Things to Do in Paris at Christmas 2025 🎄✨
- frompariswithfun
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Do you love Christmas? Well, we do too 🎅! Paris is one of those cities that completely transforms during the holidays. From late November, the streets light up, window displays come alive, and festive food takes over the menus. Whether you’re traveling with kids 👨👩👧👦, friends 🎉, or as a couple 💕, there’s a huge variety of things to do in Paris at Christmas 2026.
Here’s our festive bucket list: from classic markets and ice rinks to cosy tea times, concerts, rooftops and even original treasure hunts 🕵️♀️.
1) Stroll Through a Christmas Market 🎄🛍️
Paris is full of Christmas markets, each with its own style.
The Tuileries Market: central and foodie, with raclette, mulled wine 🍷 and a funfair 🎡.
The Champs-Élysées Market: a classic, with glowing chalets between Concorde and the Arc de Triomphe.
The Alsatian Market at Gare de l’Est: perfect for pretzels 🥨, kouglof and spiced wine.
Markets are open from late November until early January. Bundle up, bring cash for snacks, and enjoy the atmosphere!
2) Marvel at the Christmas Windows ✨🎁
Each year, Paris’s department stores create magical animated windows.
Printemps Haussmann: in 2026, the theme is “Le Printemps Express” 🚂 — a playful journey for kids and adults.
Galeries Lafayette: expect moving puppets, fairy tales, and a giant Christmas tree 🌲 under the dome.
These displays are free and perfect for families — but go during the week to avoid crowds.
3) Sip the Best Hot Chocolates ☕🍫
When the air is cold, nothing beats a steaming hot chocolate.
Angelina (Rue de Rivoli): famous for its thick, creamy recipe.
Carette (Place des Vosges or Trocadéro): elegant tearooms with generous whipped cream.
Le Loir dans la Théière (Marais): quirky, cosy and perfect after shopping.
It’s a sweet pause in between Christmas walks.
4) Indulge in Comfort Food 🧀🍷
December is officially raclette & fondue season in Paris.
Chez Monix (Asnières-sur-Seine): a retro ski resort setup with gondolas 🚠 and hearty fondues.
Savoyard restaurants in Montmartre and the Marais: great for sharing plates with friends.
💡 Tip: book ahead, as fondue spots are packed in December.
5) See the Paris Christmas Lights 🌟🌲
Paris shines bright at night!
Champs-Élysées: a tunnel of lights leading to the Arc de Triomphe.
Place Vendôme: elegant trees in a chic square.
Avenue Montaigne: luxury boutiques with magical façades.
💡 Original idea: join a treasure hunt in the Opéra district 🕵️♀️. By night, solving puzzles as you stroll between Place Vendôme, Concorde and Faubourg Saint-Honoré makes the lights even more magical.
6) Visit a Museum or Immersive Exhibition 🎨✨
Christmas doesn’t mean museums close!
Atelier des Lumières: immersive digital shows.
Musée Grévin: fun wax figures, especially for kids.
Temporary exhibitions: many stay open through the holidays.
It’s a nice balance between festive outdoor fun and culture indoors.
7) Dream in a Château Near Paris 🏰🎄
Some estates around Paris offer magical Christmas experiences:
Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte: monumental projections, treasure hunts, and glowing gardens.
Château de Fontainebleau: historical tours with festive flair.
Perfect for a family day trip 👨👩👧👦, and easy to reach by train or car.
8) Attend a Christmas Concert 🎶🎻
Few things feel more festive than music in a beautiful setting.
Sainte-Chapelle: candlelit concerts under stained glass.
La Madeleine Church: classical Christmas programs.
Smaller chapels: intimate gospel or choir evenings.
🎟️ Tickets often sell quickly — book in advance.
9) Glide on an Ice Rink ⛸️❄️ things to do in PAris
Paris sets up several skating rinks during December:
Hôtel de Ville rink: central and family-friendly.
Champ-de-Mars rink: skate with the Eiffel Tower as backdrop 🗼.
Grand Palais Éphémère rink: spectacular if running in 2026.
Even if you’re not graceful on skates, it’s a fun way to laugh and warm up afterwards with hot drinks.
10) Admire Paris From a Winter Rooftop 🌆🍷
Some rooftops stay open in December, with heated domes and blankets:
Galeries Lafayette rooftop: panoramic views of the city lights.
Le Perchoir: trendy rooftop bars with mulled wine.
Terraces near Montmartre: cosy, intimate atmospheres.
A magical way to watch Paris sparkle ✨.
11) Book a Christmas Tea Time 🍰☕
Unlike in London, afternoon tea isn’t really a Parisian habit — you won’t find locals queuing for scones at 4 p.m. But during December, many luxury hotels turn it into a festive experience worth trying.
The Peninsula: elegant and gourmet.
Le Meurice or Plaza Athénée: refined, iconic settings for a Christmas treat.
💡 If you prefer something simpler (and easier on the budget), opt for a traditional salon de thé instead. Parisian tearooms like Le Loir dans la Théière or Carette serve delicious pastries and hot drinks in a warm atmosphere — you’ll enjoy it just as much.
It’s the perfect cosy activity on a rainy winter afternoon 🌧️.
12) Explore Christmas Stores 🎄🛍️
Parisian shops overflow with festive decorations:
BHV Marais: Christmas section with ornaments and lights.
Maison du Monde or small boutiques: unique baubles and gifts.
Marais streets: glowing with holiday displays.
The hardest part will be choosing what to bring home 🎁!
13) Discover the Covered Passages 🕵️♀️✨
Cold outside? Head indoors! Paris’s covered passages are magical in winter, especially with Christmas lights under glass roofs.
💡 Try a treasure hunt in the covered passages 🕵️♀️: Verdeau, Jouffroy, Panoramas and Galerie Vivienne. You’ll solve puzzles, learn quirky anecdotes, and enjoy the festive glow without freezing.
From Christmas markets 🎄 and glowing lights 🌟 to châteaux 🏰, concerts 🎶 and rooftops 🌆, Paris offers endless festive fun. Add in cosy tea times 🍰, skating ⛸️ and unique treasure hunts 🕵️♀️, and you’ve got the perfect holiday mix.
👉 So if you’re planning your trip, make sure to save this list of things to do in Paris at Christmas 2026. Because in the City of Light, the magic of December lasts all season long.
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