Christmas in Paris

Christmas in Paris , the holiday season in Paris is nothing short of enchanted. The city of Paris exudes an air of sophistication throughout the holiday season. Every nook and cranny of every arrondissement possesses its own one-of-a-kind allure. From bustling outdoor ice skating rinks to a plethora of enchanting Christmas markets. That line the streets and squares. There’s a reason why Paris is called the City of Light. This is especially true during the holiday season.

At Christmastime, Paris demonstrates to the rest of the world. Why it is rightfully known as the “City of Light.” During the holiday season, Paris offers visitors a wide variety of attractions to explore. Including Notre Dame, the Champs-Elysées, the illuminated windows of the Grands Magasins on Boulevard Haussmann. And a great number of both large and small Christmas markets spread out over the city. The following is a list of locations in Paris that should not be missed. During the Christmas season.

The Christmas Tree

In front of Notre Dame, there is traditionally a Christmas Tree. That is almost 20 meters tall that is set up during the holiday season each year. It is a reflection of the one that can be found in St. Peter’s Square in Rome and represents the light of God. On the other hand. For concerns related to safety, there has not been a Christmas tree in front of Notre Dame Cathedral. Since the year 2015. It is not known if it will occur again in 2017 or if it will occur in the years to come.

The interior of the church is breathtaking, and with a little bit of advance preparation. You should be able to score tickets to one of the church’s outstanding concerts. Take some time to appreciate the stunning stained-glass windows and distinctive Gothic buildings. That are characteristic of the Ile de France region. Do not leave the sacred structure until you have had a good look. At the breathtaking Nativity scene that is updated every year.

The Christmas tree was relocated to the Place de la Concorde in 2012 for the holiday season. Where it took on the appearance of a miniature version of the famed obelisk in Luxor. Which stood in the background behind the Eiffel Tower. The tree, which was 35 meters in height and originated in the Vosges mountains in Lorraine. It was one of the tallest in Europe.

Paris Markets

The Christmas markets throughout Europe are enchanted. Christmas markets have a lengthy history that can be traced back to the middle ages. These marketplaces are a popular element of the holiday season in Europe. The Christmas markets were a welcome respite from the bleakness of the short winter days. That marked the beginning of the Advent season. Those certain markets were traditionally located in the town square.

Even though they were first established in Germany. Christmas markets can today be found all throughout Europe. Even Paris does not make an exception. There are a number of Christmas markets in the city. Ranging from some of the largest in the Paris region to modest. Boutique Christmas markets tucked away from the regular tourist worn streets. Some of the Christmas markets in the city are open only during the holiday season.

To acquire their Christmas trees, Parisians do not need to make the trip out to the suburbs or countryside. There are numerous locations within the city of Paris that specialize in the sale of Spruce. And Fir trees of varying shapes, heights, and widths.

Place René Cassin (1st arrondissement, in front of St. Eustache church). Place de la Bourse (2nd arrondissement), Boulevard August Blanqui (13th arrondissement, near Place d’Italie). And Place des Ternes (8th/17th arrondissements) are just some of the locations in Paris that host Christmas tree markets.

Grands-Magasins

If you are planning on doing any Christmas shopping in Paris. You will likely find yourself pulled to the most popular shopping district in the city. Which comprised of the Grands-Magasins (department stores). That run down Boulevard Haussmann and are located immediately. Beyond the Opéra Garnier

Both Printemps and Galeries Lafayette compete with one another in December. To see who can have the most beautiful Christmas decorations. In the month of December. Both stores transform their windows into enchanted realms. That transport their customers and tourists alike.

A trip to a department store during the month of December is a custom. That is already fifty years old and highly recommended. For both locals and visitors to Paris. Each window has a different narrative to tell, and some of them incorporate moving puppets. This custom has become more widespread. And as a result, the displays have become a victim of their own success: a pleasant stroll down Boulevard Haussmann. May turn into a nightmarish experience. If you have children with you in Paris. You should keep a close check on them at all times (as well as your wallet and handbag).

Printemps Department Store

Lights, bubbles, snowflakes, and fairy lights decorate Printemps’ Christmas decorations.

Window decorations change annually. Dior’s 2012 window exhibit titled “Parisian Inspirations”. The store honored Paris, the City of Light, with all 11 windows.

Prada displayed Printemps windows in 2013. “Joyful Obsession” shows animated teddy bears and Santa’s reindeer-pulled sleigh. Little kids can see the windows from risers. With Burberry’s aid, the 2014 window displays have a British feel.

Printemps’ 1911 Christmas show returned in 2015. Printemps hired talented designer Philippe Découflé for its 150th Christmas. The store’s esteemed partners Lancôme, Evian, Longines, Christian Louboutin, Sonia Rykiel, and Burberry created all 11 windows for the first time.

The 2016 theme was Christmas in Spring (Christmas dream at Printemps). The moving windows developed by Jimmy Choo, David Yurman, and Bonpoint.

In 2017, the 11 Printemps displays followed globetrotters Jules and Violette as they collected exclusive and seductive creations. Fendi, MCM, EasyJet, Réunion Tourism Office, Thalys, and Citroën are Christmas partners.

Galeries Lafayette

A huge lighting structure displayed on the front of the Galeries Lafayette building. Which is located just one block away along Boulevard Haussmann.

Louis Vuitton was responsible for the design of the decoration . For all 11 storefront windows of the department store in the year 2012. “Once upon a time… before the twelve strikes of midnight” was the theme of the yearlong celebration of fairy tales. That took place in the window displays at Galeries Lafayette in 2013.

In the year 2014, a band of mischievous monsters seized control of the store’s windows!

The windows of the Galeries Lafayette in 2015 decorated to resemble “a Christmas. From another planet,” complete with a large number of robots, Jedi, imperial forces, R2D2, and Stormtroopers. This done in reference to the publication of a new episode of Star Wars.

During the holiday season of 2016, the department store celebrated an Arctic Christmas. By following the trip of a family of polar bears as they looked for a new ice pack to call home.

The Galeries Lafayette introduced a brand new concept in 2017. Which they called Noel Spectaculaire. The people that come to look in through the windows encounter Pierre, his dove Coco, and a pigeon.