Paris most beautiful holiday celebration spots

Thursday, December 14, 2023

Winter has returned, ushering in the 2023 festive holiday season in style. Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann is all set to embrace the holiday spirit and is eager to share its top picks with you so that you won’t miss a single moment of the dazzling Parisian holiday celebrations.

Paris, famously known as the City of Lights, goes all out to create a magical atmosphere during this time of the year. The entire city comes alive with holiday lights, enchanting department store window displays, and charming Christmas markets, captivating the hearts of both the young and the young at heart.

For those in search of gift ideas, Boulevard Haussmann and Rue Caumartin will be even more radiant this year, thanks to the Haussmann Paris Committee. A total of 1,725 strings of lights will illuminate the streets, bringing joy to thousands of onlookers every night throughout the holiday season.

In an effort to reduce its carbon footprint, the store has decided not to light up its display windows and decorations during the daytime this year, reserving their magnificent splendor for the evening between 5 pm and 8 pm.

The Eiffel Tower itself becomes a spectacle of light every evening, shimmering until 11:45 pm. As the night falls, 20,000 light bulbs adorn the Iron Lady, delighting visitors. During the first five minutes of every hour, the Tower dazzles with a breathtaking display. From its first level, you can enjoy one of the most stunning panoramas Paris has to offer.

The Galeries Lafayette Department Store, a tradition since 1976, adorns its façade with themed holiday window displays that captivate both young and old. Inside, the majestic Dome hosts the iconic Christmas tree of the year, which sparkles every 30 minutes with a mesmerizing sound and light show. On the rooftop, you can savor a 360° view of the Parisian rooftops and all the holiday illuminations.

Explore “My Dream Christmas” by Charles de Vilmorin, a heartwarming tale of a young girl and her magical paintbrush embarking on adventures in their imaginary world.

Paris itself becomes a spectacle of lights, living up to its nickname, the City of Light. The Champs-Elysées, its most magnificent avenue, sparkles for two kilometers from Place Vendôme to the Christmas market at the base of the Arc de Triomphe, running from November 19, 2023, to January 7, 2024. You can also admire enchanting displays on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré starting November 16, 2023, and on Boulevard Montaigne from November 20, 2023.

Welcome the New Year in grand style on December 31st, right on the world’s most beautiful avenue. The fireworks, launched from the Arc de Triomphe, commence at the stroke of midnight, providing a spectacular sound and light show.

The Christmas markets, inspired by Alsace and Germany, have always been cozy and inviting during the holiday season. Starting from mid-November, you’ll find everything you need to decorate your Christmas tree. Food enthusiasts can indulge in regional specialties and mulled wine in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Explore the market for last-minute gifts to place under the tree.

In one of the city’s most beautiful parks, the Christmas market at the Tuileries Gardens will open its doors from November 18 to January 8, 2024. Here, you can enjoy gourmet tastings, ice-skating, an amusement park, and even meet Santa Claus. From November 25 to December 31, discover the Christmas village of Montmartre, perched around the Sacré-Cœur Basilica.

For a truly regal Christmas experience, visit the Château de Versailles, adorned with magnificent holiday decorations, with its rooms and parks transformed into a backdrop for special events and shows that will enchant visitors of all ages.

Don’t miss the “King’s Tour,” a beloved Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann tradition. As night falls, immerse yourself in the Baroque ambiance of an exceptional tour and show at the Château de Versailles. The holiday magic of the King’s court will unveil all its secrets to you from December 16, 2023, to January 7, 2024. Tickets can be purchased here.

Disneyland Paris promises an Enchanted Christmas from November 11 to January 7, 2023, creating the most enchanting holiday season ever!

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