
The famous Eiffel Tower is a magical sight in winter. [Photo Credit: Shutter Stock]
Admire City Lights and Christmas Displays
Christmas lights and festive decorations are the highlight of visiting Paris at Christmastime. With the displays getting bigger and better each year, it is a must-see for any traveler to Paris. We recommend visiting these top spots where the most beautiful displays and Christmas lights are set up every year.

Christmas lights on the Avenue des Champs-Elysées brighten up the night sky. [Photo credit: David Monniaux/Wiki Media]

Stay close to the Arc de Triomphe in this elegant 2-bedroom apartment (Rental ID: PA-4729)
This furnished vacation rental near the Arc de Triomphe is perfect for those planning to take a stroll along the Avenues des Champs-Elysées. Much like the Christmas lights all around Paris, the apartment exudes an air of luxury with glass-paneled doors leading to balconies in every room. With this well-located apartment, you can visit all the major attractions located nearby or travel further and try one of our recommended day trips.

The iconic glass Coupole of the Galeries Lafayette flagship store is beautifully decorated for Christmas. [Photo Credit: Lámande/Flickr ]
The Galeries Lafayette is one of the department stores with an extravagant Christmas display. Located on Boulevard Haussmann, their flagship store has an impressive Art Nouveau glass Coupole that rises to a height of 43 meters. Come Christmas time, both the inside and the outside of the building are decked out in stunning lights and decorations. Make sure to check out the giant Christmas tree set, which has a unique theme every year, under the beautiful glass dome.

Festive window display at Printemps Haussmann department store. [Photo Credit: Jérôme LÊ/Flickr]

Stunning Christmas setup at one of the major public squares, Place de la Concorde. [Photo Credit: Cécile Leducq/Flickr]
- Place de la Concorde
- Bercy Village
- Champ de Mars Christmas Village
- Place Vendôme
Paris Christmas Markets
Christmas Markets, also known as marchés de Noel, can be found all around Paris. These traditional Christmas markets sell a wide variety of food, arts and crafts, decorations and local products. Out of all the different markets, we recommend you visit these top ones – that have some of the best food and things to buy.

Shop at one of the many Christmas Markets with a view of the majestic Eiffel Tower. [Jean-Pierre Dalbéra/Flickr]
Another popular market is the Champs- Elysées Christmas Market. Up to 200 authentic chalets line the streets of the famous avenue from the Rond-point to the Place de la Concorde. The smell of freshly baked food along with the warm Christmas lights and decorations illuminating the Champs-Elysées Christmas Village is a one-of-a-kind experience for visitors to Paris.
Last but not least is the Christmas market at Montparnasse Tower. This market may be smaller but it has a great selection of French delicacies and quality gift items. At the center of Paris’ southern hub, the Marché de Noël de Montparnasse Tower is easily accessible from the Gare Montparnasse train station.

Stay near Les Invalides in this inviting 1-bedroom furnished apartment. (Rental ID: PA-4706)
Not far from Montparnasse is this 1-bedroom rental in Invalides. Just 11 minutes by train to the Gare Montparnasse station, you have easy access to the Marché de Noël de Montparnasse Tower. The accommodation has a spectacular view of famous landmarks such as Invalides and the Eiffel Tower, which can be seen from the large balcony in the living room.
Ice-skating rinks
Ice skating in winter is one of the best family activities that is fun for all ages. Skate at these ice-skating rinks, many of which are next to scenic views like the Eiffel Tower or the Grand Palais. If you are visiting Paris with family, this is one thing you need to check off your bucket list.

Skate with your family at this ice rink at the Eiffel Tower! [Photo Credits: ErasmusOfParis/Flickr]

Admire Christmas decorations like this magical Christmas tree set at the Grande Arche. [Photo Credit: Jacob Szypulka/Flickr]

Make this 2-bedroom vacation rental your home for the holidays. (Rental ID: PA4727)
Located next to the Champ de Mars is this charming 2-bedroom vacation rental. The apartment is right at the entrance to the Champ de Mars, the park that contains the iconic Eiffel Tower. If you cannot get enough of seeing the majestic Eiffel Tower, we definitely recommend considering renting this place that is only 70 meters away from the famous landmark. Beautifully furnished with classic wooden furniture and floral accents, this quaint apartment is perfect for travelers. The apartment is close to other lesser known attractions in Paris like the Quai Branly Museum.
Christmas shows
Another family activity to add to your bucket list is watching a Parisian Christmas show. There are many different concerts and shows available in Paris during Christmas, some of which include food and drinks as well. Whether you are into musicals, concerts or cabaret, you will find an amazing range of Christmas shows here in Paris.
If you love classical music, you are in luck. The Orchestre Symphonique de la Garde Républicaine is hosting a classical Christmas concert featuring great masterworks from famous composers. The concert is located in the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, an entertainment venue that is home to many famous orchestras.

Amazing lights illuminate the beautiful La Sainte Chapelle during the classical Christmas concert. [Photo Credit: Pxhere]

Live in this beautiful 2-bedroom furnished apartment for easy access to La Sainte Chapelle. (Rental ID: PA-4608)
Located near Sainte Chapelle is this 2-bedroom furnished rental in the heart of Marais. The neighborhood is known for its medieval streets, bohemian vibe and upscale residents and is a favorite for both Parisians and tourists. Live like a local in Le Marais with our guide to the neighborhood. The apartment is within walking distance from attractions like the Sainte Chapelle and Le BHV Marais, just to name a few.
Besides Christmas concerts, Paris also has cabaret performances that are not to be missed. The illustrious Moulin Rouge is at the top of our list as it transports you to an extravagant world of dance. Immerse yourself in the exhilarating atmosphere and take in the sights of the flamboyant decor while dining on quality French cuisine. The Moulin Rouge was even an inspiration for an award-winning cinematic film of the same name. Coming a close second to the extravagance of the Moulin Rouge is the Lido in Champs-Elysées. Watch the Bluebell girls in action with their flamboyant costumes and multiple scene changes. You might want to check out the Crazy Horse which features 12 dancers and combines elements of shadow play. Alternatively, you could visit Paradis Latin on rue du Cardinal-Lemoine that stars Iris Mittenaere, former Miss France and Miss Universe 2016.
Special Christmas Foods

Be sure to try pretzels and vin chaud at the Christmas markets! [Photo Credit: Vincent Desjardins/Flickr]
If you prefer something sweet, we recommend getting hot chocolate at these famous stores:
- Jean-Paul Hévin‘s salon de thé,
- Jacques Genin‘s cozy Marais salon de thé or
- the Maison de Chocolat.

This beautifully decorated Bûche de Noel looks too good to be eaten! [Photo Credit: Delphine Jankowski/Flickr]

Shop at the Rue Montorgueil, a cobbled market street lined with restaurants, bakeries and produce stands. [Photo Credit: ©Patrice Koch/Flickr]
The City of Lights has lots to offer during Christmas and has something for everyone to do. From admiring the beautiful decorations to watching Christmas concerts, Paris is full of unforgettable experiences. At New York Habitat, we connect you to the best apartments to make your time in the city more magical.
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