How To Celebrate Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Paris—For Every Type of Traveler

Christmas markets in the French capital are a shopper's paradise. Avenue des Champs-Élysées, the area around Notre-Dame, and Montmartre markets offer an array of unique gifts, from handcrafted ornaments to gourmet treats. As you wander through the twinkling stalls, the aroma of mulled wine and the merry ambiance create a distinctly Parisian holiday experience. For insider suggestions and personalized recommendations on the top products, try a private Christmas market tour.

Discover the magic of the season on a Christmas gourmet food tour, where you can immerse yourself in the rich flavors of the holidays. Sip on warm mulled wine, savor delectable roasted chestnuts, and sample sweet pastries that define the essence of French holiday traditions. This culinary journey is a delightful way to savor the festive spirit. Or, gorge yourself on classic Parisian fare at your own pace in popular foodie neighborhoods like the Le Marais or Montmartre.

Why just eat when you can learn to create? In a Christmas-themed cooking class, you'll master the art of preparing classic French holiday dishes like buche de Noel (chocolate Yule log) and pumpkin soup. Under the guidance of a skilled chef, you'll develop the skills to impress your friends and family over the holidays and beyond. Your Parisian cooking experience doesn’t have to end with yuletide bites, though. Develop the skills to create French macarons, cheese, crepes, and other national delights in top French cooking classes.

Take your kids on a holiday adventure exploring the covered passages of Paris on a festive scavenger hunt. In this Christmas game, your expert guide (also a kid) has a special treat hidden somewhere in the passages, and it's up to your children to follow the clues and discover magical numbers to find it. Once the hunt is complete, they'll be rewarded with a sweet holiday treat.

Available in walking, bus, biking, and family-friendly formats, Paris's holiday illumination tours allow you to see the City of Light shine even brighter. From the iconic Eiffel Tower to the charming streets of Montmartre, these tours showcase Paris in all its glimmering glory. Along the way, you’ll snap pictures, learn about monuments, and revel in the holiday spirit that defines the season. After viewing Paris’ signature landmark from sea level, take your architectural adventure to new heights on an Eiffel Tower tour.

For a serene and spiritual event, consider attending midnight Mass at popular churches such as Saint Sulpice Church or Sacré-Coeur. The impressive architecture and the sound of hymns filling the air create a sense of wonder, making it a special way to celebrate Christmas in Paris. If you can’t make it for a service, visit the churches on a guided tour and appreciate their respective crèche de Noel (Nativity displays) and Christmas trees.

Celebrate the holiday season or usher in the new year with an enchanting Seine River cruise. Whether it's Christmas or New Year's Eve, treat yourself to a feast of gourmet French cuisine while you leisurely sail past iconic Parisian landmarks. From Notre Dame to the Louvre, these magnificent sites are adorned with the most lavish decorations, adding holiday cheer to your Paris vacation.

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Disneyland® Paris for a truly magical family adventure during the holiday season, given that the park undergoes a remarkable transformation into a winter wonderland. Enjoy special shows, captivating parades, and the chance to meet your favorite Disney® characters. To ensure an optimal winter-time adventure, purchase your tickets in advance.

Enhance your holiday evening with a good dose of Parisian glamor by attending a cabaret show at renowned venues like the Moulin Rouge or Paradis Latin. Prepare to be mesmerized by the dazzling performances, extravagant costumes, and the classic cabaret atmosphere that promises an exciting experience. And the good news is that many venues—including the Moulin Rouge and Crazy Horse—include dinner and drinks.

Spending Christmas at the Centre Pompidou is a sightseeing experience that combines art and holiday spirit. Plus, this is one of the rare museums open on Christmas Day in Paris, providing a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in contemporary art, architecture, and culture. Taking a thought-provoking tour of the museum’s exhibits will make your Christmas in Paris truly special.