Christmas in Paris : what to see and do during this 2021 holiday season

Paris really puts on her sparkle when it comes to lights and illuminations. Usually around the beginning of November, you’ll start to see the city putting up Christmas lights and stringing them across the streets. Back home in Ohio, I loved when my family would pile into our car and drive around at night and look at people’s Christmas lights on their houses. Here’s where you can see some fabulous Christmas lights in and around Paris. 

GALERIES LAFAYETTE

The Galeries Lafayette always has a breath-taking Christmas display between the windows on the outside of the department store and what’s displayed underneath the iconic cupola. This is always at the top of my list to get me in the Christmas spirit. 

Address: 40 Bd Haussmann, 75009 Paris
Metro: Chaussée d’Antin – La Fayette, Line 7, 9.

PRINTEMPS

Another iconic Parisian department store that pulls out all the stops for their Christmas window displays. 

Address: 64 Bd Haussmann, 75009 Paris
Metro: Havre-Caumartin, Line 3, 9. Haussman Saint-Lazare, RER E. 

BON MARCHÉ

This is a must-see. The historic elevators that criss-cross and take you to different levels put you in the middle of a Winter Wonderland foray. 

Address: 24 Rue de Sèvres, 75007 Paris
Metro: Sèvres-Babylone, Line 1à, 12. 

LA SAMARITAINE

This is the first Christmas that La Samaritaine will be decking her halls in all the seasonal glory. After over a decade of renovations and a global pandemic, she has opened her doors this past summer and just in time! I cannot wait to see how they decorate this landmark store for the 2021-2022 holiday season. 

Address: 9 Rue de la Monnaie, 75001 Paris
Metro: Pont Neuf, Line 7.

LE BHV

This year’s theme is Switzerland and all her white, snowey, mountain glory. Each year, the BHV presents a theme through her window displays that also flow throughout the department store. There can also be activities included for little (and big) ones. This year includes a nod to the Chatlet des Marmottes with fondue and cheese tasting ! 

Address: 52 Rue de Rivoli, 75004 Paris
Metro: Hôtel de Ville, Line 1, 11. 

PLACE VENDÔME

The classic Christmas trees that pop up every year in the square are the perfect photo opportunity. The twinkle of the white lights and the colors of the doors that look onto the square evoke a magical space. If you catch the square at the right moment, you feel this awakening Christmas spirit fill up the place. 

Address: Pl. Vendôme, 75001 Paris
Metro: Pyramides, Line 7, 14. 

RUE MONTORGUEIL

Walking the length of the rue Montorgueil, you feel the Christmas spirit spilling out of the store windows and doorways. The business owners along the street add to the charm and magic that is Christmas. Make sure to walk all the way down to the steps of the Saint Eustach Church to take in all the sights and lights. Allow time to do a little Christmas shopping while you’re strolling along. 

Address: Rue Montorgueil, 75002 Paris
Metro: Sentier, Line 3.

CHAMPS-ELYSÉES

Every year, the trees that line the Champs-Elysées are draped in a Christmas glow and light up the entire boulevard. Despite all the cars and traffic, Christmas is still in the air and the sight is one that you will not forget. I highly recommend starting at the end of the Tuileries garden by the Place de la Concorde and making your way up along the Champs Elysées. The square around the obelisk is decorated and the obelisk itself is lit up. 

Address: 75008 Paris
Metro: Tuileries, Place de la Concorde exit, Line 1.

JARDIN DES PLANTES

The Jardin des Plantes offers a paid discovery to their Christmas illuminations down a pathway through the ages starting with the beginning of the world. With over 100 lighted displays, you’re sure to be impressed and learn something along the way. 

Date: November 29, 2021 to January 30, 2022. From 6 PM till 11 PM.
Price: 12€ – 15€.  Buy your tickets here. 
Address: Entrée unique côté Seine : 2 place Valhubert – 75005 Paris
Metro:

PARC DE SAINT CLOUD

This year, the Lumières en Seine has returned to the Parc de Saint Cloud, just on the outskirts of Paris, past La Défense. Embark on a journey through the historical domaine de Saint Cloud as you discover illuminations, sculptures, light projections and much more. Entrance is through the gate Clémenceau. Book tickets early for your chance to see this spectacular event. 

Date: November 19, 2021 to January 9, 2022.
Price: 18€ – 22€. Tickets can be purchased here. 
Address: Clemenceau Grill, 92210 Saint Cloud
Metro: Please visit here for the best route for you to get there. 

BERCY VILLAGE

Tucked behind the Gare de Lyon train station lies Bercy Village that always puts on a show-stopping display of Christmas. This year, the Umbrella Sky by Patricia Cunha is front and center. Not only will you be able to see all the Christmas decorations and displays, but this open-air shopping mall will allow you to get your shopping done at the same time. Don’t forget to pose by the giant Christmas tree for the prefect photo-op. 

Date : November 18, 2021 to January 16, 2022. 
Address: Cr Saint-Emilion, 75012 Paris
Metro: Cour Saint-Émilion, Line 14. 

RUE FAUBOURG SAINT HONORÉ

Not far off the Place Vendôme, lies this street that houses all the high-end stores (Chanel, Dior, Longchamp, Christian Louboutin, Lowe) as well as their famous Christmas decoraitons that adorn their façades. On the corner of Rue Cambron and Rue Saint Honoré, across from Dior, you’ll find the charming hot air balloon in front of the church Notre Dame de l’Assomption. You can get your photo taken here day or night. 

Address: 75008 Paris
Metro: Pyramides, Line 1, 14. 

AVENUE MONTAIGNE

Tucked away off the Champs Elysées is this magical street where the trees welcome you with their soft white glow. If anything, it’s just for the trees that are covered in (what seems like) millions of tiny sparkles, as if the stars came down from the sky and wrapped themselves around the trees. Start at either end and stroll down for maximum awe. 

Address: 75008 Paris
Metro: Alma-Marceau, Line 9. Franklin D. Roosevelt, Line 1, 9.