Unmissable Christmas events in Paris

Ho ho ho! 🎅 It’s time to get festive in Paris! 🎉

As the holiday season approaches, the City of Lights transforms into a magical winter wonderland, beckoning you to experience the enchanting Parisian Christmas. From charming markets brimming with festive delights to ice rinks sparkling under the twinkling lights, Paris invites you to immerse yourself in the spirit of the season.

Christmas Markets in Paris: 

Tuileries Gardens Christmas Market:

Imagine strolling through the enchanting Marché de Noël de Paris, located in the heart of the Tuileries Garden. This iconic market, has over 200 chalets adorned with twinkling lights, offers a delightful array of Christmas crafts, decorations, and traditional treats. The aroma of freshly baked gingerbread and mulled wine fills the air, creating an irresistible festive atmosphere.

Find out more about Tuileries Christmas Market

Village de Noël des Champs-Élysées:

Venture further along the Seine River to the Village de Noël des Champs-Élysées, situated on the world-famous Champs-Élysées avenue. This vibrant market, with its over 100 chalets adorned in festive hues, is a haven for Christmas enthusiasts. Discover unique gifts, indulge in delectable treats, and soak in the joyous ambiance.

Trocadéro Gardens Christmas Market:

For breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower as your backdrop, head to the Marché de Noël du Trocadéro, nestled within the Trocadéro Gardens. This picturesque market, with its over 50 chalets offering traditional French Christmas items, provides a charming setting for festive shopping and leisurely strolls.

Find out more about Trocadéro Gardens Christmas Market

Lace Up Your Skates for Parisian Ice Rink Adventures

Patinoire (ice rink) des Tuileries

As you’re walking through the Tuileries Christmas market, why not take a break to glide gracefully across the ice rink at the Patinoire des Tuileries.  This open-air rink, located in the heart of the Tuileries Garden is surrounded by the enchanting Parisian landscape. It is perfect for families and couples seeking a magical winter experience.

Ice rink in Grand Palais Éphémère 

For an even more immersive experience, step into the Grand Palais Éphémère, a temporary structure on the Champ de Mars. This unique ice rink, adorned with a stunning light show, offers a captivating spectacle as you glide beneath the Parisian sky.

Galeries Lafayette rooftop ice rink: 

If you’re seeking panoramic views of the city while enjoying your ice skating adventure, head to the rooftop ice rink at Galeries Lafayette. This iconic department store provides a thrilling blend of festive shopping and exhilarating ice skating, all while overlooking the twinkling skyline of Paris. Break up your Christmas shopping, with a glide across the ice, what could be better!

Find out more about Galeries Lafayette rooftop ice rink

Encounter Santa Claus at Parisian Grottos

No Christmas is complete without a visit to Santa Claus. Paris offers several enchanting grottos where children (or adults!) can share their wishes and receive a special visit from the jolly man in red.

Santa’s Grotto at Galeries Lafayette:

At Galeries Lafayette, Santa’s grotto awaits you on the 4th floor, where children can meet Santa in his festive workshop and share their heartfelt Christmas wishes. If you ask nicely, you may even get a little gift!

Find out more about Santa’s Grotto at Galeries Lafayette

Santa’s grotto at Printemps department store:

Printemps department store also hosts a magical Santa’s grotto on its 9th floor, where children can embark on a captivating journey through Santa’s wonderland and receive a special gift.

Santa’s Grotto at La Grande Arche: 

For a truly unique experience, visit La Grande Arche de la Défense, a massive archway in the La Défense business district, where Santa’s grotto awaits within its grand halls. P.S. If you stand at the top of the Grande Arche you can see the Arc de Triomphe directly opposite!

Enrich your Christmas with some festive singing at one of the many Christmas carol concerts here in Paris:

Attend a heartwarming Christmas carol concert at any one of Paris’s many churches or cathedrals, where the harmonious melodies of the season will fill your heart with joy. If you’re looking for some of the most famous and gamours churches, look no further than the beautiful Sainte Chapelle, and the Madeleine.

Christmas Carol Concerts in Paris

Experience the magic of Christmas shows and spectacles in Paris:

Immerse yourself in the theatrical magic of Christmas shows, ranging from traditional pantomimes to enchanting ballet performances, that will transport you to a world of storytelling and wonder. Here is a little snapshot of the Christmas spectacles not to miss out on:

Max et Le Grand Magicien:

Les Mysteres de Noël: This family-friendly magic show at la Boussole theatre features illusions, stunts, and audience participation, all set against the backdrop of a magical Christmas theme. It’s really quite special. 

Tickets to Max et Le Grand Magicien

Christmas at the Moulin Rouge: 

This iconic cabaret offers a special Christmas-themed show, featuring dazzling costumes, high-energy can-can dancing, and a touch of holiday magic. 

Moulin Rouge Christmas Evening

Casse-Noisette (The Nutcracker) at the Opéra National de Paris: 

This timeless ballet classic, set to the music of Tchaikovsky, is a must-see for any ballet enthusiast.

Casse-Noisette (The Nutcracker) tickets

So gather your loved ones, and embark on an unforgettable Christmas journey in Paris. Let the city’s enchanting ambiance, festive markets, and joyous events fill your holiday season with magic and wonder. Let us know which events you plan on attending and Bonnes fêtes de Noël! 🎅🎄🎉

If you’d like to have a read about other celebrations in France, have  a read of this:https://absolutely-french.eu/french-celebrations/

Absolutely French is the first French school dedicated solely to expatriate spouses.

Our main mission is to encourage dual careers among expatriate couples.

With our fun, friendly and innovative French training courses, we guarantee you a successful integration!

Want to learn with us? Register an expatriate spouse?

Contact us!

Email: contact@absolutely-french.eu

Tel: 01 83 73 98 49

Address: 15 rue du Colonel Moll, 75017, Paris.