Spend Christmas in Paris 2023 | Cabarets, Operas, and Christmas Lights

1. Marvel at Christmas Lights

From popular tourist attractions in Central Paris to quieter locations like Bercy Village, the city welcomes Christmas every year with extravagantly decorated streets that have become a must-see for both Parisians and tourists who are lucky enough to visit Paris at Christmas. 

Check out the best Christmas light displays here:

• Avenue des Champs Élysées | Find on map
• Bercy Village | Find on map
• Avenue Montaigne | Find on map
• Rue du Faubourg St Honoré | Find on map

2. Go Ice Skating

As one of Paris’s most popular Christmas offerings, ice skating is the perfect outdoor winter activity. With the onset of December in Paris, most Parisians strap on their skates and head to one of the city’s many famous ice skating rinks.

Check out the best places to go ice skating here:

• Eiffel Tower
• Patinoire Pailleron | Find on map
• Boulogne-Billancourt rink | Find on map

3. Visit the Christmas Markets

Yet another one of the many activities that draw tourists to celebrate Christmas in Paris, the marchés de noël are places across the city where the festive joy comes to life. More specifically, these Christmas markets are known for their artisanal French goods, gifts, and traditional French fare.

The best Christmas markets of the season are in:

• Hôtel de Ville Christmas Market | Find on map
• Notre-Dame Christmas market | Find on map
• La Défense Marché de Noël | Find on map
• Saint-Germain Christmas Market | Find on map

4. Attend a Christmas Concert

The diversity of performances during Christmas in Paris ranges from classical opera and ballet performances to newer rock and jazz pieces - all equally magical, of course. It is quite an experience to witness one of these shows, especially in a venue as historically renowned as La Sainte Chapelle.

Catch the best Christmas concerts at:

• Théâtre des Champs‐Élysées | Find on map
• Eglise Saint‐Eustache | Find on map
• Église de la Madeleine | Find on map
• Église Saint‐Louis‐en‐L’Île | Find on map

9. Attend Opera and Ballet Performances

The performing arts are deeply entrenched in Parisian culture and history, and thus, to absorb Paris’s heritage entirely, it is important to attend opera and ballet performances in popular theatres such as Palais Garnier and Paris Opera Bastille during Christmastime.

The most exciting opera and ballet performances to go to:

• Casse-Noisette at Opera Bastille | Find on map
• Fantasio Evening at Opera Comique | Find on map
• Jiří Kylián Evening at Palais Garnier | Find on map

10. Embark on a Horse Carriage Ride

Yet another romantic way to make your way about the City of Love is taking a horse carriage ride around Paris. These old-timey carriages take you around popular tourist attractions like the Arc de Triomphe.

11. Attend a Workshop

Learn a new skill during the festive season - because who said vacations can only be leisurely? The possibilities are endless, from learning how to make your own French scrumptious goodies like croissants and macarons to making your own luxury bag with Chanel fabric!

Most fun workshops to attend on Christmas:

• Paris wine-making workshop
• Workshop in Paris: Create your Own Perfume
• Small-Group French Cooking Class in Paris

12. Head to a Department Store

While department stores seem like the least Christmassy location to be in when the festivities are in full swing, Parisians would beg to differ. As a tourist in Paris at Christmas, you can expect to see some of the most extravagant Christmas trees in department stores.

Best department stores to visit on Christmas:

• Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche | Find on map
• La Samaritaine | Find on map
• Galeries Lafayette | Find on map
• Printemps Haussmann | Find on map