A tour of Paris at its most festive: the Galeries Lafayette and its decorated dome, Place Vendôme and the Christmas market on Place de la Concorde. The Champs-Élysées lights are usually switched on in late November. Ideal to combine with a day at Disneyland Paris.
Paris at Christmas, well explained
In December, Paris fills with lights, animated window displays and Christmas markets. This tour takes you through the most magical spots in the centre while you learn the history of the department stores, the squares and the French Christmas traditions. It is a relaxed, very photogenic plan, perfect for a winter late afternoon and evening.
The big advantage over exploring the city on your own is not missing the key sights: the spectacular decorated dome of the Galeries Lafayette, the animated department-store windows and the atmosphere of the Christmas market, all on a logical route with no wasted time.
What you visit
- Galeries Lafayette: the famous department store and, above all, the dome and decorated tree beneath the stained-glass roof, one of the most festive images of Paris.
- Place Vendôme: the elegant square of high jewellery, especially beautiful when lit up.
- Place de la Concorde Christmas market: chalets of crafts and food on the Place de la Concorde.
- Champs-Élysées: the grand avenue with its lights, one of the city's best-known Christmas scenes.
The Champs-Élysées lights
The Champs-Élysées lights are usually switched on in late November and stay up until early January. The exact switch-on dates change each year, so it is worth confirming them as your trip approaches. It is one of the most anticipated moments of the Parisian Christmas calendar and well worth planning your visit to coincide with the lights already on.