I suppose it should come as no surprise that a place called the “city of lights” goes all out with holiday lights, but when it comes to Christmas, wow, Paris really knows how to party!
Christmas Decorations in Paris
The center of Paris’ Christmas scene is the Champs-Élysées, the famous avenue lined with luxury shops that ends in a stunning forte with the Arc de Triomphe.
During the Christmas season, the street is lined with pop up Christmas markets selling handmade goods, gingerbread, regional cheeses and sausage, and warm wine. Yes, please!
Christmas markets are a tradition that started in Germany in the 14th century and quickly spread to the rest of Europe. Those along the Champs-Élysées are the largest in Paris, and also come complete with a Ferris wheel, ice skating rink and Christmas-themed fun house.
The avenue is also lined with blue and white Christmas lights that make the view of the Arc de Triomphe even more stunning.
A walk past the retail shops will reveal window fronts that rival those of New York City’s in terms of festivity. The dresses on display will make you crave an invitation to a New Year’s Eve party fit for their glamour.
Ever the symbol of beauty, strength and dreams come true, the Eiffel Tower peaks out occasionally amongst this scene. Nearby streets decorated with twinkling lights provide the perfect setting for a holiday photo with Paris’ most famous beauty.
Additional Christmas markets can be found in La Défense, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Republique, Gare de l’Est, Montparnasse Tower, Saint-Sulpice. An ice skating rink is located in Trocadero, near the Eiffel Tower.
The Christmas markets of the Champs-Élysées run through January 5, 2014 and are open from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and until midnight Friday and Saturday.
Also worth a visit is the Christmas tree in front of the Notre Dame Cathedral.
