Christmas in the City of Light is enchanting, featuring festive luxury hotels, twinkling lights, and beautiful holiday markets. Waking up on Christmas morning to the view of the Eiffel Tower, accompanied by a basket of fresh croissants, is a dream come true.

During the holidays, the City of Light sparkles even more vibrantly. Cobblestone streets and department stores are dressed with Christmas lights, creating a festive atmosphere in every arrondissement. While snow may be rare, there are endless romantic ways to enjoy winter days in Paris, whether it’s on a moonlit cruise along the Seine or relaxing on a heated terrace with a glass of wine.

Here are some of the best things to do in Paris during the Christmas season.

Sip mulled wine at the Christmas markets

Christmas markets in Paris resemble charming winter villages, featuring numerous wooden chalets offering vin chaud (mulled wine), raclette sandwiches, and uniquely French souvenirs. These markets begin to appear across the city in late November and last until the New Year. For a picturesque experience, visit the market at Notre Dame or the one at Hôtel de Ville, which often showcases delightful light shows and a carousel.

For larger-scale festivities, explore La Magie de Noël (The Magic of Christmas) at Tuileries Garden, which turns a Christmas market into a carnival. The most expansive market in Paris, La Défense, located at the base of the Grande Arche, offers a breathtaking view from the top of the modern monument.

Window shop at the decked-out department stores

Embrace the Parisian tradition of window shopping, known as lèche-vitrine. The city’s major department stores present extravagant holiday displays, with both Galeries Lafayette and Printemps Haussmann showcasing stunning Christmas trees adorned beneath their art nouveau domes. Other stores like Le BHV Marais and Le Bon Marché also boast impressive decorations, enhancing the festive shopping experience.

Stroll under the twinkling lights on the Champs-Élysées

The famed Champs-Élysées avenue, lined with luxury boutiques, sparkles with vibrant red lights during winter. This dazzling display is called La Flamboyance and extends from the Arc de Triomphe to the Ferris wheel at the Place de la Concorde, where visitors can enjoy the nearby Tuileries Christmas market.

Take in a classical Christmas concert at an awe-inspiring church

Paris’s churches are not only architectural marvels but also host memorable musical performances during the holidays. Sainte-Chapelle, located on Île de la Cité, is renowned for its stunning stained glass windows and hosts classical concerts throughout December, adding to the serene Christmas atmosphere. Some performances even offer Champagne and tapas pairings, creating an exquisite experience.

Cruise along the Seine on Christmas Eve

Exploring Paris along the Seine offers a unique and romantic perspective of the city. While daily tours are available year-round, several vendors provide special Christmas offerings. The Christmas lunch cruise by Bateaux Mouches includes a gourmet five-course meal, Champagne, and other festive delights available on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Ensure you plan ahead to snag a spot, as these popular options tend to fill up quickly.

Dress up for the ballet at Opéra Bastille

Dress in your finest attire and enjoy an elegant night at Opéra Bastille, a contemporary venue built on the site of the 1789 Storming of the Bastille. Throughout December, catch performances of The Nutcracker, embodying the spirit of the holidays.

Ice skate against iconic backdrops

When visiting Tuileries Christmas Market, take a break from mulled wine to enjoy skating on the charming ice rink, surrounded by wooden chalets and the aroma of Nutella crepes. Iconic rinks can also be found at Hôtel de Ville and beneath the Eiffel Tower, where a small rink is set up during the holidays. Many people flock to the rink beneath the Grand Palais’s elegant glass dome, which offers a unique skating experience.

Eat, drink, and be merry

Many restaurants in Paris close between Christmas and New Year, so it’s important to check their hours in advance. If your favorites are open, consider making reservations well ahead of time, as many places feature prix fixe menus during the holiday season, featuring traditional French dishes.

Treat yourself to a stay at one of the city’s most luxurious hotels

Indulge in luxury accommodations across Paris. Positioned in the city’s historic heart, Le Meurice features unadulterated views of the Eiffel Tower and offers rejuvenating treatments at La Maison Valmont pour Le Meurice Spa. Enjoy your evenings at the intimate Bar 228, where jazz meets a stunning ambiance.

Alternatively, revel in timeless elegance at the Ritz Paris, adorned with festive cheer each Christmas. You may also opt for Cour des Vosges, a stylish pied-à-terre that overlooks the historic Place des Vosges, the oldest square in Paris, combining modern comforts with classic charm.