Best Things To Do In Paris In Winter From A Local
What are the best things to do in Paris in Winter? If you’re planning a trip to the capital of France during the holiday season, it’s a question you’re probably asking yourself, and rightfully so.
As a local, I thought it’d be a good idea to make a bucket list of the things to do in Paris when it’s cold. The city has a lot to offer, so it can be overwhelming. Here are the best things to do in Paris in winter!
Best Things To Do In Paris In Winter
Let’s start with useful information to help you plan your trip to Paris. If you’d like further information, please check out my post about visiting Paris in Winter: the Pros and the Cons.
What is the average temperature in Paris during winter?
Winter in Paris lasts from the 20th of December to the 22nd of March; the average temperature is between 3° to 8° degrees Celsius. Those are pretty much the norm for Paris in winter temperatures.
However, it can get much colder or hotter with global warming and everything else going on.
What time does the sunset in Paris?
We have a daily daylight saving time in Paris, which means that when winter draws to an end, the clocks are turned forward an hour, so there is more light in the evening.
This means that when winter is close, it’s time to reverse this, and clocks are turned backwards for one hour. So, in winter, the sun usually sets around 5:30 p.m. at the latest.
However, this will already be noticeable by the end of October.
Be sure to make the most of the daylight!
#1 VISIT CHRISTMAS MARKETS AND DRINK SOME HOT WINE
This one is a no-brainer if you’re visiting Paris in winter and during the holiday season, you must visit the Christmas Markets!
There are many Christmas Markets throughout Europe, and Paris is no exception. You can find dozens of Christmas markets here.
They are the perfect place to enjoy a friendly day activity, some yummy food, and maybe a cheeky glass of wine. Another good thing about them is that you can get many artisanal goodies, which make the perfect Christmas gift.
Christmas Markets in Paris usually start in mid-November and end around the first days of January or the end of December.
Here is a list of Christmas Markets you should add to your bucket list:
La Magie de Noël at Tuileries Garden
- A large market with a festive fairground, artisanal crafts, and gourmet food stalls in a picturesque central location.
Notre Dame Christmas Market
- A charming, smaller market near Notre Dame Cathedral focusing on high-quality local crafts and gourmet treats.
Saint-Germain-des-Prés Christmas Market
- A cozy market in a chic area offers artisan goods and festive food. It’s personally one of my favourite areas, so if you only have time to visit one Christmas market in Paris, I’d do this one!
Eiffel Tower Christmas Market (Champs de Mars)
- A festive market set beneath the Eiffel Tower offers beautiful views and various holiday-themed stalls.
Montmartre Christmas Market
- A romantic market at the base of Sacré-Cœur showcasing local art and regional delicacies.
#2 GO ICE SKATING FOR CHRISTMAS
Ice skating is one of the best winter activities in any country you can visit, granted there is a winter season where you’re going.
It’s the perfect activity for couples, families or even solo travellers!
Best Outdoor Ice Skating Spots in Paris in 2024
– Ice skating rink at the Hotel de Ville
– Eiffel Tower Ice skating rink at the Trocadéro
– The rooftop of the Galleries Lafayette
And one indoor – > Grand Palais: ice skating rink.
#3 EAT SOME “BÛCHE” AND “GALETTE DES ROIS”
France, in general, is notorious for its delicious desserts and pastries or, as we say in French, patisseries. If one visits Paris (or anywhere in France), one can not leave without at least trying a pastry.
During winter, some special occasion calls for a special kind of dessert. For Christmas, you have the Buche and La Galette des Rois for the Epiphany on January 6th!
La Buche is a traditional dessert shaped like a lodge. Its name is Buche, which is “Log” in French.
It’s a chocolate butter cake, but there’s also a frozen alternative (which I love) or an alternative flavour for anyone who is not too keen on chocolate!
After Christmas and the New Year, it is time to eat some Galette des Rois (“Kings Cake”) to celebrate the Epiphany. In the Christian religion, it is associated with sharing and the arrival of the 3 Wise Men.
La Galette des Rois is a, well, kind of a national obsession over this delicious frangipane-filled tart.
Here is the twist inside each galette: you’ll find a five (it can be a minor character or anything shaped).
The tradition wants you to cut the galette according to how many people will eat it, and the youngest person (usually kids) has to go underneath the table and assign which slice goes to whom and whoever gets the “fève” gets to be crowned King or Queen – and has to buy the next Galette ;).
#4 ENJOY SOME HOT CHOCOLATE
Who doesn’t love a hot, thick, sumptuous cup of hot chocolate in winter?
When it’s icy cold to drink a hot beverage in the comfort of one café, we’re not talking about whatever hot chocolate here; we’re talking about real artisanal hot chocolate with rich flavours.
Where to get the best hot chocolates in Paris?
- Angelina Paris
- Un Dimanche A Paris
- Charles Chocolatier
- Jean-Paul Hevin
#5 GO CHECK OUT THE CHRISTMAS TREE AT THE GALLERIES LAFAYETTE AT HAUSMANN
Every year in Paris, the Galleries Lafayette creates bold, marvellous, and highly anticipated Christmas displays.
The main piece is a giant Christmas tree standing right under the fascinating dome of this gigantic shopping mall.
As mentioned above, under #2, the mall will also be hosting an ice skating rink this year, so why not check the displays, go ice skating, and maybe do some Christmas shopping?
It would be a perfect winter afternoon in Paris.
Be sure not to forget to check the display of the outside windows as well.
#6 ENJOY THE WINTER SALES
There are two major sales in France, one in summer and one in winter.
The winter sale in Paris starts right after the new year.
Paris is known as the capital of fashion, and many people have shopping in Paris written on their bucket lists.
So why not enjoy one of the year’s biggest sales and cross this off your bucket list? You’ll also get some good deals; it’s a win-win situation!
#7 SEE A CABARET SHOW
In Paris, a popular place is the Moulin Rouge, this famous red mill located in the 18th arrondissement.
Why not book a ticket for a spectacular evening if you enjoy shows?
You can enjoy a drink or have dinner there; it’s up to you!
Of course, more than one cabaret offers excellent shows in Paris; you might consider checking out two more famous nightclubs, the Lido and the Crazy Horse.
They’re also a great way to celebrate the new year.
If you’re not into prominent places and looking for a smaller-sized cabaret, yet just as great and famous, then it’s Chez Michou you need to go.
If you’d like to see a show at any of them, I suggest you book a reservation early. They are pretty popular and tend to sell out quickly.
#8 CHECK OUT THE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS DISPLAY
Of course, winter also means the holiday season is here, with all the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
I couldn’t make a list of the best things to do in Paris In winter without including all the beautiful Christmas decorations.
This means the whole French capital is dressed up with fairy lights and illuminations, and plenty of Christmas decorations are scattered throughout all the shops and restaurants of the city.
You can’t be wrong wherever you go to see some Christmas displays.
I already mentioned that you should visit the Galleries Lafayette for its beautiful display, and in my next point, I will get to one of the most famous avenues in the world.
Here are a few more worthy places that you should check out for Christmas Lights Display in Paris:
– Avenue Montaigne
– Rue Faubourg Saint-Honoré
– Place Vendômes
-& more
If you want to know more about Christmas in Paris, check out where to see the best Christmas lights in Paris!
#9 WANDER IN A MUSEUM
Visiting a museum in Paris is a pretty obvious activity, as there are many famous museums here; I mean, most tourists have the Louvre on their bucket list, right?
You can visit plenty of museums in Paris to have a lovely morning or afternoon away from the cold and potentially gloomy weather. If you’re not a museum person, no worries; you can also go there to find the weirdest paintings or sculptures; you’d be surprised at how many of those there are.
Here is a list of 10 Museums to visit in Paris in Winter to escape the cold:
- Louvre Museum
- The world’s largest museum, home to iconic masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo.
- Musée d’Orsay
- A former train station housing stunning Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works by Monet, Van Gogh, and Degas.
- Centre Pompidou
- Known for its bold architecture, this museum showcases modern and contemporary art from the 20th and 21st centuries.
- Musée Rodin
- Set in a beautiful garden, this museum features Rodin’s sculptures, including The Thinker and The Kiss.
- Musée de l’Orangerie
- Famous for Monet’s Water Lilies series, displayed in a serene, oval-shaped gallery.
- Musée Picasso
- Located in the Marais, this museum explores Picasso’s vast works and his artistic legacy.
- Musée Carnavalet
- Dedicated to the history of Paris, showcasing artefacts, paintings, and reconstructions of Parisian interiors.
- Musée Gustave Moreau
- A hidden gem in a historic townhouse, displaying the works and personal items of Symbolist painter Gustave Moreau.
- Musée des Arts et Métiers
- A fascinating museum of science and technology, featuring early inventions like Foucault’s Pendulum.
- Musée de la Vie Romantique
- Nestled in a quiet courtyard, this charming museum explores the Romantic era and its literary and artistic figures.
#10 EXPLORE THE BEAUTIFUL PARISIANS ARCADES
You already know about the covered arcades if you read my 10 things to do in Paris when it rains.
The covered passages of Paris are often found going through the building as they have been built simultaneously. In those galleries, you can find a lot of shops or restaurants.
They also have beautiful architecture and decorations, one of my favourites being the Galerie Vivienne!
Here are a few covered passages in Paris to visit:
- Galerie Vivienne
- A beautifully preserved 19th-century passage with mosaic floors, upscale boutiques, and cosy cafes.
- Passage des Panoramas
- The oldest covered passage in Paris is known for its vintage shops, old-fashioned eateries, and stamp collectors’ stores.
- Passage Jouffroy
- A delightful passage with glass ceilings, antique shops, and the iconic Musée Grévin (wax museum).
- Passage Verdeau
- Adjacent to Passage Jouffroy, this quiet gem features antique bookstores, vintage art, and photography shops.
- Passage du Grand-Cerf
- A tall, light-filled passage with unique artisan boutiques, jewellery stores, and trendy design shops.
If you’d like to read more in-depth about those, check out My Covered Passages in Paris To Visit Post!
#11 DAY TRIP TO DISNEYLAND PARIS
One of the best day trips from Paris in winter is Disneyland Paris. And what’s a more fitting place than Disneyland to experience the magic of Christmas?
If you visit Paris in December, then It’s a perfect day trip for kids and adults.
Disneyland Park decorations change with every season and holiday; Christmas at Disneyland is one of the most popular times to visit. If not the most popular time.
The Christmas decorations at Disneyland Paris are up from November 9th until January 6th, 2025. You can still visit Disneyland Paris after Christmas and New Year’s to enjoy the magic with fewer crowds.
#12 VISIT A GREENHOUSE
Exploring a greenhouse during winter might not be the first idea that comes to mind, but it can be a wonderful and unique experience in the heart of Paris.
While the chilly weather may deter some from outdoor activities, stepping into a warm, vibrant greenhouse offers a perfect escape.
Here, you can admire various beautiful plants and flowers that thrive despite the cold season, just like you.
If you’re looking for a cosy outing to immerse yourself in nature’s beauty, consider visiting one of the following greenhouses. You won’t be disappointed!
Greenhouses in Paris to visit this winter:
- Jardin des Serres d’Auteuil
- A stunning complex of historic greenhouses in the Bois de Boulogne showcasing exotic plants, tropical flowers, and palms.
- Grandes Serres du Jardin des Plantes
- Located in the Jardin des Plantes, these greenhouses feature a lush variety of plants from deserts to rainforests.
- Serre de la Cité Universitaire
- A lesser-known greenhouse on Cité Internationale Universitaire grounds housing unique flora in a tranquil setting.
#13 STROLL AROUND THE CHAMPS ELYSEE
The Champs-Élysées is one of the most famous avenues in the world, making it a popular destination for tourists regardless of the season.
Although I believe it can be somewhat overrated—similar to Times Square in New York, though not nearly as crowded—I enjoy visiting it at least once during the winter.
The avenue has a lovely and comforting atmosphere, especially at night when all the lights illuminate the surroundings.
#14 ATTEND LE FESTIVAL DE MERVEILLEUX
Le Festival De Merveilleux is held every winter in Paris at the end of the year. It is the perfect place to discover the wonders of the entertainment and fair world.
With daily shows, attractions, and “old school” carrousel, it’s the perfect place to immerse yourself into the magic of artfully and fair.
It is a perfect convivial winter activity for both children and adults not to miss in Paris.
Address: 53 av des Terroirs de France
75012 Paris
Price: 18,80€ for adults and 12,80€ for children. You can buy your tickets online here.
Date: 27th of December to the 5th of January 2025 without reservation from 10 am to 6 pm
Paris is a lovely cultural city that is interesting to visit all year round. If you decide to visit it during the colder season, then this post will give you enough material to plan a fun trip!
And that’s a wrap on the best things to do in Paris in winter! Now you know all the best things to do in Paris in winter, so layer up, put on that coat, and have some fun in the French capital!
Let me know which activity is your favourite from all the best things to do in Paris in Winter that I listed, or if you’d like to add anything to this list!
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Best Things To Do In Paris In Winter
✈ 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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Disclaimer: This resources box contains affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission if you book anything through my links at no additional cost. These links help me support the blog and generate more content. Happy travels!
This is niceeee. Hope i can visit paris someday!
Thanks! I hope you can too 🙂
Paris looks like an amazing place to visit during Christmas!
I’ve been to Paris so many times and every time I fall in love even more with this city!! Really great list of things to do in winter 🙂
As a local I can tell those are great ideas! There is always something to do when in Paris 🙂
I think it is cool to experience Christmas in other countries 🙂
I love all the great tips! I love hot wine so much. Would love to see the Christmas Tree at THE GALLERIES LAFAYETTE, must be so so pretty in real!
Wow, very intriguing. Now I really want to see Paris in winter. Ideal to visit on Christmas days, thanks for sharing!
If travel was an option right now, I’d be planning a trip already. I would love to visit the Christmas markets and see the lights even visit Disney
I read all the Paris posts because it remains high in my travel list! Love your recommendations. I imagine that snow and Christmas lights during winter make Paris even more magical. I would LOVE to visit the Christmas markets in Paris!
Wow, I’d just love to drink some hot wine at a Christmas market. Thanks for this great post!
Paris looks so beautiful in the wintertime! I’ve only ever been in the spring, but I’d love to go ice skating, check out the shops before Christmas, and grab a hot chocolate while walking around the snowy streets!
Spring is really nice but the winter holiday season in Paris is one of the best!
As a long term visitor to Paris, I can confirm that there are items on this list that I still have to do! Thanks a lot for the inspo.
I hope you enjoy it!
Great suggestions. I can’t wait to go back.
Wow! Hot wine at a Christmas market sounds interesting to me.
My visit to Paris was in early May, but this is a great list for the winter season. I have booked a trip for some people in March to visit, so I am sharing this list with them, to give ideas of things for them to see and do. BTW I loved the show at Moulin Rouge
The Christmas markets of Paris sound absolutely magical—which one of these is your favorite?