Paris during Christmastime isn’t just beautiful. It’s cinematic.
Think twinkling lights across grand boulevards, hot chocolate breaks in centuries-old cafés, Christmas markets wrapped in the scent of roasted chestnuts, and monuments glowing under winter skies.
If you’re planning to spend Christmas in Paris in 2025, get ready for one of the most magical and romantic holiday getaways in the world.
This complete guide covers the best places to visit, the most festive markets, must-see Christmas lights, practical travel tips, and why Paris remains the reigning queen of European winter escapes.
Why Paris at Christmas Is pure magic!
Paris has celebrated Christmas traditions for centuries.
The city’s most iconic holiday features began in the 19th century, when department stores like Le Bon Marché started decorating for the season.
By the early 20th century, Paris had become a beacon of European holiday culture, known for its illuminations, gastronomy, and vibrant winter markets.
Today, the city transforms into a glowing playground: the Eiffel Tower sparkles every night, the Champs-Élysées turns into a mile-long ribbon of lights, and Parisian bakeries fill their windows with stunning bûches de Noël.
December is cold, yes, but nothing a scarf, gloves, and a warm vin chaud can’t fix.
Best places to visit in Paris at Christmas
1. Champs-Élysées Christmas Lights
From late November through early January, this world-famous avenue shines with thousands of LED arches that stretch from Place de l’Étoile to Place de la Concorde.
It’s the most iconic holiday walk in Paris and perfect for photos.
2. Eiffel Tower at Night
The Iron Lady shimmers every hour on the hour, but December gives it an extra charm. The nearby Trocadéro Christmas Market often features wooden chalets, French specialties, mulled wine, and ice-skating.
3. Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur
Montmartre feels like an old-fashioned Christmas village with cobblestone streets, artists’ stalls, and cozy cafés.
Visit the Christmas market at Place des Abbesses—small, charming, very Parisian.
4. Galeries Lafayette & Printemps Haussmann
These department stores become full Christmas attractions:
- giant Christmas trees under stained-glass domes
- themed holiday windows
- rooftop views over Paris
Perfect for holiday shopping or simply soaking up the festive chaos.
5. Notre-Dame & Île de la Cité
Even with restoration ongoing until reopening (December 2024), the area remains one of the most atmospheric holiday spots in the city. A massive Christmas tree is typically installed in front of the cathedral.
The best Christmas markets in Paris (2025 edition)
Paris has dozens of markets, but here are the unmissable ones:
🎄 La Défense Christmas Market
The biggest in Paris, with more than 150 chalets, artisanal gifts, regional food, and a huge festive atmosphere.
🎄 Saint-Germain-des-Prés Market
Small, elegant, full of gourmet treats and luxury crafts.
🎄 Notre-Dame Christmas Market
Known for handmade crafts and gourmet specialties from French artisans.
🎄 Tuileries Garden Christmas Market
The former Champs-Élysées market moved here and now includes rides, an ice rink, food stalls, and artisanal gifts.
🎄 Montmartre Christmas Market
Charming, cozy, and perfect if you want something more local.
Festive Things to Do in Paris During Christmas 2025
✔ Ice skating at Hôtel de Ville
A gorgeous outdoor rink with views of Paris’s historic city hall.
✔ Drink hot chocolate at Angelina
The legendary Parisian hot chocolate originated in 1903 and is still the best in the city.
✔ Christmas concert at Sainte-Chapelle
A breathtaking Gothic chapel illuminated by stained glass—an unforgettable December evening.
✔ River Seine Christmas cruise
Enjoy the lights of Paris from the water, with dinner, champagne, or live music options.
✔ Visit the Louvre & Orsay (fewer crowds)
December is one of the best months for museums. Cold weather equals shorter lines.
Practical Tips for Spending Christmas in Paris
Weather
- Temps: 35–45°F (2–7°C)
- Expect cold, drizzle, and occasional frost.
- Pack warm coats, waterproof shoes, and scarves.
Transport
- Metro runs late; easy to navigate.
- Avoid taxis on Christmas Eve unless reserved in advance.
Holiday closures
- Most museums open December 26
- Restaurants may require reservations weeks ahead
- December 24 & 25 are quieter than expected—plan ahead
Budgeting
Christmas is peak season. For hotels, book early or choose flexible gift experiences like Wonderbox to secure great locations at smart prices.
Where to Stay in Paris for Christmas
The best neighborhoods for a festive stay:
- Saint-Germain-des-Prés – chic, cozy, literary cafés
- Le Marais – trendy markets, great restaurants
- Opera / Haussmann – close to Christmas shopping
- Montmartre – village charm
- Champs-Élysées / Eiffel Tower – classic, luxurious
And if you want luxury without overthinking it, Wonderbox has the perfect solution.
🎁 The Ultimate Parisian Escape (Wonderbox)
Looking for the ultimate Christmas gift or planning a magical Paris stay for yourself?
Wonderbox’s Ultimate Parisian Escape makes it effortless.
What you get:
- 3 luxury nights in a 5-star hotel for 2 people
- Choose from iconic hotels like:
- Mgallery
- Maison Breguet
- Radisson Blu Champs Élysées
- Paris J’adore Hotel & Spa
- and many more
- Book online: choose your dates and hotel
- Flexible: breakfast included or not
- Valid 5 years, with free exchanges and extensions
- Comes with a prepaid voucher + a gorgeous keepsake notebook
Why it’s perfect
- Ideal for Christmas, birthdays, weddings, or a romantic Paris getaway
- Experience > material things
- Stay steps away from the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées, Montmartre…
- Zero stress: pick your hotel, book, enjoy
This is how you give someone Paris—literally.
Your most magical Christmas awaits
From shimmering boulevards to cozy cafés, world-famous monuments, artisan markets, and luxurious hotels, Paris at Christmas 2025 offers an unforgettable holiday.
Whether you explore for a weekend or a full week, the city wraps you in lights, flavors, and traditions you’ll remember forever.
And if you want to offer the magic of Paris in a single gift?
The Ultimate Parisian Escape is the most enchanting way to say Joyeux Noël!
