Things to do at Christmas in Paris

 When Christmas arrives in Paris, the city turns into a living snow globe—full of twinkling lights, festive storefronts, and vin chaud around every corner. From skating rinks beneath the Eiffel Tower to hidden museum gems made for chilly afternoons, there’s a seasonal sparkle to every arrondissement. And with your Paris Pass in hand, you can soak up the magic while skipping the lines and diving straight into the good stuff. Whether you're dreaming of carols, chocolate, or a chic spin through the Christmas markets, these 20 experiences will make your Paris holiday feel unforgettable. 

Wander the Champs-Élysées Christmas market 

No Christmas in Paris is complete without a visit to the Champs-Élysées Christmas market. Lined with wooden chalets and twinkling fairy lights, this seasonal favourite offers everything from handmade ornaments to piping hot raclette and vin chaud. The air smells like cinnamon and roasted chestnuts, and the whole avenue sparkles beneath festive garlands. It’s free to enter and perfect for browsing, snacking, or picking up last-minute gifts with actual charm. Time it right, and you’ll catch live music or festive street performers along the way. It’s Paris at its most Christmassy—glowing, delicious, and just the right amount of over-the-top. 

Visit the Louvre on a frosty morning 

Normal price: €23.00 | Included with the Paris Pass 

Start your Christmas itinerary with a slow, art-filled wander through the Louvre Museum. It’s quieter than usual in late December, making it the perfect time to enjoy iconic works without the usual elbowing. Step in from the cold and into the Denon Wing to see the Mona Lisa in peace, or dive into ancient artefacts and winter-lit sculpture halls. The glass pyramid gleams in the winter light—and if it happens to snow, you’re in for a rare and magical scene. Warm up with a pastry in the museum café before heading back out for more holiday adventures. 

Sip chocolat chaud at Angelina 

Few things feel more indulgent than sipping hot chocolate at Angelina on a winter afternoon. Located near the Tuileries Garden, this Belle Époque tea room is famous for its almost-drinkable chocolate pudding served with fresh whipped cream on the side. It’s a local winter ritual—and one worth carving time out for. At Christmas, the interior gets a festive makeover, and you’ll be surrounded by gold trim, mirrored walls, and tins of seasonal sweets in case you’re gift shopping while you sip. Pair your chocolat chaud with a Mont-Blanc pastry for peak Parisian indulgence. 

Ride the Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour (festive lights edition) 

Normal price: €49.00 | Included with the Paris Pass 

Paris doesn’t hold back when it comes to Christmas lights, and the Big Bus tour gives you a front-row seat to all the sparkle. Hop aboard in the late afternoon and catch golden hour turning into glittering evening. You’ll cruise past twinkling monuments, glowing shop windows, and festive hotspots like Place Vendôme and Avenue Montaigne. It’s a fun, easy way to stay warm while taking in the holiday cheer—especially if you’ve done enough walking for the day. The onboard commentary adds a layer of storytelling, but honestly, the lights kind of steal the show. 

See the holiday windows at Galeries Lafayette

Christmas in Paris isn’t just about lights—it’s about spectacle, and no one does it better than Galeries Lafayette. Every December, this grand department store unveils its legendary holiday windows, complete with animated displays, twinkling decorations, and a different theme each year (previous years have featured everything from enchanted forests to flying pastries). Inside, you’ll find a massive tree suspended beneath the stained-glass dome—glorious enough to make even the grinchiest visitor grin. While you’re there, don’t miss the rooftop terrace for festive views of the Eiffel Tower and a potential dusting of snow. Shopping optional, wonder guaranteed.

Cruise the Seine under twinkling lights

Normal price: €19.00 | Included with the Paris Pass

There’s something extra romantic about a Bateaux Parisiens river cruise at Christmastime. As Paris dresses up for the holidays, its bridges, monuments, and quays sparkle with festive lighting—and from the comfort of a covered, heated boat, you get to see it all in one dreamy loop. The Eiffel Tower sparkles on the hour, Notre Dame glows across the water, and the soft hum of the Seine makes the perfect soundtrack to a winter’s night. It’s ideal for couples, families, or anyone who wants a break from walking without missing the magic.

Ice skating beneath Hôtel de Ville

Hôtel de Ville turns into a snowy wonderland each December with one of the city’s best-loved pop-up ice skating rinks. Set against the dramatic Gothic architecture of city hall, this open-air rink is both festive and photogenic. Whether you’re a graceful glider or a clumsy first-timer, it’s all part of the charm. There's often music, fairy lights strung between lampposts, and snack stalls nearby selling mulled wine or waffles. Skates can be rented on-site, and the vibe is equal parts cheerful and nostalgic—just the thing for holiday spirit seekers.

Cosy up in the Musée de l’Orangerie

Normal price: €12.50 | Included with the Paris Pass

When the temperature drops, the Orangerie Museum becomes the art lover’s refuge. Inside, you’ll find Monet’s famous water lily murals, arranged in curved, light-filled rooms that feel like a warm embrace from winter itself. The soft pastels and painterly reflections are somehow even more calming in December, especially after a brisk walk through the nearby Tuileries Garden. Downstairs, you’ll also find gems by Renoir, Picasso, and Matisse—all without the holiday crowds. Pair it with a nearby hot chocolate (we recommend Angelina, just around the corner) and you’ve got the ultimate winter cultural combo.

Visit Notre Dame and the Archeological Crypt

Normal price: €39.00 | Included with the Paris Pass

Even while under restoration, Notre Dame remains one of the most atmospheric places to visit at Christmas. Start with a stroll past its soaring façade—often decorated with a modest but elegant Christmas tree—before heading underground to explore the Archeological Crypt below. This quiet, lesser-known site tells the layered history of Paris through ancient ruins and interactive displays, all beneath the festive buzz of the square above. It’s a peaceful way to balance your day, offering time to reflect on the deeper history of the city while staying warm and out of the holiday bustle.

Visit the Palace of Versailles in winter 

Normal price: €21.00 | Included with the Paris Pass 

Versailles in winter trades its summer crowds for a crisp, elegant calm. While the gardens may be dusted with frost instead of blooms, the Palace of Versailles glows with holiday grandeur. Roam the Hall of Mirrors without the selfie sticks, admire the lavish Christmas decor, and take your time exploring Marie Antoinette’s estate. It’s stately, peaceful, and perfect for those who want to blend holiday romance with history. If you’re lucky enough to visit on a snowy morning, the palace grounds become something out of a fairytale. 

See a festive show at Opéra Garnier 

Decked in gold, velvet, and chandeliers, Opéra Garnier is always dramatic—but at Christmas, it’s downright magical. Whether it’s a seasonal ballet like The Nutcracker or a stirring opera production, seeing a show here is a Paris holiday dream come true. Book early—tickets sell fast in December—and arrive a bit before curtain to admire the Grand Staircase and glittering rotunda. Even if you don't catch a show, guided tours are available daily and well worth your time (and your camera roll). Bonus: there’s usually a mulled wine cart parked outside. 

Visit the Picasso Museum 

Normal price: €16.00 | Included with the Paris Pass 

Tucked into a quiet corner of the Marais, the Picasso Museum is ideal for a chilly December afternoon. The 17th-century hôtel particulier it’s housed in feels festive and intimate, especially when you're escaping crowds or cold. Inside, you’ll find an extensive collection of Picasso’s paintings, sketches, sculptures, and personal archives—many tied to his love of family, theatre, and celebration. The exhibitions change often, so there’s always something fresh to explore. Afterwards, head to a nearby café for something warm and chocolatey, and enjoy the quieter side of Paris at Christmastime. 

Ice skating at the Eiffel Tower 

Yes, you can ice skate on a platform beneath the Eiffel Tower—and yes, it’s as magical as it sounds. Each December, a temporary rink pops up on or near the tower’s lower level or Champ de Mars, offering a once-in-a-lifetime chance to glide across the ice with Paris’ most famous landmark sparkling above you. The music is festive, the views are unbeatable, and the selfies? Instantly iconic. Skate rentals are available on-site, and nearby stalls often sell crêpes and vin chaud. It's the kind of activity you only get at Christmas—and you'll want to tell everyone about it. 

Discover France Miniature in festive mode 

Normal price: €29.00 | Included with the Paris Pass 

Want a Christmas activity that’s both adorable and surprisingly fun? France Miniature, just outside the city, transforms into a tiny festive wonderland in winter. This open-air park features over 100 scale models of iconic French landmarks, with snow-dusted mini-châteaux, toy trains, and holiday-themed games. While some attractions may close in heavy weather, the experience of exploring a model France with a thermos of hot cocoa is as quirky as it is charming. Great for families or anyone who appreciates a low-key, offbeat holiday moment. 

Solve a mystery by Notre Dame 

Normal price: €38.00 | Included with the Paris Pass 

Add a little intrigue to your holiday itinerary with the Solve a Mystery experience near Notre Dame. This self-guided whodunnit takes you through historic streets as you unravel clues tied to a fictional crime—perfect for travellers who love a bit of theatre with their sightseeing. The snow adds an extra chill to the experience (literally and atmospherically), and the setting—Île de la Cité dressed for the season—feels straight out of a detective novel. Gather your group, wrap up warm, and prepare to play Parisian sleuth for the afternoon. 

Attend Midnight Mass at Sacré-Cœur 

Even if you're not religious, Midnight Mass at Sacré-Cœur is a soul-stirring experience. Perched high above the city, the basilica offers panoramic views of glittering Paris on Christmas Eve, followed by a candlelit service filled with music, reverence, and awe. Arrive early to get a seat—and to soak up the calm before the carols. The area around Montmartre feels peaceful and hushed on Christmas Eve, with locals gathering quietly and the air often crisp with frost. It’s a magical way to end your night and start Christmas Day on a reflective, joyful note. 

Take a festive food tour 

Paris at Christmas means gingerbread, pralines, seasonal cheeses, and spiced wines—and the best way to sample them all? A festive food tour. These guided walks take you through neighbourhoods like Le Marais or Saint-Germain-des-Prés, stopping at pâtisseries, chocolatiers, markets, and bakeries for the best holiday bites. You’ll learn about local traditions, taste regional Christmas treats, and pick up gift-worthy goodies along the way. Most tours run rain or shine—and a little snow only adds to the charm. Arrive hungry and prepare to discover that "one more bite" always leads to another. 

Whether you’re gliding across an ice rink beneath the Eiffel Tower, sipping spiced wine in a glowing market, or soaking up world-class art between festive strolls, Paris at Christmas is full of wonder. The city feels softer, slower, and somehow even more beautiful—wrapped in lights, layered in history, and ready to charm you with every snowy step. With your Paris Pass, you can skip the queues and jump straight into the holiday spirit, discovering a city that knows how to do Christmas properly. Cosy up, look up, and let Paris light the way. 

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