It’s often said that ‘Christmas is for kids’ and in Paris it’s no different. That’s why Santa Claus pops up in various locations around the city for children to visit him – the perfect holiday activity! Read all about where to find him in Paris.
Galeries Lafayette Haussmann & LE BHV MARAIS
These two historic department stores are home to Santa Claus every year for visits!
At Galeries Lafayette during Christmas time, its ‘Children’s and Toys’ departments turn into Santa’s Grotto! With wooden and soft toys, creative and educational games, as well as dressing up, building world (Lego), a children’s bookshop and dolls – it’ll be sure to keep your kids entertained while you’re doing your Christmas shopping this year!
Galeries Lafayette
- 40 Boulevard Haussmann, 75009
- Open Tuesday – Saturday: 9.30am – 8.30pm, Sunday: 11am – 7pm, Monday: 9.30am – 8pm
At LE BHV MARAIS, you can enjoy meeting Santa and get your picture taken by the elf photographer! Spot Santa Claus on Wednesdays and Sundays! You can also enjoy listening to Christmas carols by the choir on weekends until December 22, 2019!
LE BHV MARAIS
- 52 Rue de Rivoli, 75004
- Open Tuesday – Saturday: 9.30am – 8.00pm, Sunday: 11am – 8pm
BERCY VILLAGE
This small village on the East-side of Paris will make you feel like you’ve been transported to the South of France! It’s beautiful architecture and many restaurants and shops mean it’s on a must-see list for Paris. However, around Christmas time it’s even better! With fabulous Christmas lights and decorations, it hosts lots to see and do for families visiting Paris! A magical place to visit on a chilly winter’s day, complete with a reindeer, a caribou, elves and Santa Claus’ sleigh!
In one of the walkways they also have funny pictures of Santa Claus in different scenarios, something directed towards adults to get into the Christmas spirit.
Bercy Village
- Cour Saint-Émilion (Metro stop), 75012
NOTRE-DAME CHRISTMAS MARKETS
The Christmas market near the Notre-Dame Cathedral is in a public garden called Square René Vivian, just between the Seine and the Notre-Dame Cathedral. It is the market to go to for your children to be able to meet (a French) Santa Claus and enjoy daily free entertainment! The market is open everyday from 10am until 8pm and on Friday, Saturday and Sundays until 9pm. Open as of December 13 and closing on December 29, 2019. For more info about the Christmas Markets in Paris – read here!
Marché de Notre-Dame
- Square René Viviani – 2 rue du Fouarre, 75005
Westfield Les 4 Temps
It’s possible to meet Santa Claus himself at this shopping complex in the west of Paris, right next to the city’s business district of La Defense! Expect Santa Claus to be waiting for you every Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday until Christmas Day on December 25. He will be at the foot of the massive Christmas Tree where you can get your photos taken by a professional photographer.
Westfield Les 4 Temps
- 15 Parvis De La Défense, 92092 Puteaux
- Access: Line 1 or RER A – La Defense
L’AQUARIUM DE PARIS
Photo credit: www.ottawacitizen.com
The December celebrations happen all over Paris – which includes even in the Paris Aquarium! Head over to see Santa Claus plunge into a big tank containing 600,000 litres of water! Old or young you can enjoy the magic of Santa Claus shown in a new light! This exceptional spectacle can be seen at 3pm between the 17th and 24th of December this year!
See Santa swim with exotic fish and gain full access to the largest aquarium in Paris!
- 5 Avenue Albert de Mun, 75016 Paris
- Entrance fees: Adult – €20.50, Children (3-12years) – €13, Children under 3 – Free!
- Open Monday to Sunday: 10am – 7pm