A Guide to celebrate Christmas in Paris 2020

Christmas in Paris is simply awesome. From outdoor ice skating rinks to the fascinating Christmas markets that line the streets and squares, Paris is one of the popular destinations for celebrating Christmas. Planning to celebrate Christmas in Paris 2020?  Here is the list of a  few things that you should not miss in Paris at Christmastime:

Christmas markets

The Christmas markets of Paris are magical. These markets are the bright spot during the short winter days that welcomes the brand new year.

Here is the list of best Christmas markets 2020 in Paris

Paris Christmas Market at Hôtel de Ville

• Location: Rue de Rivoli, across from BHV Marais (52 Rue de Rivoli)
• Métros: Hotel de Ville
• Open: Mid December – early January

The spectacular Hôtel de Ville Christmas Market will look most beautiful this year, especially at night because of the gorgeous light show bathing the building’s neo-Renaissance facade.

The Hôtel de Ville Christmas Market features winsome forests surrounded with white and green trees, beautifully decorated with glittering gold lights and silver ornaments. This traditional Christmas market stalls offers street foods like freshly cooked crepes, raclette, mulled wine, and free group and family-oriented activities

There would be approx 30-40 chalets featuring unique gift items made by French craftsmen, displays of regional sausages, and other gourmet foods.  The light show, numerous sparkling lights, and tranquil ambiance makes this Christmas market a must visit.

Paris Christmas Market at Canopée des Halles

• Location: Forum des Halles, 101 Porte Berger
• Métros: Chatelet, Les Halles
• Open: Mid November through late December

This market was ranked as one of the largest Christmas Markets of Paris a few years ago. But currently this market is shrunk to only 20 or so chalets offering seasonal specialties, Belgium waffles, sausages,, hot mulled wine. You can find more shopping and dining options available  inside the multi-storied complex.

Paris Notre-Dame Christmas Market at Square Viviani

• Location: Square René-Viviani on Quai Montebello, at the edge of the Latin Quarter in the 5th Arrondissement
• Métro: Saint Michel, Maubert-Mutualité
• Open: Mid-December until (usually) Christmas Eve or later

The popular attraction of the Paris Christmas Markets is the Marché de Noel Notre Dame, located across the Seine from the famous cathedral in Square Viviani on the Left Bank’s Quai Montebello. This cheerful market offers the usual hot mulled wine,high-quality arts made by French craftsmen,  gift-worthy clothing and accessories, roasted chestnuts, and more. Famous musicians of the country add to the festivities. You will find festive vibes and the holiday spirit all around.

Do not be surprised if you see Santa making frequent appearances and distributing some amazing gifts!

Place des Abbesses Christmas Market in Montmartre

• Location: Next to the Abbesses Butte Montmartre Métro station in Montmartre, 18th Arrondissement
• Métro: Abbesses Butte Montmartre
• Bus: 80, 95 (get off at Cimetière de Montmartre and walk a few blocks east on Rue Joseph de Maistre/Rue des Abbesses to the market)

This is a fun market to visit! Grab a cup of warm spiced wine and some hot roasted chestnuts, or just follow your nose.  Or simply join the crowd at the Champagne bar!This market will offer escargot, raclette, and small plates of sauteed mushrooms, hand-knit scarves, and fascinating children’s toys, and much more.

Saint-Germain-des-Prés Christmas Market

• Location: Blvd Saint-Germain, next to Saint-Germain-des-Prés Church, 6th Arrondissement
• Métro: Saint-Germain
• Open: Mid-December until early January

This is one of the most liked mid-sized Christmas markets of the city featuring 40 or so chalets offering luxury products such as handcrafted items,fine leather pocketbooks, jewelry, French gastronomy products, and more. You may also grab some really great scented candles, exquisite liquor filled chocolates.

Christmas Lights 2020 in Paris

The Christmas lights in Paris begin to appear in mid- November and continue to illuminate through early January. The lavish lighting, sparkling decorations throughout the city, spectacular light shows draws the attention of a lot of tourists across the globe.
Christmas decorations and glittering lights inside Paris churches will give you a completely unique experience. Enjoy the lightened up monuments and historic buildings while enjoying the Champagne  and gourmet dinner as you float down the Seine River.

Where to find the best Christmas Lights in Paris?

Christmas Lights along Champs Élysées

• Location: Champs Élysées, 8th arrondissement
• Metros: Charles de Gaulle/Étoile, Georges V, Franklin Roosevelt, Champs Élysées/Clemenceau

Avenue Montaigne Christmas Lights

• Location: Avenue Montaigne, 8th arrondissement
• Metro: Champs Élysées/Clemenceau

Lighted Christmas Trees in Place Vendôme

• Location: 1st arrondissement
• Metros: Concorde, Madeleine, Pyramides, Tuileries

Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré Christmas Lights & Décorations

• Location: Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré between Rue Royale and Palais Royal, 1st Arrondissement
• Nearest Métro: Tuileries or Concorde

Paris Illuminations from Seine River Cruises

La Défense Christmas Lights

• Location: West of Paris, just outside of the city
• Nearest Métro/RER A: Grande Arche de la Défense

Disneyland Paris – A Christmas Light Extravaganza!

Ice Skating in Paris

If you love ice-skating, you are definitely going to fall in the country’s capital a lot more! The magic of twirling around will immediately take you back to your childhood days,

Grande Arche Rooftop Ice Skating at Paris La Défense

The rooftop of Paris La Défense’s Grande Arche will give a  360-degree view of the city’s most beautiful monuments. This place is worth visiting throughout the year. The Grande Arche is even more magical when the rooftop ice skating rink opens for the holiday season.

Make sure to bring gloves as they are mandatory to ice skate on the temporary rink.

Decided to celebrate Christmas in Paris 2020? Apply for France Visa to visit the French’s capital!