Paris is a city that has different charms throughout the year. Although it is a bit cold in the winter in Paris, visiting Paris at Christmas can give you a warm and fantastic experience. Paris at Christmas is filled with various interesting Christmas events such as Christmas markets, concerts, and paradise. Even an ordinary street in Paris will be decorated with many sparkling lights during Christmas. Let’s see which must see places to visit in Paris at Christmas!
1. Must-see in Notre-Dame de Paris
This is the most anticipated event during this Christmas season in Paris. Notre-Dame de Paris will reopen during the 2024 Christmas period! Along with its rebirth, this Christmas will feature a special mass, a long-awaited opportunity for visits, and the first Christmas market since its restoration.
Opening Concert
After the devastating fire in 2019 and years of careful restoration, Notre-Dame de Paris will officially reopen on December 8th 2024. The historic reopening ceremony will take place on December 7th. Many renowned musicians will participate in this ceremony and create a musical spectacle to commemorate this significant moment in the nearly 900-year history of the cathedral. After the ceremony, visitors can explore the Cathedral for free—don’t miss this historic moment!
First Mass After the Rebirth
On December 8, Notre-Dame will host its first public mass since the fire. This deeply symbolic event represents hope, faith, and revival. The sounds of worshippers and the melodies of the grand organ will fill the cathedral. The reopening of the cathedral aligns perfectly with Christmas, bringing new joy and hope to Paris.
Christmas Market in Notre-Dame de Paris
Notre-Dame de Paris will host a Christmas market in its forecourt every December. This year, with the reopening of the cathedral, it will bring more life to this Christmas market. The 2024 Christmas market of the Notre-Dame de Paris will open from November 29 to December 25. Visitors can taste hot wine, browse unique products, and admire the cathedral’s sparkling walls. This Christmas market is different from others, as the souvenirs sold here are exclusively handcrafted by artisans and designers, making each item unique and special.
2. Christmas Lights in Champs Elysées
The Champs Elysées is a destination that you can’t miss this Christmas. Every year many tourists and Parisians come to this gorgeous street to celebrate Christmas. An unforgettable Christmas memory will be made here with sparkling festive lights on the street from the Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe. On these streets, more than 400 Christmas trees will be decorated with festive lights. These decorations will be officially launched in late November and will light up the night until early January. Don’t forget to take some photos here! You will find unrivaled views of the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower in the Champs-Elysées, which provide the perfect backdrop for your memorable Christmas photos.
3. 130th Anniversary Event of Galeries Lafayette
A Christmas in Paris wouldn’t be complete without Galeries Lafayette. The Galeries Lafayette is one of the city’s legendary department stores. Every Christmas it is transformed into a winter wonderland. 2024 is an even more special year, as Galeries Lafayette Paris celebrates its 130th anniversary with a series of unique events and installations.
Christmas Tree and Windows
Visitors will be delighted by the Christmas tree designed by renowned designer Kevin Germanier, known for his sustainable and ornate designs. This year’s tree features fiber-optic lighting inspired by Germanier’s vibrant fashions and is mounted under a glass dome displaying light and color like fireworks. Meanwhile, Kevin Germanier will be responsible for designing the costumes for the characters in the windows, which are full of storytelling and maximize the use of recycled materials to minimize the pollution of the environment.
In addition to Galeries Lafayette, department stores such as Le Bon Marché, BHV Marais, La Samaritaine and Printemps Haussmann will also be decorating their Christmas windows, so if you’re in the neighborhood of one of these malls, head over to take a look during the Christmas season!
Pop-up store during Christmas
A fashion lover’s paradise awaits! To celebrate its 130th anniversary, Galeries Lafayette has teamed up with big fashion brands to create an exclusive collection for this occasion. On the third floor of Galeries Lafayette in Paris, you’ll find a pop-up store featuring new pieces by designers like Victoria Beckham, AMI Paris, Isabel Marant, and Marine Serre. This creative and limited-edition collection has something for everyone, from trendy T-shirts and hoodies to chic hats and scarves. Don’t miss out on these limited-edition fashion treasures!
4. Christmas Dinner Cruises along the Seine
Are you tired of spending Christmas in crowded shopping malls and streets in Paris? How about making your Christmas Eve even more special by taking a cruise along the Seine? Bateaux Parisiens and Bateaux Mouches provide ideal holiday getaways with their festive dinner cruises.
These cruises offer fine dining, live music, and spectacular views of Paris’s famous landmarks under the beautiful night sky. During this journey, you will enjoy a tasty Christmas meal accompanied by live music. You can also admire famous Parisian landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame through your windows, adding a magical element to your experience. Whether you’re enjoying Christmas Eve in Paris with family, friends, or your love, it is a memorable experience. Make sure to reserve early, as these luxury holiday cruises have limited availability.
5. Christmas Show at Disneyland Paris
Every year, Disneyland celebrates the Christmas season with special events. From November 9th 2024 to January 6th 2025, Disneyland Paris will present the “Disney Enchanted Christmas” winter event, a magical experience for guests of all ages.
Sparkling Christmas Parade
A Disney Christmas parade is staged daily, it features five Christmas floats and 90 artists, and classic Disney characters. Classic characters such as Mickey, Minnie and Elsa will be presented from special Christmas floats.
Night Show over the Castle
Are you getting bored of watching the classic Disney fireworks show? Check out the new show from Disneyland Paris in partnership with Dronisos Inc! During the Christmas season, a new drone night show will take place over the castle. On New Year’s Eve, Disneyland Paris will extend its opening hours until 1 am and present the New Year’s Eve fireworks at midnight. Are you ready for these surprises?
"Let's Sing Christmas!" musical show
Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy and a new guest will bring a festive show to Disneyland Paris for the Christmas season. Musicals to convey the spirit of Christmas will be performed daily in the park. Let’s immerse in the wonderful Christmas carols.
6. Christmas Tour at the Château de Versailles
Escape the crowds in the daytime. The Versailles will present the “King’s Road” show at night from December 14th to January 4th. This show will take you on an immersive journey through this spectacular castle. Traveling through the grand spaces of the Château de Versailles, including the Hall of Mirrors, costumed performers will present 17th-century baroque dances, operas, and instrumental performances from the era of Louis XIV. Each event is limited to just a few dozen people, which means you can take it all in more peace and quiet, so those who want to attend need to book early.
7. Christmas show at the Moulin Rouge
Over 100 artists and 60 professional cabaret girls and French cancan dancers will present a Christmas show on the historic Moulin Rouge stage! The Moulin Rouge is offering a Christmas menu during the Christmas season, which allows you to taste a Christmas meal while enjoying a fantastic performance. Please note that this show may include nudity in this performance, so please consider carefully if you are coming with your children.
8. Christmas Concerts at La Sainte Chapelle
The Saint Chapel features amazing stained glass windows, and on December 20th, a first-class classical music performance will take place here. This church attracts a large number of visitors throughout their regular days, and the sacred atmosphere will be enhanced by the concerts that take place in the chapel. Enter the exquisite Gothic Sainte Chapelle for a concert during Christmas in 2024 to add a festive touch to your trip to Paris.
Conclusion
With the reopening of Notre DameNotre Dame, the 130th anniversary of Galeries Lafayette, Disneyland Paris Christmas season, shows at the Château de Versailles, Christmas trees on the Champs-Élysées, a special show at the Moulin Rouge, a Christmas cruise on the Seine, caroling in the Chapel of Sainte-Chapelle… This year, Christmas in Paris will be brighter with these spectacular events! Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate the holidays in one of the world’s most romantic cities. You can book short-term and long-term Paris housing in advance at uhomes.com, and we promise to offer the lowest prices!
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FAQ
What is open in Paris on 25 December?
Disneyland Paris, Seine River cruises, and the Champs-Élysées will operate as usual on December 25th. The Moulin Rouge is also expected to host performances with prior booking required. However, Versailles Palace, Sainte-Chapelle, and Galeries Lafayette will close on Christmas Day.
What area is best for Christmas in Paris?
If you’re a shopping fanatic, you can soak up the festive atmosphere while shopping on the Champs Elysees. If you don’t like to be with the crowds, you can book tickets in advance for a Seine cruise, Versailles or Moulin Rouge night show and spend your Christmas enjoying the performances.
When do Christmas lights go up in Paris?
The Christmas tree lights on the Champs-Elysées will be lit from December 24th. The schedule will be:
Weekdays from 5pm to midnight
Fridays and Saturdays from 5pm to 1am
December 24 and 31 from 5pm to 6am
If you want to admire the Christmas lights in Paris early, you can also go to Disneyland Paris, which will have Christmas decorations from November 9!
Is Paris a good place to bring kids?
Experience Christmas in Paris will give your kids unforgettable memories. The city’s dazzling holiday lights transform it into a magical world, with the Christmas markets and the grand Christmas tree and fairy-tale windows at Galeries Lafayette being a must-see. Children will also have an unforgettable experience at Disneyland Paris, celebrating Christmas with their favorite cartoon characters.
