Christmas in Paris: 3 magical walks to enjoy the festive atmosphere of the most beautiful districts

Grandiose decorations, illuminated shop windows, a festive atmosphere… Paris is decked out in magic this December. Here are three not-to-be-missed itineraries to fully experience the spirit of Christmas in the capital, between the art of strolling, dreamy shopping and seasonal tea time.

A stroll through the Vendôme district: tea time, chic shop windows and… skating rinks!

The Vendôme district is undoubtedly one of the finest places to admire Paris in all its festive glory. As soon as night falls, Place Vendôme lights up with golden garlands, highlighting its classical facades and the windows of the great jewelry houses. The luminous arches of Rue Saint-Honoré, Rue Castiglione and Rue Cambon prolong the enchantment, in a hushed, ultra-chic atmosphere.Opéra Garnierthe show continues with the department storesThe show continues with the department stores, which each year unveil enchanting, animated window displays. Don’t miss the rooftops of Printemps Haussmann or Galeries Lafayette: open-air skating rinks, giant Christmas trees and breathtaking views of Paris await you. A trip to the Tuileries Christmas Market is also a pleasant option for lovers of merry-go-rounds and mulled wine!
Gourmet break: palatial tea time
Take a seat at the Ritz Paris, in the Salon Proust, for an elegant snack: warm madeleines, old-fashioned shortbread and homemade hot chocolate.
Another confidential address: the Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme. Park Hyatt Paris-Vendômewhere tea time is enjoyed in a hushed atmosphere, with signature pastries, top-quality cookies and seasonal sweets.

Stroll along Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Élysées: the Christmas extravaganza

If you’re looking for a spectacular version of Christmas magic, this is the place. Every year, Avenue Montaigne, the temple of haute couture, is transformed into an enchanted alley lined with illuminated fir trees. The must-see windows of Dior , Chanel and Louis Vuitton redouble their creativity to make passers-by’s eyes sparkle. Then head for the Champs-Élysées, decked out in a thousand lights. Between two photos in front of the Arc de Triomphe or the Concorde Ferris Wheel, stop off at the Christmas Market des Tuileries , stroll between the chalets, and indulge in a vin chaud or pain d’épices.
Gourmet break: imperial sweetness
The tea time at the Hôtel de Crillon under the glass roof of the winter garden offers a luxurious interlude with scones, mini-sandwiches and festive pastries.
For a more traditional version, visit Ladurée (av des Champs-Élysées) for its fabulous macaroons. Angelina rue de rivoli is also renowned for its old-fashioned hot chocolate and its iconic Mont-Blanc. But be patient, there’s often a wait!

A stroll through the Marais, Hôtel de Ville and Île Saint-Louis: traditions and intimacy

For a more intimate, authentic atmosphere, head for the Marais. Start your stroll at Place des Vosges, decorated with white garlands, then head up to Rue des Francs-Bourgeois and Rue Vieille du Temple, where designer boutiques, bookshops and galleries reveal their festive window displays.

Then head to Place de l’Hôtel de Ville, where a huge fir tree sparkles in a magical setting. Just a few steps away, the windows of the BHV Marais attract young and old with their animated skits and illuminated façades.
Cross the Seine to the peaceful and timelessÎle Saint-Louis, where you can rediscover the magic of a Paris of yesteryear.
Gourmet break: historic refinement
For an unforgettable experience, book a snack or breakfast at the Tour d’Argent, facing Notre-Dame. A timeless moment in a place steeped in history, with homemade viennoiseries, jams and a panoramic view of the Seine.
You can also enjoy tea time at Mariage Frères, in the Marais district, or take a gourmet break at Ladurée on rue Bonaparte, for a sweet Parisian immersion.

You guessed it …

Paris in December is a life-size Advent calendar. Each district unfolds its own atmosphere, a blend of grandeur, poetry and tradition. From the glittering shop windows of Place Vendôme to the Christmas markets on the Champs-Élysées and the warmth of the Marais, these strolls are all opportunities to experience an unforgettable Parisian Christmas. And for those with a sweet tooth, the tea times in the palaces are a precious stopover to be savored… without moderation.