Christmas in Paris is one such fairy-tale experience that wakes the city of lights to its grandeur in different ways. On coming near the festive season, Paris transforms into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights and lavish decorations, the fragrance of which seems to fill the air. From the bewitching Christmas markets to the glorious displays along the Champs-Élysées, this city surely has some holiday charm for every corner. Whether you are walking through the lighted streets, sipping hot chocolate along the Seine River, or gazing at the large festivities at Galeries Lafayette, Paris has thousands of ways to plunge into the magic of Christmas. Here are seven unforgettable experiences while spending holidays in Paris.
Christmas Log and Holiday Delicacies
Among the tourist attractions of Paris that get people into a festive mood, Bûche de Noël (the yule log cake) is one treat to be savored. Paris Butterfly Pâtisserie at Hôtel de Crillon offers an impressive selection of beautiful pastries, including signature dishes by head chef Matthieu Carlin - wonderful Bûches de Noël ideal for being dipped in their rich tea or splendid hot chocolate. The Ritz Paris is celebrating this December a month-long event in honor of its connection to surrealist artists like André Breton and Salvador Dalí; its chef François Perret preparing a Santa-shaped Bûche Père Noël. Combined with a Surrealist-inspired cocktail in the Ritz Bar, it's certainly not exactly a holiday experience anyone will ever forget.
Experience the world's most spectacular holiday displays
Paris's department stores make holiday displays a high art. Samaritaine is now an enchanted winter garden, filled with magical lantern-lit creatures from Thoiry Lumières Sauvages. Printemps Haussmann boasts a Christmas train theme, boasting over 130 characters made from recycled materials. Meanwhile, Galeries Lafayette attracts hundreds of people to its spectacular 15-meter Christmas tree atop the celebrated Art Nouveau dome, festooned with merry masks and starry figures. To catch that view, take the Glasswalk footbridge from the third floor.
Admire the lights on Champs-Élysées
Years of giving the Parisian equivalent of the world's most celebrated avenue-a bright red-are coming to an end for the 400 garland-wrapped trees lining the Champs-Élysées. 100% LED lighting along the avenue to the Arc de Triomphe will now be from 5:00 pm till 12:00 am, two hours earlier than previous years, except on December 24 and December 31, when they will resume their usual schedules and be we all night. The venue will also present a New Year's Eve countdown to usher in 2025 that will culminate in a breathtaking fireworks display of more than 3,000 pieces set to music by popular French artists.
Ice Skate at Paris's Most Iconic Spots
This year, see the much-beloved Grand Palais des Glaces again as the world's largest indoor rink, housed under the beautiful glass roof of the renovated Grand Palais. The rink turns into a night disco on some evenings. There is also an open-air rink at Trocadéro, offering skaters in the heart of the Christmas village views of the Eiffel Tower. Tuileries Garden has a large ice rink surrounded by festive wooden chalets.
Experience a classical concert in Sainte-Chapelle, one of Paris's most magnificent churches
Start the season off with a concert you'll never forget, listening to classical masterworks under the stunning stained-glass windows of the 13th-century Gothic gem, originally built as the repository for the Crown of Thorns. Get carried away by its splendor, or indulge in Mozart or Schubert in this historic atmosphere mixed with holiday magic.
Taste the Best Hot Chocolate in Paris
Nothing is quite like a cup of hot chocolate in Paris on a winter day. Angelina on rue de Rivoli boasts a decadent, thick Chocolat Chaud Africain, while Jacques Genin offers a more subtle, pure blend of whole milk and dark chocolate. Café Pavane, near the Luxembourg Gardens, was founded by chocolatier Manon Hévin, whose hot chocolate is made by Jean-Paul Hévin.
Experience the Jardin des Plantes illuminated like never before
Starting from November 27th every evening, a Jardin des Plantes takes on the glow of gigantic lanterns recreating flora and fauna of the tropical forests thanks to an exhibition from the National Museum of Natural History. Whether they walk through the illuminated stands or walks, visitors can discover biodiversity in tropical regions of four continents-an event not to miss on a family trip to Paris to enjoy magic during Christmas.
