Things to do in Paris at Christmas

Come winter, Paris is dotted all over with Christmas markets which really get you in the festive spirit. Head to the twinkling markets around La Défense (the biggest of all the markets), the stalls of the stunning Champs-Élysées or the foodie favourite 'Village de Noël' under the Eiffel Tower. An annual tradition, head to the markets to stock up on festive treats and do some last-minute Christmas shopping. Stalls sell all sorts from tree decorations to cheese. Just don’t forget to enjoy a vin chaud (mulled wine). Wandering through the markets is definitely one of the best things to do in Paris at Christmas.

There are plenty of places to go ice skating in Paris. The huge AccorHotels Arena is a fantastic spot, and, if you’re really looking to get into the Christmas spirit, head to the Tuileries Garden Christmas Market. Please note the Hôtel de Ville ice rink and the Grand Palais ice rink are temporarily closed for 2021. 

Go shopping (or window shopping) on the Champs- Élysées. The commercial stretch of the Champs-Élysées runs from the Rond-Point to the Arc de Triomphe. The landmark stores are a four-storey, multi-brand shopping arcade, LE66, at No. 66; Guerlain at No. 68, with its Rococo-style façade and sumptuous interior; Sephora - an Aladdin’s cave of beauty products - at No. 70-72; Louis Vuitton at No. 101 and, at No. 53, the Atelier Renault, which has a swish mezzanine restaurant and cocktail bar. The majority of designer shops are concentrated around Avenue Montaigne, the southern end of Avenue George V and Rue du Faubourg St-Honoré. This is high fashion land, where prices are sky-high.

Paris is a great destination to welcome in the New Year. With plenty of bars dotted around the city, you’ll have endless options for evening drinking, such as the Lulu White Drinking Club near the 18th arrondissement and the trendy Le Syndicat. There are also special events held around the capital, too. New Year’s Eve crowds pour onto the Champs-Élysées, and there are fireworks at the Trocadéro.

There are plenty of church services held over the capital for you to attend. The Sacré-Cœur Basilica holds an organ concert, a vigil and there is a midnight mass that happens there on Christmas Eve. 

Children will love spending Christmas with all their favourite characters at Disneyland Paris. Located just outside the city, you and the family can celebrate an ‘Enchanted Christmas’ experience. There are plenty of Christmas shows, light shows, parades and markets on offer from November until January. Trundle through the streets which are layered in endless twinkling Christmas decorations while you try to find Minnie and Mickey. Heading to Disneyland is definitely one of the best things to do in Paris at Christmas if you have children in tow!