The French capital is alluring at any time of the year, but in the run-up to Christmas, Paris is sprinkled with an extra layer of sparkle.
Traditional Christmas markets and outdoor ice-skating rinks pop up across the city and dressed-to-impress department store windows go all out to dazzle. What better way to celebrate the holiday season than with a festive visit to this magical city?
Paris is the perfect short-break destination by train. From London, the Eurostar can whisk you seamlessly from St Pancras station to the beating heart of Paris in just over two hours.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Mathieu Rivrin. Image Location: Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris
Is Paris worth visiting at Christmas?
The City of Light more than lives up to its name this time of year. The must-see sights—including the Champs-Élysées, one of the most famous avenues in the world—are lit up like Las Vegas. This year, the golden lights that adorn the 200 or so trees lining the iconic street can be admired from 5pm to 11:45pm and will glow all night long on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
On the iconic avenue, you’ll find the renowned Galeries Lafayette department store, and the Christmas tree and holiday displays are only part of its charm. The glamorous gallery-like space woos all year round with fashion shows and fancy places to eat and drink. But come Christmas yuletide, treats include shows, choirs, and the finest hot chocolate in town.
If it’s more shopping you’re after (to pick up some beautifully wrapped gifts for the folks back home), Galeries Lafayette’s Haussmann location, an Art Deco landmark, is just a 14-minute ride on the Metro. There you’ll also find modern art on the first-floor gallery and even a rooftop terrace. At Christmas, the ornate stained-glass cupola becomes the perfect crown for the store’s festive frenzy.
Next, follow the aroma of vin chaud (mulled wine) and roasted chestnuts to some of the best Christmas markets that will get even the biggest Scrooge or Grinch into the holiday spirit. One of the prettiest is the Notre Dame Christmas Market, which can be found next to the Seine River at the medieval cathedral. Here you can enjoy well-made artisan crafts and fancy gourmet goodies. Plus, Papa Noël (or as you may know him, Santa Claus) regularly makes an appearance here.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Frederic Cirou. Image Location: Hotel de Ville, Paris
Then, it's onto La Magie de Noël at Tuileries Gardens, which is next to the Louvre Museum and its glass-pyramid entrance that beautifully contrasts with the original classical architecture. Part carnival, part market, it offers a giddy array of amusement rides, a Ferris wheel, and that all-important Champagne bar (especially if you need a stiff drink to get onto the ice rink). Also worth seeing is the charming Marché de Noël à Montmartre, with a collection of 30 wooden chalets beneath the hilltop Sacré-Coeur Basilica.
Now, back to ice skating: while you're marveling at Galeries Lafayette, head up to the open-air rooftop ice rink. Even if you don’t slip on your skates, go for the glittering skyline views of the Eiffel Tower in the distance.
Under the diamond-like illuminated tower, the gardens are turned into a winter wonderland with a seasonal ice rink so you can sightsee as you skate in the crisp winter Paris weather. What’s not to like?
What is open in Paris on Christmas Day?
Well, you might be surprised to learn how many sights are open in Paris on Christmas Day, including our favorite Eiffel Tower, and the Montparnasse Tower Observation Deck at the top of the 689-foot tower, which is considered Paris’s only real skyscraper. If you like heights and movement combined, some of the best views of Paris at Christmas can be enjoyed from the giant Ferris wheel in the Tuileries Gardens.
Most museums are closed. However, the famous contemporary art-filled Pompidou Center allows a culture-filled Christmas Day. Bigger brasseries and restaurants in luxury hotels are usually sure bets for lunch on December 25, as are dinner cruises along the Seine.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Rrrainbow
What do they eat in Paris at Christmas?
Here, the holiday season is all about great food. If you’re a bon viveur, you’ll love the specialties such as regional sausages, cheeses, and macarons, not to mention classic stuffed goose, and seafood. And Christmas just isn’t Christmas without that ultimate holiday essential: a Bûche de Noël (yule log cake). Better yet, some of the ritziest hotels in Paris will elevate them with elegant touches such as hazelnuts or chocolate spirals.
Inspired?
These are just a few good reasons for you to hop aboard the train to Paris this December for a city break filled with yuletide cheer. If the scenic journey inspires you, why not treat your loved ones to tickets as an early Christmas present? Download the Trainline app and purchase tickets directly on your phone.
Header image credit: Getty Images, Karl Hendon. Image location: Champs-Élysées, Paris