Paris In December: Everything You Need to Know

Are you wondering if Paris in December is worth visiting? Then I have got the answer for you.

Monument-lined boulevards, the smell of fresh croissants in the air, and the luxurious boutiques at every corner will make you fall in love with the city and life in general at every turn. Or this is at least the reputation that Paris enjoys.

While Christmas decorations at every corner and fairy lights everywhere sound like a dream, there are also quite a few downsides to visiting Paris before Christmas.

One thing I can tell you in advance: yes, Paris is worth visiting during Christmas times.

But you should know a few things before visiting Paris at the most wonderful time of the year. Keep on reading to find out everything you need to know about visiting Paris in December!

Let’s get to it.

Reasons Why Paris in December Is Worth It!

1. Beautiful Christmas Markets

The Christmas markets are one of the biggest reasons why it is worth visiting Paris in December.

As an Austrian, visiting Christmas markets before Christmas is only natural to me. Hot mulled wine (vin chaud), sweet treats, and traditional arts and crafts pop-up stores are calling!

Every year, in December, roughly 15 – 20 different Marchés de Nöel open up all around the city. Vendors offer their special delicacies under a stunning ceiling of fairy lights. They are just as special as my favorite Christmas markets in Vienna.

These marchés de noël are usually there from late November until early January. You can find one in most neighborhoods, and some even have an ice rink set up. Make sure to bring some gloves though, you’ll need those! Find all opening times here.

I have compiled a small list of my favorite Christmas markets in Paris:

• La Magie de Noël (“The Magic of Christmas”) in Tuileries Garden next to the Louvre
• Montmartre Christmas Market at Place des Abbesses (near Sacre Coeur)
• Paris Christmas Market at Hôtel de Ville
• Saint-Germain-des-Prés Christmas Market
• Eiffel Tower Christmas Market on Champs de Mars

2. The Stunning Tree at Galeries Lafayette

The festive decoration inside the famous department store Galeries Lafayette is simply next level! They put up festive decorations every year in December, and you shouldn’t miss it!

The tree in the Galeries Lafayette is a spectacle worth seeing – it is super impressive. Every year, the Christmas tree is decorated under a different theme.

Not only is the tree fabulous, but the Galeries Lafayette is also an excellent place for some Christmas shopping.

3. Romantic River Cruise on the Seine

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By far one of my favorite experiences in Paris was the Seine Dinner cruise. They offer these cruises year-round, but with all the Christmas lights it seemed extra special. This is an amazing thing for couples to do in Paris.

A small but luxurious boat takes you along to all the famous sights. See Notre Dame Cathedral and the Eiffel Tower while you sip a glass of champagne and enjoy the fine French cuisine.

Since we booked the evening version, we saw Paris lit up with moonlight while a piano player enchanted us with his music.

The boat passed by the Eiffel Tower at the exact time when it was illuminated with sparkles for a Grande Finale.

4. Montmartre is Even More Charming

Montmartre is a hill in Paris’ 18 arrondissement. It is famous for its artistic history, as well as the stunning white-domed church Sacré Coeur.

Montmartre is lovely year-round, but I love it best during Christmastime.

During Christmas times you can find a lovely Christmas market in the district. Also, most of the Cafés will be decorated to the max.

Montmartre is definitely worth a day trip because it is the perfect spot to buy a souvenir from street artists and spend a romantic weekend getaway in Paris.

5. Christmas Lights Bus Tour

The next one might sound cheesy but I promise it is not. Christmas is the only time of the year when you can book a fabulous Open-Top Christmas Bus Tour.

Hop on a bus and catch a tour around Paris’s most beautiful streets lit up with Christmas lights with a cup of hot chocolate in your hands.

You can cuddle in a big fluffy blanket, sip some delicious hot chocolate, and listen to some festive music on the tour.

During evening hours the tour passes by the Eiffel Tower, at the exact moment when it is sparkling. This is the perfect activity for a weekend getaway in Paris before Christmas.

6. Christmas Shopping on the Champs Élyséés

One of the biggest reasons why Paris is worth visiting before Christmas is the great shopping opportunities.

To make sure you bring home unique and stylish Christmas gifts I recommend a shopping trip down the Champs Élyséés.

The shopping mile will be lit up with tons of sparkly lights and will be very heavily extravagantly decorated. And you will bring home unique and special gifts – guaranteed.

Taking a stroll along this area of Paris will get you in the Christmas mood no matter what, even if you are just window shopping.

7. Christmas Photo Shootings

Make some lasting memories of your romantic weekend getaway in Paris before Christmas with a photo shoot.

The streets are much less crowded and you can even wear a cute Christmas sweater – the perfect timing for a romantic photo shoot.

It is fun, makes for a great souvenir, and an even better Christmas card.

8. Enjoy a Day Trip to Champagne – Without Crowds

The Champagne Valley is just an hour outside Paris and the perfect spot for a day trip. Book one of my favorite Champagne Tours from Paris and be prepared for a lovely day.

Usually, the Champagne is super crowded and the experience can be a hassle. So winter is the perfect time to get out there and enjoy a beautiful day trip without crowds.

Sip some original champagne, learn about the wine-making process, and visit the most exclusive wineries in the world in the Champagne Region.

9. Christmas Decorations Everywhere

This is one of the biggest reasons why Paris is worth visiting in December. Every shop and restaurant in town puts so much effort into their Christmas window displays – it is totally worth seeing.

Every storefront, restaurant, and cafe is covered in fairy lights and colorful, unique Christmas decorations.

You can find them anywhere really, just take a scenic walk through the city and be prepared to be amazed.

My favorite decorations can be found at Le Village Royal and the Place Vendôme.

10. Cultural Delights & Events

Paris has a rich cultural scene year-round, and December is no exception.

You can enjoy world-class theater performances, art exhibitions, and live music events.

Christmas concerts are the main attraction in Paris in December. Candlelight concerts, the Nutcracker at the Opera, and a special Eiffel Tower concert surprise visitors each year.

Places like the Louvre Museum, Versailles and even Disneyland Paris host lots of special events in December. Make sure to get your tickets early though!

Of course, on Christmas Eve you can’t miss the midnight mass. It is very special to see.

11. Culinary Highlights

French cuisine is legendary. And winter in Paris brings its own delightful culinary experiences that make the city worth visiting.

Indulge in cozy cafés, where you can enjoy warm croissants and hot chocolate. And of course, grab some macaroons at Ladurée. They go best with a glass of ice-cold Champagne.

Additionally, December is the perfect time to enjoy hearty French dishes like boeuf bourguignon and cassoulet. They are particularly comforting in the colder weather.

Don’t even get me started on the pastries. There are plenty of French pastries available year-round, but during this time of year, they put some extra effort into decorating lovely Christmas cookies.

12. Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Paris

Paris is a fantastic place to welcome the New Year in style.

The city has magnificent fireworks displays. Especially around landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe, they are stunning.

You can join the locals in festive celebrations at public squares. And of course, enjoy the party as the clock strikes midnight.

Looking for more ideas for New Year’s Eve in Europe? Why not celebrate the New Year in Venice?

13. Fewer Crowds

The slightly colder temperatures scare away the masses of tourists who flock to Paris every summer.

Winter is a much more relaxed time to visit. Museums like the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay are less crowded compared to peak tourist months, allowing you to appreciate the artwork in a more relaxed setting.

This is one of the biggest reasons why I love visiting Paris before Christmas.

Reasons Why Paris is Not Worth It Before Christmas

Weather

The weather in Paris during the pre-Christmas period can be quite cold and damp. This can be a reason why it is not worth it going before Christmas.

It does snow in Paris from time to time, so you need pack some good clothing.

There is also a bigger chance of rain, so many people prefer visiting Paris in summer. A great month to visit Paris is March, since temperatures are higher but it is not super crowded yet.

Personally, this did not bother me. We just made a couple of more stops in warm and cozy bakeries.

Crowds

In general, December is a lot less busy than the summer months. But especially around New Year’s Eve and during the Christmas holidays, it can get busy.

Many tourists flock to the city during this time, which can lead to larger crowds at popular attractions, longer lines, and a generally busier atmosphere.

We went at the end of November and did not have any problems with crowds, so that might be a good time to go.

Limited Attractions

Some attractions and activities might be limited in December. If you are an outdoor attraction enthusiast, Paris might not be worth it for you in winter.

Outdoor events, gardens, and boat tours, which are often popular in warmer months, might be less enjoyable due to the weather.

Certain attractions could also be closed for renovations or seasonal maintenance.

Sitting outside is also not possible, so keep that in mind with your travel plans.

Reduced Opening Hours

In the lead-up to Christmas some shops, restaurants, and attractions might have reduced opening hours. Some of them even close for the holiday season.

This can impact your overall experience. I suggest checking the availability of things you might want to do or see before your trip to avoid disappointment.

Higher Prices

Higher prices are a big reason why Paris might not be worth it before Christmas.

The demand for travel to Paris tends to increase leading up to Christmas. This is leading to higher prices for accommodations, flights, and even some activities.

This might affect your budget and potentially limit your options for hotels and dining.

My advice is to go at the beginning of the Advent period. This time is usually less in demand and a lot more affordable.

Potential Travel Disruptions

December can bring unpredictable weather conditions in France.

This might lead to flight delays or cancellations. Especially if you’re traveling from a location with winter weather challenges.

Weather in Paris in December

The weather in Paris before Christmas can be a bit chilly and occasionally damp.

Here’s a general overview of what you can expect:

Temperatures: In December, the average high temperatures in Paris range from around 5°C to 7°C (41°F to 45°F). The average low temperatures can drop to about 1°C to 3°C (34°F to 37°F). If this is too cold for you, maybe you would rather spend Christmas in the Caribbean?

Rainfall: Paris experiences a fair amount of rainfall in December. There is an average of about 50 mm (2 inches) throughout the month. You can expect occasional drizzles, so having an umbrella and waterproof outerwear is a great idea.

Sunlight: Days are quite short in December, with daylight lasting for around 8 hours. This means there’s limited daylight for exploring the city, so planning your activities accordingly is important.

Snow: While snowfall in Paris is not guaranteed, there’s a possibility of seeing some snow during your trip in December. It usually does not snow a lot, so you don’t have to expect major disruptions in travel.

Wind and Humidity: Wind can add to the chill factor, making the temperatures feel colder than they are. Humidity levels can also be relatively high, contributing to the dampness in the air.

Conclusion: Is Paris Worth It in December?

In my opinion, Paris is worth it during Christmas time.

Many people shy away from the cold temperatures and the slightly higher prices. But for me, these downsides were definitely compensated by the lovely atmosphere.

Stunning decorations, a festive atmosphere, and delightful Christmas markets will make your trip to Paris before Christmas a pure joy.

So is a Paris trip worth it? Yes, totally!

If you can’t get enough of France before Christmas, you need to visit the capital city of Christmas: Colmar!

Colmar is located in the lovely Alsace and is only a short car ride away from Paris. Or why not celebrate Christmas in Hamburg?

More inspiration needed? Check out my favorite destinations in Europe in fall and winter.