7 Best Things to Do in Paris During Christmas Week & New Year

1. Christmas Lights in Paris: Walk the Champs-Élysées Illuminations

Walking along the Champs-Élysées at Christmas is a quintessential Parisian experience. Over a million sparkling lights illuminate 400 trees from Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe. Storefronts join the festive display with elaborately decorated windows, holiday music, and cheerful decorations.

Must-do experiences:

• Private Vintage 2CV Christmas Lights Tour

• Open-Top Bus Tour with blankets

• Seine River Christmas Cruise with gourmet meal

2. Best Paris Christmas Markets 2025

Christmas markets are central to Parisian holiday traditions. Each market offers unique gifts, seasonal foods, and warm vin chaud (mulled wine).

Top markets to visit:

• Tuileries Garden – Rides, Champagne hut, artisan gifts

• Montmartre (Place des Abbesses) – Cozy atmosphere with roasted chestnuts

• Saint-Germain-des-Prés – Fine artisan products, specialty foods, and wine

• La Défense – The largest Paris-area market with 350 vendors and festive lights

3. Christmas Cabaret & Dinner at Moulin Rouge

For an iconic Parisian Christmas experience, book the Moulin Rouge Christmas dinner and Féerie show. See dazzling costumes, spectacular performances by 100 artists, and live music by 80 musicians and 60 choral singers.

Tips:

• Champagne-only tickets or full dinner packages

• Book early for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day

4. Disneyland Paris at Christmas

Disneyland Paris transforms into a holiday wonderland during Christmas, perfect for families or anyone looking for magical experiences. Enjoy:

• Festive parades with Disney characters

• Holiday shows and live entertainment

• Sparkling Christmas decorations throughout the park

• Seasonal treats and Christmas-themed photo opportunities

Visiting Disneyland Paris at Christmas is one of the most memorable experiences in the city, especially for travelers with children or Disney fans.

5. Christmas Concerts in Paris Churches

Paris’s historic churches host candlelight concerts and classical music performances throughout December.

Highlights include:

• Sainte-Chapelle – Stunning stained glass concerts

• Saint-Eustache & Saint-Julien-le-Pauvre – Handel’s Messiah and seasonal music

• Candlelit organ and choral performances

Tip: Tickets sell out fast, so plan ahead.

6. Best Ice Skating Rinks in Paris

Ice skating is a festive must-do in Paris, with beautiful rinks in central locations:

• Grand Palais – Indoor rink with disco lights and evening parties

• Tuileries Garden – Charming rink amidst the Christmas market

• La Défense – Outdoor rink at the foot of the Grande Arche

• Parc André Citroën – Largest outdoor rink, affordable skate rentals

• Many rinks offer hot drinks nearby, perfect for warming up after skating.

7. What to Eat in Paris at Christmas: Bûche de Noël + Traditional French Dishes

No Parisian Christmas is complete without Bûche de Noël, the traditional French Christmas log cake. Other festive foods include foie gras, oysters, roasted chestnuts, and vin chaud.

Where to enjoy them:

• Angelina (Rue de Rivoli)

• Café de la Paix (Place de l’Opéra)

• Tea rooms in Saint-Germain

Christmas Eve, or Réveillon, is traditionally celebrated with a lavish dinner at home or in restaurants, often lasting late into the night.

Explore Paris with a Private Guide from FindGuide

Paris at Christmas is magical—but it’s even better with a local by your side. With the FindGuide app, you can connect instantly with certified guides who know all the festive secrets, helping you skip the tourist traps, discover hidden gems, and enjoy experiences tailored just for you. Want a private Christmas lights tour in a vintage car? A foodie tour through Parisian markets? Or insider tips on the best holiday spots for photos? Your guide will make it happen.

Download FindGuide to browse local guides, chat directly with them, and book your Paris Christmas adventure in just a few taps!