With historical monuments, high fashion, and streets lined with some of the world’s most beautiful renaissance, gothic, and neoclassical architecture, Paris is a sight to behold. While spring and summer in the City of Lights may be beautiful, there’s no time of year to visit Paris like Christmas. As the holidays approach, this already-enchanting city comes alive, as holiday markets, seasonal decoration, and festive food turn Paris into a winter wonderland. If you’re still on the fence about booking your trip and leaving your luxury condo stateside, discover just what makes the city such a must-see at Christmas:
The Champs-Élysées Christmas Market
Whether you’re looking for a last-minute gift, want to sip a little vin chaud, or just want to bask in the beauty of some of the world’s most charming and elaborate holiday decorations, the Champs-Élysées Christmas Market is the perfect place for you. This holiday village is at once both quaint and modern, with handmade wares, holiday food, and all the Christmas spirit you’d ever want, all in one picturesque place.
The light displays at Parisian department stores
The only thing better than shopping in Paris’ famed department stores is seeing them lit up at Christmas. Each year at Christmas, department stores like Printemps and Galeries Lafayette illuminate their windows with stunning holiday displays that delight visitors young and old.
Skating at Santa’s Village
Lace up your skates and test out your balance with a trip to the ice skating rink at Santa’s Village. Take a few laps around the rink with your loved ones and treat yourself to shopping on the nearby Champs-Élysées afterward.
Holiday services at Notre Dame
Even if you’re not a particularly devout person, Christmas mass at Notre Dame is a spiritual experience. The world’s most famous cathedral opens its doors for celebrants on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day each year, welcoming guests from around the world to listen to music and delight in the festive atmosphere.
Cocktails at Harry’s Bar
This Paris icon comes alive during the holiday season, with patrons pouring in from around the globe. A former haunt of creative talents like Ernest Hemingway, Rita Hayworth, and George Gershwin, this “New York bar” is the perfect place to enjoy a well-mixed cocktail as the temperature outside starts to dip — Harry’s is said to be the birthplace of the French 75 and the Bloody Mary, after all.
Whether you’re strolling the banks of the Seine or admiring the incredible majesty of Notre Dame, there’s no city in the world like Paris at Christmas. This year, give yourself and your loved ones even more to be thankful for with a holiday trip to this magical city.
