Christmas in Paris 2012 –
Noël Lights Schedule?

Answers to Your Paris Questions

Do you know what date they will illuminate the Christmas lights on the Champs-Elysées? I believe that it is typically the third week in November but haven't been able to find an exact date.

Merci bien. -Colony, USA

The lighting of the Christmas lights lining the Champs-Elysées has become a favorite tradition in Paris. From the end of November to mid-January, four miles of fairytale lights adorn 450 trees from the Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe.

The Christmas lights in Paris 2012 will be lit from Wednesday, November 21 to Wednesday, January 9.

And Paris being Paris, there's an official ceremony called the Inauguration des Illuminations de Noël sur les Champs-Elysées to mark the event.

The Illuminations Celebration has become a revered ceremony in Paris with celebrities like Johnny Hallyday, Catherine Deneuve and Marion Cotillard honored with turning on the lights. The celebrity for Christmas lights in Paris 2012 has not yet been announced.

Amélie & The Mayor

Christmas in Paris 2012

In 2011, actress Audrey Tautou and the Mayor of Paris, Bertrand Delanoë, triggered the Christmas lights on the Champs-Elysées, with efficient LED lamps.

According to the Committee of the Champs-Elysées, power consumption is 16 times less than the traditional bulbs.

Throughout the season you can celebrate by shopping in 150 Christmas chalets (booths), taking a spin on the ferris wheel in the Place de la Concorde, and see more Christmas lights on Avenue Montaigne.

On New Years Eve Champs-Elysées is closed to traffic to create a grand boulevard for revelers to bring in the New Year.

Our Guides to Christmas in Paris 2012

Noël Lights & Markets

Christmas in Paris 2012

• Notre Dame – 4th Arrondissement
The Christmas Market at Notre Dame is not to be missed! Say bonjour to Santa Claus, keep warm with roasted chestnuts and mulled wine with superb views of Notre Dame de Paris.
Metro:Line 4, Cité
December 15 to 23, 2012

• Saint-Germain des Prés – 6th
Along Boulevard Saint Germain (27 chalets)
Metro: 4, Saint Germain des Prés
December 6 to January 2, 2013

• Place d'Italie – 13th
Centre Commercial Italie 2 (20 chalets)
Metro: Lines 5, 6 & 7, Place d'Italie
November 24 to December 24, 2012

• Montparnasse – 15th
Centre Commercial du Montparnasse (40 chalets)
Metro: Lines 4 & 6, Montparnasse-Bienvenue
December 5 to 30, 2012

• Trocadero – 16th Arrondissement
Place du Trocadéro (100 chalets)
Metro: Line 6 & 9, Trocadéro
December 13 to January 6, 2013

• L'Arche de Noël – La Défense
Parvis de la Défense
Metro: Line 1, Esplanade de la Défense (350 chalets)
November 21 to December 29, 2012