Where To See Best Christmas Lights In Paris in 2025
Every year, when the cold season is upon us in the French capital, the city dresses with its most beautiful twinkling lights and about a thousand Christmas decorations to set the holiday mood. If you’re a Christmas lover, you’ll love Paris in winter, so you need to know where to find the best Christmas Lights in Paris!
Let’s be honest; hunting for Christmas lights is probably one of the best activities in Paris if you want to feel that sweet Christmas spirit. So, grab a cup of hot chocolate (or coffee) and walk those cobbled streets to watch those pretty illuminations while you enjoy the many Paris Christmas Markets you’ll also encounter on the way!
Where To Find The Best Christmas Lights & Christmas Decorations In Paris
Around mid-November Paris, when the beautiful yellow and orange shades leave around mid-November, Paris starts to fall off the trees. The season feels a bit more gloomy for certain people; it is high time that every street and shop overlay its magical lights and decorations to set off the Christmas mood.
(Although you can find Christmas decorations and whatnot almost everywhere, even on the very first days of October, insane.)
I’ve seen people online asking, “Does Paris decorate for Christmas?” The answer is yes, of course; while Halloween in Paris (and France) isn’t a very popular holiday, Christmas is a very popular one, and the city goes all out!
It’s as if Paris’s most famous and fanciest streets compete to see which will be the prettiest and most dazzling.
Reading this guide to the best Christmas lights and decorations lets you quickly see a pattern; most are close to luxury/designer shops!
After popular shopping places follow up in their steps, what’s better than some pretty lights to remind people that Christmas is soon and make them remember to buy gifts?
The Christmas lights in Paris start to light up when the sun begins to set, so as soon as it is dark, you’ll be mesmerised by the beauty of Paris in winter with its stunning Christmas decorations!
So, get your best selfie stick out and snap a pretty shot of you and the magical Christmas decorations in Paris!
Now, you can tour your Paris Christmas lights to get into the Christmas mood while enjoying some pretty light displays.
This list isn’t classed by the order of the best spots to check; it’s a random order.
When do Christmas lights go up in Paris?
Christmas lights in Paris go up as early as mid-November. If you’d like to visit before the Christmas rush and still enjoy the Christmas display, I recommend staying at the end of November; it is slightly crowded but less than if you’d visit closer to Christmas.
The Christmas lights in Paris usually stay until the first week of January (same for some Christmas markets) after Christmas; New Year is also an excellent time to visit Paris and admire them with a lesser crowd if you don’t mind visiting after the main event. Also, you’ll enjoy cheaper prices like this!
All those places are effortless to reach and are doable even if you only have a few days to spend in Paris, and you can plan your whole trip around those Christmas lights as those areas also have plenty of activities to do and are trendy neighbourhoods.
Bonus: those places are perfect if you want to get the perfect “Paris Christmas aesthetic” shot!
#1 Christmas Light on Avenue Des Champs Elysées
I’m sure you’ve heard of it already; the Champs Elysées is one of the most famous avenues worldwide.
So, of course, this fancy avenue is dressed up in its prettiest colours and lights when the Christmas season comes. Nothing over the top, though, simple lights and decorations, but they do the job of turning the Champs-Elysées into a must-see for Christmas lights in Paris.
You might wonder why I recommend this place if it’s nothing over the top. It’s simple; the avenue already has a lot of charm, so that’s why it doesn’t need much yet. As I said, it is still a must-see if you want to experience that special winter Parisian feeling. Remember, sometimes, less is more.
It’s worth checking out whether you like shopping or not.
Access: L1 From Franklin D. Roosevelt (bottom of the Avenue) To Charles De Gaulles Etoile (top of the Avenue)
READ: BEST THINGS TO DO IN PARIS IN WINTER
#2 Christmas Lights On Boulevard Haussman
If you know your Parisian history or are an architecture fan, you have probably heard about the Boulevard Haussmann.
Well known for its unique architectural style, the Boulevard Haussmann is a must-see even if the lights aren’t on yet. However, they add many charms to this famous Boulevard, so missing this spot would be a shame.
For a little historical note, the construction of this neighbourhood ended in 1864 after seven years of work. So, it is a must-visit! It is a significant part of Parisian history.
Access: L3 Chaussé D’antin
#3 Christmas Lights & Christmas Tree of Gallerie Lafayette and Le Printemps
I have already mentioned the Galeries Lafayette as a winter activity in Paris if you’re looking for Christmassy stuff on my Paris winter bucket list. Le Printemps is the following shopping centre on the Boulevard Haussmann, where you can also find some great Christmas Lights and beautiful displays outside.
For many Parisians, visiting the Galleries Lafayette every winter when they decorate the Christmas decorations is a tradition.
There’s a reason behind this. This Parisian mall is quite a sight due to its unique architecture, and its decorations change yearly.
Each year, with a new theme (the 2019 theme was “the Hive, for example”), they set up a new giant Christmas tree underneath the roof of the building and matching displays outside for everybody to enjoy. Everyone, locals or tourists, is always excited to know what it is going to look like
#4 Christmas Lights At Westfield Forum Des Halles
Westfield Forum Des Halles shopping centre was redesigned a few years ago. During the Christmas holiday, they did not hesitate to go all out to please their customers and make Christmas shopping more pleasurable.
It is a fantastic place to visit during the holiday season in Paris if you want to see the pretty Christmas lights.
It has great places to eat and shop if you’re looking for some leisure time while you admire the Christmas decorations and maybe even find some for your tree to bring back home!
Access: L4 Station Les Halles
#5 Christmas Lights At Bercy Village
Bercy Village is now a quaint shopping centre designed in a small village where you can find many restaurants and shops if you fancy doing a small shopping spree. Bercy Village gets some new decorations throughout the year to fit the events happening at the moment. And, of course, it has some beautiful lighting.
I like going to it, and I reckon it is even more cosy and enjoyable in winter with all the Christmas lights and decorations. There’s also a considerable cinema there if you want to warm up and watch a movie.
Access: L14 Station Court St Emilion
#6 Fancy Christmas Lights On Avenue Montaigne
Montaigne Avenue is one of the three streets that compose the “Triangle d’Or” of Paris. It is well known for the many designer shops and luxurious hotels (i.e. Plaza Athenée) you can find there.
If you’re curious, the two other streets that compose this golden triangle are The Champs Elysée (our #1 on this list) and Avenue George V.
Every shop’s display is decorated for Christmas; however, one thing makes La Rue Montaigne worth adding to your Christmas bucket list in Paris.
The Dior Christmas Tree. Like the Gallerie Lafayette, the Dior shop set a stunning Christmas Tree as the frontage of its shop. It’s a popular spot; if you walk down Avenue Montaigne to look at the illuminations, there’s a lot of chance that you’ll see some people shooting photos in the street in front of the Dior Christmas Tree.
As I mentioned above, the Plaza Athenée is also on this avenue. Even if you, like me, cannot afford a night there, you can still enjoy the architecture and decorations of the building!
Access: L1 Franklin D. Roosevelt.
#7 Christmas Lights In Rue Du Faubourg Saint-Honoré & Rue de la Paix
A few minutes walk from the beautiful Christmas atmosphere of the Galerie Lafayette and the Boulevard Hausmann, passing by the stunning landmark the Opera Garnier, you’ll quickly arrive by the Rue de la Paix.
This street is home to a dozen popular luxury shops that lead to a famous place (see #8), so the whole road gets very festive and dresses up with some dazzling Christmas in front of every shop and light-ups.
The architecture of the street buildings is also perfect for enjoying a stroll surrounded by beautiful Christmas lights.
Access: L14/L12 Madeleine
#8 Christmas Decoration on the Famous Place Vendôme
Yet another place full of fancy luxuries designers shop to end this list of the best Christmas Illuminations in Paris.
Of course, the place is refined and a significant landmark to visit if you’re in the 1st Arrondissement of Paris.
The area has a beautiful huge Christmas theme for the Christmas season, like the one in the Rue de la Paix and Rue Du Faubourg Saint Honoré, as those two streets are linked to the place.
They make a great walk if you’re counting on exploring the 1st Arrondissement of Paris.
They will lead you to the Opera if you’re starting from Rue Du Faubourg Saint Honoré or to the Jardin Des Tuileries, which hosts a fabulous Christmas Market you must visit in Paris.
Access: L1 Concorde
#9 Christmas Lights In Saint-Germain-Des-Près
The saint-Germain-Des-Près chic neighbourhood is located in the 6th Arrondissement of Paris and is well known for its famous medieval church where a Christmas Market takes place every year.
Which means it is a great place to see some beautiful Christmas Lights. Close by, you can find some notorious café such as “Les Deux Magots” and “Café de Flore” if you fancy treating yourself to some hot coffee or hot cocoa while you admire the Christmas decorations on the street.
Access: L4 Saint-Germain-Des-Près
#10 Christmas Lights In Covered Passages of Paris
Many things and places define Paris’ charm, one of which is its covered passages hidden inside the buildings throughout the French capital. These passages are also well worth visiting at any time of the year.
However, if you’re a Christmas fan looking for some of Paris’s most beautiful Christmas lights, you shouldn’t miss them during the winter holiday season.
One of the most famous passages is the Galerie Vivienne, which is dressed up with adorable decorations, as seen in the photo.
It lights up its Galerie with twinkling lights, adding more magic to this already unique and stunning gallery.
Some more passages of Paris are also decorated for Christmas, although if you only need to visit one for Christmas lights, it has to be the iconic Galerie Vivienne.
#11 Le Village Royal Christmas Lights
“Le Village Royal” is in Madeleine, a chic passageway with beautiful Christmas lights. Here, you can find the famous light bears you see in those Parisian Instagram posts!
Of course, like every popular photo spot in Paris, it gets crowded quickly; therefore, if you’d like to get some beautiful photos with the bears!
Address: 25 Rue Royale/ 24 Rue Boissy d’Anglas, 75008 Paris
Hours: Mon-Sat: 8:30 am to 8:30 pm / Sun: 9:30 to 7:30 pm
2022 EDIT: Sadly, the bears are not on display this year. However, I keep this place as a good place to see Christmas lights in Paris as they installed Christmas trees and other decorations. Of course, in my opinion, the bears were much cuter, but it’s still nice.
#13 Lumières En Seine – Parc De Saint Cloud (92)
Lumières En Seine is a 2km magical trail of lights event located just outside Paris.
The most beautiful lights are displayed inside the Domaine National de Saint Cloud. The park’s grandiose appearance only adds charm and a romantic atmosphere to this beautiful event.
If you love Christmas lights, missing out on “Lumières en Seine” would be a shame. It is one of the best Christmas light shows I have attended in Paris (right outside of Paris, to be precise).
It is easy to access and the perfect event for everybody: families, lovers, solo travellers or friends!
This is a popular event, so book your tickets online. I highly recommend attending if you’re spending Christmas vacation in Paris.
Date: To be determined for 2025
Check out the official website for more info about the event and ticket prices: Lumières en Seine.
That’s a wrap on this travel guide about where to find the best Christmas lights in Paris; I hope you enjoyed it! Christmas in Paris and in Europe generally speaking is always an amazing time so it is the perfect time to plan a vacation, euro summer is out it’s time for euro Christmas!
The Christmas season in Paris is one of the happiest times of the year. Where the city glows up and gets this cosy feeling that makes you want to drink hot cocoa at the Christmas Market or have a cheeky glass of hot wine, will you soak in the festive atmosphere?
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Where To Find The Best Christmas Lights in Paris
✈ Best Travel Ressources To Plan Your Next Trip
✈ How To Find Flights?
– Skyscanner; it is a good comparator for finding the cheapest flights.
– Google Flights is also a good help when comparing flights.
✈ Where To Book Accommodations?
– Booking.com: plenty of options and ways to get discounts the more you book.
✈ Best Sites To Book Activities
– GetYourGuide when I can’t get a ticket directly on the website or if it’s easier to go through them.
– Klook if you need to book more than just activities and would like to get everything from the same website or different day trips—(i.e. transport cards, car rental, hotel…).
✈ Other helpful travel resources
– Radical Storage: If you need a place to keep your luggage for an extended period when you travel, I recommend using them.
– TheTrainline: If you love to travel by train like me, then TheTrainline needs to be your go-to website for train travel in Europe.
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Being a lover of all things Christmas and loving Paris, this post is perfect! Of course, I wasn’t surprised that the Champs Elysees does it up big. I would expect nothing less. I feel like the light just ramp up the magic of Paris that much more! Now I have to book a trip to Paris for next season 😉
So true they’re magical! Hope you can visit soon 🙂
Ohhhhhh how I miss the city of lights! Thank you SO much for this little reminder of how much I need to return ASAP! 🙂
Thanks a lot!
As I live in Switzerland, I’ve been to Paris several times including at Christmas. It truly is a beautiful city at this time of year! Nice list of where to go to see the lights!
Wow! Paris looks so magical during Christmastime. I cannot wait to revisit during this time of the year in the future. 🙂
I haven’t been to Paris during the Christmas period, but these lights all look incredible! Great list you’ve put together.
That’s a great list .. I hope to visit Paris sometime during Christmas..I am sure it must be magical
Thank you! It sure is!
Ah, its a dream of mine to see the Christmas lights in Paris one year! Hopeful I can make it happen in the near future!
Christmas is a lovely period to visit Paris, hope you can make it happen soon 🙂
Oh Paris during Christmas must be SO magical! Unfortunately I haven’t been to Paris at all, shame on me. I’m hoping to go there soon tho 🙂
It is really magical 🙂 I hope you can visit soon!
I’ve never been to Paris. Being there to see Christmas lights would be awesome. Your list of places to see Christmas lights in Paris makes me want to start planning a trip now.
What a great article. Thanks. I will certainly miss having a cold Christmas once I am back in Australia.
Simply so beautiful!! thanks for sharing this guide! I believe Christmas in Paris is really magic! the ones on the Champs Elisee are my favorite, but also inside the Gallerie Lafayette! Thanks for sharing this!
Paris during Christmas must be surely magical. I have been to Paris once, and would now plan to visit during November (when it is relatively less crowded as you said)
Thanks for the write-up, and dreamy photos!
Talk about a magical experience! Maybe I can do this next year!
I’ve been to Paris after Christmas time so managed to see some decorations around the city. But would love to visit again and see some of the sites you suggested.
Wonderful post, Ive been once last year ,love to go at the holidays. However I was not happy with Haussman area, lol, my cell phone got pick pocketed there the day before my flight, what a huge pain!
Valerie
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