Ah, December in Paris! This time of the year gets both charming and chilly, in equal measure. Crisp mornings cloaked in gentle sunlight can give way to afternoons when the sun may or may not shine. Or worse, lead to rainy days. But considering it is also holiday season, the lights and decorations all over the city of lights make up for all the gloom.
There is distinct festive energy coursing through the city, making it one of the best time to visit Paris. This is especially true if you love the Christmas season, or want to get your holiday shopping done. Check HiP’s French-inspired book guide and keep a look out for our upcoming Francophile gift guides for more.
Paris weather in December
From late December, Paris experiences damp and cold weather with average temperatures ranging from 3 to 8 degrees Celsius. Expect overcast skies and occasional rain. Carrying an umbrella and waterproof layers is a must. Dress warmly with coats, scarves, hats, and gloves to stay comfortable while exploring the city.
The city gets festive with holiday decorations, bustling Christmas markets, and crowded shopping areas, especially closer to Christmas. Tourist attractions might be less crowded early in the month, but as the holidays approach, expect increased visitor numbers.

On cold or rainy days, you can always cosy up with hot chocolate in a Parisian cafe, or visit one of the elaborately decorated department stores. While the evenings can be spent attending a Christmas concert or doing some Christmas shopping. Moreover, the elaborate Christmas windows displays of Galeries Lafayette and Printemps gives the term ‘window shopping,’ a whole new spin.
Here’s all that’s happening in Paris this month, and all the best places to visit to fully enjoy the holiday lights and Christmas decorations in Paris.
EXHIBITIONS
Arte Povera – Bourse de Commerce (until January 20, 2025)
This exhibition delves into Arte Povera, the pioneering Italian art movement of the 1960s. Focusing on 13 key figures—including Giovanni Anselmo, Alighiero Boetti, Pier Paolo Calzolari, and Marisa Merz—it explores their experimental art and their daring departure from more traditional artistic norms.
Intimacy – Musée des Arts Décoratifs (until March 30, 2025)
Journey through the changing notions of intimacy across time with nearly 500 works of art. From Henri Cartier-Bresson’s photographs to modern images by Nan Goldin, and from personal gadgets to provocative souvenirs, intimacy explores the blurry lines between private and public life.
Science/Fiction – Maison Européenne de la Photographie (October 16, 2024 – January 19, 2025)
Uncover the changing visual representation of plants in Science/Fiction — A Non-History of Plants. 40 artists—such as Anna Atkins, Jochen Lempert, and Agnieszka Polska—are showcased in this exhibit blending art, science, and technology. The theme is humanity’s botanical fascination.
Tarsila do Amaral – Musée du Luxembourg (until February 2, 2025)
A trailblazer of Brazilian modernism, Tarsila do Amaral’s works are an homage to the dynamic transformations of her homeland. Drawing from indigenous heritage, local culture, and global influences, her art offers a deep exploration into Brazil’s one-of-a-kind identity.
Harriet Backer: The Music of Colors – Musée d’Orsay (until January 12, 2025)
Renowned in Norway but less known abroad, Harriet Backer skillfully captured everyday moments. Her idiom was the use of vibrant color and subtle realism. Influenced by Realism and Impressionism, her art examines the themes of nature, religion, and home life.
Masterpieces from the Borghese Gallery – Musée Jacquemart-André (until January 5, 2025)
Following extensive renovations, the Musée Jacquemart-André reopens with a spectacular exhibition of 40 Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces from the Borghese Gallery in Rome. Rare works by Caravaggio, Raphael, Titian, Bernini, and others are on display in Masterpieces from the Borghese Gallery.
Barbara Crane – Centre Pompidou (until January 6, 2025)
Explore the early career of groundbreaking photographer Barbara Crane at the Pompidou through 200 works that bridge traditional American photography and avant-garde experimentation. This retrospective honors her legacy as a pioneer of visual storytelling.
Gustave Caillebotte: Painting Men – Musée d’Orsay (Until January 19, 2025)
Commemorating the 130th anniversary of Gustave Caillebotte’s death, this must-see exhibition focuses on his depictions of male figures. Peindre les homes features 70 works. It offers fresh insights into the life and artistry of this 19th-century master.
Surrealism – Centre Pompidou (Until January 13, 2025)
Dive into the dreamscapes of Surrealism in this comprehensive exhibition spanning 14 chapters. Featuring renowned artists like Salvador Dalí, René Magritte, Leonora Carrington, and Max Ernst, it celebrates the creative imagination of this groundbreaking movement.

EVENTS
The Nautic Paddle in Paris, December 1, 2024
Around 1000 participants meet in the early hours of the morning for this impressive sporting challenge. The Nautic Paddle in Paris spans 15km, starting at the BNF-François Mitterand and ending at the Parc Départemental de l’île de Monsieur in Sèvres.
Lost in Frenchlation December Program
Lost in Frenchlation brings the best of French cinema to the international community of Paris. They screen the latest French films with English subtitles, which are often followed discussions with film crews. There are also drinks before each screening building community between the international crowd and native Parisians
Highlights of the December program includes “Diamant Brut” in the presence of the film crew on December 6th, “Monsieur Aznavour” on December 8th, and a tribute to Michel Blanc with “Le Père Noël est une Ordure” and “Les Bronzés font du Ski” on December 10th. Checkout their website for the full December program.
Salon du Cheval – Paris Horse Fair, VIPARIS, 82 avenue des Nations – ZAC Paris Nord 2 – 93420 Villepinte, December 6-8, 2024
This reknowned equestrian event includes 500 horses and 200 exhibitors. Gain insights into horse care, breeds, and behavior. The Salon du Cheval includes competitions like the Paris Indoor Horse Competition, the Longines Masters de Paris, and the World Arabian Horse Championship. The Salon du Cheval Parade and the Night of the Horse add to the fun, while a children’s village allows young visitors to enjoy their first pony ride.
The Reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral, December 7, 2024
Perhaps the most anticipated event of the season. The festivities begin on December 7, and there is an official ceremony and mass on December 8 at 18:30. There will be a dedicated app with a free booking system. During the first week the reopening of the Cathedral of Notre Dame remains open until 22:00.
Fireworks on New Year’s Eve, Champs-Elysées
Every year, Paris celebrates the coming New Year in grand style, with gorgeous fireworks at Champs-Elysées at midnight. It’s truly an unforgettable experience. Best part is that the event is free, but expect huge crowds.

Music
The Rake’s Progress – Opera de Paris, Palais Garnier, until December 23, 2024
Rigoletto – Opera de Paris, Palais Garnier, until June 12, 2025
Vitaa – Accor Arena, December 4, 2024
Eddy de Pretto – Accor Arena, December 6, 2024
Charlotte Cardin – Zenith, December 6, 2024
SCH – Accor Arena, December 12, 2024
Hoshi – Adidas Arena, December 12, 2024
Slipknot – Accor Arena, December 12, 2024
Arthur Honnegger, Jeanne d’arch au bûcher, Frankfurt Radio Orchestra, Alain Altinoglu and Marion Cotillard – Philharmonie de Paris, December 13, 2024
Cine-Concert, Les parapluies de Cherbourg Jacques Demy – Philharmonie de Paris, Michel Legrand – Yellow Socks Orchestra – Nicolas Simon, December 21-22, 2024

Christmas markets
Of course, this being the month of Christmas, exploring different Christmas markets is imperative. While there are many markets being set up in different neighbourhoods, and by different collectives, here are some of the bigger and more popular markets in Paris:
- Tuileries Christmas Market
- St Germain des Prés Christmas Market
- La Défense Christmas Village
- Eiffel Tower Christmas Village in Quai Branly
- Alsatian Christmas Market at Gare de l’Est
- Christmas Market at Hôtel de Ville
- Bastille Christmas Market at Place de las Bastille
- Christmas Market at the Feeries d’Anteuil
- Notre Dame Christmas Market
- Abbesses Christmas Market in Montmartre near Sacre Coeur
- Apprentis d’Auteuil Christmas Market
- 15th Arrondissement Christmas Market
- Christmas Market at La Défense
Most of these markets open between the last week of November and the first week of December. Needless to say, expect long lines if you go at peak hour.
Christmas Decor
Paris is a twinkling wonderland during the holidays! Many of the holiday lights and displays are put in place between end of November and early December, and can be viewed until early January.
Here are some spots where you can soak in the magic of Parisian holiday decorations:
Champs-Élysées
The iconic avenue is lit up gorgeously in December. Take a stroll and revel in the breathtaking illuminations.
Department stores
Many big stores in Paris set up elaborate displays during this time of year, some featuring some giant, not to mention, stunning Christmas trees.
Some stores not to miss are Galeries Lafayette. Its grand Christmas tree and dazzling lights draw in crowds every year. Head to their rooftop terrace for a stunning view of the city.
Just across from Galeries Lafayette, Printemps’ holiday window displays are a visual feast. Also head to BHV or Le Bon Marché for some chic and sophisticated decorations.

Avenue Montaigne and Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré
Both streets are known for high-end shopping. The luxury stores here set up some truly unmissable decorations.
Le Village Royalé
The cobblestoned passage of this luxurious space is also filled up with glamorous Christmas decorations, including, last year, a giant crystal encrusted teddy bear!
Bercy Village
This area transforms into a magical wonderland with lights and decorations every holiday season.
Hôtel de Ville
The square in front of Paris’s town hall is converted into a winter wonderland in December, complete with a Christmas market, light shows and even an ice skating rink.
Apart from these specific locations, entire neighborhoods also go out of their way to deck themselves up. Some recommended walks would be in Montmartre and Le Marais. While the former comes though with all its bucolic charm, Le Marais embodies the spirit of Christmas in a more modern and hipper avatar.
For kids
Disney in Concert: Magical Music From the Movies – Zenith de Paris, December 13 and 14, 2024
Disney in Concert: Magical Music from the Movies will be shown at the Zénith de Paris in La Villette. It is a film/concert featuring the most famous songs from Disney, performed by a symphony orchestra.
Ice Skating
Paris has dozens of ice skating rinks around the holidays. Some of the best ones can be found at Bercy Village and La Defense, where you can skate at 110m high on top of its Grande Arche.
From December 8, 2024-January 9, 2025 the Grand Palais has indoor ice skating.
Related Links
- For something arty and dreamy, read HiP interview with Jamie Beck and her book ‘The flowers of Provence’
- Winter is a great time to visit Paris. Find out how to make the most of Paris in the winter time.
- Looking for a great gift for the Francophile in your life? You can’t go wrong with these French-inspired books.
Written by Pronoti Baglary. Looking to travel? Check out Plum Guide and our Marketplace for fabulous vacation rentals in Paris, France or Italy. Looking to rent long or short term, or buy in France? Ask us! We can connect you to our trusted providers for amazing service and rates or click here. Looking to bring France home to you or to learn online or in person? Check out our marketplace shop and experiences.
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