Ring in 2024 in Paris: Best Spots for Christmas Festivities and New Year's Eve
Christmas and welcoming the new year are among the most anticipated celebrations of the year, and it’s no different in Paris!
The Christmas season typically runs from early December through to the New Year. During this time, Paris, the romantic capital, is decorated like a picture postcard, radiating a cozy atmosphere. Spending Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Paris guarantees an unforgettable experience filled with romance and joy. The city’s unique culture and beautiful scenery add a special charm to the festivities, attracting visitors from around the world to celebrate this warm and special time together.
Want to know exactly what events await you in Paris during Christmas and New Year’s Eve?
Today, Go City rounds up what you can do in Paris during Christmas and New Year to immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere!
During Christmas, Paris is lit up and the scenery is absolutely stunning. To see the most lavish and beautiful Christmas lights and decorations, head to the Avenue des Champs-Élysées! Over a million twinkling lights cover the 400 trees lining the avenue between Place de la Concorde and the Arc de Triomphe!
The lights usually come on from 5pm and stay on until 2am. But on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, they shine all night long! You can welcome the holidays under a glittering night sky!
As you walk along the pavement, you’ll also spot Christmas lights decorating the shops on both sides of this famous avenue. Each shop has its own display, filling the whole street with festive energy!
The Christmas markets in Paris are one of the most popular events of the year, drawing visitors and locals alike. These markets typically run from late November through Christmas, infusing the city with a strong holiday spirit.
At Paris Christmas markets, you can soak up a charming French festive atmosphere. Many markets are set up near famous landmarks, so you can combine sightseeing with a stroll through a market!
Here’s a roundup of some Paris Christmas markets to give you a taste of what they have to offer!
Tuileries Garden Christmas Market (La Magie de Noël at Tuileries Garden)
Dates: November 18, 2023 to January 7, 2024
Hours: 11am to 11:30pm
Location: Tuileries Garden
Located beside the Louvre, this is one of the largest and most popular Christmas markets in Paris. Half market, half funfair, La Magie de Noël at Tuileries Garden attracts over 13 million visitors each year. Here you can immerse yourself in a magical Christmas atmosphere and admire beautiful festive decorations. The garden is transformed into a winter wonderland, making it an ideal meeting place for families and friends!
Notre-Dame Christmas Market (Paris Notre-Dame Christmas Market)
Dates: December 8 to December 25, 2023
Hours: Monday–Thursday: 10am–8pm; Friday–Sunday: 10am–9pm
Location: Square René Viviani
The Paris Notre-Dame Christmas Market is a traditional event held every Christmas season in Square René Viviani. With the majestic Notre-Dame as its backdrop, the market exudes a magical ambience. Colorful stalls display handicrafts, Christmas ornaments, and French gourmet treats, offering a rich shopping experience and delicious traditional food. Though smaller in scale, this market packs plenty of charm. You won’t be disappointed by the goods on sale!
Hôtel de Ville Christmas Market (Hôtel de Ville Christmas Market)
Dates: December 1, 2023 to January 1, 2024
Hours: Sunday–Thursday: 11am–10pm; Friday & Saturday: 11am–11pm
Location: Rue de Rivoli, opposite BHV Marais (52 Rue de Rivoli)
This Christmas market is very special. In addition to traditional stalls, there is a spectacular light show every evening. At night, the building is transformed into different scenes – a forest of Christmas trees or falling snow. The light show is undoubtedly the star attraction of the Hôtel de Ville Christmas Market, along with the festive food and shopping! To fully enjoy this unique market experience, be sure to come in the evening!
Saint-Germain-des-Prés Christmas Market (Saint-Germain-des-Prés Christmas Market)
Dates: November 25, 2023 to January 1, 2024
Hours: 11am–8pm
Location: Boulevard Saint-Germain, next to the Eglise Saint-Germain-des-Prés, 6th Arrondissement
The Saint-Germain-des-Prés Christmas Market sells a variety of charming handmade products, regional specialties, wine, and tempting snacks. If you’re looking for the best-quality items, this is the place to explore!
Due to large crowds, pickpocketing is common here, so keep your valuables safe!
La Défense Christmas Market (La Défense Christmas Market)
Dates: November 16 to December 27, 2023
Hours: Sunday–Thursday: 11am–8pm; Friday: 11am–10pm; Saturday: 10am–10pm. Closed on December 25.
Location: Esplanade de la Défense
The La Défense Christmas Market is one of the biggest holiday markets in the Paris area, with over 300 stalls offering gifts and food you won’t find elsewhere. Soak up the festive spirit with your family, experience the magic of Christmas, and admire the colorful stalls! Visitors of all ages can wander and uncover hidden gems!
Plus, you can even meet Santa Claus up close here!
Alsatian Christmas Market at Gare de l'Est (Alsatian Christmas Market at Gare de l'Est)
Dates: December 1 to December 17, 2023
Hours: Monday–Saturday: 9am–7:30pm; Sunday: 10am–7pm. Closes at 6pm on December 16.
Location: Next to Gare de l'Est train station
The Alsatian Christmas Market is one of the most famous and traditional markets in France and a foodie’s paradise! While there aren’t many amusement attractions, it specializes in foods perfect for the Christmas season. Food lovers must not miss it!
This market blends traditional culture and gastronomy to create a uniquely festive Christmas experience.
Those are some of Paris’s Christmas markets. You can decide where to go based on your preferences and location, but Go City recommends not missing them. After all, what better way to soak up the Christmas spirit than by visiting a Christmas market in person?
Every Christmas season, Paris department stores showcase imaginative Christmas window displays that dazzle everyone! The displays feature elaborate animated scenes, sparkling lights, festive music, cheerful Christmas trees, teddy bears, and beautifully wrapped gifts.
Visit stores like Bon Marché, Galeries Lafayette, BHV Marais, Printemps, and Samaritaine to see their displays. Each store has a different theme, so you can drop by one after another and pick your favorite design!
Christmas has many traditional treats, but the most famous is the Bûche de Noël, commonly known as the Yule log cake. This traditional French Christmas cake is a must-have for homes celebrating the festive season.
The Bûche de Noël is usually made of rolled sponge cake and buttercream, shaped to look like a log, hence the name. The cake’s exterior is often intricately decorated to imitate bark, branches, mushrooms, and other natural elements, adding to the festive feel.
Local Parisians typically order the cake in advance and bring it home to celebrate. If you haven’t pre-ordered, don’t worry! Most pastry shops in Paris still sell the cake on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day!
Disneyland Paris during Christmas is very different from the rest of the year! Throughout the season, you’ll see a giant Christmas tree, entertainment shows, a festive Christmas parade, and dazzling holiday decorations everywhere. The park is adorned with many Christmas-themed lights! Here you can enjoy the wonderful rides and meet your favorite Disney characters up close – two things in one!
The romantic atmosphere of Disneyland, combined with the festive Christmas spirit, guarantees an unforgettable Disney experience. If you’re looking for a special Christmas activity, Disneyland is an excellent choice! And Disneyland Paris tickets are included in the Paris Go City Explorer Pass!
New Year’s Eve Fireworks & Light Show
Date: December 31, 2023
Time: Fireworks and light show from 10pm to 1am
Location: Arc de Triomphe or along the Avenue des Champs-Élysées
Paris offers many spots to watch fireworks, but the most spectacular and popular is at the Arc de Triomphe or on the Champs-Élysées. There you can see a series of light and fireworks displays – the perfect place to ring in the new year!
The Champs-Élysées is closed to traffic every New Year’s Eve to provide a safe gathering point for thousands of people. If you’re worried about getting home late, don’t be! All public transport in Paris is free from 5pm on December 31. Some metro lines and stations run 24 hours, so plan your route before you head out!
Travelogue Contents
1. Admire Christmas Lights
2. Visit Paris Christmas Markets
3. See the Best Christmas Window Displays
4. Taste Traditional Christmas Foods
5. Immerse Yourself in Christmas at Disneyland Paris
6. Watch the New Year’s Eve Fireworks & Light Show
7. Recommended 3-Day Paris Itinerary
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