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Ways to Celebrate Christmas and New Year's Eve in Paris


Ways to Celebrate Christmas and New Year's Eve in Paris
Hi, I'm Leah!

Leah Still Joll is a freelance writer based in San Francisco with a specialty in travel writing. Her favorite destinations include Maui, Sayulita, the Northern California coast, Paris, Morocco, Indonesia, and Western Australia.

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Hi, I'm Leah!

Leah Still Joll is a freelance writer based in San Francisco with a specialty in travel writing. Her favorite destinations include Maui, Sayulita, the Northern California coast, Paris, Morocco, Indonesia, and Western Australia.

see more

Whether you're spending Christmas or New Year's Eve in Paris with friends, family, or your sweetheart, there are a variety of ways to get into the holiday spirit in the most stylish of cities. Here are our top options for seasonal things to do.

Go Christmas shopping

Interior of Galeries Lafayette during Christmas.
Galeries Lafayette always goes all out at Christmas. | Photo Credit: Luciano Mortula - LGM / Shutterstock

Where better than the fashion capital of the world?

Head to Galeries Lafayette department store, one of Paris' most famous shopping venues, to admire its extravagant holiday decorations and do some designer shopping for your loved ones back home.

See the city illuminated

Visitors ride the carousel near the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
Paris really lives up to its name "The City of Light" over the holidays. | Photo Credit: MarinaD_37 / Shutterstock

Watch as Paris comes aglow for the season.

The City of Light is best seen at night, when Paris' architectural landmarks are lit up in all their glory. A holiday illuminations tour allows you to admire the twinkling city and River Seine with a guide, so you don't have to worry about finding your way around after dark. Some tours even include dinner.

Indulge in seasonal specialties

Candied apples for sale at a shop in Paris.
Tuck into local favorites and seasonal snacks, such as cake pops. | Photo Credit: MarinaD_37 / Shutterstock

Paris is a food fan's dream destination.

Sample holiday treats and learn about Christmas food traditions in France with a gourmet food tour. You'll visit Christmas markets and sweets shops for a festive twist on a popular Paris experience.

Catch a New Year's Eve cabaret

Exterior of The Moulin Rouge, a cabaret venue, in Paris.
The Moulin Rouge is a Parisian must, especially at Christmas. | Photo Credit: Pierre Morel / Viator

Parisian nightlife doesn't stop for the winter.

Add a sexy spin to your New Year's Eve celebration in Paris with a holiday performance at one of the city's cabaret venues, such as Moulin Rouge, Le Paradis Latin, or Crazy Horse. Ring in the new year with Champagne, and perhaps opt for a showing that includes dinner to enhance your experience.

More things to do in Paris at Christmas

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See all Paris tours
3,294 tours & tickets
Things to do in Paris
See all things to do in Paris
Statues inside Abu Simbel
Swap These 10 Top Tourist Attractions for Their Quieter Alternatives