During the festive season, Paris is illuminated by dazzling lights and offers us a multitude of activities and entertainment. Do we, for instance, marvel at the famous department store windows or delight in a ride on the big Ferris wheel? If you don’t know what to choose, discover our top ideas to make the most out of the magic of the Parisian festivities.
1. The Christmas Market on the Champs Elysées
An evening at the heart of the famous Christmas Market on the Champs Elysées
More a village than a market, considering its size, the Christmas Market on the Champs Elysées is undoubtedly the best known. From the Grand Palais to the Place de la Concorde, discover restaurants, spreads of regional products and authentic little boutiques. As you reach the end of your stroll, take the opportunity to treat yourself to a ride on the big Ferris wheel. You might wish to enhance it with a cup of Churros or a glass of hot wine in hand. Either way, don’t miss out on this fantastic experience!
2. The Magical Department Store Window Displays
The Printemps window “Melody of Time” in 2015
Christmas is approaching and Paris sparkles under beautiful lights. To add to the magical atmosphere are the department stores on Haussmann Boulevard in the Opéra-Grands Boulevards district. Eagerly awaited and admired each year by millions of onlookers, the window displays of the Galeries Lafayette and Printemps enchant with their originality and creativity. And, for fashion lovers, big brands also take part by creating incredible décor for the occasion. These displays are unquestionably one of Paris’s most captivating attractions of the festive season!
3. The Grand Christmas Parade at Disneyland Paris
The Christmas parade: a fairytale experience for the whole family!
Every year, Disneyland Paris provides shows and fairytale entertainment to bewitch visitors of all ages. This year, there have been rumours that Star Wars fans are going to be satisfied indeed… But Disneyland Paris is, above all, known for its incredible parades that mesmerise both children and adults. So don’t miss the highlight: the traditional Christmas parade, starting from the 11th November 2016. On the schedule is a magical evening where costumes and glitter will transport us all back to childhood!
4. The Grand Palais of Ice
The famous nights at the Grand Palais promise a unique atmosphere!
The giant ice-rink of the Grand Palais, situated on the edge of the Champs Elysées, is returning this year for the third time. From the 14th December 2016 until the 2nd January 2017, you will have the opportunity to glide along the biggest ice-rink in France and to enjoy various shows, activities and delicious sugared sweets. And there’s no need to worry about the children- an area has been exclusively converted just for them. As for the clubbers amongst you, make sure not to miss Thursday nights. The ice-rink will remain open until 2am with shows on ice, entertainment and dance parties with a DJ. Skating rink and dance floor will become one to create an explosive atmosphere!
5. Salon Saveurs des Plaisirs Gourmands
Gironde’s caviar, from La Maison du Caviar
Specially designed to inspire the future recipes of the most exquisite festive dinners, the Salon des Saveurs des Plaisirs Gourmands lays out a big Christmas market each year at l’Espace Champerret. Deemed to be the reference point of the gourmet world since 1996, this market offers you the best of essential food products for your most lavish tables. From the 2nd to the 5th December 2016, you will have the chance to discover more than 350 producers from all over. We particularly recommend the renowned must-haves concocted by the greatest chefs: start by exploring “Maison Caviar de France” and its delicious caviar made in Gironde, then let yourself be seduced by Chalosse’s foie gras. Bon appétit!
6. (Re)- discovery of Festive Season Confectionary and Sugared Sweets
In partnership with LIDO, the “Wonders” log by Lenôtre is a true work of art!
We’ll never be able to tell you enough, but Paris is the capital of taste! And, every winter, the snowflakes bring with them new flavours. In honour of the festive season, top confectioners bring out Yule logs, chocolate and frosted chestnuts. For Christmas, though, we’re highlighting the “Jewel Box” log by Josselin Marie and the famous “Wonder Log” by Lenôtre. And for celebrations of indulgence, Gilles Marchal’s chocolate card games for Maison Chaudun will wow your guests (available in limited edition). Our selections are available individually, to be savoured without moderation!
7. The Christmas Artisan Market at Notre-Dame
The Christmas market spreads at Notre Dame de Paris are a veritable goldmine!
Situated between L’île Saint Louis and Saint-Germain-des-près, Viviani Square will hold this little Christmas market from the 16th to the 25th December 2016. Around forty exhibitors will present you with the best of locally grown and traditional gastronomy. Pure bliss for locavores! Here, only artisans endowed with real know-how and local producers will be participating. And, for the little ones, entertainment including songs, puppet shows and children’s stories will be organised daily. Most importantly, however…all of this will be with the presence of Santa!
Are you planning on coming to enjoy the magic of these seasonal festivities? Whether as a couple, group of friends or family, discover our apartments in Paris situated at the heart of these marvellous attractions to make your stay unforgettable.
