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Last updated: December 19, 2022
Looking to get in the Christmas spirit? I absolutely love Paris during the holidays. Here are some of my favorite places to see the best Christmas lights and festive decorations in Paris. So, bundle up, grab a vin chaud, and let’s hit the streets in the City of Light.
Place Vendôme
With trees lining the open square, Place Vendôme is an elegant and charming spot to visit at this time of year. I am a big fan of the white lights and matching Christmas trees, especially next to those brilliant blue doors. P.S. I heard the hot chocolate at the Ritz is excellent and doesn’t that sound like the perfect accompaniment? Be sure to pick some up before you continue your walk!
From November 22, 2022 to January 2, 2023
Rue Saint-Honoré & Place Maurice Barrès
This is a fun street to stroll down anytime of the year but especially around the holidays. In this area, you’ll find some big-name designer stores, like Dior and Chanel, decked out with flashy lights and one-of-a-kind installations for the season. The decorations are different every year!
From November 17, 2022
Le Village Royal
Located right by the well-known L’église de la Madeleine, this little alley frequently has temporary art installations throughout the year. Sometimes quirky, always cool. Pop in here to see something fun and unique.
Avenue Montaigne
Personally, I was not particularly impressed with this street. Instagram led me to believe that it would be completely lined with lights, but not all the trees had lights on them, leaving ugly patches. It was still very beautiful but the real show, in my opinion, was just a short walk away…
From November 19, 2022 to January 2, 2023
Avenue des Champs-Élysées
Lining the avenue all the way from Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe, the lights are uniformly spread among the trees and the effect is gorgeous. Traditionally, the illuminations are crimson red, but this year’s lights are white. It’s really cool to be there when the lights turn on for the evening at 5PM! The lights remain lit until 11:45PM throughout the dates below, and they stay on all night on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve Day.
From November 20, 2022 to January 2, 2023
Galeries Lafayette
Galeries Lafayette is one of the most well-known places for Christmas decorations, and it’s easy to see why. This department store goes all out for the holidays. Every year, there is a huge, breathtaking Christmas tree. Every half hour, the tree comes to life with a short sound and light show. Be sure to check out the animated Christmas windows outside as well.
From November 2022
Galerie Vivienne
This beautiful passage is pure magic. Many of the covered passages will string up some lights but this gallery really stands out. I love the fairy light curtains basking this place in a warm, inviting glow.
Le BHV Marais
This department store typically decorates their facade with dazzling lights, and the animated Christmas window displays are not to be missed. It’s so bright here, you won’t have any trouble finding it in the dark.
From November 2022
Le Bon Marché
I know Galeries Lafayette is the more well-known of the department stores, but honestly, I like this one better. Maybe it’s the classic beauty of it. While you’re in the area, walk around the Saint-Germain-des-Près neighborhood. You won’t be disappointed.
From October 28, 2022
Where is your favorite spot to see Christmas lights in Paris?