From happy customers

Loved by 42 million+
Hayley Bowker

Hayley

Aug 2025
5/5
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Henry, our host was hugely knowledgeable and engaging, a lovely guy. Without him the long wait to go in would have been very difficult; with him the time flew. The views from the 2nd floor and summit of the Eiffel Tower were spectacular.
Russell Cluderay

Russell

Aug 2025
5/5
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Great day at the Eiffel Tower what great experience to see loved our tour guide very knowledgeable with great insight to the history of the Eiffel Tower
Sonia Jordan Brunson
US

Sonia

United States
Aug 2025
5/5
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+1 more

The meeting point was clearly communicated and the tour operators were organized and knew what they were doing. It seemed a little excessive to be there 30 minutes before tour time but it wasn't as we were there at opening and the lines were forming quickly. They kept us all together and explained the entry process well, including two different security/bag checks. The skip-the-line was helpful as tower security helped ensure that our group was able to proceed and they detained people trying to move ahead without that option. Sharon was our group guide and she was very knowledgeable and kept up with all of us even while she explained all the history of the tower. It was a great experience and I recommend Experience First for your tours. And be sure to book tickets to the Summit (by elevator). It's awesome up there.
Swati Upadhyay
IN

Swati

India
Aug 2025
5/5
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We had a wonderful time at Eiffel Tower. Our guide Sebastian from Argentina was very interactive and helpful and witty too. Had a great time exploring the place !!! I would highly recommend this guided tour and Sebastian from Argentina !!! Kudos
Elisha Chandra
ZA

Elisha

South Africa
Aug 2025
5/5
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Amazing experience. The Guide was so professional and made the tour so interesting. We really enjoyed the views of the city from the eiffel tower and then from the river cruise at night. We loved learning about the history of the Eiffel tower which was very interesting.
Erik Werner Gottfried Rainer Enseleit

Erik

Aug 2025
4/5
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A great guide!!! Very cooperative, always friendly and an answer to every question!!! Waiting time to get up the tower was definitely too long with children, but you can't help it....
Heike Lungkwitz

Heike

Jul 2025
5/5
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The meeting point was easy to find, there was a lot of information about the tower and its history, our guide Helen answered all our questions, we really enjoyed it
Claudel Frédéric
FR

Claudel

France
May 2025
4/5
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Very good guide, but I don't understand why groups have to queue. Why aren't there specific queues?

Top things to do in Paris

Jingle bells & city lights: Christmas at the Eiffel

The Eiffel Tower is easily a landmark that could be picked for a rom-com Hallmark movie set during the holiday season, with a plot where the protagonist comes home to Paris and finds true love. With such a Hollywood setting, you must visit the tower during Christmas for all the main character vibes!

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Why visit the Eiffel Tower during Christmas

Exploring this winter wonderland
Paris streets adorned with festive Christmas lights during a Tootbus holiday tour.
Little girl ice skating in paris during christmas
Santa interacting with children
Eiffel Tower view from Madame Brasserie during dinner in Paris.
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Exploring this winter wonderland

The Eiffel Tower during Christmas spells “It’s the most wonderful time of the year…” as it transforms into the Iron Lady in her festive finery – it’s the stuff of storybooks. Think illuminated gardens, a charming Christmas market offering delicious treats and handcrafted gifts, and the tower decked out in holiday colors.

The Parisian holiday spirit

You have celebrated Christmas before, but have you experienced the holidays the Parisian way? From festive treats like the bûche de Noël and sablé cookies to niche traditions such as thirteen desserts and crèche, coupled with unique holiday decor, it’s the best way to be merry in France. Plus, you get to do all this with an Eiffel Tower view!

The way of skating on ice

Remember the movie Frozen and how the characters glide on frozen lakes? Well, the closest you can get to the kingdom of Arendelle is ice skating at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. With a large ice rink set up in the Champ de Mars gardens complete with stunning views of the tower, it’s time for all your Disney dreams to come true.

Sounds like “Ho! Ho! Ho!” at the tower

You didn’t think we would forget to mention Santa on a page about Christmas, did you? The man in red, known as Père Noël in Paris, makes appearances at the Eiffel Tower during the holiday season and he comes bearing gifts! You can take pictures with Santa Claus, your tiny ones can share their Christmas wishes with the holiday celebrity, who can be found either around the tower or on any of the floors of the Eiffel for a photocall.

All about dine, wine & everything fine

Eiffel Tower has two of the best restaurants Paris has to offer: the Madame Brasserie on the first floor and the Le Jules Verne on the second floor, both setting a memorable experience for you during the holiday season. With a special Christmas menu set, you can have a delicious three-course meal with dishes like foie gras, roasted turkey, smoked salmon, yule log cake, crepes and even mulled wine served alongside for true festive cheer!

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Top things to do at the Eiffel Tower during Christmas

Shoppers exploring boutiques on a Parisian street.

1. Shop ‘til you drop at the Christmas market

Feel like you’re shooting for a montage scene in a feel-good movie as you’re browsing through the many stalls at the Christmas Village market, which is put up at walking distance from the Eiffel Tower on Quai Branly. You can glance over all things of the holiday season, from charming trinkets to foods, goodies, and vendors selling a warm cup of vin chaud (mulled wine).

Jules Verne Restaurant dining area on Eiffel Tower's second floor with Paris skyline view.

2. Brunching the Jules Verne way

If you haven’t planned how to spend your Xmas days, then think no more. Pop into Le Jules Verne restaurant for a brunch date with your partner, friends, or family, or just fly solo. As you watch the sprawling city view from the second floor of the Eiffel, the special menus (with Sea-bass fillet, Joinville-style prawns, and truffled farm-made “Meaux” brie) and traditional fare will add some extra pixie dust to your day.

Wine glasses and food at a restaurant in Paris.

3. Dining at Monsieur Bleu

The worst part about the arrival of Christmas is that it ends, so finish off your day on a bright note by having dinner at the Monsieur Bleu restaurant! It is located across the Seine River from the Eiffel, so as you dig into a classic French gourmet meal with dishes like langoustine and foie gras ravioli, filet of sea bass and exotic fruit pavlova, the breathtaking panorama of the best in Paris will keep you company.

Eiffel Tower view from Trocadero Gardens, Paris, with fountains and tourists.

4. The Trocadéro Gardens mass calling

We know by now that Christmas in Paris is something else. However, to get a real feel for the city's spirit, you must attend the Christmas Day mass at the Trocadéro Gardens. With the Eiffel Tower as a backdrop, being in the crowd with others is truly a unique and spiritual experience. After the mass, soak in the festive atmosphere as you stroll through the Christmas market, brimming with holiday cheer.

paris Christmas evening near Eiffel Tower

5. Magic of the Eiffel lights

Granted, the Eiffel Tower is a dazzler all year round, but during Christmas, it sparkles a little bit more. With themed decor to lighten up the apple of Paris, the tower is bedecked head to toe in holiday regalia.

Visitor enjoying view from second floor of Eiffel Tower, Paris.

6. The tour of the tower

What could be better than spending this holiday the good old way, by taking a little tour of the Iron Lady herself? As a local expert guide helps you nosedive into the rich history of the Eiffel Tower, including some Xmas special tidbits, you can cross this item off your bucket list once done.

Read more about Eiffel
Picnic setup at Champ de Mars Gardens with Eiffel Tower in the background, Paris.

7. A picnic for two

Nothing beats a sweet, relaxed start to the holiday season where you spread a picnic blanket on the Champ de Mars lawn and unpack your hot lunch out of your wicker basket! As the festival is all about celebrating togetherness and all things joy- a picnic sits right with the theme of merriment.

cruise on the Seine River with Eiffel Tower view, Paris Christmas Eve.

8. Cruising on Christmas 

Craving vacation-like feels as you begin your well-deserved break from your job for Christmas? Hop on a Seine River cruise that lets you enjoy the views of the Eiffel Tower as you admire the Parisian landmarks like Notre Dame, the Louvre and Orsay Museum and indulge in a chic dining experience on your boat.

Book your Seine River Cruise

Tips for visiting the Eiffel Tower during Christmas

  • Bundle up! It gets chilly and wet in Paris during December; so, dress warmly for your Eiffel Tower visit.
  • The Eiffel Tower can be crowded, especially around the holidays. Security checks and entry lines might take a while, so be prepped.
  • Skip the elevator lines! If you can, take the stairs to the Eiffel Tower. This can save you time waiting in long elevator lines, especially during the busy Christmas season.
  • Find some peace in the gardens. The Trocadéro Gardens across the Seine River offer a lovely view of the Eiffel Tower. Escape the crowds and breathe in the peaceful Christmas atmosphere here.
  • The Eiffel Tower is especially beautiful at night when it's lit up. If you can, try to visit the tower after dark to see the City of Lights sparkling below.
  • As the tower is located in the 7th arrondissement of Paris, it is a great neighborhood to explore, with many interesting shops, restaurants, and museums in the area. Get directions.

Frequently asked questions about celebrating Christmas at the Eiffel Tower

Can I visit the Eiffel Tower on Christmas Day?

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.

Is the Eiffel Tower crowded on Christmas?

Yes, expect crowds at the Eiffel Tower on Christmas. It's a popular tourist destination year-round, especially during the holidays.

Are the Eiffel Tower restaurants open on Christmas?

Yes, Eiffel Tower restaurants are open on Christmas. They often have special festive menus, so you can enjoy a delicious meal with a stunning view.

What's the best time to visit the Eiffel Tower during Christmas?

While the Eiffel Tower shines brightest at night, for a complete Christmas experience, consider booking a daytime tour, followed by a festive lunch nearby. Then, cap it all off with the magical sight of the illuminated tower after dusk when the lights turn on automatically!

Is there a dress code for Christmas at the Eiffel Tower?

No, but pack for the Parisian winter during your Eiffel Tower visit. It can get chilly and wet in December, so prioritize warmth and comfort.

How do I get to the Eiffel Tower during the holidays?

The tower is easily accessible by metro, bus, or taxi. Consider taking public transportation to avoid traffic and parking issues.

What are the Christmas markets near the Eiffel Tower?

The main Christmas markets are located on the Champ de Mars, Bir-Hakeim, and along the Quai Branly by the Seine River.

Are there any other holiday light displays near the Eiffel Tower?

Yes, the Champs-Élysées and Avenue Montaigne are also illuminated with Christmas lights, creating a magical ambiance in the area.

More reads

Eiffel Tower illuminated with Christmas lights in Paris, France.

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Tourists with guide on second floor of Eiffel Tower

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Eiffel Tower illuminated at dusk with cityscape in Paris, France.

Fun facts about the Eiffel

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