The best things to do in Paris at Christmas

It's hard to beat London when it comes to festive fun, but if there is one other major European city that comes close to the Big Smoke, it is, without a doubt, Paris.

Paris is a sparkling city year-round, with the Eiffel Tower putting on a Christmas-worthy light show every evening. But at Christmas, the city really comes into its own, with streets decked out in festive decorations, Christmas markets dotted across the capital, and plenty of opportunities to feast on oysters, raclette and all the most indulgent winter dishes.

This year, as always, the city has plenty to offer visitors from around the world. From giant ice rinks and Christmas trees to elegant themed afternoon teas and enchanting shows for children, we've rounded up the best things to do in Paris at Christmas in 2026.

Admire the window displays

Just like Harrods, Liberty and Selfridges in London, the biggest department stores in Paris go all out with their Christmas window displays. From November onwards, Galeries Lafayette, Printemps, Le Bon Marché and La Samaritaine bring a little festive magic to the capital. This year's theme at Printemps is "Un Noël bien tricoté" (A well-knitted Christmas), which features 160 handmade characters, including cats and mice, following a giant ball of red wool through a series of animated scenes. Next door, Galeries Lafayette has handed over its Christmas decorations to Jean-Charles de Castelbajac, with a display called "Au cœur de Noël" (At the heart of Christmas) – expect a colourful, pop-inspired wonderland filled with fantastical characters, angels and playful decorations. On the other side of the Seine, Le Bon Marché is transforming into an Alpine Christmas village, complete with wooden chalets, snow-covered rooftops and twinkling lights.

Enjoy an Alpine Christmas at La Fantaisie

Who said you need to leave Paris for a taste of the French Alps this Christmas? From 18 November, La Fantaisie, a boutique hotel in the 9th arrondissement, is bringing a little Megève magic to the capital, transforming its garden into a winter wonderland complete with fir trees and a ski gondola. Expect plenty of Alpine comfort food, from bubbling tartiflette and traditional French onion soup to blueberry tart, served across the hotel's restaurant, café and rooftop bar. Head upstairs on Thursday evenings for DJ sets accompanied by génépi and Chartreuse cocktails, or pop in to discover the latest surprise from the hotel's annual Advent calendar.

Address: 24 Rue Cadet, 75009 Paris
Website: lafantaisie.com
Dates: 18 November 2026 – 7 January 2027

Visit the Christmas markets

Although if you are planning to visit France specifically for its Christmas markets, you might want to head to festive favourites like Strasbourg or Colmar, Paris has plenty of fabulous markets taking place all around the city from November onwards. This year sees the long-awaited return of the Champs-Élysées Christmas market, after almost a decade away, while in the Jardin des Tuileries, wooden Christmas chalets and fairground rides take over the green space along the Rue de Rivoli. Markets will also be held at La Défense, Notre-Dame and Gare de l'Est, but my personal favourite is always the one in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, with its little wooden chalets set against the beautiful backdrop of the neighbourhood's historic church.

Sing-along to Singin’ in the Rain at the Lido

For a little old-school Hollywood glamour this Christmas, head to the legendary Théâtre du Lido on the Champs-Élysées, where Singin’ in the Rain is taking centre stage. Inspired by the much-loved 1952 film starring Gene Kelly, this new production, directed by Robert Carsen, transports audiences back to 1920s Hollywood, when silent films were giving way to the talkies. Expect dazzling tap-dancing routines, 240 costumes, a live orchestra and plenty of familiar songs that will have you humming long after the curtain falls. Performed in English with French surtitles, the musical runs throughout the festive season, making it a perfect excuse to swap the chilly Parisian streets for an evening of singing, dancing and Hollywood nostalgia.

Address: 116 bis Avenue des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris
Website: theatredulido.com
Dates: Until 10 January 2027
Tickets: From €25

Enjoy a private Alpine feast at Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme

For a taste of the French Alps without leaving Paris, head to the Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme, where Le Chalet du Park is returning for its second festive season. Tucked away in the hotel's private courtyard, this cosy mountain-inspired hideaway comes complete with wooden interiors, soft furs and flickering candlelight, transporting guests straight to a traditional Alpine chalet. Available exclusively for private hire for groups of up to 10 people, the chalet serves lunches and dinners curated by Michelin-starred chef Jean-François Rouquette, with a menu featuring three-cheese raclette, artisan charcuterie from Maison Baud and roasted baby potatoes, followed by seasonal desserts. For those looking to splash out, there's also an optional truffle menu featuring Alba white truffles and black truffles.

Address: 5 Rue de la Paix, 75002 Paris
Website: hyatt.com
Dates: 16 November 2026 – 8 February 2027
Booking: Private hire only, for up to 10 guests

Ice-skate at the Grand Palais

Nothing says Christmas fun like an afternoon spent ice skating – even better if you are doing it in one of the most incredible buildings in Paris, the Grand Palais. The world's largest indoor ice rink (2,700 m²!) will be open from 12 December 2026 to 6 January 2027, with light shows, DJ sets and food stands offering all the winter classics like crêpes, waffles and hot chocolate. If you fancy having dinner after working up an appetite on the ice, "Le Megève" restaurant, located on the Balcon de l’Horloge overlooking the rink, serves raclette in an Alpine-inspired setting. This year, a giant moon will hang above the ice, making the atmosphere even more magical.

Address: 25 Avenue du Général Eisenhower, 75008 Paris
Website: grandpalais.fr
Dates: 12 December 2026 – 6 January 2027
Price: From €27 for adults and €15 for children

An afternoon of family fun at Hôtel Plaza Athénée

For a little festive magic with a side of Parisian luxury, head to the iconic Hôtel Plaza Athénée on Avenue Montaigne, where the hotel's beautiful courtyard is transformed into an Alpine-inspired winter wonderland for Christmas. Twinkling lights, cosy chalet decorations and a picturesque ice rink set the scene, while guests can tuck into melted cheese specialities and sip Champagne in the courtyard. Little ones can take to the ice with an experienced instructor before warming up with a festive afternoon tea at La Galerie, featuring pastries by award-winning pastry chef Angelo Musa. The ice rink is open from 11 November to 31 January, while the Christmas afternoon tea runs from 1 December to 3 January, making this a lovely option for families spending the festive season in Paris.

Address: 25 Avenue Montaigne, 75008 Paris
Website: dorchestercollection.com
Dates: 11 November 2026 – 31 January 2027 (ice rink); 1 December 2026 – 3 January 2027 (Christmas afternoon tea)

Discover a magical world of lights at Parc Floral

For a Christmas activity that the whole family will enjoy, head to the Parc Floral de Paris, near the Château de Vincennes, where L'Odyssée lumineuse transforms the gardens into a colourful wonderland after dark. This year's edition brings a completely new illuminated trail, with fantastical installations, a spectacular display of illuminated fountains on the park's lake and a light show recreating the Northern Lights. Visitors can also enjoy performances by the French duo Black Fingers, who use their hands to create extraordinary shadow puppets. It's a lovely way to spend a winter evening away from the hustle and bustle of central Paris.

Address: Parc Floral de Paris, Route de la Pyramide, 75012 Paris
Website: odysseelumineuse.fr
Dates: 14 November 2026 – 24 January 2027
Tickets: €11 for children aged 3–12 (free for under 3), €13 for adults

Indulge in a festive afternoon tea at Le Meurice

For a little Christmas indulgence, head to Le Meurice, one of Paris's most iconic palace hotels, where the festive season is celebrated with plenty of delicious treats. At Le Dalí, guests can escape the winter chill with a festive afternoon tea and a cup of hot chocolate, surrounded by the hotel's elegant interiors and Christmas decorations. For something a little more special, chef Amaury Bouhours is serving a festive tasting menu at the two-Michelin-starred Le Meurice Alain Ducasse, while Bar 228 is the place to head for an evening of live jazz, Champagne and cocktails. Whether you're after a sweet afternoon treat or a glamorous evening out, it's a lovely excuse to step inside one of the capital's most beautiful hotels during the Christmas season.

Address: 228 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris
Website: dorchestercollection.com
Dates: From November 2026 to January 2027

Listen to Christmas concerts in the heart of Paris

There is something particularly magical about listening to Christmas carols in a beautiful church, and luckily Paris has plenty of opportunities to do just that during the festive season. One of the most spectacular settings is Sainte-Chapelle, famous for its magnificent stained-glass windows, where a series of Christmas concerts will take place throughout December, featuring traditional carols alongside works by Bach, Handel and Corelli. Over in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the beautiful Église Saint-Sulpice will host a special concert on 27 December, featuring Corelli's Christmas Concerto and Vivaldi's Four Seasons. For something a little different, head to the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, where Radio Classique's Le Grand Concert de Noël returns on 12 and 13 December, bringing together an orchestra and choir for a programme of classical masterpieces and much-loved Christmas songs.

Discover Sam Wood's collaboration with Le Grand Mazarin

Christmas in Paris isn't just about twinkling lights, festive markets and decorated Christmas trees. Some of the city's most beautiful hotels also get into the spirit of the season, and Le Grand Mazarin, tucked away in the heart of the Marais, is no exception. Known for its playful interiors, rich colours and rather theatrical approach to design, the hotel feels more like stepping into an eccentric private residence than a traditional five-star property. This winter, it has teamed up with London-based artist Sam Wood for a special collaboration, offering another reason to escape the chilly Parisian streets and discover one of the neighbourhood's most colourful addresses.

Address: 17 Rue de la Verrerie, 75004 Paris
Website: legrandmazarin.com
Dates: From 12 November 2026

Admire the Christmas lights from a vintage Citroën 2CV

If the best thing to do in the summer is driving around Paris on a Vespa, in the winter nothing beats a tour in a vintage Citroën 2CV, especially at Christmas, when the city's streets and monuments are dressed up in thousands of twinkling lights. For a slightly different way to experience the festive season, hop into one of these iconic French cars for an evening drive around the capital, snuggled up under a blanket on the comfortable back seat while your driver takes you past some of Paris's most famous landmarks and beautifully illuminated squares. It's a lovely alternative to wandering around in the December cold, and a rather romantic way to admire the City of Light at its most festive.

Website: getyourguide.com
Price: €229 per group up to 3
Dates: From November to January

Indulge in sweet treats at Le Chalet Brach

If there's one thing that makes the chilly Parisian winter a little more bearable, it's the promise of a sweet treat and a steaming cup of hot chocolate. From 2 November, Brach Paris is bringing a little festive cheer to the 16th arrondissement with Le Chalet Brach, a seasonal takeaway spot set up on the hotel's ground-floor terrace. Open Monday to Saturday, the chalet serves all the winter favourites, from freshly made crêpes, waffles and churros to beignets, alongside indulgent spreads, Dubai-inspired treats and clementine jam. Wash it all down with a hot chocolate or a glass of mulled wine before heading off to explore the neighbourhood.

Address: 1–7 Rue Jean Richepin, 75016 Paris
Website: evokcollection.com
Dates: From 2 November 2026, Monday to Saturday, 3pm–7pm

Step into a magical world at the Festival du Merveilleux

For a Christmas outing that will delight children and adults alike, head to the Musée des Arts Forains in Bercy, where the annual Festival du Merveilleux brings a little extra magic to the days between Christmas and New Year. Normally accessible only through guided visits, this fascinating museum dedicated to vintage fairground attractions opens its doors for nine days of festive fun, allowing visitors to wander freely among its extraordinary collection of antique merry-go-rounds, fairground games and theatrical curiosities. Expect everything from street performers and magicians to live music and century-old carousels that you can actually ride. It's a wonderful opportunity to discover one of Paris's most unusual museums, with plenty of entertainment for the whole family.

Address: 53 Avenue des Terroirs de France, 75012 Paris
Website: arts-forains.com
Dates: 26 December 2026 – 3 January 2027
Tickets: €23 adults, €19 students under 25 and teenagers aged 12–17, €15 children aged 3–11; free for under-threes.