Paris Events In December 2026 – Markets, Lights & Lots Of Food
December is the biggest holiday month of the year in Paris, and there's truly a magical mix to experience. The city fills with festive lights — from the brilliant Noël displays along the Champs‑Elysées to sparkling shop windows and traditional Christmas markets. It's impossible to resist the warmth that defines Paris events in December 2026, a season brimming with yuletide cheer.
Paris transforms itself into a winter wonderland. Holiday concerts fill ornate churches and gourmet festivals spotlight seasonal specialities. For locals and travelers alike, Paris events in December 2026 offer unforgettable moments and celebrations that make this the city's coziest time of year.
- 50 Perfect Holiday Activities in December in Paris…
- Christmas in Paris – Le Plus Merveilleux Time Of The Year…
- 22 Stellar Things to Do on New Year's Eve…
- 10 Best Christmas Markets In Paris For 2026…
Our Top-Rated Paris Events In December 2026
Glorious Day Trips From Paris
|
Esprit de Paris — Experiences
|
The Wonders Of Versailles
|
Top Food & Wine Experiences
|
The Hottest Events In Paris
|
What's On At The Museums
|
Noël – Christmas Day
December 25 is a French National Holiday, and the city slows down to celebrate. Museums, department stores, and most shops will be closed, with only a few boulangeries and cafés keeping limited hours. While the streets feel quieter, Paris still has its festive sparkle — church bells ring, families gather, and lights glow across the neighborhoods.
If you're not planning to prepare a meal in your Paris apartment, it's essential to make your Christmas Day dinner reservations well in advance. Many restaurants close for the day, but a select few stay open and offer special holiday menus that book up quickly.
Christmas Lights on Champs-Elysées
Each Christmas season, 400 trees on the iconic avenue — from Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe — are decorated with a bevy of colorful, energy-efficient lights. Each year a celebrity flips the switch to turn on the lights in a special star-studded ceremony. In past years Catherine Deneuve, Vanessa Paradis, Marion Cotillard, Laetitia Casta, and Charlotte Gainsbourg have been the lucky ones to switch on the lights. This year's special guest will be announced in early November. Stay tuned.
- Avenue des Champs-Elysées
- Late November to mid-January
- Information…
The Best Christmas Decorations in Paris
Christmas lights always set Paris twinkling. Extra-special care is put into decorating the lavish department stores and shopping districts that dot the Paris landscape. Here are few of our favorites streets and stores —
- Galeries Lafayette, Boulevard Haussmann
- Printemps, Boulevard Haussmann
- Le Bon Marché, 7th Arondissment
- BHV, in the Marais
- Faubourg Sainte-Honoré, 8th Arondissment
- Forum des Halles, 2nd Arondissment
- Place Vendome, 1st Arondissment
A Classic Seine Dinner Cruise
A dinner cruise is one of the easiest ways to see Paris lit up at night without racing across town. This 2.5-hour cruise serves classic French cuisine on an all-glass boat, so the views stay with you as the landmarks slide by.
Top Christmas Markets in Paris
Celebrate the season by visiting some of the Christmas markets found throughout the city from late November to the end of the holiday season. There are over 100 Christmas markets in public squares, parks, avenues, and train stations and they are among the best Paris events in December. Here are few worth a detour —
- NOTRE-DAME CHRISTMAS MARKET
More than fifty exhibitions dedicated to Christmas arts and crafts. Just steps away from the iconic Notre Dame cathedral, the market will be brimming with crafts, seasonal decorations and delights.
• Square René Viviani, 2 rue du Fouarre, 5th Arrondissement - ALSATIAN CHRISTMAS MARKET – GARE DE L'EST
One of the oldest Christmas markets in Paris. Artisans from the Alsace region travel to Paris to sell their wares. Savor the flavours of Alsace with specialty cakes, seasonal gingerbread, sausages, and sauerkraut. Taste foie gras, Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Kugelhopf and Munster cheese. This market runs from December 1 to about the 16th.
• Parvis of the Gare de l'Est, Place du 11 Novembre 1918, 10th Arrondissement - MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS – JARDIN DES TUILERIES
Last year the Champs-Elysées Christmas market closed following a dispute between the city and the market organizer. For 2026 there's a new location for the market, and it's an even bettre one — inside the gates of the Jardin des Tuileries just off Place de la Concorde. The market runs from November 18. to January 9. - MARCHÉ DE NOËL À MONTMARTRE
Head up the hill to the former artist's village that is Montmartre to shop at the eclectic collection of thirty wooden chalets near the Sacré-Coeur
• Paroisse Saint-Pierre de Montmartre, 18th Arrondissements - NOËL DANS LES ETOILES – A STARRY CHRISTMAS
This Christmas village features seventy chalets selling holiday crafts, decorations, and seasonal foods. Head to Place Joachim-du-Bellay in the 1st Arrondissement near the Fontaine des Innocents at Les Halles.
The Essential Versailles Day Trip
Versailles is unforgettable, but the crowds can slow the visit to a crawl. A guided tour keeps the day moving with easier entry, the palace highlights explained, time in the gardens, and maybe even a stop at Marie Antoinette's estate.
An Equestrian Spectacle
The Salon du Cheval de Paris is a grand equestrian festival where more than 500 horses and 450 exhibitors converge in celebration. Visitors can attend elite competitions — from show jumping and dressage to vaulting, horse‑ball, and the prestigious World Arabian Horse Championship. These dynamic contests showcase athleticism and partnership between horses and riders.
Beyond sport, the expo offers a bustling trade show with state‑of‑the‑art equipment, wellness advice, and care products. Families flock to pony‑ride zones and interactive workshops, while the enchanting "Night of the Horse" performance adds theatrical flair. Whether you're drawn to competition, culture, or kid‑friendly charm, this Paris equine showcase delivers energy, elegance, and unforgettable moments.
- Porte de Versailles
- Information…
Marais Walking Tours
Walk the Marais with a knowledgeable guide and see one of Paris's most historic neighborhoods from the inside. Tours range from food tastings to Jewish Quarter history and hidden courtyards you would likely miss on your own.
Salon Nautique de Paris
The Paris Nautical Show brings France's maritime spirit indoors, hosting around 350 exhibitors and showcasing between 300 and 400 boats across two vast halls. Formerly known as the Paris Boat Show, this revived indoor edition offers a curated presentation of sailboats, motorboats, marine accessories, and cutting-edge boating technology. Visitors can discover the latest in marine innovation, meet industry experts, and explore displays focused on sustainability and connectivity.
This isn't just a display — it's a full boating experience. Engage with live demonstrations, attend expert-led tech talks, and explore thematic zones tailored to sailing, watersports, and eco-friendly marine solutions. From first-time boat buyers to seasoned sailors, it's a celebration of all things maritime — designed to inspire, educate, and connect a passionate community under one roof.
- Porte de Versailles
- Information…
Find Your Hotel In France
Traveling beyond Paris? Find good places to stay across France, from city neighborhoods and vineyard hotels to Riviera hideaways and small-town inns. Compare locations and see what's open for your travel dates.
