Visiting Paris in Christmas is like stepping into a magical city: sparkling Christmas lights, the aroma of mulled wine, charming craft stalls, and traditions that invite you to stroll, shop, and enjoy every moment.
Experiencing Xmas in Paris means immersing yourself in a unique festive atmosphere, where history, gastronomy, and elegance blend into an unforgettable Parisian Christmas.
If you’re planning your Paris in Christmas getaway, this guide will help you discover the main Christmas markets in Paris, the best things to do in Paris at Christmas, and how to live the festive season like a true local.
What to do in Paris at Christmas?
During December, Paris transforms completely. Its most iconic avenues glow with festive lights, shop windows—especially Galeries Lafayette Paris Christmas displays—are filled with fantasy, and every corner showcases beautiful Christmas decoration in Paris.
From ice-skating rinks and Christmas villages to open-air markets and seasonal treats, there are countless things to do in Paris at Christmas. The city also hosts a wide variety of Christmas events Paris visitors won’t want to miss, making this one of the most magical times of the year.
1. Christmas market at Place Saint-Michel
This Paris Christmas market is a classic in the city center and one of the most authentic options if you’re looking for a more local and traditional Parisian Christmas decor experience.
Located in the heart of the Latin Quarter, the Saint-Michel Christmas market is surrounded by historic bookshops, traditional cafés, the famous Saint-Michel Fountain, and is just steps away from Notre Dame Cathedral and the Seine River.
Here you’ll find stalls selling traditional French crafts, handmade ornaments, candles, wooden toys, and gourmet products such as foie gras, artisanal jams, and pain d’épices.
The atmosphere is calm and intimate, ideal for strolling without crowds. The Christmas decoration in Paris feels especially warm here, offering a more authentic take on Parisian Christmas traditions.
Local tip: Arrive at sunset and enjoy a glass of spiced mulled wine while watching the lights illuminate the bridges and historic façades. 🍷
2. Christmas market at La Défense
The largest, liveliest, and most cosmopolitan of all Christmas markets in Paris.
Known internationally as the La Défense Christmas Village, this festive market is set beneath the impressive Grande Arche, creating a striking contrast between modern architecture and traditional holiday stalls.
With more than 300 wooden chalets, the La Défense Christmas Village offers Christmas products from all over Europe: Provençal crafts, Nordic decorations, Italian cured meats, and much more. There are also rides, carousels, and interactive spaces for children, making it ideal for families.
Food lovers will enjoy international specialties like raclette, bratwurst, gingerbread, Breton crêpes, and Alsatian mulled wine.
Tip: Stay until nightfall—the contrast between the illuminated skyscrapers and festive lights creates one of the most impressive Parisian Christmas scenes in the city. 🎡✨
3. Christmas market near Notre Dame
Small but charming, this Christmas market stands out thanks to its unique location and historic atmosphere.
Situated in Place René Viviani, directly facing Notre Dame and its Christmas tree, it offers a postcard-perfect Paris in Christmas setting.
Around 20 stalls focus on high-quality, eco-friendly, fair-trade products such as jewelry, natural soaps, leather goods, and handcrafted gifts. Many artisans sell their creations directly, allowing you to discover the stories behind each piece.
Occasionally, you’ll find live music, Christmas choirs, or children’s workshops, adding to the cozy Parisian Christmas feel. Nearby, historic bookshops like Shakespeare & Co. make this area perfect for a cultural stop.
Best time to visit: Mid-morning or weekdays, when it’s quieter and more relaxed. ☝️
4. Christmas market at the Tuileries Garden
The Tuileries Garden Christmas market is set between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde, one of the most spectacular locations for enjoying Xmas in Paris.
This market features a large ice-skating rink, vintage carousels, children’s rides, and stalls offering French regional products such as Savoy cheeses, macarons, roasted chestnuts, and rich French hot chocolate. 😋
You’ll also find stylish gifts, toys, and elegant Christmas decoration in Paris, making it a great place to shop for unique souvenirs.
Tip: Walk from the Louvre through the gardens to the Ferris wheel at sunset. The views of the Obelisk, the Eiffel Tower, and the illuminated Champs-Élysées perfectly capture the magic of a Parisian Christmas. 🎁🗼
5. Mercado navideño en Montmartre
A bohemian and artistic Christmas market, perfect for travelers looking for a less commercial side of Paris in Christmas.
Located in Place des Abbesses, near independent shops, cozy bistros, and the famous “I Love You Wall,” this market reflects the creative soul of Montmartre.
Stalls sell prints, jewelry, ceramics, gourmet products, and festive textiles. You can also taste regional wines, artisanal jams, and local charcuterie.
The illuminated Sacré-Cœur in the background makes this one of the most photogenic examples of Parisian Christmas decor.
Suggestion: Climb to the Sacré-Cœur viewpoint at sunset to enjoy panoramic views of Paris glowing with Christmas lights—an unforgettable Xmas in Paris moment. ✨
Tips for your Christmas trip to Paris
🧤 What to wear?
December is cold, with temperatures between 1 °C and 7 °C. Bring a warm coat, scarf, hat, gloves, and waterproof shoes.
🗓️ When are Christmas markets open?
Most markets run from late November to early January, even on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
🍫 What to eat?
- Vin chaud (mulled wine)
- Crêpes and galettes
- Marrons chauds (roasted chestnuts)
🚍 How to get around Paris at Christmas?
The metro covers the entire city, but to explore the most festive areas comfortably and without missing a thing, choose the Paris City Tour bus, which stops near major markets, monuments, and illuminated streets.
Which days are Christmas markets open in Paris?
Most operate from late November to early January, including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Where can you see the most impressive Christmas tree in Paris?
The central Christmas tree at Galeries Lafayette is one of the most impressive in Paris, suspended beneath its iconic glass dome.
👉 Hop on our Paris City Tour bus and get off at the Printemps Galeries Lafayette stop!
Experience the magic of Paris at Christmas!
From charming Christmas markets and festive Christmas events Paris offers, to breathtaking lights and elegant Parisian Christmas decoration, this season turns the city into a true winter fairytale.
Plan your trip, explore iconic neighborhoods, enjoy seasonal gastronomy, and take home unforgettable memories of Paris in Christmas.
👉 Book your Paris City Tour bus and discover the magic of a Parisian Christmas in comfort.
Ready to live a fairytale Xmas in Paris? 🎄✨
