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Best Things to do in Paris at Christmas

Paris Christmas Markets

A Christmas market in Paris is the quickest way to get into festive mode. You’ll find everything from wooden stalls, mulled wine and plenty of festive snacks. Here are a few markets that really stand out and are worth adding to your trip:

La Défense Christmas Market

The biggest Christmas market in Paris and such a fun one to walk around. There’s more than 150 chalets filled with gifts, decorations and little handcrafted finds you didn’t even know you needed. The whole area feels like its own Christmas village, with an ice rink and even daily appearances from Santa Claus. It runs from 15 November 2025 to 4 January 2026, so there’s plenty of time to fit it in.

Tuileries Garden Market

Just a short walk from both the Louvre and the Champs-Élysées, this one feels like a Christmas detour right in the middle of all the sightseeing. The whole market is tucked inside the gardens, so it feels extra pretty. It runs from 14 November 2025 to 4 January 2026, which makes it perfect for those early in the season trips too.

Eiffel Tower Christmas Market

A smaller market compared to the other two but such a lovely one if you’re planning to see the Eiffel Tower anyway. It’s the kind of place that’s ideal for a slow browse on your way over to watch the lights sparkle, with stalls selling little treats and wintery bits that feel very “Paris at Christmas.” It’s opened from 6 December 2025 to 4 January 2026.

Ice Skating

Ice skating in Paris always feels like the right kind of winter activity and a nice way to break up all the walking. The Hotel de Ville rink sits right in front of one of the most beautiful buildings in the city, so the setting does a lot of the work for you. You’ll usually find people clinging to the barrier and people who clearly skate every day of their lives.

The Grand Palais rink is the more dramatic option thanks to its huge glass roof. Everything feels bigger and brighter and it’s a great pick if you want to stay away from the rain. No one needs to be good at skating here as half the experience is just laughing your way around the ice and grabbing something warm afterwards.

Hotel de Ville rink
Open from December 2025 to March 2026

Grand Palais
Open from December 14, 2025 to January 7, 2026
Adults: €27 for the morning session, €32 for the afternoon

Champs-Elysées Christmas Lights

A walk down the Champs-Elysées at night is one of the best and free Christmas moments in Paris. You’ll instantly see all the trees lined with lights, shops glowing and the Arc de Triomphe standing at the end of the avenue. The lights come on from 5pm so even early evenings feel festive. It’s a great place to start or end your night without having to plan anything.

Window Displays

Paris definitely doesn’t hold back with Christmas windows. Galeries Lafayette and Printemps are the main spots and their displays are worth seeing even if you’re not in the mood to shop. Think big, detailed and animated scenes that always attract a crowd. Inside Galeries Lafayette you’ll also find the huge Christmas tree in the centre of the store and make sure you don’t miss visiting the free rooftop terrace for a winter view of the city.

Around the area the designer stores also go all in especially along Avenue Montaigne and Rue Saint-Honoré. Shops like Dior, Chanel and Louis Vuitton usually have some of the prettiest displays, so it’s a nice route to stroll if you’re already in the neighbourhood.

Disneyland Paris

A girls’ trip to Paris never feels fully complete without a day at Disneyland and Christmas is one of the best times to go. The decorations cover every corner of the park, the Christmas parade runs throughout the day and everything feels a bit more fun and cosy than usual. It’s a full day activity so it’s ideal if your girls wants something fun and memorable. Tickets start from £43.75 and be bought on Klook.

Eiffel Tower

You can’t visit Paris and not see the Eiffel Tower, no matter how many times you may have seen it in the past. The cold air makes the lights look sharper and the areas around the river usually thin out a little once it gets dark. Whether you go up or stay at the bottom for photos, it’s a simple Christmas moment that adds something nice to your trip without needing much effort. Don’t forget to see it sparkle for 5 minutes which happens every hour after sunset until 11pm. Tickets to the 2nd floor start from £34 and can be bought here.

Seine River Sightseeing Cruise

A Seine cruise is one of the easiest ways to see the city without adding more walking to your day. The Christmas lights along the banks look great from the water and you get a slow, steady view of the main landmarks without rushing. It’s warm, relaxing and a good pick if your feet have had enough but you still want to make the most of the evening.

Cruise tickets near the Eiffel Tower start from £14.

Moulin Rouge

A night at Moulin Rouge brings a bit of glamour to your trip without feeling over the top. You’ll see everything from bright costumes, impressive performances and a classic Paris setting which is a fun way to do something different from the usual Christmas activities. It’s one of my favourite things to do on a girls’ night where everyone wants to dress up a little and enjoy an easy, entertaining evening.

Tickets with champagne start from £105 and can be bought here.

Christmas Concerts at La Sainte Chapelle

A Christmas concert inside La Sainte Chapelle is a quieter, more thoughtful way to enjoy the season. The stained glass alone makes the setting special and the music feels even better in such a small, intimate space. It’s a nice contrast to the busy streets and crowds and a good option if your girls wants something calm but still festive. Tickets start from £15 and can be bought here.

I hope this guide on the Best Things to do in Paris at Christmas was useful and helps with your planning!