Every year-end, Paris transforms into a magical city illuminated with over 150 brightly decorated streets and lavish storefronts, making it a top Christmas destination. If you’re seeking exclusive and memorable experiences, Paris offers a wealth of prestigious activities, from enchanting markets to refined dining at Michelin-starred establishments.
Looking for luxury and enchantment? Here is our selection of the best activities for an unforgettable Christmas in Paris.
Must-Do Activities in Paris During Christmas
As the holiday season approaches, Paris lights up like never before. The Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Élysées, Place Vendôme, and Montmartre are adorned with spectacular decorations, attracting thousands of visitors during the festive season. In addition to the stunning lights, the city hosts many festive events in prestigious venues, perfect for immersing yourself in the magic of Christmas while enjoying an elegant setting.
Chic Christmas Market: The Tuileries Garden Market
The Tuileries Christmas Market is one of the most popular in the capital. Set in the historic Tuileries Garden, this market offers high-end artisanal products and French gourmet specialties. Mulled wine, foie gras, and handcrafted jewelry mix with magical attractions like Santa’s carousel and a 1,200m² ice rink, all in a festive and elegant atmosphere.
Luxury Ice Skating Under the Grand Palais’ Glass Roof
Nothing is more magical than skating beneath the majestic glass roof of the Grand Palais, home to one of the world’s largest indoor ice rinks. This experience is perfect for those who appreciate elegant skating, enjoying the festive spirit in an iconic architectural setting. Open to both children and adults, this is an activity to share with friends or family.
Good to know: After a five-year hiatus, the Grand Palais ice rink is making a comeback, welcoming skating enthusiasts from December 13, 2024, to January 8, 2025—an ideal way to have fun with the family during Christmas vacation!
Festive Meals and Gala Dinners
Treat yourself to a sumptuous dinner at one of the many Michelin-starred restaurants in Paris. Whether in a Parisian palace or an intimate venue, you’ll discover festive menus crafted by renowned chefs. Indulge in gourmet creations paired with fine wines in luxurious settings, blending refinement and tradition.
Iconic Christmas Nativity Scenes
For a dive into tradition, explore the most beautiful Christmas nativity scenes in Paris’ historic churches. Notre-Dame Cathedral, even under renovation, continues to fascinate visitors with its displays. The Church of La Madeleine also features a life-sized nativity scene in a setting filled with spirituality and reverence.
Festive Seine River Cruises
Enjoy Paris’ holiday lights from the Seine with a luxury cruise. Aboard a private boat, admire the city’s most beautiful monuments while savoring a gourmet dinner specially designed for the holidays. This type of cruise offers a unique and unforgettable experience to celebrate Christmas or New Year’s Eve in style.
Unique Experiences for a One-of-a-Kind Christmas
A Glamorous and Festive Evening at Parisian Cabarets
For an unforgettable Christmas in Paris, cabarets offer an elegant and glamorous alternative to traditional holiday dinners. Iconic venues like the Moulin Rouge and Crazy Horse dress up for the season, hosting festive end-of-year celebrations.
- Crazy Horse: Known for its chic nudity and glamour, Crazy Horse offers a refined, sensual show. As the international temple of burlesque, it presents an atypical Christmas evening in a festive and glamorous atmosphere.
- Moulin Rouge: The most famous cabaret in Paris, decorated in red for Christmas, promises a magical evening with its iconic French Cancan and dazzling performances. Experience a festive night at one of the capital’s most legendary cabarets.
Did you know? Le Chat Noir was the first cabaret to open in Paris, in 1881, marking the start of the Belle Époque. Today, the city’s mythical venues continue this legacy, blending glamour, nostalgia, and artistic daring.
The Festival of Wonders at the Musée des Arts Forains
Located in the 12th arrondissement, the Musée des Arts Forains hosts a unique festival during the Christmas season. This magical place offers a real immersion in a whimsical world with vintage carousels, shows, and light displays—perfect for those who love authenticity and vintage charm. It’s an ideal family outing!
Luxurious Getaway to Castles Around Paris
Looking for a romantic getaway outside the city but still near Paris? Spend a night at one of the region’s castles that transform for Christmas. For instance, Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte offers magical illuminations, night tours, and gala dinners in a captivating historical setting.
Whether you want to explore Christmas markets with family, skate under the Grand Palais’ glass roof with a loved one, enjoy a glamorous night at a cabaret, or indulge in a festive meal with colleagues, Paris at Christmas offers magical and exclusive experiences.
Extend the festive magic and enjoy a luxurious stay in the heart of the capital. Enter the world of 1.75 and experience an unforgettable Parisian getaway, where every detail is designed to enhance your stay.
