, the theme changes according to the team's imagination, so you can go back several times without feeling like you're seeing exactly the same thing again.

In 2026, the Grand Noël invites you on a journey around the world: the château's rooms become a series of stopovers with sets, automatons, and immersive projections. At nightfall, the gardens light up and a monumental projection brings the 1000 m² (about 10,800 sq ft) façade to life. A temporary real‑ice skating rink completes the experience.

Dates 2026-2027: from November 14, 2026 to January 3, 2027. The estate is closed on December 25 and January 1.

Les Féeries d'Auteuil

Les Féeries d'Auteuil are a lovely way to combine a festive day out with support for a charitable cause.

You've probably heard of Apprentis d'Auteuil, the foundation that supports young people and families facing hardship. During the Christmas season, it organizes an event in the 16th arrondissement that combines a Christmas market and activities. The event takes place at 40 rue Jean de La Fontaine in Paris and helps support the Foundation's work.

Les Féeries are indeed going ahead in 2026, before major redevelopment work on the site begins in 2027.

Dates 2026: from December 5 to 13, 2026.

Parc Astérix in Christmas mode

Parc Astérix also pulls out all the stops to celebrate Christmas, with a very different spirit from Disneyland Paris.

For its Gallic Christmas, the park is decked out in decorations and offers several special activities: the Viking Ice Rink, Obelix's Slide, Santa's Wonderful Gardens, shows, and the Gallic Christmas Parade. You can find the full holiday program online. I would recommend booking your tickets in advance to be sure you can enjoy the event.

Dates 2026-2027: from December 19, 2026 to January 3, 2027.

Thoiry Lumières Sauvages

Thoiry Lumières Sauvages is another major light trail that you can combine with a visit to the zoo-safari.

You might already know Wow Safari Thoiry and if you don't, I would recommend going at least once. It offers a drive-through safari route so you can immerse yourself among the animals, along with a more traditional zoo area. From autumn onwards, Thoiry Lumières Sauvages also transforms the château gardens into a vast nighttime trail made up of thousands of light sculptures.

The route regularly changes: during the last edition, titled "Le Bal des Esprits" ("The Ball of Spirits"), it stretched over 3 km (about 1.9 miles) with nearly 3,000 light sculptures in displays inspired in part by the Mexican Día de los Muertos. Access to Lumières Sauvages is included in some tickets that also give access to the Safari and to the walking area of the park. More information online here.

Dates 2026-2027: from October 17, 2026 to March 6, 2027.

A light parade at La Villette

Parc de la Villette also offers light-themed events during the holiday season.

In 2026, you can in particular attend the Parade lumineuse des Allebrilles, a free roaming show mixing masks, fireflies, floats, and large puppets in the shape of colorful creatures. It's a fun activity with children, and it's completely free.

2026 date: December 5 at 5 p.m.

Outdoor ice rinks

In Paris, the temporary ice rinks also help create the Christmas atmosphere, but their presence and locations change regularly from one year to the next.

The Tuileries Christmas market traditionally has an ice rink, while other Parisian sites sometimes install their own. Before making plans specifically to go skating, it is worth checking that year's program: the rinks at the Eiffel Tower or Forum des Halles, for example, do not appear regularly enough to count on them being there every Christmas.

If you remember an ice rink on the roof of Tour Montparnasse, it did exist in some years. However, it is no longer an option for now: the Tour Montparnasse Observation Deck has been closed to the public since March 31 2026 for major renovation work that is expected to last several years.

It is also worth noting that some facilities now use synthetic surfaces instead of refrigerated ice, notably to reduce the energy consumption required to run them.

How to find a restaurant for Christmas in Paris?

To find a restaurant in Paris for Christmas Eve or December 25, you need to plan ahead, focus on places that are open on the date you want, and carefully check the reservation terms and the menu offered.

Planning your Christmas restaurant reservation in advance

At this time of year, many restaurants are fully booked, especially for December 24 and 25, because both Parisians and visitors sometimes book several weeks in advance.

You can start by identifying a few good places by cross-checking Google, TripAdvisor, TheFork, etc., then check whether those specific restaurants are open on Christmas Day or on Christmas Eve in the evening. You can also go directly to TheFork and enter the date of your choice to see which restaurants listed on the platform are taking reservations at that time. Not all Paris restaurants are on it, but it helps you make an initial selection, especially if you have specific criteria in terms of cuisine, budget, or neighborhood.

TheFork always offers a "Christmas & New Year's Eve menu" category, with a selection of restaurants offering holiday deals. To find out whether a place is available specifically on the evening of the 24th, of the 31st or on December 25, remember to then select the desired date and time slot: some establishments, for example, only offer a special menu for New Year's Eve.

Contacting restaurants directly

Even in the era of online reservations, calling restaurants directly is still a very good idea for a Christmas meal.

Sometimes, even if it looks fully booked online, there may be cancellations or tables that are not offered through the platforms. Also, when you plan very far in advance, online booking may not yet be open even though the restaurant already knows its holiday plans. Feel free to ask whether they offer a special Christmas menu, what the price is, and what it includes (apéritif, drinks, dessert, etc.).

Understanding Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve menus in Paris

Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve menus in Paris are often more expensive than the usual à la carte options and more structured, with a limited number of choices.

So it is worth finding out the exact menu: many restaurants offer a fixed-price festive menu on the evening of December 24 instead of, or in addition to, their usual menu, with several courses and sometimes food-and-wine pairings. Things may be different at lunchtime or dinnertime on December 25, which is why it is useful to check each service separately.

Prices vary enormously depending on how upscale the restaurant is. As an example, some Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve menus already being offered in Paris for Christmas 2026 exceed 100 € per person (about $110 / £90). It is therefore reasonable to plan for a higher budget than for an ordinary meal and also to check the cancellation policy or any possible deposit required at the time of booking.

Is there public transport in Paris at Christmas?

Yes, public transport runs in Paris on December 25. Metros, RER commuter trains, trains, trams, and buses are all available for getting around at Christmas, even though frequencies and timetables may be adjusted for the holidays. For New Year's, Île-de-France Mobilités usually also puts in place a special system, with part of the network running all night and free transport.

How transportation runs on December 24 and 25

At Christmas, the Paris region transportation network keeps running, so you will not be stranded in Paris on December 25.

On December 24, the metro, RER, trains, trams, and buses are in service, but some lines may operate on specific holiday timetables during the end-of-year period. On December 25, the network also remains in service, with frequency that may be adjusted because of the public holiday and school vacations. It is therefore entirely possible to cross Paris to attend Christmas mass, have lunch in another arrondissement, or get to a tour that is open that day.

To find the exact timetable for a metro, RER, train, or bus, it is best to check your route the day before or the same day on the RATP website or the Île-de-France Mobilités app, as adjustments can vary from one line to another.

Free transportation for New Year's Eve

Even if it does not strictly fall under Christmas, many travelers combine the two and also spend New Year's Eve in Paris, which is why this point matters.

Île-de-France Mobilités traditionally puts in place a special plan for the night of December 31 to January 1. In recent years, transportation has been free throughout Île-de-France from December 31 at 5 p.m. to January 1 at noon, with the exception of airport services.

Part of the network also runs all night. For the most recent New Year's Eve, for example, six metro lines (1, 2, 4, 6, 9, and 14) were operating during the night, with only certain stations served, while several RER and Transilien lines were also providing night service.

The exact plan for the night of December 31 2026 to January 1, 2027 has not yet been announced. Île-de-France Mobilités usually publishes the lines, stations, schedules, and free-fare conditions as New Year's Eve approaches.

Practical tips for getting around during the holidays

During the Christmas period, some very touristy neighborhoods can stay very busy, especially around the department stores, the Champs-Élysées, Christmas markets, and major attractions.

Tip: if you are staying in Paris itself, try to choose accommodation close to a major metro line (1, 4, 7, 9, or 14 for example), as this makes getting around much easier, especially when you go to see the lights or come back late from a show. If you are staying in the inner suburbs, make sure to check late-evening RER or train timetables carefully, especially on December 24 and 25, so you don't get stuck taking a taxi at the last minute.

At night, when the metro has stopped running, the Noctilien night bus network takes over, generally between about 12:30 a.m. and 5:30 a.m.

Key points to remember about Christmas in Paris in 2026

You probably will not be able to do everything in a single trip, so here's a quick overview to help you decide what to prioritize depending on what you feel like doing.

The traveler's memo for Christmas in Paris

Here are the answers to the most common questions for planning a Christmas trip to Paris in 2026.

Christmas in Paris in 2026 is a blend of lights, markets, culture, and small everyday moments you stumble upon at the corner of a street or in a café. By planning your stay a little, you can really tailor the experience to what you're looking for: a very "City of Light" Christmas with Christmas lights and window displays, a family-focused Christmas with theme parks and lantern festivals, or a more cultural Christmas with museums open on the 25th and evening concerts.

The main thing is to remember that not everything will be perfect (it can be cold, it can be crowded), but the city offers enough options for everyone to find their own way of experiencing the holidays.