The Ultimate Paris Christmas Holiday

Walk among the Swiss-style wooden chalets and enjoy local delicacies while marvelling at Paris's Christmas charm. Paris's festive markets are dotted across the city, from the Eiffel Tower and the Tuileries Garden to Notre Dame and the Champs-Élysées. You'll find handmade souvenirs, arts and crafts, regional food specialities and fairground rides the whole family can enjoy.

Christmas markets you can't miss include:

• La Magie de Noël at the Tuileries Garden
• Paris Christmas Market at Hôtel de Ville
• La Défense: Le Village de Noël

Lace up your skates and get ready for some fun! One of the best things to do in Paris at Christmas is skating at one of the ice rinks. These are scattered around the city and are usually open from the beginning of November until mid-January.

Our top picks include:

• Grande Arche rooftop at La Défense
• Galeries Lafayette rooftop
• Tuileries Garden
• Champ de Mars Christmas Village

The French capital lights up at Christmas with thousands of colourful decorations. Each area expresses its charm differently, but one has an extra touch of sparkle: the Champs-Élysées. Adorned with red bulbs hanging on 400 trees, the avenue represents Paris's festive splendour at its finest. Walk from Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe and immerse yourself in the magic.

Other places to spot Paris's beautiful Christmas lights include:

• Avenue Montaigne
• Bercy Village
• Place Vendôme

You can even book a night-time walking tour to experience the lights with a local.

Sparkly, colourful and stylish, Parisian shop window displays are a feast for the eyes. From Hollywood glamour to Beauty and the Beast, the theme differs each year and features animations, music, snow and sparkles. The art of l​​èche-vitrine (window shopping) is a beloved pastime among Parisians, and Christmas is the time to shine.

Head to these department stores to experience the city’s unique Christmas vibe:

• Galeries Lafayette
• Le Printemps
• Le Bon Marché
• La Samaritaine

If you’re serious about your shopping and want to discover the latest French brands and trends whilst learning about Paris, why not book a private shopping tour with a local.

While it would be easy to spend all day strolling through the festive streets of Paris, the city also has a rich cultural history and an elaborate art scene to explore. There are many beautiful museums scattered across Paris showcasing the work of famous artists, as well as exhibits to learn more about the city’s history.

Our top picks include:

• The Louvre: One of the most famous museums in the world, it’s a must-see during your trip to Paris.
• Musee Jacquemart-Andre: Just off the Champs-Élysées, this museum offers a beautiful private art collection, including works from Botticelli, exhibited in a lavish mansion dating back to the Second Empire.
• Centre Pompidou: Home to the National Museum of Modern Art, the Centre Pompidou is internationally renowned for its 20th and 21st-century art collections.
• Musee de Montmartre – Jardins Renoir: As a previous meeting place for many artists, this museum offers an authentic setting where you can view a vast collection of paintings, posters and drawings.

Disneyland Paris offers a touch of magic all year round, whisking you away into a world of wonder, where beloved stories come alive. But it’s at Christmas when Disneyland truly dazzles.

Disney’s Enchanted Christmas brings festive cheer with twinkling lights, captivating shows and the opportunity to meet Santa. Whether you’re visiting with your little ones or embracing your inner child, there will be festive fun for all ages. A Disneyland Paris holiday at Christmas is a trip you won’t forget in a hurry!

Here are some exciting things Disneyland are offering over the festive period:

• Mickey’s Dazzling Christmas Parade
• “Let’s Sing Christmas!” Musical Show
• The Magical Christmas Tree Lighting

It's always a good time to visit the French capital, but the city comes alive at Christmas.

Top hotels in Paris

• Best Western Ronceray Opera: This 3-star hotel is nestled in the heart of Paris, providing easy access to the city's Christmas wonder. The rooms are comfortably furnished with modern amenities such as a flat-screen TV and a desk.
• Hotel Balmoral: Located close to the Champs-Élysées, this 4-star hotel is a perfect spot to enjoy Paris's vibrant Christmas atmosphere. The hotel boasts well-appointed rooms and suites, a cosy bar, and a lounge - an ideal place to unwind after a day exploring the city.
• Montfleuri Hotel: A stone's throw away from the Arc de Triomphe, Montfleuri Hotel offers an unforgettable Christmas stay in Paris. This 4-star hotel exudes elegance, from its tastefully decorated rooms to its chic bar and lounge area. Enjoy the Parisian Christmas lights from this prime location.

Each of the hotels above offers a unique Parisian experience and can be booked with ease alongside your ferry to France in our European City Break package. Plus, our special short break pricing for 3- and 5-day breaks adds even more value. Experience the ease of booking your holiday in one convenient package.

EUROPEAN CITY BREAK PACKAGE

The home of flaky pastries, crunchy baguettes and delicious cheese, Paris has an array of food for you to try. This applies all year round, but at Christmas, the list only grows. Here are some must-tries for your visit to Paris in December:

• Bûche de Noël (Yule log): You can sample this classic, festive French dessert at all the best hotels in Paris and most Parisian bakeries.
• Macarons: A famous French delicacy, you can find these delicious little bites in any patisserie in Paris, but Ladurée offers some special Christmas flavours worth trying!
• Mont Blanc Pastry: A pastry with a meringue base covered in chestnut cream, this sweet treat is not one you’re going to want to miss. One of Paris’s most famous tea rooms, Angelina’s is the perfect place to try this classic French pastry.
• French Hot Chocolate: Rich, creamy and indulgent, the French know how to make a hot chocolate. Visit the café Carette to sample a decadent hot chocolate whilst watching the world go by.