Grands Magasins de Paris: 2025 calendar of Christmas window openings Galeries Lafayette, Printemps, Samaritaine

In Paris, winter really begins when the Christmas windows light up on the main boulevards. Families gather there, while tourists base their stay on this festive ritual. The inauguration calendar thus becomes an invaluable point of reference for organizing your outing.

Parisian department store calendar

Every autumn, flagship stores unveil their switch-on dates, often between early and mid-November. Galeries Lafayette, Printemps Haussmann, Samaritaine, Bon Marché and BHV Marais orchestrate staggered launches. What’s more, some stores are announcing events and choirs right from the first weekend. The events continue right through to the festive season, with active Christmas window displays every day.

Audiences watch for puppets, music and sets that come to life at set times. On the other hand, the inauguration can be kept sober, with gradual lighting. The crowds are most concentrated in the late afternoons and at weekends. To make the most of Christmas window displays, aim for a weekday morning.

Themes, domes and automata: what we know

According to store announcements, the 2025 edition will focus on poetry, craftsmanship and creative recycling. The Galeries Lafayette dome remains a central stage, with a large hanging Christmas tree. In addition, the Left Bank focuses on design collaborations and sensitive staging. Christmas window displays combine storytelling, fine mechanics and sober lighting.
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In Paris, the end-of-year imagination is first written on the facades”

Creative teams work for months on the coherence of materials and attention to detail. Yet the formats vary: mini-theaters, dioramas or large-scale tableaux. Short shows, especially for children, sometimes punctuate the day. Christmas window displays must remain visible, accessible and photogenic, even from the sidewalk.

Practical: when, where and how to get there

Inaugurations generally take place between the first two weeks of November and the end of the month. The decorations then remain in place until the first week of January, depending on the store. So it’s best to check the launch date communicated by each store. Christmas window displays can be seen free of charge, 7 days a week, on the main thoroughfares of the city center.

• Come early in the morning to avoid the crowds
• Allow time for photos and walking
• Check stroller and PRM accessibility
• Cover up: the wind can be strong on the boulevards
• Keep your belongings close by in busy areas

Lines 7, 9 and 12 take you close to the most popular facades. What’s more, the occasional pedestrianization of certain streets makes strolling easier. On Saturdays, however, the crowds are heaviest after 4 pm. Christmas windows can then be admired from the side, moving slowly forward.

For a smooth route, connect Printemps and Galeries Lafayette on the Haussmann side, then head for the Samaritaine along the Seine. Then head for Le Bon Marché for a quieter left-bank loop. Also, a hot chocolate break helps to keep up the pace with children. Christmas window displays offer a variety of angles, ideal for a quick photo series.

A driving force for culture, business and tourism

These events enhance the commercial appeal of the city center. They also support Parisian artisans, scenographers and workshops. The benefits are measured in terms of footfall and average shopping basket during the period. In this way, Christmas window displays act as a seasonal marker for the entire ecosystem.

Hotels and restaurants are adapting their offers to the end-of-year peak. However, the weather can affect the flow of visitors, especially in the evening. For this reason, security and cleanliness services are stepped up on the sidewalks. Christmas window displays remain a showcase, in the truest sense of the word, of local know-how.

Ideas for outings, useful gifts and home ambiance

Before or after the ride, we think of simple, long-lasting gifts. What’s more, smart equipment extends the festive spirit into the kitchen. A touch of light in the home is also a reminder of the magic seen outside. Christmas window displays inspire a soft, practical selection.

Weekend snacks are always a good time to offer a useful little device. Next, keep an eye on value for money and compactness. Easy maintenance for regular use is also a priority. Christmas window displays make you want to prepare convivial moments at home.

For decorations, we’re targeting sober, modular rooms. What’s more, we’re opting for energy-efficient LEDs for a warm rendering. On the other hand, avoid cluttering passageways around the house. Christmas window displays suggest a balance: beauty, but without excess.

By preparing your route, you optimize time and pleasure. You also keep an eye out for official announcements from retailers. So, on the big day, you can make the most of the crowds and the lights. Christmas window displays become the common thread in a well-thought-out day.

• Christmas window displays