Visiting Paris at Christmas is an opportunity to discover the city all lit up, explore its Christmas markets, and enjoy special activities. We’ll tell you which markets are the best, where to see the lights, and what experiences you can book.
Indice:
Paris Christmas Markets 2026–2027
These are some of the main Christmas markets in Paris, along with their locations and the dates scheduled for the 2026–2027 season. Some dates may be subject to change, so it is advisable to confirm them before your trip.
- Notre-Dame: November 26 to December 27, 2026. 📍 Square René-Viviani, opposite Notre-Dame Cathedral. A market featuring French crafts and local products.
- Champs-Élysées: November 22, 2026, to January 4, 2027. 📍 Avenue des Champs-Élysées, between Place de la Concorde and Rond-Point. An iconic area to enjoy the Christmas atmosphere.
- Tuileries: November 14, 2026, to January 3, 2027. 📍 Jardin des Tuileries, next to Place de la Concorde. Combines Christmas stalls, food, and attractions.
- La Défense: November 12 to December 31, 2026. 📍 Parvis de La Défense, next to the Grande Arche. A large market with gift stalls and food specialties.
- Hôtel de Ville: December 4, 2026, to January 3, 2027 (expected dates). 📍 The esplanade in front of Paris City Hall, at Place de l’Hôtel-de-Ville.
- Place Saint-Michel: December 4, 2026, to January 3, 2027 (expected dates). 📍 Place Saint-Michel, in the Latin Quarter, beside the Seine.
- Saint-Germain-des-Prés: November 23 to December 31, 2026 (expected dates). 📍 Place Saint-Germain-des-Prés, next to the church of the same name.
- Montmartre: November 21, 2026, to January 3, 2027 (expected dates). 📍 Place des Abbesses, in the Montmartre neighborhood.
- Eiffel Tower: December 5, 2026, to January 3, 2027 (expected dates). 📍 Quai Jacques-Chirac, next to the Eiffel Tower.
- La Villette: November 27 to December 27, 2026 (expected dates). 📍 Parc de la Villette, in Paris’s 19th arrondissement.
A very nice option is to make a Christmas Tour of Paris or a tour of Paris on the Christmas bus
check out our map of Christmas markets in Paris to locate each market and organize your visits.
Christmas lights and shop windows in Paris
Christmas lights transform some of the city’s most beautiful streets. Must-see locations include the Champs-Élysées, Place Vendôme, Boulevard Haussmann, and Avenue Montaigne.
It is also worth visiting the department stores Galeries Lafayette, Printemps, and La Samaritaine, famous for their Christmas decorations and festive window displays. According to our calendar, the expected dates for the main Christmas lights display are November 22, 2026, to January 4, 2027.
Special dinners for Christmas Eve in Paris
If you would like to celebrate Christmas Eve in a special way, these experiences combine gastronomy, landmarks, and entertainment. Remember to check for specific availability for December 24th and book in advance.
- Gourmet sightseeing bus: enjoy dinner while touring Paris and admiring its main illuminated landmarks from a panoramic bus. Book Bustronome
- Dinner cruise on the Seine: sail through the heart of Paris while enjoying dinner with views of iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame. Book a Seine River Dinner Cruise
- Dinner at the Eiffel Tower: a dining experience at one of the world’s most famous landmarks, ideal for a special evening with panoramic views. Book Dinner at the Eiffel Tower
- Le Train Bleu: a historic restaurant located at Gare de Lyon, known for its elegant, beautifully decorated dining rooms and French cuisine. Restaurant website
- Moulin Rouge: an option for combining dinner with a cabaret show at one of Paris’s most iconic venues. Book Moulin Rouge Tickets
Opening hours and special menus for Christmas Eve should be confirmed directly with each establishment.
Map of Christmas in Paris
To plan your itinerary, check out our interactive Christmas map of Paris, where you’ll find Christmas markets and other highlights to visit during the festive season.
Save it to help plan your trip and enjoy Paris during one of the most magical times of the year!
Where Do We Stay in Paris at Christmas?
For our Christmas getaway to Paris, this is the hotel we chose for our own stay. If you’re planning your trip, you can check out the accommodation we selected and find out all the details here.
Discover the hotel we chose in Paris
Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas in Paris
What should you eat at the Christmas markets in Paris?
Christmas markets are a great opportunity to try French specialties and typical winter dishes. You’ll find crêpes, waffles, roasted chestnuts, cheeses, hot sausages, and Christmas treats. To warm up, there are usually hot drinks available too, such as hot chocolate and spiced mulled wine (vin chaud).
The food selection varies from one market to another, but it’s a great way to take a break while browsing the stalls.
What should you wear in Paris at Christmas?
December in Paris is usually cold and damp, with a chance of rain, so dressing in layers is your best option. Bring a warm coat, a sweater, a scarf, gloves, and a hat, as well as comfortable, closed-toe, waterproof shoes for walking around the city.
Temperatures can vary, so it’s a good idea to check the weather forecast before your trip. If you plan to spend many hours outdoors visiting Christmas markets and admiring the lights, you’ll appreciate wearing thermal layers and protecting yourself from the wind.
If you’re planning to spend a few days experiencing Christmas in Alsace, here’s our blog post with a map of the Christmas markets.
NOTE: The information in this article is based on our own experience and is presented as objectively as possible. This article contains affiliate links.
