7 Best Things to Do in Paris This Winter

In winter, the Champs-Élysées transforms into a dazzling wonderland as the iconic boulevard is adorned with sparkling lights and festive decorations, creating a magical and enchanting atmosphere. The trees are laced with twinkling lights, and the avenue appears to be blanketed in stars.

Wrap up for an early-evening stroll along the avenue to the floodlit Arc de Triomphe, then step into the warmth of the Ladurée tearooms for raspberry macaroons and a piping-hot cup of hot chocolate. There are many other cafés along Champs-Élysées which offer a cozy retreat, allowing you to savor the seasonal charm while sipping on warm beverages and indulging in the delightful ambience of winter in the City of Light.

Christmas markets in Paris, adorned with twinkling lights and festive stalls, enchant visitors with their aromas, sights, and sounds, creating a magical atmosphere. You know it’s Christmas in Paris when “snow”-covered chalets and stalls selling regional favorites like sausages and gingerbread line the streets, and the aroma of roast chestnuts and mulled wine (vin chaud) fills the air.

Visit 1 or more of the Paris Christmas markets at Place Saint-Germain- des-Prés and Place Saint- Sulpice on the Left Bank, Place des Abbesses in Montmartre and along the Champs- Élysées. Enjoy some refreshments as you shop, and absorb the festive cheer.

Christmas shopping in Paris is full of joy, as the city's elegant boutiques and stores offer a festive array of gifts, captivating shoppers with a blend of Parisian chic and seasonal charm. Department stores turn on their party lights for Christmas as the winter holidays approach.

Wander through the avenues and boulevards to enjoy window shopping in wintertime Paris. Flashing lights in patterns of arabesques and sparkling stars decorate Galeries Lafayette and Printemps, and Christmas trees soar under their Art Nouveau stained-glass domes. Children and adults alike are enchanted by the animated window displays at BHV and Bon Marché, depicting the story of Christmas.

Emotions soar to the rousing soundtrack of organ and choral music at Notre Dame Cathedral, as images from art and history are projected on to its medieval walls during the Christmas Mystery light show. Children’s choirs ring out throughout the festive season, and a nativity scene fills a chapel on the cathedral’s nave.

If you’re in Paris for Christmas, you could attend midnight Mass at the cathedral before returning to the warmth of your hotel. It’s an unforgettable experience.

Winter brings the Christmas menu to many Paris restaurants. Though some city center eateries close from Christmas Eve to Boxing Day, others introduce delicious festive specials.

The Art Deco La Rotonde brasserie in Montparnasse is open for business. Settle into a red velvet banquette and celebrate Christmas with a seafood platter laden with oysters, prawns, lobster, and mussels, in the lamp-lit splendor of Ernest Hemingway and Pablo Picasso’s former haunt. Or try the carte des fêtes (festive menu) in Bouillon Julien, located near Strasbourg-Saint Denis. Here, you’ll be encouraged to sample hearty French dishes that are warming and authentic.