Paris is always a magical city, but the nickname City of Lights takes on a whole new meaning at Christmastime. The whole city twinkles like the Eiffel Tower at night, thanks to all the holiday decor, and takes some of the already-beautiful places in the city to another level (at least for me- we all know I like lights and twinkles and glitter!). If you’re looking for the prettiest Christmas decorations in Paris, I’ve rounded up the best spots for you below!
Place Vendôme: Every year, my favorite decorations are always those that pop up at Place Vendome. Something about the gorgeous simplicity of the trees and their twinkling white lights is just so classic to me, especially when paired with the square’s architecture. There are eight around the square, two per quadrant, with smaller trees placed in between windows and doors around the perimeter.
Chalet de Noël by the Ritz Paris: This year, the Ritz has opened a pop-up in front of the hotel on the square, serving the Ritz’s signature hot chocolate and pastries by François Perret, the hotel’s pastry chef recently named world’s best restaurant pastry chef (so you know they’re going to be delicious). Open daily from 15h-20h until 5 January; 15€ for the hot chocolate/pastry formule.
Galeries Lafayette: Probably the best known Christmas decorations in Paris thanks to the massive themed tree that sits under its gorgeous Neo-byzantine glass dome, Galeries Lafayette never fails to do Christmas up big. This year’s theme is the Ruche de Noël (the Christmas hive), and the floral-decorated tree is topped by a crowned queen bee, with other hanging bee decorations around it. Also on the menu for this holiday season: a rooftop ice-skating rink and a life-sized Barbie Dreamhouse on the 5th floor.
Galerie Vivienne: Arguably the prettiest of the covered passages no matter what time of year, Galerie Vivienne looks especially beautiful all dressed up in twinkly lights for Christmas. The light curtains adorn the windows throughout the length of the passage- it’s always a Christmas favorite!
Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche: The favorite department store of Left Bank lovers always manages to have decorations that suit its checkered center escalators and upscale feel. This year, the Christmas trees are flying!
Village Royal: Always another personal favorite, the decorations at the Village Royal complement the passageway’s classic lamps and understated façades (though don’t be fooled- you’ll find Dior and Chanel both have boutiques here). Normally they stick with white-light-decorated Christmas trees, but this year there are these adorable bears! The larger one by the rue Royale entrance has a seat in front of the bear that’s perfect for photos, but I preferred this little guy and his red balloons.
Marché de Noël du Jardin des Tuileries: If you go to Paris at Christmas and didn’t go to a Christmas market, did you really go to Paris at Christmas? The Tuileries Christmas market is the largest and longest-running in the city, with many of the same rides and attractions as the fair that takes its place in the summer months. Here you’ll find all of the European Christmas treats your heart may desire, from vin chaud (hot mulled wine) to tartiflette to gingerbread decorations, plus all kinds of Christmas decorations both kitschy and cute.
Louis Vuitton: The Louis Vuitton store at Place Vendôme takes advantage of its expansive façade to create huge, elaborate decorations. After taking a break last year and installing a weeping willow Christmas tree decoration, the golden sun from years past has made its return, to brighten up even the gloomiest of Parisian winter days.
Max Poilâne: This adorable bakery is quite a ways out of center, but if you’re looking for Christmas decorations in Paris, you’d be hard-pressed to find a place more festive than this one. Don’t forget to stop in for a baguette or a pastry!
Avenue Montaigne: The luxury stores on Avenue Montaigne always stick with classic Christmas decor to match the sparkling trees lining the avenue. One façade that never disappoints is that of the Hotel Plaza Athénée, with its gold-tipped fence and elegant streetlamps (and of course the iconic red awnings which are present throughout the year).
Dior: While this year the Dior façade is under renovation (planned to be finished before Christmas 2021), last year’s fluffy Christmas tree and the previous year’s hot air balloon both proved to be a hit, particularly on Instagram. I can’t wait to see what they come up with once they’ve finished with the renovation!
What’s your favorite place to see Christmas decorations in Paris? Did I forget somewhere? Sound off in the comments!
Liked this post? Pin it for later!
No Comments