Last Updated on September 20, 2023 by April | Dreaming in French
Looking for the best Christmas decorations in Paris? Then you’re in the right place!
Watching the Christmas lights and decorations that line most of the streets in the city is one of the best ways to celebrate Christmas in Paris.
The city transforms into a Christmas town from mid-November to the end of December (and in certain parts, till the beginning of January) with lights and decorations in all the streets and squares.
This post will show you the best locations to view Christmas lights Paris 2023 if you’re hoping to enjoy the splendor of the city’s illuminations.
Here are the prettiest Christmas decorations in Paris that you shouldn’t miss, from wandering along the Champs Elysée, a tree-lined street that is draped in a million lights, to viewing the exquisitely illuminated window displays at the big department stores.
Psst! This blog post contains affiliate links in it which sends me a bit of extra money if you use them… at no extra cost to you. Merci!
If you are in a hurry, here’s a summary of the best Christmas decorations in Paris:
Best Christmas Decorations In Paris
Read on to find out where to see the best Christmas decorations in Paris.
Place Vendôme
If you’re in the 1st arrondissement, head over to Place Vendôme to admire some of Paris’ most exquisite holiday decorations.
This square, which is recognizable due to its Vendôme Column, may not have a million lights, but it boasts a huge Christmas tree in the centre that illuminates the whole area at night.
A stroll around the entire area is particularly rewarding because, in addition to the trees in the center, the high-end stores in this neighborhood have adorable, smaller Christmas trees lining their storefronts.
Where To Find These Christmas Decorations in Paris:
Location: 1st arrondissement
Métro: Concorde, Madeleine, Pyramides, Tuileries
Dates: November 22, 2022, to January 2, 2023
Champs-Élysées Avenue
The most extravagant Christmas light and decoration display in Paris can be found on the Champs Élysées Avenue, where street trees between Place de la Concorde and the Arc de Triomphe are covered in one million (yes, literally) shimmering red and blue lights.
The majority of the shops line this well-known road have festive accents and additional lighting, which you can see as you stroll along the sidewalk.
➡️Pro Tip: On December 24 and 31 the Christmas lights on the Champs-Elysées are illuminated all night long.
Where To Find These Christmas Decorations in Paris:
Location: Champs Élysées, 8th arrondissement
Métro: Franklin D. Roosevelt or Champs-Elysées Clémenceau
Dates: From late November 2023 through January 2024
Avenue Montaigne
After leaving the Champs-Élysées, turn left onto Avenue Montaigne, which is known for being home to upscale fashion houses like Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Yves Saint Laurent, Versace, and all the other luxury labels you can imagine.
While the Boulevard is usually inhabited by affluent consumers the rest of the year, during Christmas the road takes on a stunning new appearance.
Christmas lights are strung from the trees that line the avenue, and the storefronts of the upscale stores are also decorated to reflect the theme of the street.
Where To Find These Christmas Decorations in Paris:
Location: Avenue Montaigne, 8th arrondissement
Métro: Alma-Marceau or Franklin D. Roosevelt
Dates: From late November 2023 through early January 2024
Bercy Village
It’s like Santa Claus has his own small village in Bercy! With distinctive decorations that change every year, walking along the main street will seem like walking through a Christmas forest.
Over the past few years, Bercy Village has been engulfed in a sea of lights and sparkling white umbrellas. And a magnificently adorned Christmas tree is waiting for you at the end of the block!
You’ll need to wait patiently for your turn if you want to take a picture because there are frequently other people taking pictures with the tree.
Grab a Vin chaud from one of the nearby Christmas chalets and explore the enchanting Christmas town!
Where To Find These Christmas Decorations in Paris:
Location: 12th arrondissement
Métro: Cour Saint-Emilion
Dates: November late November 2023 through 2024
Galeries Lafayette
Parisian holiday decorations are elevated by Galeries Lafayette. Its yearly themed window displays inspire both children and adults to embrace the true spirit of Christmas.
Every window display is captivating, with artificial snow, animated characters who tell a tale, music, and unexpected surprises. But while some windows are truly extraordinary, others are more subdued.
Since this is one of the most popular locations to view Parisian Christmas decorations and lights, the windows are frequently filled with both locals and visitors, so you should go after Parisian workforce have left the office.
Step into Galeries Lafayette before departing, and you’ll be greeted by the most exquisite Christmas tree in all of Paris.
The tree’s theme changes every year, just like the window displays, but its grandeur and extravagance remain constant. The tree has even been inverted in some years.
If you can, try to visit the tree at the top of the hour when there is a little “mini-musical show” surrounded by lights. There is nothing more enchanted than this!
Where To Find These Christmas Decorations in Paris:
Location: Galeries Lafayette
Métro: Chaussée D’Antin-Lafayette or Auber
Dates: Through early January 2024
READ NEXT: Galeries Lafayette Rooftop: The Best View in Paris
Printemps Haussmann
Printemps Haussmann, another Grand Magasin or department store in Paris, located just adjacent to Galeries Lafayette. During the Parisian holiday season, its windows attract a lot of tourists.
This is another location you shouldn’t miss, with beautifully created animated characters that narrate a story, music, a circus, and a miniature of the actual building. This store goes all out when it comes to window displays, just like Galeries Lafayette.
Although most visitors visit Galeries Lafayette, I think the exhibits at Printemps Haussmann are considerably more interesting, intricate, and detailed.
Where To Find These Christmas Decorations in Paris:
Location: Printemps Haussmann
Métro: Havre – Caumartin or Gare Saint-Lazare
Dates: Late November 2023 to Early January 2024
Hôtel De Ville
One of the smaller Christmas markets in Paris is held at the Hôtel de Ville, which also mixes it with holiday lighting to produce a captivating appearance.
Its front facade sparkles with holiday lights and fake snow falling beyond the grove of Christmas trees that line its front square.
Wrap up, grab a Vin Chaud, and admire Paris’ city hall’s beauty.
Where To Find These Christmas Decorations in Paris:
Address: Place de l’Hôtel de Ville, 4th arrondissement
Métro: Hotel de Ville
Dates: late December through January
BHV Marais
Another Grand Magasin that decorates its windows for Christmas is BHV Marais, which is right adjacent to Hotel de Ville.
Although I think the window displays here are less lavish than those at other department shops, you can still go there if you’re in the area or after seeing the Hotel de Ville’s lights.
Where To Find These Christmas Decorations in Paris:
Location: BHV Marais
Métro: Châtelet
Dates: Late November to Early January
Le Bon Marché
Le Bon Marché, a department store in Paris’s 7th arrondissement, is another holiday must-see.
Le Bon Marché has a number of festively adorned little trees hanging from its ceiling, in contrast to Galeries Lafayette, which only displays one large tree in the center (though they change their decorations every year).
This department store is included on the list of sites to see Christmas decorations in Paris because it is topped with multiple strings of lights and has its famous flight of stairs as a backdrop.
Additionally, there are animated window displays, just like in other Grand Magasins.
Where To Find These Christmas Decorations in Paris:
Dates:
Rue Du Faubourg Saint Honoré
Make a stop at Rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré before you leave this neighborhood! Another street that goes above and above in terms of decoration is this one.
Every year, they change things up, but the adorned hot air balloon at Place Maurice Barrès and the opulent merchants that adorn their storefronts remain constants. The Dior shop stands out as one example.
Observe these gorgeous Paris Christmas lights as you stroll by the shops, which all have lovely Christmas window displays:
- Cartier, 17rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré
- Dior Paris, 261 rue Saint-Honoré
- Chanel Paris, 19 rue Cambon at the corner of rue Saint-Honoré
- The Hot Air Balloon (Mongolfier Vendôme) at 1 Pl Maurice Barrès
- Hermès, Paris with its intricate window displays at 24 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré
Where To Find These Christmas Decorations in Paris:
Location: Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré between Rue Royale and Palais Royal, 1st Arrondissement
Métro: Saint-Philippe du Roule or Miromesnil
Dates: From November 2023
Le Village Royal
Most of the locations listed above are typically crowded, but Le Village Royal, which is still relatively undiscovered by many people, is the best site to enjoy Christmas decorations in Paris in a more private setting and with less people.
This narrow corridor is ideal for dining and shopping, but at Christmas, you’ll find enormous green dazzling bears and gorgeous red balloons that make the ideal backdrops for Instagram-worthy locations in Paris.
One of the best spots to admire Christmas decorations in Paris is right in the middle of the 8th arrondissement, next to Madeleine Cathedral.
Where To Find These Christmas Decorations in Paris:
Location: 8th arrondissement; The passageway runs between rue Royale and rue Boissy d’Anglas
Métro: Madeleine
Dates: November 2023
Disneyland Paris
Disneyland Paris is last on this list of Christmas decorations in Paris (but it is undoubtedly not last). Disneyland Paris is a great place to spend Christmas day even though it’s officially outside the municipal limits of Paris.
Disney is magical all year long, but at Christmas, it sparkles. There is nothing not to love about Christmas at Disney, from the enchanted Christmas enchantments, mind-blowing decorations, unique performances by characters, and rides at Disneyland Paris, to the stunning fireworks at night.
Where To Find These Christmas Decorations in Paris:
Métro: Take the RER A to the Marne-la-Valee station, then cross a small square to Disneyland Paris.
Dates: Early November through early January
To make your trip quicker and smoother, consider purchasing your tickets in advance.
Paris Christmas Markets
Going for a stroll admiring the Paris Christmas decorations is unquestionably the perfect festive and romantic pastime. The city is breathtaking at night when it is illuminated, and going there with a loved one is a wonderful way to spend time together.
- Paris Christmas Market at Notre Dame Cathedral – 10 December 2023 to 26 December 2024– 10am-7pm
- A genuine Christmas market close to a French capital symbol. There are standard things, of course, but the most intriguing items are typically sold by artisans who specialize in accessories, fashion, or design.
- Saint Germain des Prés Christmas Market – 20 November 2023 to 26 December 2024 – 10am-7pm
- There are several vendors, huge store spaces, and animations for both young and old people looking for gift ideas and gourmet delights.
- Tuileries Christmas Market – 2023–January 2024, unconfirmed
- The Champs Elysées Market has been replaced by an incredible Christmas Village in the Jardin des Tuileries. Numerous local eateries, waffles, French pancakes, mulled wine, and other regional goods are available.
- Eiffel Tower Christmas Market – mid-December 2023 to early January 2024 11am-11pm
- The Eiffel Tower Christmas market is transformed into a genuine European village by 14 embassies, exhibitors, and magnificent wooden chalets. There are handmade items, traditional foods, and decorations available.
If you want to know more about the Christmas markets in Paris, click here!
Final thoughts on Christmas Decorations in Paris
During the Christmas season, Paris truly becomes the “city of lights”!
Whatever you decide to do in Paris, it will be enjoyable. You can stop at the many department stores to be enchanted by the animated figures in their window displays or face the cold to appreciate the sparkling lights in the streets.
Why wait then? Check out the best Christmas decorations in Paris above to fully experience the celebrations that are associated with the city at this time of year.
Wow, love this guide! My family was born and raised in France and I’ve always wanted to go. Will be sure to keep this guide handy when we decide to take our trip!
Awesome work!
Love it! Can you do one on restaurant christmas themes next year?
Thank you for taking us on an adventure with you x I have never been to Paris, and it’s one of my dream destinations! I am so happy to have seen this from the other side of the world.
Paris is at the top of my bucket list right now. I’ve been endlessly scrolling Paris accounts on IG lately, lol. All these pictures look beautiful. I’d love to spend Christmas in Paris someday!
The Galerie Vivienne looks so beautiful like you find a hidden place just for you! I love Christmas decorations, but in Paris, they seem more magical and special. I love it!
i’ve always dreamt on visiting paris
i know one day i will but in the mean time i’ll bookmark this article. x
It would be a dream to visit Paris at Christmas. The lights look so magical.
Beautiful. My favorite is Le Bon Marché. I would love to go to Paris and see this in person.
We loved visiting Paris, I can only imagine how beautiful it is with all the lights and decorations. Beautiful photos thanks for sharing!