There’s something almost cinematic about Paris in December. The streets shimmer, the air smells faintly of roasted chestnuts, and at the center of it all stands the Eiffel Tower as the winter magic begins. Visiting during Christmas is a full sensory experience, from the soft chime of carols drifting from nearby markets to the sparkle of the Tower’s evening light show.

Most of the Tower’s Christmas highlights — from the illuminations to the skyline views are included in your general admission ticket. However, festive dining, Champagne tastings, and nearby Christmas events like the Trocadéro Village are not included in the admission tickets.

What to expect at the Eiffel Tower during Christmas

Carousel near Eiffel Tower during Christmas evening in Paris.

Festive dining experiences: Inside, the Madame Brasserie and Le Jules Verne restaurants transform their usual menus into special holiday menus, including seasonal ingredients and delicacies like the bûche de Noël (Yule log cake)
Panoramic views of Parisian festivities: From the viewing decks, spot the glowing Ferris wheel at Place de la Concorde, the Champs-Élysées market lights, and the Seine’s reflections stretching into the distance.
Christmas at Trocadéro Village: Just across the Seine, hundreds of alpine-style chalets serve mulled wine, raclette, and handmade gifts all set against the Tower’s sparkling backdrop at the Trocadéro Village.
Romantic evenings: Couples gather on the top deck at sunset, Champagne flutes in hand, to catch the first sparkle of the night.
Family fun: Children love the base-level pop-ups and carousels nearby, plus easy access to ice skating rinks within walking distance.

Eiffel Tower Christmas events

Trocadéro Christmas Village

Dates: Mid-November 2025 to early January 2026
Timings: Open daily for 24 hours
Location: Trocadéro Gardens (across the Seine from the Tower)
Age restrictions: Suitable for all ages
Why visit: A festive village with over 100 chalets offering Parisian gifts, vin chaud (mulled wine), and seasonal snacks. There’s also a small skating rink, a carousel, and live performances with the Eiffel Tower as your backdrop.

Festive Dining at Le Jules Verne

Dates: December 20 – January 2
Timings: Lunch 12 noon – 1:30pm | Dinner 7pm – 8:30pm
Location: Second floor, Eiffel Tower
Age restrictions: You must be at least 18 years old to make a reservation. While kids are allowed to be brought along, there is no specific kids' menu or high chair available. It’s not kid-friendly per se.
Why visit: A Michelin-starred Christmas feast crafted by Frédéric Anton, featuring seasonal French dishes, Champagne pairings, and breathtaking views through floor-to-ceiling windows.

Christmas Eve at Madame Brasserie

Dates: December 24–25
Timings: 6:30pm – 10:30pm
Location: First floor, Eiffel Tower
Age restrictions: Children are allowed, and those between 4 and 11 years of age can avail kids’ menu.
Ticket: To access the restaurant, visitors must buy an ‘Ascent ticket’. For kids below 4 years of age, it’s free.
Why visit: A relaxed bistro-style Christmas dinner with live music, festive decor, and a menu inspired by winter French comfort food, perfect for families or groups.

Eiffel Tower Light Show (Special Edition)

Timings: Every hour on the hour from sunset to 1am
Location: Visible from across Paris
Why visit: Thousands of twinkling lights illuminate its iron frame, reflecting the festive spirit that fills the city. The tower sparkles every evening, but in December, it’s complemented by nearby Christmas decorations and the soft glow of the Parisian night, creating a magical winter spectacle unlike any other.

Plan your visit to the Eiffel Tower during Christmas

Christmas lights and decorated trees at Place Vendôme, Paris during evening.

General hours: 9:30am – 11:45pm daily
Christmas Eve & Day: Open with regular hours
Best time to visit: Between 4:30pm and 6pm for sunset and the first sparkle. Early mornings are quieter and ideal for photography.

Read more here

Paris Christmas market stall with Santa costumes and festive shoppers.

Restrooms: Available on all floors, with baby-changing stations on Level 1 and the base.
Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi throughout all accessible levels.
Gift shops: Dedicated Christmas collections and Paris ornaments available at the esplanade and 2nd floor.
Dining: Eiffel Tower Buffets, Madame Brasserie, Le Jules Verne, and Champagne Bar
Lockers: No locker facility available at the Eiffel Tower. Luggage must be stored elsewhere.
Baby facilities: Changing tables and stroller-friendly routes are present.

Couple walking under umbrella near Eiffel Tower in snowy Paris winter.

Elevators: Step-free access up to the 2nd floor.
Wheelchair access: Available on the esplanade and lower floors.
Accessible restrooms: Located on the ground floor, 1st floor and 2nd floor.
Service animals: Registered service dogs are permitted throughout. All other animals are prohibited.
Additional mobility services: Braille guides, tactile maps for visually impaired visitors, and audio induction loop hearing aids are available.

Box of colorful macarons with Christmas decorations in Paris.

Security: All bags go through screening; no large luggage or sharp items permitted.
Photography: Photography is allowed throughout, but tripods are prohibited. Note that nighttime photos of the Eiffel Tower cannot be used for commercial purposes, though sharing them on social media is perfectly fine.
Smoking: Not is not allowed.
Food & drinks: Outside snacks are fine in open areas but not in restaurants.
Timing: Please arrive 15–20 minutes before your slot.

Couple toasting with champagne at Madame Brasserie Eiffel Tower Restaurant.

Le Jules Verne: Michelin-starred, panoramic restaurant by Chef Frédéric Anton — refined menus €190–€320 pp.
Madame Brasserie: Modern brasserie with a special Christmas tasting menu (€70–€95 pp).
Champagne Bar: Seasonal cocktails and mulled wine at the top deck.
Ground-floor kiosks: Festive crêpes, vin chaud, and pastries for takeaway.

Frequently asked questions about celebrating Christmas at the Eiffel Tower

Absolutely! The Eiffel Tower is one of the few attractions that stay open on December 25, offering a chance for you to witness its festive cheer with a nearby holiday market, the tower in all bedecked and the restaurants atop offering holiday dishes.