Christmas in Paris 2026: 18 Magical Things to Do
Paris · 18 things to do
18 things to do in Paris at Christmas: lights on the Champs-Élysées, ice rinks, department store windows, giant trees, light trails and festive food.
By Amit KerenWhat to do in Paris at Christmas 2026? This map shows 18 festive things to do, from the Champs-Élysées Christmas lights and the Galeries Lafayette tree to ice skating under the glass roof of the Grand Palais.
Most of them are free: the lights, the department store windows at Printemps and Galeries Lafayette, the giant trees at Notre-Dame and Beaugrenelle, and the Eiffel Tower sparkling for five minutes every hour after dark. Ice rinks, light trails and concerts are paid.
Paris Christmas lights usually go on in late November and stay up until early January. 2026 dates for the rinks and light trails were not announced yet when we wrote this, so check each venue before you go.
Area · Christmas lights
The avenue's trees are wrapped in lights from the Arc de Triomphe down to Place de la Concorde. Walk it after dark, when the lights twinkle on the hour.
Tip: The best view is from the middle of the avenue at a pedestrian crossing, looking up towards the Arc de Triomphe.
Attraction · Seasonal ice rink
Go ice skating in the Champs-Élysées gardens, near Pavillon Ledoyen at the Concorde end of the avenue. Combine it with the lights and the carousel at Place Clemenceau.
Landmark & square · Carousel
Ride the old-fashioned carousel on Place Clemenceau, between the Grand Palais and the Petit Palais, just off the Champs-Élysées.
Park & garden · Christmas fair
Ride the big wheel and the fairground carousels at the Tuileries Christmas fair, next to the Louvre, with Christmas market stalls and food.
Nearby: Paris Christmas Markets 2026: Dates and Map
Shop · Christmas tree and rooftop rink
See the giant Christmas tree hanging under the stained-glass dome, then go up to the roof to ice skate with views over the Opéra and the Eiffel Tower.
Tip: The view of the tree from the glass walkway is the classic photo. Go on a weekday morning to avoid the crowds.
Bar · Christmas windows and rooftop rink
See the animated Christmas windows on Boulevard Haussmann, then skate on the 7th-floor rooftop with a view of the Paris rooftops.
Museum · Ice rink under the glass roof
Skate under the huge glass roof of the Grand Palais, one of the most beautiful ice rinks in the world, with lights and DJ evenings.
Tip: Tickets sell out for evenings and weekends. Book online in advance.
Shop · Indoor Christmas village
Walk through the snowy indoor Christmas village that Le Bon Marché sets up each year, with decorations and gift ideas, then try the food hall next door.
Landmark & square · Sparkling lights
Watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle with thousands of lights for five minutes at the start of every hour after dark.
Tip: Watch from Trocadéro or the Pont d'Iéna for the best view.
Church & religious site · Giant Christmas tree
See the giant lit Christmas tree on the forecourt in front of Notre-Dame, beautiful after dark.
Event · French craft stalls
Mon to Thu and Sun 10:00-20:00, Fri and Sat 10:00-21:00
Browse the French craft stalls in Square René Viviani, opposite Notre-Dame across the Seine, with local makers and food.
Nearby: Paris Christmas Markets 2026: Dates and Map
Park & garden · Night light trail (ticketed)
Walk the night light trail in the Jardin des Plantes, with giant illuminated lanterns along the paths. Tickets are needed, best booked in advance.
Shop · Giant Christmas tree
See the giant Christmas tree inside Beaugrenelle, by the Seine, a short walk from the Eiffel Tower.
Black Friday: 25% off
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Black Friday: 25% off
From $2.99 a year · 14-day refund
Black Friday: 25% off
From $2.99 a year · 14-day refund
Black Friday: 25% off
From $2.99 a year · 14-day refund
Black Friday: 25% off
From $2.99 a year · 14-day refund
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Open routeRecommended hotels
Rue de Rivoli, Tuileries
Best for: Palace hotel
Palace hotel facing the Tuileries Garden, with a Michelin-starred restaurant and a short walk to the Louvre.
Avenue Montaigne
Best for: Fashion and luxury
Dorchester Collection palace hotel on Avenue Montaigne, with many rooms looking toward the Eiffel Tower.
Trocadéro
Best for: Eiffel Tower views
Former home of Prince Roland Bonaparte facing the Eiffel Tower across the Seine, with an indoor pool.
Place des Vosges, Le Marais
Best for: Romantic stay
Ivy-covered hotel hidden behind the arcades of Place des Vosges, with a spa, in the heart of the Marais.
Louvre, near the Tuileries
Best for: Location
Classic hotel next to the Louvre, a short walk from the Tuileries, Place Vendôme and Avenue de l'Opéra.
Grands Boulevards
Best for: Rooftop bar
Design hotel by the Experimental group with a rooftop bar and an Italian restaurant, close to the Opéra and the department stores.
Saint-Germain and Montparnasse
Best for: Couples
Boutique hotel with a small spa on a quiet street near the Luxembourg Gardens.
Latin Quarter
Best for: Latin Quarter
Small boutique hotel near the Arènes de Lutèce and Rue Mouffetard, a 10 minute walk to Notre-Dame.
Latin Quarter
Best for: Value
Small boutique hotel in the Latin Quarter, handy for Notre-Dame, Saint-Michel and Rue Mouffetard.
Near Gare de l'Est
Best for: Budget
Budget hostel with private rooms near Gare de l'Est, close to Canal Saint-Martin and Belleville.
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Before you go
Questions & answers
See the Champs-Élysées lights, the giant tree under the Galeries Lafayette dome and the Printemps windows, ice skate at the Grand Palais or on a department store roof, ride the Tuileries big wheel, and drink hot chocolate at Angelina.
The Champs-Élysées lights usually go on in late November and stay on until early January. The 2026 date wasn't announced yet when we wrote this.
Under the glass roof of the Grand Palais, on the rooftops of Galeries Lafayette and Printemps, in the Champs-Élysées gardens and at La Défense.
spotz.guide is a collection of travel maps and step-by-step routes, made to be opened on your phone and followed on the ground. Every guide is put together and checked by founder and editor Amit Keren.
Spots come from time on the ground and strong recommendations, and each one is checked before it goes on the map.
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