Paris in December wraps its iconic streets in twinkling lights, window displays, and vin chaud aromas. While days are short and crisp, the city compensates with cozy cafés, holiday concerts, and seasonal menus. Expect thinner crowds early in the month and a surge near Christmas and New Year. Dress warmly and plan indoor attractions midday; many museums close early Dec 24/31.
Paris in December 2025 at a glance
🌦️ Weather
Highs around 8 °C / 46 °F; drizzle likely, rare flurries possible.
☀️ Daylight
8.3 h; sun sets by 5 pm.
🎉 Key events
Christmas markets, holiday concerts, New Year’s Eve light show.
👥 Crowds
Moderate early, high during holidays.
🧳 What to pack
Warm coat, waterproof shoes, gloves, layers.
🍴 Seasonal treats
Raclette, foie gras, mulled wine, bûche de Noël.
Top things to do in Paris in December
Stroll the Champs-Élysées under Christmas lights
When: Nightly throughout December
Tags: Outdoors, Seasonal
Strolling beneath the Champs-Élysées' famous light display is a Parisian December rite. The avenue glows in festive LEDs from Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe. Go after 5 pm for full effect; shops stay open late during the season.
See the Galeries Lafayette Christmas tree
When: From late November through Dec 31
Tags: Family-friendly, Seasonal
Galeries Lafayette's central dome houses a dazzling tree installation each year. Surrounding floors offer holiday windows and French gourmet gifts. Climb to the rooftop terrace for panoramic views (free, until ~8 pm).
Cruise the Seine with mulled wine
When: Evenings in December
Tags: Tour, Seasonal
A nighttime Bateaux Mouches cruise pairs city lights with hot drinks. Blankets are provided; dress warm. Tours last ~1 hour. Book early for Christmas Eve or NYE slots.
Recommended experiences:
Bateaux Mouches Seine River Dinner Cruise with Live Music & French Menu
1-Hour Paris Illuminated Evening Sightseeing Cruise
Cold evenings call for raclette—melted alpine cheese over potatoes and charcuterie—and vin chaud at street stalls or cozy brasseries. Look for heated terraces with blankets.
Catch a holiday concert at La Madeleine
When: Weekends and holidays in December
Tags: Cultural experience, Seasonal
La Madeleine Church hosts festive performances in its grand neoclassical nave. Programs range from classical to gospel. Buy tickets early; shows often sell out by mid-December.
Explore covered passages decked in decor
When: Daytime or early evening
Tags: Explorer, Cultural experience
Paris’s 19th-century covered arcades (like Galerie Vivienne or Passage des Panoramas) offer sheltered strolls, quirky shops, and vintage bookstores—perfect for cold days.
Visit Sainte-Chapelle's stained glass in winter light
When: Daytime (closed Dec 25)
Tags: Cultural experience, Tour
Low winter sun enhances Sainte-Chapelle's kaleidoscopic stained glass. Entry lines are short in early December. Arrive at opening (9 am) for quiet views.
Recommended experiences:
Sainte-Chapelle and Conciergerie Tickets
Île de la Cité Guided Tour with Sainte-Chapelle Tickets
Join a French pastry class and learn to make festive treats like macarons or bûche de Noël. Many are held in home kitchens or atelier studios across the city.
Offbeat experiences in December
Sip mulled wine at Marché de Noël Alsacien
Cozy vibes at a regional-style market near Gare de l’Est. Expect regional specialties and wintry treats.
What to expect: Seasonal ballet (often The Nutcracker). Book seats early; balcony sells out fastest.
Highlights for different traveller types
Couples
See the lights along the Seine at night, then cozy up with fondue in a Marais wine bar.
Window-shop at Printemps Haussmann and steal kisses under the rooftop tree.
Take a moonlit carousel ride near the Eiffel Tower for a classic photo.
Families with kids
Ride the Ferris wheel at Place de la Concorde, open just for the holidays.
Take kids ice skating outside Hôtel de Ville with rental skates and helmets.
Book a chocolatier workshop where little ones can mold and decorate sweets.
Culture vultures
Catch festive classical concerts at La Madeleine or Sainte-Chapelle.
Take advantage of museum quiet in early December—no lines at Musée Rodin.
Enjoy intimate theater shows (with English surtitles) at Théâtre de la Huchette.
Your perfect 3-day Paris in December itinerary
Morning: Wander Rue Cler’s market street for breakfast goods and décor photos.
Breakfast: Sip hot chocolate at Angelina near Tuileries.
Midday: Explore Louvre's winter exhibitions—lines are short in early December.
Lunch: Crêpes and cidre at Breizh Café in Le Marais.
Afternoon: See Galeries Lafayette’s tree and shop for gourmet gifts.
Evening: Walk the Champs-Élysées light trail and grab vin chaud at the Tuileries market.
Morning: Visit Musée d’Orsay —arrive at opening for Monet in peace.
Breakfast: Grab viennoiseries from Poilâne bakery.
Midday: Head to Sainte-Chapelle’s stained glass when the sun’s highest.
Lunch: Cozy bistro fare at Le Comptoir du Relais.
Afternoon: Wander covered passages like Galerie Vivienne.
Evening: End with a Seine cruise, blankets and hot wine included.
Morning: Join a patisserie class to make festive macarons.
Breakfast: Coffee and tartine at a café near Canal Saint-Martin .
Midday: Ride Metro Line 1 to Parc de Belleville for city panoramas.
Lunch: Eat Alsatian bites at Gare de l’Est’s holiday market.
Afternoon: Explore Paris Sewer Museum or Bibliothèque Sainte-Geneviève.
Evening: Book a holiday concert at Saint-Eustache or La Madeleine.
Best day trips from Paris in December
Versailles
🚆 Travel time: ~45 min by RER C
The palace’s Hall of Mirrors dazzles in low light, while gardens offer peaceful walks in bare, symmetrical beauty. Bundle up—it’s chilly and fountains are off.
10. Use RATP’s “Next Stop Paris” app for offline metro help and elevator locations.
Frequently asked questions about visiting Paris in December
Early December is fairly calm, but crowds surge from around December 20 through New Year’s. Book major attractions and dinners ahead during this period.
No. December 25 is a public holiday. Most museums, shops, and many restaurants are closed. Plan indoor activities for other days.
Expect chilly temps (3–8 °C / 37–46 °F), drizzle, and short daylight. Rare snow possible. Pack layers, waterproof shoes, gloves, and a warm coat.
Yes. Seine cruises run year-round, including December evenings. Some offer mulled wine and heated seating. Book early for holiday dates.
Mostly, yes. December 24 and 31 may have early closures. On New Year’s Eve, Metro rides are often free overnight (check local updates).
Some, like the Tuileries market, stay open until early January. Most start closing between Dec 26–31.
Many offer prix-fixe menus on Dec 24 and 25. Reservations are essential; spots fill fast, and some eateries close for holiday breaks.
Yes, but keep alert. Stick to well-lit areas, especially around markets and transit hubs. Pickpockets target busy areas.
Basic greetings in French are appreciated. Most staff at major attractions and restaurants speak English well.
The RER B runs reliably from CDG/Orly, but allow extra time in case of weather delays. Taxis cost more but are direct and warm.
What to eat in Paris in December: Seasonal delicacies
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Raclette
Melty Alpine cheese served over potatoes and cured meats. Cold nights make it especially comforting.
