Experience the Eiffel Tower With Climbing, Dining, and Views
Many say that the Eiffel Tower offers the best views in Paris — and who could really argue? But there is so much…
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There’s something truly magical about Paris in December. It might be cold, but the city more than makes up for the chilly bite in the air. The streets are illuminated with sparkling lights sponsored by local businesses. Cafés and brasseries are decorated with pine boughs, sparkling branches, and baubles. The aroma of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine floats through the air.
While I hope you’re planning an adventure to make the most of the winter holidays, I’m looking forward to staying put. Luckily for me, I get to call France home and the holiday season is one of my favorite times to take advantage of everything Paris has to offer.
Regardless of whether you’ve booked a pre-Christmas trip or plan to ring in the New Year in Paris, there’s plenty to do throughout the holiday season. Most activities kick off at the end of November, giving locals and travelers time to experience the best of the season. From free opportunities like checking out the festive window displays of les Grands Magasins to splurge-worthy dining experiences at Michelin-starred restaurants, there’s something for everyone to get into the yuletide spirit.
Admire department store holiday windows
The “vitrines de Noël,” or Christmas window displays, at the major Parisian department stores would put even the Grinch in a holiday mood. If you enjoy events like Macy’s holiday parades or the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting in the U.S., then you won’t want to miss the competition between the flagship Galeries Lafayette and Printemps stores located on the historic Boulevard Haussmann.
Since 1909, les Grands Magasins have crafted whimsical window displays designed to delight spectators both young and old. The holiday display themes range from enchanted forests to motorized arctic winter wonderland workshops. These artistic displays are often inaugurated by fashion icons and sometimes include strong social messages as well.
Le Bon Marché near the Latin Quarter puts on great displays, too. And you can always go inside the Galeries Lafayette to see the magnificent Christmas tree.
Local tip: If you’re here with family, the Bercy Village shops are a child-friendly option with plenty of space for youngsters to run around.
Here’s what’s in store for the 2025 season:
- Printemps takes you on a whirlwind trip to the Big Apple with “Un Noël à New York,” featuring a mad dash through One Wall Street with a band of mischievous dogs.
- Galerie Lafayette’s “Le plus beau des cadeaux” conjures Santa’s workshop in the North Pole, featuring illustrations by celebrated artist Jeanne Detallante.
- Le Bon Marché presents “Un Noël tendrement enchanteur,” trading on classic Christmas enchantment featuring plush rabbits and rustic chalets.
At Samaritaine, colorful ribbons take center stage with “Paris m’emballe,” reminding us that even wrapping gifts can be an art!
Take a Paris Christmas tour
Visiting during the winter holidays can be a great season to experience the City of Light. With holiday concerts, special tasting menus, Christmas markets, and streets decorated with sparkling lights, Paris puts on a show for locals and visitors alike.
Join our Paris Christmas Lights and Markets Tour to experience the highlights with a local guide to lead the way. You’ll explore the Marché de Nöel in the manicured Tuileries Garden, admire the sparkling lights along the Champs Élysées, and sample seasonal treats like mulled wine and crêpes.
Combining traditional sightseeing opportunities, like visiting the Obelisk at the Place de la Concorde, with narrative storytelling bringing lesser-known French holiday traditions to life, this Paris Christmas Tour is the perfect way to kick off your visit during holiday season. For the full experience, guests can decide to upgrade their tour to include tickets to a Seine river cruise to take in some of the city’s most iconic monuments and beautiful bridges from the river.
Sip hot cocoa at Christmas markets
Speaking of Christmas markets, an afternoon among wooden chalets and freshly roasted chestnuts is a great way to get into the holiday spirit. These picturesque markets often open in late November during Advent weekend and run through the first week of January (Epiphany Day on Jan. 6).
The largest market in the Paris region is the Christmas village in La Defense (Metro line 1), which boasts over 300 chalets selling artisanal goods, hand-knitted winter wear, and gourmet chocolate.
A close second is the market in the Jardin des Tuileries, featured on our Paris Christmas Tour. This classic take on the Marché de Nöel often includes a giant Ferris wheel with romantic Eiffel Tower views. We recommend visitors to come hungry, as you can find a variety of treats ranging from hot cocoa and mulled wine, to wintery classics like tartiflette and roasted chestnuts. Foodies can even enjoy refined plates like steak, cheese planches, and champagne in sophisticated pop-up winter-white dining bubbles.
If you’re in the market for another centrally located Marché de Nöel, look no further than the Hotel de Ville market in the city center. It’s not too big, and often features a light show against the backdrop of the neo-Renaissance city hall.
Looking for something off the beaten path? Give the Marché de Noël Suisse at La Villette a try! 2025 marks the first year for this brand new Paris Christmas market, and their program is stacked — think storytime activities for families, concerts, and a chance to sample fondue.
Shoppers looking to support eco-friendly, sustainable small businesses should check out the Christmas markets at La Cité Fertile. Their rotation of themed markets changes every weekend during the holiday season.
Last but not least, aspiring time travelers will love the Marché Medieval located in Provins, a walled village about an hour outside of Paris. This one is only on Dec. 13 and 14, so strike while the iron is hot!
Local tip: You’ll find vintage carousels at most of the markets. These are fun for kids and the young at heart. They can also be a classic backdrop for a family photo or nostalgic date night.
Visit Disney Enchanted Christmas
From Nov. 8 to Jan. 6, Disneyland Paris welcomes guests to experience the magic of Disney’s Enchanted Christmas.
Stroll down Main Street to take in the festive decor and admire the giant Christmas tree with its twinkling lights. Families can enjoy meet-and-greets with their favorite Disney friends decked out in holiday finery or visit with Santa or Jack Skellington.
After taking in the heart-warming “Mickey’s Dazzling Christmas Parade” or snuggling up to sing along with Mickey and the gang during the “Let’s Sing Christmas!” musical show, be sure to sample the delicious seasonal treats at Les Chalets Gourmands.
See the festive lights on the Champs-Élysées
The crimson lights at the Champs-Élysées ignite the famed shopping boulevard with seasonal sparkle. Draping the manicured London plane trees that line the boulevard are close to a million lights that trace the route from Place de la Concorde all the way to the Arc de Triomphe.
These illuminations are designed to be environmentally friendly (using a combination of LED and solar technology by Blachere Illumination).
This season, they’ll run from 5 p.m. to midnight. daily until Jan. 4. The lights are on all night on Dec. 24 and Dec. 31 in honor of “Réveillon” for Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
Enjoy a holiday drink while sitting under the lights in one of the outdoor terraces lining the “world’s most beautiful avenue.” I recommend Pierre Hermes’ 86 Champs-Elysées teahouse for a decadent chocolate treat.
Enjoy a holiday drink while sitting under the lights in one the outdoor terraces lining the “world’s most beautiful avenue.” Pop by Pierre Hermes’ 86 Champs Elysées teahouse for a decadent chocolate treat to warm up before heading out to take in the elegant shop windows decked with holiday finery.
For a less crowded (but equally sparkling stroll), you can turn right on Avenue Montaigne for some haute-couture window shopping. On the way, admire the golden lights leading to the Eiffel Tower.
The massive Christmas trees and elegant decor at the nearby Place Vendôme is also worth checking out. Built on the orders of Louis XIV, the famous square is occasionally home to chic art installations, but the window displays of luxury jewelers like Van Cleef & Arpels, Chopard, Boucheron, and Cartier glitter all year long.
Tour the historic Opera Garnier
You don’t have to be a prima ballerina to twirl through the gilt halls of the 19th-century Baroque opera house located in the 9th arrondissement. Designed by architect Charles Garnier in 1874 under Emperor Napoleon III’s sponsorship, the Palais Garnier served as a replacement for the former opera house where the Emperor narrowly escaped an assassination attempt.
Garnier’s plan was to finish the structure in time for the Opera House to serve as the crown jewel of the 1867 World’s Fair. However, construction efforts were slow, and only the façade was complete — but what a façade!
The Palais Garnier was finished in its entirety by 1869, and has served ballet and opera enthusiasts ever since. Modern visitors might notice that there’s more room allocated for audiences to promenade than to sit in the actual theater, but this was intentional. At the time, the Opera House served as a third place — this allowed aristocracy, politicians, and royalty to mingle freely within its ornate walls.
Strike a pose on the Opera Garnier’s gilded double staircase. With its nearly 100-foot-high vaulted ceiling, there’s plenty of beauty to capture. At the bottom of the stairs, two golden allegorical statues bearing torches welcome opera-goers.
Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, Palais Garnier offers individual and group tours to the public. Tickets cost €10-€15 and can be booked online in advance. (Access to the opera house’s auditorium may be restricted due to preparations for performances so be sure to plan ahead.)
Enjoy a holiday concert at Notre-Dame, Sainte-Chappelle, La Madeleine, or the Eiffel Tower
Music lovers won’t want to miss the opportunity to enjoy holiday concerts at some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. From the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris to the Eiffel Tower, there’s no better place to enjoy the soundtrack to the season and make memories.
After five years of restoration work following the devastating fire, Notre-Dame reopened to the public on Dec. 7, 2024. This season, Notre-Dame will welcome holiday revelers to enjoy their Christmas Concert on Dec. 16. Featuring popular classics like “Silent Night” and “Angels We Have Heard on High” alongside Gregorian chants and medieval compositions, the concert is a lovely opportunity to broaden your musical horizons. Adult tickets start from €20 while children’s tickets are €15. For those interested in extending their experience at Notre Dame, the Cathédrale offers Mass on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Services are free and open to all, though it’s recommended to arrive at least 30 minutes early to ensure your place.
Built to house religious relics acquired by Saint Louis during the Crusades, Sainte-Chapelle dazzles visitors with 1,113 stained glass windows. You can marvel at the scenes depicted in the stained glass while listening to a classical concert this December. Holiday concerts are typically held the week of Christmas. Concert tickets must be purchased in advance and start at €55 for full-priced, adult tickets. If you’d prefer a tour, Saint-Chappelle also runs storytelling tours revealing the monument’s fabled history.
If you’re missing nostalgic Christmas carols, pencil in a visit to La Madeleine! This neo-classical church hosts a series of musical events throughout the season, but their Christmas Concert is a highlight. Taking place the evening of Dec. 21, expect to hear holiday classics like “Joy to the World,” “Hark the Herald Angels Sing,” and even English-language favorites like “Jingle Bells” and “We Wish You A Merry Christmas.”
Looking to prolong the experience of visiting the Eiffel Tower? Their holiday concert “Veillée de Noël à la Tour Eiffel” offers a classical music experience on the first floor of the tower. Featuring Vivaldi and Strauss, and a tribute to Maria Callas, this concert takes place on the 24th and 25th.
Celebrate winter on a château day trip
Paris might rarely see snow, but Versailles, Vaux-le-Vicomte, and Chantilly make the most of the season with a full agenda of holiday performances, decorations, and activities for adults and families alike. Escape the busy pace of the city and get out of town — even if only for the day. Strolling the romantic grounds of two nearby châteaux, it’s easy to shake off any remaining stress from the year and get into the spirit of the season.
Versailles
Nothing outshines the palace of Versailles for a Paris day trip. It’s regal any time of year, but during the Christmas season, you can often catch holiday shows. For 2025, the Palace of Versailles invites you to experience “The Refined Pleasures of Marie Antoinette,” a holiday stage show that guides you through the Salon d’Hercule, Hall of Mirrors, and Galerie des Batailles while capturing the atmosphere of the Baroque era. After leaving the Château, the nearby village offers more fun with ice skating, a seasonal market, and festive decor.
The palace and grounds are lovely at any time of year, so don’t skip this one on your winter visit!
Local tip: If you need ideas for what to see and do plus logistics, check out our day trip guide to Versailles.
Vaux-le-Vicomte
Vaux-le-Vicomte’s holiday celebrations continue to be lush, transforming the château’s rooms into a winter wonderland. Visitors can even rent costumes to get into the holiday spirit. Known for its romantic candlelight evenings and on-site gourmet dining, the grounds of Vaux-le-Vicomte will be decked out in Christmas lights from Nov. 14 to Jan. 4.
Visitors can enjoy an original show inspired by Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” or take a horse-drawn carriage ride on the chateau grounds designed by famed French landscape artist André le Nôtre. Ice skating enthusiasts will love the outdoor rink with affordable pricing (€5, including skate rental). Stick around to see the evening illuminations projected on the façade celebrating 20 years of the chateau’s holiday celebrations!
Full price tickets start at €23.90 for week day visits, while weekends and official holidays are priced at €25.90 per person.
Domaine de Chantilly
Famous for Chantilly lace, whipped cream, and equestrian history, the Domaine de Chantilly puts on an annual end-of-year celebration.
From Nov. 29 to Jan. 4, visitors can book to see The Golden Ark, an equestrian show. Follow Éloi, a young dreamer, on his journey from his village in search of treasure. Protected by a playful spirit, Éloi faces a variety of obstacles in his quest. Directed by Virginie Bienaimé and inspired by classic tales like “The Little Prince” and “Pinocchio,” The Golden Ark transforms the Grandes Écuries into a holiday wonderland.
Foodies won’t want to miss activities like learning how to make the legendary Chantilly cream by hand. Chefs will walk you through seasonal variations like adding a hint of crème de marron or gingerbread to suit autumn and winter tastebuds.
Treat yourself to Christmas desserts
Although the traditional Provençal 13 Christmas dessert recipes might be less popular in Paris, the pâtissiers and chocolatiers in the French capital go all out. During the holiday season, you’ll see a mix of traditional recipes and fresh twists on classic French pastry.
For Paris chocolate lovers, sampling a traditional bûche de Noël or yule log is a must. These winter classics now come in individual sizes at many boulangeries and can sometimes be purchased by the slice if you can’t commit to a serving size for six!
Looking for something innovative? Check out Pleincœur, a pâtisserie et chocolaterie de Maxime Frédéric in the heart of Batignolles. Their Citron Miel bûche de Noël combines flavors like lemon, yuzu, crunchy pollen, lavender honey, and olive oil cookie and looks like a porcelain keepsake!
Picking up a holiday advent calendar is a great way to sample sweet treats on the daily. With options from celebrated chocolate shops like Alain Ducasse, Chapon, or À la Mère de Famille, you can’t go wrong.
Ring in the New Year dining with a view
Nothing beats the fireworks at the Champs-Élysées or a Seine river cruise to celebrate the end of one year and celebrate the blank page of the next!
For a special treat, consider booking a New Year’s Eve cruise aboard celebrity chef Alain Ducasse’s latest venture, Ducasse sur Seine. Prices start at €540 for a six-course holiday cruise and dinner, though you may want to opt for the wine-pairing (€760 per person). If you’re looking to invest in the experience without totally breaking the bank, the three-course lunch series starts at €115.
If you’d prefer to stay on land, splurging on a feast at Cheval Blanc Paris’ Plénitude could become a treasured memory. Helmed by chef Arnaud Donckele, this gastronomic restaurant earned its 3 Michelin stars with innovative plates and a special attention to sauces. Enjoy views of the Seine from its elegant dining room.
Visitors more partial to the winding cobblestone lanes of Montmartre might enjoy heading inside after a long day of exploring the Sacre Coeur and the Abbesses Christmas Market. Terrass” Hotel offers a special menu for their New Year’s Eve Dinner. Take in sparkling views of the Eiffel Tower from their rooftop restaurant.
The best part? If toasting to the New Year won’t be complete without fireworks, you can likely still make it down to the Champs-Élysées to see the display in person or skip the crowds by watching them live on France 2 from your cozy accommodations.
Go ice skating in Paris this winter
Parisian Christmas markets are usually accompanied by temporary ice skating rinks, but this activity makes for a fun afternoon or evening activity even after the 25th! While there are many to choose from, finding a rink with enough space to skate can be a challenge!
For skating enthusiasts, the city’s largest ice-skating rink takes place under the Beaux-Arts glass roof of the Grand Palais from Dec. 14 to Jan. 7. Dubbed the Great Palace of Ice, the rink puts on a show at nightfall when it turns into a giant dancefloor with a DJ and sparkling disco balls to help revelers combine skating with a good dance.
The ice-skating rink atop the Grand Arch at La Defense is expected to return this year from Dec. 1 to 28 (closed Dec. 25), and it’s even bigger than last year! Skate past glittering lights and holiday decor on a 5,810 square foot rink straight out of a Christmas movie.
Local tip: The ice rink on the rooftop of the Galeries Lafayette is more manageable for novices and overlooks views of Palais Garnier and Eiffel Tower. It often includes a pop-up winter bar, too. Plan a visit between Dec. 1 and Jan. 4.
Did we miss any things to do in Paris this winter?
With so many options to choose from, trip planning can be hard — especially in a dynamic city like Paris. It’s easy to track down iconic architecture, but what about the stories behind the structure? While it can be fun to explore the city on your own, we’d love to show you a warm welcome to the City of Light!
Whether you’re debating which season is the best time to travel or looking to give your adventure some loose structure, our expert guides can share insider tips to make your winter visit even better. Join us on one of our convivial group tours or book privately to experience the French capital in good company on our local-led Paris tours.
Experience the Eiffel Tower With Climbing, Dining, and Views
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