We're finally going to Paris! We have read all your newsletters and articles and found them amazing! We'll be in Paris at Christmas time for five nights. We want to experience the romance of the season and the best activities. Can you help us choose? Thanks"

– Joann & Gil

It's Easy to Plan a Christmas in Paris !

A Christmas storefront in Paris

Dear J & G,
We're happy to hear about your plans. You're going to find out just how magical Paris is during the holiday season. With only five days in the City of (Christmas) Light, we do that you make the most of your time by booking a few guided tours. It took us a while to learn, but once we opened ourselves to guided tours, we discovered what a benefit they are. We've learned so much and seen more than we would have on on own.

Let's get to some suggestions for your five-day visit.

1. A Seine River Dinner Cruise

This is the ideal way to get your bearings in Paris. As you cruise along the river, you get a real understanding of how closely-packed the important monuments and museums are and how majestic they look from a bateau on the Seine. We recommend the Bateaux Parisiens dinner cruises. Be sure to choose Service Privilège. You pay a bit more but are rewarded with the best table, unobstructed views, a few culinary bonuses, and extra champagne!

2. A Guided Tour at the Louvre

This is one museum where we insist you book a guided tour. It's the largest museum in the world and it's easy to get overwhelmed and exhausted… not to mention the line-ups. On a tour you bypass the lines and get into the museum where your guide will usher you to all the highlights. Another benefit is that afterwards, when the tour has ended, you're free to explore on your own for as long as you like.

3. The Eiffel Tower

You're going to want to visit the Eiffel Tower, so why not dine at the same time? Lunch at Madame Brasserie provides a chance to experience the tower and taste the food of Michelin-starred Chef Thierry Marx. Travelers are loving it.

4. Moulin Rouge

A nighttime show in Paris is iconic, and the Moulin Rouge is the most famous, and most historic place to see it. Go for dinner and stay for the cabaret.

5. A Private Car from the airport

For us, it's these little luxuries that make us feel taken care, and a bit like a VIP. Your driver will be there to greet you, will handle your luggage, and will deliver you to your Paris address with ease.

6. A Christmas Concert in an Historic Venue

December is packed with concerts at historic Paris venues, some of them performed by candlelight. And this season you can attend a performance of Rudolf Nureyev's masterful version of The Nutcracker, performed at Opera Bastille.

Christmas market at Hotel de Ville, photo Ville de Paris

7. Christmas Markets

Your first Christmas stop could be the market at Hotel de Ville, where the place in front of the city hall will be decorated with holiday splendor. There's are other Christmas markets throughout the Paris: near Place de la Concorde and across from Notre Dame cathedral, to name two.

8. A Taste of the Neighborhood

A local culinary walking tour is another must for your list. If you love French food & wine and want to learn more about them, we recommend A Taste of Montmartre. You learn so much and get to sample specialities that you just wouldn't find on your own.

9. Weather advice

Paris can be chilly, even cold, in December. Wear warm but stylish footwear and a fashion-wise coat. Bring gloves and a cozy scarf.

Bon voyage !