Last updated: 11 November 2024
Planning your festive stay in Paris? Our end-of-year celebration guide presents all the must-see activities in the capital, from illuminations to traditional markets.
From Place de l'Hôtel de Ville to the Champs-Élysées, Paris transforms into the ultimate winter destination. Christmas markets set up in the main squares, department store windows come alive, and outdoor ice rinks welcome visitors of all ages. Historic neighborhoods, from Le Marais to Montmartre, offer their own celebrations with decorated shops and tastings of French specialties.
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Paris Holiday Light Displays
Christmas Lights on the Champs-Élysées
- What to Expect
- 400 trees covered with garlands.
- Description
- The Champs-Élysées Christmas lights transform the world's most beautiful avenue into a festive scene at the end of the year. The 400 trees are covered with garlands, creating a glass ball effect that shines throughout the evening.
- Where
- Paris | More Info : Christmas Lights on the Champs-Élysées
Christmas Lights on Avenue Montaigne
- What to Expect
- An unprecedented musical ceremony with the Unikanti choir and haute couture stage costumes.
- Description
- The Christmas lights on Avenue Montaigne are a luminous spectacle that transforms the neighborhood into a festive setting with sparkling Christmas trees and magical decorations.
- Where
- Paris | More Info : Christmas Lights on Avenue Montaigne
Festival of Lights at the Jardin des Plantes
- What to Expect
- Illuminated walk through characteristic jungle species.
- Description
- The Jardin des Plantes transforms into a real jungle at night, offering a global journey to discover the biodiversity of tropical humid forests.
- Where
- Paris | More Info : Festival of Lights at the Jardin des Plantes
Paris Holiday Markets and Shopping
Hôtel de Ville Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Christmas Market with Parisian product stalls and free rides.
- Description
- The Christmas Market at the Hôtel de Ville offers an animated village with Parisian product stalls, seasonal treats, and free rides. The trees are chosen with environmental respect in mind. Sports activities like sledding and climbing are available for children.
- Where
- Paris | More Info : Hôtel de Ville Christmas Market
Notre Dame Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- A Christmas market with unique artisanal creations.
- Description
- The Notre-Dame Christmas Market offers a festive atmosphere with artisans and creators showcasing jewelry, various material objects, ceramics, textiles, leather, and regional gourmet specialties.
- Where
- Paris | More Info : Notre Dame Christmas Market
La Défense Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Over 200 decorated stalls and festive animations.
- Description
- The La Défense Christmas Market is a must-attend event taking place from November 14 to December 29, 2024. This market offers a festival of sparkling lights, delicious treats, and traditional craftsmanship. Stroll through the 200 decorated stalls, admire the twinkling Christmas decorations, and indulge in the enchanting scents of cinnamon and hot chocolate.
- Where
- La Défense | More Info : La Défense Christmas Market
Christmas Market at the Canopée des Halles
- What to Expect
- Christmas market with over 50 stalls for artisanal goods and gastronomy.
- Description
- The Marché de Noël de la Canopée des Halles is a Christmas market located under the grand canopy of Les Halles, offering over 50 stalls for artisanal goods, decorations, and gastronomy. A large, 20-meter-tall Christmas tree and lights under the canopy create a festive atmosphere.
- Where
- Paris | More Info : Christmas Market at the Canopée des Halles
Saint-Germain-des-Prés Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Children's animations and Santa Claus presence.
- Description
- The Saint-Germain-des-Prés Christmas Market offers a variety of gourmet and artisanal products, including pretzels, nougats, and hot drinks. The decorated stalls provide a great opportunity to enjoy festive treats with family or friends.
- Where
- Paris | More Info : Saint-Germain-des-Prés Christmas Market
Montmartre Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Local stalls offering handmade crafts and traditional food products.
- Description
- The Montmartre Christmas Market features local creators offering decorative items in wood, metal, ceramics, and textiles, as well as traditional food products like cheese, pretzels, and mulled wine. Children can participate in free workshops and take a photo with Santa Claus.
- Where
- Paris | More Info : Montmartre Christmas Market
Tuileries Christmas Ice Rink
- What to Expect
- Outdoor ice skating rink with a 1200 m² surface.
- Description
- The Tuileries Christmas Market offers a festive experience with nearly 80 wooden chalets, an outdoor ice skating rink, and numerous activities.
- Where
- Paris | More Info : Tuileries Christmas Ice Rink
Paris Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Christmas Concert at Sainte-Chapelle
- What to Expect
- Classical music concerts in a Rayonnant Gothic setting.
- Description
- The Christmas Concert at Sainte-Chapelle offers a classical music program in an exceptional architectural setting.
- Where
- Paris | More Info : Christmas Concert at Sainte-Chapelle
Christmas Concert at the Eiffel Tower
- What to Expect
- Classical concerts on the Eiffel Tower with international musicians.
- Description
- The Eiffel Tower Christmas Concerts offer an unforgettable musical experience with classical pieces performed by talented musicians. The concerts feature works by Vivaldi, Schubert, and Strauss, offering a unique cultural evening on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower.
- Where
- Paris | More Info : Christmas Concert at the Eiffel Tower
The Grand Christmas Concert
- What to Expect
- A Christmas concert blending classical masterpieces and traditional carols.
- Description
- The Grand Concert de Noël Radio Classique is a musical event that combines classical masterpieces and the most beautiful Christmas carols, offering a warm and festive musical experience.
- Where
- Paris | More Info : The Grand Christmas Concert
The Snow Queen by the National Opera of Ukraine
- What to Expect
- A unique choreography based on Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale.
- Description
- The ballet "The Snow Queen" by the National Ballet of Ukraine is an adaptation of the eponymous fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen, choreographed by Aniko Rekhviashvili and accompanied by the music of Grieg, Massenet, Offenbach, Johann Strauss, and Berlioz. This French production in two acts tells the story of young Gerda and her struggle against a malevolent and icy enemy.
- Where
- Paris | More Info : The Snow Queen by the National Opera of Ukraine
Christmas Performance at the Bastille Opera House
- What to Expect
- Two-act ballet with dazzling sets and costumes.
- Description
- The Christmas spectacle at the Opéra Bastille presents an adaptation of the ballet Casse-Noisette, with sets and costumes created by Rudolf Noureev. Young Clara, given a nutcracker by her godfather Drosselmeyer, enters a fantastical dream where toys and fears come to life.
- Where
- Paris | More Info : Christmas Performance at the Bastille Opera House
Christmas Concert at Saint-Sulpice Church
- What to Expect
- A diverse repertoire of Christmas carols performed by a symphony orchestra and choir.
- Description
- The Orchestre Hélios presents a Christmas concert at the Église Saint-Sulpice, featuring a rich program of traditional and classical songs.
- Where
- Paris | More Info : Christmas Concert at Saint-Sulpice Church
Paris Other Holiday Activities
Christmas Dinner Cruise on the Seine
- What to Expect
- Gastronomic meal with a view of Paris' historic landmarks.
- Description
- Enjoy a Christmas dinner cruise on the Seine with a panoramic view of Paris' historic landmarks. Savor refined dishes inspired by French cuisine.
- Where
- Paris | More Info : Christmas Dinner Cruise on the Seine