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Christmas in Paris is truly a dream! The weather is just chilly enough, the atmosphere is festive, and everywhere you look screams of CHRISTMAS! There is a ton of exciting stuff happening all around the city. There will be Christmas markets, ice skating rinks, Christmas lights and Christmas trees, holiday-themed shopping, and of course, a lot of restaurants will be serving their special menus. This article rounds up all of the best of what Paris has to offer for Christmas 2021!
What you’ll find in this article are:
- The best Christmas markets
- Where to find the best Christmas decorations
- Where to have your special Christmas meals
The best Christmas Markets in Paris
1 – La Magie de Noel at Tuileries Garden
Just like last year, the famous Champs-Elysées Christmas market will be taking place at its new home, the Tuileries Garden. The famous gardens just next to the Louvre will be extra festive and bright this winter as the park celebrates La Magie de Noel, or The Magic of Christmas!
- Dates: November 20, 2021 – January 2, 2022
- Address: Jardin des Tuileries
- Access: Tuileries – Line 1
2 – La Defense Christmas Market
This will be the biggest Christmas market in Paris this 2021. Though the location may be a bit outside of the city, getting there by subway is actually very easy! The La Defense market will have over 350 wooden chalets that will be offering a wide variety of artisanal Christmas-themed goods as well as delicious treats from different regions of France.
Visiting the market at night will be extra special as the buildings around the market will be lit up in colorful lights! Aside from the delicious food and cozy atmosphere, there will also be an ice skating rink on the top of the Grande Arche building! This is probably the most exciting rink in Paris this year as you’ll get to go ice skating 110m above ground! Enjoy 360° panoramic views of Paris while you glide through ice!
- Dates: November 25 – December 29, 2021
- Address: 1 Parvis de la Défense, 92800
- Access: La Defense – Line 1 / RER A
3 – Saint-Germain-des-Prés Christmas Market
- Dates: November 20 – December 26, 2021
- Address: Place Saint-Germain-des-Prés, 75006 Paris
- Access: Saint-Germain-des-Prés – Lines 4, 5 7
The best Christmas Decorations in Paris
1 – Grands Boulevards
Paris isn’t nicknamed the City of Light for nothing! This isn’t any more true than when Christmas time rolls around. This is where several establishments show off their creativity and this is particularly most apparent on Boulevard Haussmann. Did you know that Parisians actually make it a tradition to stop by the busy boulevard to gander at the heart-tugging window displays?
Make sure not to miss Galeries Lafayette Haussmann who always treats the public with their annual Christmas decorations. For this 2021, their theme is ‘123 Noël!’ . And of course, nothing will beat the massive and always awe-striking Christmas tree that will be right under the Grande Coupole. You can get really nice photos by going on the Glass Walk which will be back this year. Catch all of these at Galeries Lafayette Haussmann until early January.
- Address: 40 Boulevard Haussmann, 75009
- Access: Chausée d’Antin La Fayette – Lines 7, 9
Download Galeries Lafayette Haussmann’s vouchers here:
– When you spend 50€ : Free Tote Bag
– When you spend 200€ : Free Gift Set of Kiehl’s Skincare
– When you spend 600€ : Free Gift Box of L’Occitane Immortelle
2 – Rue de Rivoli
Another bustling street in Paris during the holidays is rue de Rivoli. The boutique-lined street will be glowing brighter than ever kicked off by LE BHV MARAIS‘ 2021 Christmas decorations.
- Address: 52 Rue de Rivoli, 75004 Paris
- Access: Hotel de Ville – Line 1
3 – Avenue des Champs-Elysees
Boutiques and flagship stores of Longchamp, Guerlain, and Marionnaud are about to get even more festive. As if the most famous avenue in the world needed more attention, from November 21, 2021, Champs-Elysées will be even brighter as the Christmas lights will go on. The launch will be on a Sunday where cars won’t be allowed on the street so people can witness the launch at 6pm!
Because of the city’s commitment to running eco-friendly systems, this year’s lights will be the same red ones from last year. The same light installations will be used for 3 to 5 seasons so if travellers miss it this year, there’s a big chance you can still catch them next year.
- Access: George V – Line 1
The best restaurants for a holiday meal in Paris
1 – Les Ombres
Dining out somewhere special during the Christmas season can be challenging as tables get booked pretty early on and there are just so many great ones to choose from. One of INSIDR’s standing favorites is Les Ombres for its unobstructed view of the Eiffel Tower and delicious seasonal menu. Can you imagine enjoying your meal as you stare at the sparkling lights of the tower?
- Address: 27 Quai Branly, 75007
- Les Ombres website
2 – Le Chalet Savoyard
The cold weather will definitely make you want to indulge in some hearty mountain dishes like raclette, fondue, and all sorts of cheesy potato dishes! The best place to sample authentic versions would be at Le Chalet Savoyard. If you wanna know about what other winter food you must try while in Paris, read our guide!
- Address: 58 Rue de Charonne, 75011
- Le Chalet Savoyard website
3 – A typical French brasserie
If you’re traveling on a budget but still want to experience French-style dining, we highly recommend eating at a brasseries. Brasseries serve French fare and are open all day, 7 days a week. The food is moderately priced and you’ll often find set menus that won’t dig a hole through your wallet. A couple of our favorites are:
- Au Pied de Cochon: 6 Rue Coquillière, 75001
- Grand Café Capucines: 4 Boulevard des Capucines, 75009
For more brasserie recommendations, download our Eating in Paris Guide!
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