Paris in December keeps surprising me. Every single year. There are very few cities in the world that are as beautifully decorated as Paris. I love wandering through the city in search of the most magical Christmas decorations, impressive window displays and atmospheric streets. Some places are famous. Others you really need to know about. And sometimes a spot can be a little disappointing to be honest. But that discovery is exactly what makes a Christmas trip to Paris so special.
Everything is already Christmas themed in November, so plan your city trip to Paris between late November and January 1.
On this page you will find my personal selection. The places I love to visit and where the Christmas spirit is truly special. These are the spots where you feel the Christmas magic of Paris the most. Of course you will come across many more decorated streets while wandering through the city.
1. Place Vendôme: understated luxury in a festive setting
Place Vendôme always radiates elegance, but during Christmas this famous square becomes even more stunning. The Christmas trees are perfectly aligned and the lighting is chic, matching the luxury boutiques and the iconic Ritz hotel. The facades of the luxury hotels and jewelers are beautifully decorated. The square is especially magical in the late afternoon.
Tip: This is a great photo spot for photography lovers. It is quieter than most other Christmas locations in the center.
2. Galeries Lafayette: the most famous Christmas tree in Paris
When you think of Paris at Christmas you think of this department store. The enormous Christmas tree under the glass dome at Galeries Lafayette on Boulevard Haussmann is different every year and always impressive. I am still amazed by how beautiful it looks when you look up, or when you walk to the upper floors to see the tree at eye level. The window displays outside attract both Parisians and tourists every year. It is an attraction in itself, with a new theme each year that often feels magical. It can get very crowded here.
Best time: Late in the evening when the stores are closed. You can really take your time to enjoy everything.
3. Printemps: artistic displays with a story
Next to Galeries Lafayette you will find Printemps. Convenient, because you can visit both at once. The window displays at Printemps are creative and playful every year. These are often the most beautiful Christmas windows. With moving puppets and a small storyline. It is easy to spend fifteen minutes walking along the windows because there is so much to see.
→ Book your stay at Hôtel Westminster, steps from Galeries Lafayette and the Louvre
4. Place Maurice Barrès
This small and elegant square near Rue Saint-Honoré has a calm and intimate Christmas atmosphere in December. It might surprise you, because the decorations are actually quite impressive. The facades of boutiques and galleries are beautifully lit. It feels chic and relaxed. Place Maurice Barrès is a lovely stop when walking from Place Vendôme toward the Christmas market in the Tuileries Garden.
Tip: Wander through the nearby streets. You will discover even more beautiful decorations, especially around the famous Madeleine church.
5. Avenue Montaigne: elegant Christmas décor at the fashion houses
This is where you find some of the most elegant Christmas decorations in Paris. Dior, Chanel and other fashion houses go all out with stunning facades and stylish lighting. It feels chic, calm and very Parisian. Dior is especially popular and is a much-loved hotspot for influencers and photographers. Be sure to cross the street to the restaurant on the opposite side. From there you have a great view of the decorated street and the illuminated Eiffel Tower rising above it.
Tip: Easy to combine with a visit to the Champs-Elysées where you also find beautiful lights in the trees.
6. Village Royal
Village Royal (Cité Berryer) is one of the most photogenic places in Paris during Christmas. The small courtyard is beautifully decorated every year with light installations above the passage and elegant Christmas decorations at the boutiques. It is small, charming and ideal for photos. Walk all the way through. At the entrance and the exit you often find a beautifully decorated ornament, such as a bear or hot air balloon.
7. Champs-Elysées: the most famous Christmas lights in Paris
The Champs-Elysées is a showstopper every year. The lighting sometimes changes color or style but is always impressive. The lights run on a timing system. So if you think it looks nice but not spectacular, wait a little. You will be surprised.
Note: It gets extremely crowded near the Arc de Triomphe. Further down, toward Rue de Montagne (point 5), the atmosphere is calmer and the decorations in the trees are just as beautiful.
8. Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré: luxury and calm
The Christmas lights here are beautiful, and the atmosphere is calmer than on the Champs-Elysées. Many fashion houses and galleries create stunning displays. The French ministries on this street often add elegant lighting as well.
Nice combination: Walk from here to Place Vendôme.
9. Le Marais: small streets and charming details
In Le Marais you will not find big light shows. It is all about atmosphere. You see many cozy storefronts and small decorations. Around Rue des Rosiers and Place des Vosges it feels especially charming. The neighborhood has a very local vibe, which makes it lovely in December.
10. Saint-Germain-des-Prés: classic Christmas with a village feel
Around the Saint-Germain-des-Prés church you feel a quiet, classic Christmas atmosphere. Many cafés and boutiques decorate their facades. There is often a small Christmas market. The charm is especially in the surrounding streets. The neighborhood is really lovely, but if you have a tight schedule I would see this market as an extra if you have time.
11. Department stores and passages: Christmas with character
Besides the big department stores Galeries Lafayette and Printemps on Boulevard Haussmann, there are other iconic stores worth visiting during Christmas.
La Samaritaine
The beautiful art deco interior is worth a visit on its own. During Christmas it becomes even more atmospheric with gold, warm tones and elegant decorations. Less extravagant than Lafayette but very stylish.
Le Bon Marché
Calm and chic. The Christmas decorations are elegant and suit the refined atmosphere. I really enjoy this store. It is not too large, there is a lovely Christmas section on the top floor and the iconic escalators always have a beautiful theme.
BHV Marais
Creative, modern and a little different from the others. Close to Notre Dame and the famous Paris City Hall. But to be honest, BHV Marais is not my favorite.
Galeries Lafayette Champs-Elysées
This is a second Lafayette store on the Champs-Elysées. Much less famous than the one on Boulevard Haussmann, but they also create a special Christmas theme every year. Often bolder or more expressive.
12. Beautiful squares and hidden Christmas spots
Small streets around Opéra
In the streets around Opéra you will find charming decorations. Often there are light garlands above the street. You will discover them naturally while walking. Easy to combine with Lafayette and Printemps.
Galerie Vivienne
No big light show but classic charm in a famous passage. Small, atmospheric and perfect for photos.
Hôtel de Ville
You sometimes see light shows and a small Christmas market here in December. It varies per year but the square is almost always atmospheric because of the beautiful City Hall in the background.
Place des Vosges
Romantic in December, especially during dusk when the lights turn on. Do not go during the day and only visit in December when everything is decorated. Combine it with a walk through the charming streets of Le Marais.
The best Christmas photo spots in Paris
If you want to take beautiful photos, these are the places where I always find something special:
- Under the dome of Galeries Lafayette
- In front of the Printemps windows
- Place Vendôme
- Avenue Montaigne from the middle of the street (near Dior)
- Galerie Vivienne with greenery and lights
- The Champs-Elysées with a view of the Arc de Triomphe
- Hotel de Crillon at Place de la Concorde
Tip: Take your photos between 4:30 pm and 6:00 pm for the best light. Or in the evening, of course.
→ Book your stay at the iconic Hôtel de Crillon here
Practical tips for Paris at Christmas
- The Christmas lights usually turn on around late November.
- The most beautiful time is between 4:30 pm and 6:00 pm.
- Department stores are very crowded on weekends.
- On December 24 many shops close early.
- On Christmas Day many restaurants are closed, but not all.
Also see: Christmas markets in Paris and what to do in Paris during the holidays.
Map: my personal Christmas walking route
If you enjoy walking through Paris like I do, below you will find a great Christmas route including an alternative option.
Walk 1 | 3.3 km (2.1 miles)
If you want a beautiful route along many Christmas lights, this is a perfect order:
Printemps – Galeries Lafayette – Place Vendôme – Place Maurice Barrès – Le Village Royal (Cité Berryer) – Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré – Palais d’Elysées – Avenue Montaigne – Champs-Elysées (– Arc de Triomphe for a 2.8 miles route)
Walk 2 | 4 km (2.5 miles)
You can also include the large Christmas market in Jardin des Tuileries. Then the order would be:
Printemps – Galeries Lafayette – Opera – Place Vendôme – Christmas Market Jardin des Tuileries – Place Maurice Barrès – Le Village Royal (Cité Berryer) – Hotel de Crillon (Place de la Concorde) – Avenue Montaigne – Champs-Elysées
Note: In practice you will walk a bit more than the indicated distance, because you may stay longer at a location or explore a side street when you see something beautiful. Take your time, wear good walking shoes, bring water and take a break when needed.
If you are in Paris for multiple days, plan a separate combination of Le Marais, Notre Dame and Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Around the Eiffel Tower and in Montmartre it is also beautiful during this period.
More Paris in December
If you love Paris in winter, take a look at my other tips for Paris in December, the best Christmas markets, ice skating rinks and the most beautiful department stores. This makes it easy to create your own Christmas itinerary in Paris.
All images are original photography by Paris à la Carte.