How inappropriate it is to celebrate Christmas in Paris! And yet, Paris is one of those cities that takes a back seat at Christmas time to make way for family celebrations, which is only natural. You see, Christmas in Paris is magical, enchanting, and for those who dare to venture out onto its brightly lit squares, these moments are unforgettable…
From the Hôtel de Seine, in the heart of the 6th arrondissement, experience a typically Parisian Christmas amid lights, fine dining, and elegance.
The nicest Christmas lights and shop windows in Paris
In Paris, the holiday season awakens our inner child, and it’s not just the youngest among us who see stars in their eyes. The holiday lights are an enchanted carousel that we never want to get off. Here is a non-exhaustive list of the wonders on offer in the capital starting in mid-November.
Christmas lights in Paris
The last two weeks of November mark the start of the festivities in the capital. Lights twinkle throughout Paris: in trees, on building facades, around monuments… Here are a few places not to be missed during this time of year:
- The Champs-Elysées
- The avenue Montaigne and luxury shops
- The place Vendôme
- Bercy Village, …
Lose yourself in the streets of Paris and let the magic of the holidays take care of your little hearts.
Shop windows of department stores
Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without department store window displays. And you don’t have to be a child to appreciate their magic and craftsmanship. Themed and fantastical, we love strolling past the windows with the smell of roasted chestnuts and festive music to complete the Parisian holiday atmosphere.
The window displays not to be missed during the holiday season in Paris:
- The Lafayette Galleries : don’t forget to come in and admire the huge Christmas tree.
- Printemps Haussmann
- The Bon Marché
- The BHV
- La Samaritaine
- The shops in the rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré
Idea for a route taking less than 30 minutes from the Hôtel de Seine
To help you organize your enchanting visit to the capital, we have put together an itinerary for you to follow—or not 😉 This will allow you to make the most of the city’s Christmas wonders:
- Leaving the Hôtel de Seine, walk to La Samaritaine and admire the beautiful decorations of this legendary Parisian building.
- Take the metro from Pont Neuf to Opéra (line 7). Head towards Galeries Lafayette. Go inside and find the majestic Christmas tree that stands beneath the Galeries’ inimitable dome.
- Exit and walk along the galleries and their animated window displays to Printemps Haussmann. Lights, sounds, puppets, and staging transform the window displays into an open-air show.
- Head to Place Vendôme and its refined and elegant Christmas decorations.
- Then take Rue Saint-Honoré and feast your eyes on the whimsical holiday ideas from the major luxury brands.
- Save the best for last and take the path to the most beautiful avenue in the world. The Champs-Élysées stands before you, with lights sparkling on either side like in your childhood dreams.
- Return to the hotel for a night full of dreams and wonders…
Flavors and traditions of Christmas in Paris
What would Christmas be without good food? France is inseparable from gastronomy. And at Christmas, we choose our ingredients, we cook, we sit down around a good table, and we savor every bite.
Christmas Markets in Paris
At a Christmas market, you can find all kinds of crafts. Unusual items, seasonal items, games, and of course local products. Foie gras, charcuterie, nougat, candy—there’s something for every taste and budget. Choosing a Christmas market in Paris isn’t easy, but then again, why choose? Here are a few:
- Saint-Germain-des-Prés Christmas market
- Notre-Dame de Paris Christmas market
- The Danish Market at the Maison du Danemark
- Cité de Noël in Pantin
- The Christmas market in the Tuileries Garden
- The Christmas market at La Défense
- The “Made in France” Christmas market at Place Saint-Michel
Wooden chalets, mulled wine, handmade Christmas baubles, black truffles from Burgundy—hurry to the Christmas market of your choice.
What to eat for Christmas?
What are the essential ingredients for a good Christmas meal?
- Savory dishes :
- foie gras it can be eaten in a terrine or pan-fried. A vegetarian version is now available.
- Smoked salmon or smoked trout: serve with a slice of lemon.
Scallops - Turkey, stuffed or plain
- Sweet dishes :
- The Yule log is the most popular dessert on the table.
- Chocolates: is there such a thing as Christmas without chocolate?
- Clementines or mandarins for a much-appreciated touch of freshness.
- Drinks :
- Champagne is always invited to the party
- Champomy, the Champagne for kids
Where to eat for Christmas in Paris ?
Many restaurants offer a special Christmas menu, just like on New Year’s Eve. We have compiled a short list of restaurants where you can enjoy Christmas Eve dinner:
- Madame Brasserie, whose chef is none other than Thierry Marx, offers an unforgettable gastronomic experience at the Eiffel Tower.
- The Vagenende restaurant, with its Belle Époque decor, just a stone’s throw from the Hôtel de Seine, offers a selection of festive dishes.
- Semilla is a gourmet restaurant next door to our establishment. The menu is creative and our customers never cease to praise it.
Magical activities to do during Christmas holidays in Paris
Paris is brimming with great ideas to keep you entertained during the holidays. Whether you’re visiting with family, friends, or just your significant other, choose from these activities and enjoy a magical vacation in the capital.
Temporary ice rinks in Paris
Why not lace up your skates and glide across the ice? Choose from these locations:
- The ice rink on the roof of Printemps Haussmann, where you can enjoy the view as well as the activity.
- The ice rink at the Tuileries Garden Christmas Market, where you can enjoy the funfair at the same time.
- The ice rink at Parc André Citroën, the largest outdoor ice rink in Paris.
Christmas shows in Paris
The Grand Hôtel des Rêves, located in Paris’s fifth arrondissement, promises you an unforgettable experience. Extraordinary shows featuring fantastical characters. A veritable dream machine, during the holiday season, its immersive shows include “The True Story of Santa Claus.”
If you love a magical atmosphere, head to the Musée des Arts Forains during the last week of the year. Splendid sets worthy of a movie set, magical worlds for young and old alike that you won’t regret booking in advance.
The Jardin des Plantes and the Parc Floral both offer illuminated trails. You can stroll among the artistic installations in a sparkling setting.
A little further away, the Château de Vaux le Vicomte is a historic site that dons its festive attire at Christmas time. By the light of thousands of scattered candles, visitors stroll through the decorated castle and the hanging garden for an unforgettable experience. With a varied festive program throughout the year, including live shows, the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte is always ready for the big events of the year.
Stay at the Hotel de Seine for your Christmas in Paris
Choose the Hôtel de Seine for your Christmas celebrations in Paris, a welcoming, intimate hotel ideally located in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
Cosy and warm atmosphere
The Hôtel de Seine welcomes you in an authentic, very Parisian and particularly warm setting. With exposed beams, draped fabrics and cozy sofas, you’ll feel right at home at the Hôtel de Seine. And the reception staff play no small part in this. Smiles, professionalism and kindness are the watchwords of our team.
The small lounge invites you to relax, while the breakfast room and its fireplace welcome travelers from the crack of dawn. The rooms are particularly comfortable and decorated in a simple, elegant, and distinctly Parisian style. Accommodating 1 to 3 people, all rooms are equipped with:
- Free, high-speed Wi-Fi
- Heating
- Courtesy tray with tea and coffee
- Blackout curtains
- Private bathroom with Clarins toiletries and hairdryer
- High-quality bedding, etc..
Perfect location for Christmas holidays in Paris
The Hotel de Seine is lucky to be located in the heart of Paris, in the charming district of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. The 6th arrondissement is one of those places with historic charm, where every stone bears witness to a literary or artistic past. Saint-Germain-des-Prés is the vibrant soul of Paris. Parisians themselves love to gather on the terraces here in the evening.
From Saint-Germain-des-Prés, you can easily explore the city, reaching the Seine, the Louvre Museum, and the Montparnasse Tower in just a few minutes on foot.
What’s more, this legendary neighborhood offers a wide range of activities. Whether you’re looking for a gourmet brunch, a department store, culinary experiences such as macaron making, art galleries, or bookstores, you’ll never be bored in Saint-Germain.
Access to the Hotel De Seine
The Hôtel de Seine is quickly and easily accessible from Paris’s main train stations:
- Metro line 4 for Gare du Nord and Gare de l’Est
- Metro line 10 for Gare d’Austerlitz
- Bus 63 to Gare de Lyon
It is just as easy to reach the hotel from Paris airports (RER B, Saint-Michel-Notre-Dame station, where you will also find the RER C to take you to the Palace of Versailles, for example).
Christmas at the Hotel de Seine
How about spending Christmas in Paris at the Hôtel de Seine?
First of all, we recommend booking an executive or deluxe room, or even the La Pompadour room. The latter, a romantic room par excellence, offers the luxury of a private sauna in the room.
Imagine checking in at 3 p.m., settling into your room and private wellness area. Enjoy the sauna and walk-in shower with Clarins products, then relax with a steaming cup of tea in your armchair. Then it’s time to get ready for Christmas Eve.
Head to your restaurant, Christine for example, or Monteverdi for Italian cuisine accompanied by the gentle sound of piano music. Raise a glass to the festivities and enjoy the moment.
After leaving the restaurant, take a nighttime stroll back to the hotel. Paris sparkles; the night suits it so well. Back at the hotel, snuggle under the duvet and let your dreams be tinged with Paris.
In the early morning, you have a choice. Breakfast can be served in the privacy of your room until 11:00 a.m., or in the charming breakfast room near the fireplace. A warm croissant, a cappuccino, and whatever else you desire. It’s Christmas 🙂
The day is waiting for you. Why not visit a Christmas market or browse the window displays of the department stores?
