by Rebecca Kelly

Unlike the scenes found on Christmas films and festive greeting cards, Paris during the Christmas season lacks in snow covered trees and extravagant, vibrant decorations that can be found extensively in Europe and America. This however does not affect the festive atmosphere that fills the city, and a Christmas spent in Paris is a captivating, memorable experience.

It is common knowledge to many that Paris is home to some of the finest hotels, restaurants and shopping boutiques in Europe where both tourists and the locals have a chance to mingle and soak up the festive atmosphere. Others, travel to the city of lights for the sole purpose of sightseeing.

Famous for its stunning churches, Paris comes to life during the winter months to celebrate the most momentous event of the religious calendar. Throughout the city, locals and visitors, regardless of their religious views, get involved in church festivities to rejoice and to celebrate the beginning of a new life, creating a feeling of belonging and acceptance. Outside of service hours, many of the churches are open for visitors to admire the nativity scenes that are erected for the Christmas season.

Frosty mornings and dark skies arrive annually in Paris, and so do the lights and illuminations; The City of Lights really lives up to its name at Christmas time. The iconic Champs-Elysees beams with an outstanding arrangement of lights that hand from the posts and trees outlining the boulevard between L’arc de Triomphe and Place de la Concorde. Decorated Evergreen trees fill the city’s streets with golden lights and the Eiffel Tower becomes the focal point of the night-time skyline with its astounding, extensive lighting display.

Shopping in Paris during the festive season is a favourite with many and several retailers offer gift items and clothing at special rates to attract customers at this indulging time of year. Store window displays are also a great place to view dramatic lighting displays, particularly at the big department stores near Notre Dame Cathedral and on the Boulevard Haussmann.

Traditional festive treats can be sampled at one of the Christmas markets that are dotted between the districts of St Germain and Marais. Paris’ Christmas markets have been regarded as the most elegant, graceful and chic markets in Europe and offer custom holiday treats like mulled wine, gingerbread, sausages and specialties from the various regions of France.

Every winter, a large ice-rink is created outside the Hôtel de Ville where locals and visitors can enjoy a spin on the ice or, for the less adventurous, this is a great place to sit back and absorb the fun, festive atmosphere.





Christmas in France is an extremely family orientated occasion meaning less time is spent out partying and more time is spent with family. Those who plan on travelling with children to celebrate Christmas in Paris can create unforgettable memories at Disneyland Paris alongside Mickey, Minnie and a host of other characters.

Written by Rebecca Kelly of Simonseeks.com

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