Christmas in Paris: Christmas markets, holiday lights, and where to stay
Christmas markets, holiday lights, and department store window displays: what to see in Paris in December—and which neighborhood to stay in so you don’t have to spend the night on the metro.
In December, Paris takes on a different vibe: store windows come to life, the streets are lit up starting in mid-November, and wooden booths are set up in the parks. It’s also one of the times of year when Parisian hotels fill up the fastest. We’ll tell you where to go, when to go, and which neighborhood offers the best experience.
The Christmas Markets You Can't Miss
Les Tuileries: the largest. Set in the garden connecting the Louvre to the Place de la Concorde, the La Magie de Noël market features about a hundred craft booths, an ice-skating rink, a Ferris wheel, and a full-fledged carnival. It traditionally opens in mid-November and closes in early January. It’s the most family-friendly and, by far, the most crowded: come on a weekday or in the early afternoon if you want to move around comfortably.
Notre-Dame: the most intimate. Square René Viviani, Quai Montebello, in the 5th arrondissement, across from the cathedral. Smaller, more artisanal, and much quieter than the Tuileries. It’s usually held from late November to late December, so it closes earlier than the others.
The Champs-Élysées: The Long-Awaited Return. After nearly ten years away, a Christmas market is set to return to the lower section of the avenue for the winter of 2026–2027. The details of the event had not yet been finalized at the time of this writing: please check for updates before making a special trip there.
Every year, other, smaller flea markets pop up in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Montmartre, and the Marais. Our reception desks have the most up-to-date list.
Light displays: from mid-November to early January
It may be the most beautiful event of the season—and it’s free. The Champs-Élysées, Place Vendôme, and more than 150 Parisian streets are lit up starting in mid-November and remain illuminated until early January. The lighting of the avenue is marked by an opening ceremony, with the avenue closed to traffic for the occasion.
When it comes to store windows, Galeries Lafayette and Printemps Haussmann remain the two must-see stops: you can admire their displays from the sidewalk, without having to go inside or wait in line. La Samaritaine, the BHV Marais, and Le Bon Marché round out the tour.
Which hotel is the best place to enjoy it from?
For the Tuileries Gardens and the department stores, the central right bank is ideal. Our hotel near the Louvre Museum puts you just a few minutes away from the gardens, and our hotel near the Marais is within easy reach of La Samaritaine, the BHV, and Les Halles.
For the storefronts along Boulevard Haussmann, nothing beats the 9th arrondissement: the Hôtel Léman Opéra is a ten-minute walk from Galeries Lafayette and Printemps, and our hotel on the Grands Boulevards is right next door.
For the Notre-Dame flea market, our hotel in the Latin Quarter, on Rue Saint-Jacques, is just a few hundred meters from Square René Viviani. It’s a five-minute walk, which makes all the difference when it’s cold.
For the Champs-Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe, our hotel in western Paris —located in the 17th arrondissement—is the closest.
For a small-town atmosphere under the snow, our hotel near the Sacré-Cœur: Montmartre Hill in December, with its illuminated narrow streets and views of the city, is a truly special experience.
Three Seasonal Tips
Book early. Parisian hotels fill up starting in October for the weekends in December, and New Year's Eve stays sell out even sooner. Unlike other times of the year, waiting until the last minute can be expensive in December.
Expect short days. It gets dark around 5:00 p.m. It's best to save the museums for the afternoon and the light displays for the end of the day—not the other way around.
Plan ahead for closures. Many restaurants are closed on December 24 and 25, or offer a special set menu that requires advance reservations. Our list of restaurants near our hotels will give you a good starting point, but be sure to check the hours for those two specific nights.
Come with your family or in a group
December is the season for reunions and, therefore, for group reservations. For groups of three or more rooms, our dedicated service will put together a unique package, which may be split between two of our nearby hotels: you can find all the details in our article on booking multiple rooms in Paris.
And if you're still unsure about the area, our guide to which neighborhood to stay in Paris covers the eight districts where we have locations. Discover our 3-star hotels in Paris and book directly to get the best price.
