5x Christmas in Paris 2023: the best things to do!

Are you going to Paris for Christmas 2023? That means enjoying beautiful Christmas lights, skating rinks, delicious mulled wine and roasted chestnuts while you stroll through the best Christmas markets in Paris. From mid-November it is Christmas in full swing in Paris with twinkling lights and colorful decorations in the streets. Visiting Paris during the Christmas period is very atmospheric. Good to know: a number of sights, museums, etc… are closed on certain days during the Christmas holidays in Paris. So be sure to check their website in advance and buy your tickets in advance. Some restaurants are also closed between Christmas and New Year. The restaurants that do remain open are therefore very busy.

What are the best things to do in Paris at Christmas 2023? Where can you find the most beautiful Christmas lights, the best Christmas markets and decorated windows of the famous department stores in Paris? Pull out your scarf and gloves and discover 5 of the best activities to do during Christmas in Paris. From skating in Paris to window shopping in the famous department stores. Paris at Christmas is always a good idea!

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#1 Admire the most beautiful Christmas lights in Paris

Every year Parisians and tourists look forward to the start of the beautiful Christmas lights in Paris. From November to early January you can find the most beautiful Christmas lights in Paris on the Champs-Élysées, the avenue Montaigne, Place Vendôme, the Montmartre district and Bercy Village. The most beautiful passages in Paris (covered shopping arcades) are also worth a visit during the Christmas period.

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. There is an audio tour interspersed with Christmas songs while you enjoy a hot drink.

Fun to do: Open-Top Christmas Bus Tour in Paris (1.5-hour) →

#2 Visit the best 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.

#3 Put on your skates in the heart of Paris (dates 2023 not yet known)

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 skate in Paris?

skating in Jardin des Tuileries: from November 19, 2022 to January 8, 2023
ice rink at the foot of the Eiffel Tower: December 16, 2022 to January 2, 2023
skating on the roof of the Grande Arche: from December 20, 2022 to January 5, 2023
ice rink on the roof of Tour Montparnasse: from February to March 2023

#4 Go window shopping in the famous department stores

The windows of the most beautiful luxury department stores in Paris are impressively decorated during the Christmas period and there is a new theme every year. Be sure to visit Galeries Lafayette where you can admire a gigantic Christmas tree under the central dome. Other nice department stores to admire the Christmas decorations include Le Printemps, Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche and BHV Marais.

#5 Have an enchanting Christmas at Disneyland Paris

Celebrate the magic of Christmas at Disneyland Paris! From November 12, 2022 to January 8, 2023, 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.

Tickets Disneyland Paris →