Planning a Christmas trip to Paris in 2025-2026? Paris during the Christmas season is always a good idea! Paris in December means enjoying beautiful Christmas lights on the Champs-Élysées, ice skating, delicious mulled wine, and roasted chestnuts while strolling through the charming Christmas markets. When is Christmas in Paris? From mid-November to the end of December 2025, the streets are in full Christmas spirit with light festivals, twinkling lights, and colorful decorations. Or why not go ice skating at the Grand Palais this year?
What to do in December or during the Christmas holidays in Paris? Where can you find the most beautiful Christmas lights, the best Christmas markets, and the decorated Christmas windows of Paris’s famous department stores? Get your scarf and gloves out and discover the best activities to do during the Christmas season in Paris. From Disneyland Paris to Christmas shopping in the famous department stores. Or from ice skating at the Grand Palais to a day trip to the magnificent Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte. On y va?
• Christmas Lights Open Bus Tour 2025: Tickets Paris Christmas Lights Tour with Tootbus (1h30) →
• Fun to do: Tickets Paris Seine River Cruise by Bateaux Mouches (1h) →
1. Christmas lights tour in Paris 2025, illuminations (also on the Champs-Élysées) & decorations
Every year Parisians and tourists look forward to the start of the beautiful Christmas lights and decorations in Paris. From November 2025 to early January 2026 you can find the most beautiful Christmas lights in Paris on the Champs-Élysées, the famous department stores, the avenue Montaigne, Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Place Vendôme, and Bercy Village. The beautiful covered passages in Paris are also worth a visit during the Christmas period.
On Sunday, November 16, 2025, the famous Christmas lights on the Champs-Élysées will be switched on, sparkling all the way until early January 2026. For the occasion, the avenue will be completely car-free that day, allowing everyone to enjoy the magic. In total, 400 trees will be decorated with twinkling light garlands, shining every evening until midnight — except on December 24 and 31, when they’ll stay illuminated all night long.
• Fun to do? Enjoy the magical atmosphere of Paris during the Christmas season on a 1.5-hour open-top bus Christmas tour. You will pass some of the most beautiful highlights in Paris with beautiful illuminations. There is an audio tour interspersed with Christmas songs while you enjoy a hot drink.
• Christmas Lights Open Bus Tour 2025: Tickets Paris Christmas Lights Tour with Tootbus (1h30) →
2. Go ice skating in Paris at beautiful locations such as the Grand Palais
During Christmas in Paris, several (outdoor) ice rinks are traditionally placed at several locations where you can enjoy skating. The most famous skating rink is at Jardin des Tuileries (Christmas market near the Louvre). Until a few years ago you could also skate in front of the Hôtel de Ville in Paris, but for ecological reasons this is no longer possible. Tip: take your gloves with you, because they are mandatory everywhere and handy to brave the cold.
• Where and when can you ice skate in Paris 2025-2026:
– Le Grand Palais des Glaces – Ice skating at the Grand Palais: from December 13, 2025, to January 7, 2026
– Ice skating at the La Défense Christmas market: from November 13, 2025, to December 28, 2025
– Ice skating rink on the roof of Galeries Lafayette: from December 1, 2025, to January 4, 2026
– Ice skating rink on the roof of Printemps Haussmann: from November 8, 2025, to January 4, 2026
– Ice skating rink at the Jardin des Tuileries Christmas market: from November 15, 2025, to January 4, 2026
– Ice skating rink at Parc André Citroën in the 15th arrondissement: from November 22, 2025, to January 4, 2026
3. Admire the Christmas windows and decorations of the famous department stores
The windows of Paris’s finest luxury department stores are impressively decorated during the Christmas season, with a new theme every year. While Christmas shopping in Paris, be sure to visit Galeries Lafayette, where you can admire a gigantic Christmas tree beneath its central dome. Other great department stores to admire the Christmas decorations include Le Printemps, Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche, and BHV Marais. Have fun Christmas shopping in Paris!
• Opening of the Christmas windows in Paris department stores 2025/2026:
– La Samaritaine | From November 5, 2025 to January 6, 2026 – Theme: Paris m’emballe
– Galeries Lafayette | From November 12, 2025 to December 31, 2025 – Theme: Le Plus Beau des Cadeaux
– BHV Marais | From November 18, 2025 to December 31, 2025 – Theme: Rêverie de Noël
– Bon Marché Rive Gauche | From November 7, 2025 to December 31, 2025 – Theme: Le Bon Marché de Noël
– Printemps | From November 6, 2025 to January 4, 2026 – Theme: Un Noël à New-York
• Read also: 5x Best and Most Famous Department Stores in Paris →
4. Enjoy some Christmas shopping at the nicest Christmas markets
Especially in the evening, the Christmas markets in Paris are one of the highlights of the Christmas period in Paris every year. Wooden chalets, cozy Christmas lights and an enchanting journey to the land of Santa Claus. And so it’s time for chocolate, chestnuts, mulled wine and ice rinks. Furthermore, of course, nice Christmas decorations, good food and there are also various attractions for children. From the Christmas market in Montmartre to the Christmas market at Notre-Dame in Paris.
• Read also: 7x Best Paris Christmas Markets 2025-2026: Ultimate Guide →
5. Discover the best light festivals during the Christmas season in Paris
• EN VOIE D’ILLUMINATION – Jardin des Plantes (November 12, 2025 to January 18, 2026)
During En Voie d’Illumination, the Jardin des Plantes transforms into a magical light show. Along an atmospheric path, you’ll discover giant illuminated sculptures of animals, plants, and natural phenomena that bring the garden to life. The combination of art, light, and nature makes this evening stroll a magical experience for the whole family.
Jardindesplantesdeparis.fr →
• LUMIERES EN SEINE – Parc de Saint-Cloud (November 14, 2025 to January 11, 2026)
During Lumières en Seine, the Domaine National de Saint-Cloud transforms into a magical light show. Along an enchanting path through the gardens and woods, you’ll discover dazzling light installations, sparkling fountains, and colorful projections that bathe the historic park in a new glow. The combination of nature, art, and music makes this winter evening stroll a magical experience for all ages.
Lumieresenseine.com →
• L’ODYSSEE LUMINEUSE – Parc Floral (November 19, 2025 to January 11, 2026)
In the verdant Parc Floral, a light trail full of color, music, and surprising installations awaits. L’Odyssée lumineuse takes visitors on a journey through mythical worlds and illuminated forests, with a touch of magic around every corner. A delightful evening out for all ages, where you’ll literally walk through a fairytale.
Odysseelumineuse.fr →
• LE JAPON EN LUMIERES – Jardin d’Acclimatation (December 10, 2025 to March 8, 2026)
This winter, the Jardin d’Acclimatation celebrates the beauty of Japan with thousands of lanterns, cherry blossoms of light, and figures from Japanese folklore. Le Japon en Lumières is a colorful ode to Asian culture—a blend of serene gardens, light art, and a touch of zen. Perfect for those looking to escape the winter heat in an exotic atmosphere.
Jardindacclimatation.fr →
6. Celebrate an enchanting Christmas at Disneyland Paris 2025
Celebrate the magic of Christmas at Disneyland Paris! From November 8, 2025 to January 6, 2026, Disneyland Paris puts on a festive show with a brand new parade, various Christmas shows, fun markets, beautiful lighting, decorated streets and all your favorite Disney characters. You can easily make a day trip from Paris by, for example, taking the Disneyland Paris Express from Gare du Nord. Be sure to book your entrance ticket to Disneyland Paris in advance. The prices depend on the chosen date.
7. Christmas magic at Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte
Just an hour’s drive from Paris, the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte sparkles every year during Le Grand Noël, from November 15, 2025, to January 4, 2026. The castle transforms into a fairytale world filled with lights, scents, and music. Inside, fireplaces blaze and the banquet halls sparkle with opulent Christmas decorations, while outside, the gardens are bathed in thousands of twinkling lights. A stroll through this illuminated estate feels like stepping into a Christmas movie, a magical escape that will complete your Christmas trip to Paris.
Time to visit the best Christmas markets 2025/2026 or the beautifully decorated Christmas windows & illuminations in the department stores (with beautiful Christmas lights and decorations). Or enjoy an Christmas lights tour through Paris. Celebrating Christmas in Paris in a more traditional way? Visit the Sacré-Cœur or Église de la Madeleine. On 24 and 25 December there will be night masses with fun concerts.
FAQ about the best Christmas lights tours and decorations in Paris
1. When does the Christmas lighting in Paris usually start?
The magical Christmas lights typically switch on in mid-November and shine until early January. Expect them to sparkle from November 20th to January 5th.
2. Where can I see the most beautiful Christmas lights in Paris?
The Champs-Élysées steals the show every year, but don’t miss Place Vendôme, Avenue Montaigne, Rue Faubourg Saint-Honoré, and the charming village-style displays in Montmartre and Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
3. Are the department stores decorated too?
Yes! Stores like Galeries Lafayette and Printemps Haussmann are known for their spectacular window displays, giant trees, and festive façades.
4. Can I see the lights on a Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour?
Absolutely! Many companies offer special Christmas Light Night Tours, where you can admire the city’s festive sparkle from the top deck of a warm, open-roof bus.
5. When do the Christmas light bus tours operate?
Most tours run from late November through early January, typically starting between 5:30 PM and 6:30 PM, once the city is glowing. Exact dates are expected from Nov 22 to Jan 5.
6. How long is the Christmas light bus tour?
Tours usually last about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and the route. Some offer audio guides and festive music onboard.
7. Do I need to book the bus tour in advance?
It’s highly recommended. These tours are popular in the holiday season and tend to sell out quickly, especially around Christmas Eve and weekends.
8. Are there other ways to enjoy the lights?
Yes! Walking is a great (and free) way to enjoy Paris at its most magical. Consider a stroll from the Louvre through Rue de Rivoli, or around Notre-Dame and Île Saint-Louis.
9. Is there Christmas lighting near the Eiffel Tower?
While the Eiffel Tower itself is always beautifully lit, nearby Avenue de la Motte-Picquet and Champ de Mars also get festive touches, and there’s often a Christmas market nearby.
10. Are the Christmas lights eco-friendly?
Yes, Paris has made great strides in sustainability, using low-energy LED lighting and switching to greener installations in recent years.
