Christmas in Paris – Where to Go and What to Do
Elegance, Enchantment and Fun
Paris is undeniably a spectacular place to be during the holiday season but the choices of where to go and what to do can be overwhelming. Here at Apartments du Louvre we have some not-to-be-missed recommendations that’ll make your Christmas in Paris a truly memorable one. Whether it’s family magic you’re looking for or unique gifts to take back home, you can find it just a short walk away. And most of the activities are free or reasonably
priced.
Let’s start with the traditional Christmas Village at Hotel de Ville, just a few blocks away from Apartments du Louvre. It is in front of Paris City Hall, which is decorated with sparkling blue lights and white stars. There are plenty of shimmering Christmas trees, holiday music and decorations which contribute to its magical atmosphere. For activities, besides the food stands of crepes, waffles and hot chocolate, the kids will love riding the old-fashioned carousel. They can also enjoy sledding and the climbing wall (min. height of 1m20). Santa Claus visits the village too, from 3 to 9 PM on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Adults can sample regional and international gastronomy and splurge on that perfect artisanal gift (made in Paris) to take back home (as well as official Paris Olympics merchandise). Christmas scenes are everywhere, lots of opportunities for festive family selfies to immortalize
your Parisian Christmas. The holiday village will stay open until January 1 st 2024.
In the Jardin des Tuileries, also near Apartments du Louvre, you can visit the annual Christmas market – called “La Magie de Noel”. There are forty stalls selling food, drink, crafts, jewelry, handmade clothing, and lots of other Christmas goodies. It stretches from the Louvre to Place de la Concorde and includes an ice rink and fantastic fairground rides, the star being
the iconic scintillating Ferris wheel that offers an amazing view of Paris (not for the faint- hearted though). Enjoy the oysters, champagne, and vin chaud and take in the Christmassy atmosphere. The magic will continue at Jardin des Tuileries until January 7 th 2024.
City of Lights – A Thousand Lights
Paris offers its visitors a scintillating collection of decorative lights during the holiday season. For elegance, head to the Place Vendome, the most famous neoclassical square in Paris. Even if you don’t plan to shop the Dior, Chanel or other luxury boutiques located there, you can feast upon the unique sun and moon décor in the store windows. It’s an easy 20-
minute walk from Apartments du Louvre, along rue St. Honore, which is also a dazzling street to visit at Christmas.
The absolute not-to-be-missed store windows are on Boulevard Haussmann. Children and adults alike will be impressed by the magical atmosphere and stories that are displayed in Le Printemps at 64 Bd Haussmann and Galeries Lafayette at 40 Bd Haussmann. At the Galeries Lafayette, your family will be enchanted by a young girl with a magic paintbrush who paints a fascinating tale of 1000 colors in 10 immense windows. Don’t forget to go inside this department store to marvel at the gigantic shimmering Christmas tree that will take your breath away. While you’re there, head up to the top of Galeries Lafayette to check out theirterrace with a breathtaking panoramic view of the Opera Palais Garnier, the Eiffel Tower, Sacre Coeur and Notre Dame.
Finally, a stroll down the Champs-Elysees is a Christmas must. The theme of this year’s light show is “Let’s Make Paris Shine”…and shine it does. The avenue’s 400 trees are adorned in gold and red and glisten daily from 5 PM until midnight. Exceptionally, on December 24 th and 31 st , they will be lit all night long. So you see, Christmas in Paris is always a good idea…for everyone.