I’ve lived in Paris for more than 20 years, and honestly, the holiday lights just keep getting better and better. By the end of November, the city goes into full sparkle mode, its elegant streets glow, shop windows are decked out like haute couture Christmas presents, and you’ll find the holiday spirit around almost every corner. If you’re visiting Paris during the end-of-year holidays and love that festive magic, trust me, you’re in for a real treat. Here are my favorite spots with the best Christmas lights in Paris.
Image Courtesy of Ritz Paris via Facebook
Place Vendôme, 1st arrondissement
In my opinion, the ABSOLUTE best Christmas lights in Paris are in this elegant square between the Tuileries Gardens and the Opéra District. This gleaming square, surrounded by luxury jewelry shops and the Ritz Hotel, turns into a chic winter dream world, with perfectly trimmed Christmas trees covered in tiny sparkling lights. They really blow me away every time, and I even go out of my way to visit the square to admire them. The ambiance is totally magical, so if you LOVE Christmas lights, you won’t want to leave Paris without stopping by.
Rue Saint-Honoré and Rue Royale, 1st and 8th arrondissements
From Place Vendôme, turn the corner and keep the magic going on the Rue Saint-Honoré and Rue Royale. Rue Saint-Honoré, the original luxury shopping street in Paris (yep, it’s not the Champs Elysées), gets decked out with elegant lights worthy of its fashion-queen status. They are completely elegant and enchanting. Then follow the sparkle over onto Rue Royale, where you can also warm up over a chocolat chaud (hot chocolate) and a delicious treat at the tea salon of Ladurée, which happens to be the first boutique of this renowned macaron shop.
Champs Elysées, 8th arrondissement
Personally, the Champs Elysées isn’t normally my vibe (too many touristy restaurants and chain shops), but Christmas is the one time of year it’s actually worth visiting. The trees lining the street are covered in twinkling lights, which are turned on during a star-studded ceremony held mid-November, which officially kicks off the holiday season in Paris. The effect is pretty spectacular, and you can catch the view from Place de la Concorde, at the end of Rue Royale, if you want to see the magic without the crowds.
Rue Montorgueil, 2nd arrondissement
I really LOVE this lively market street in central Paris year-round, but the ambiance is extra special over the festive season. Included on Day 4 of our Paris Itinerary, the magic starts at the beginning of the street with lights spelling out the street’s name. Then, wander down it slowly, savoring all its pretty holiday lights as you go. You’ll likely be tempted into some of its decadent food shops or stop in at a café for a steaming vin chaud (mulled wine). It really is the Paris holiday spirit at its best.
Galerie Vivienne, 2nd arrondissement
Paris has some STUNNING covered shopping arcades, and this one always has gorgeous holiday lights. Found along the walking route of Day 2 of our Paris Itinerary, you’ll be wowed by its elegant garlands, twinkling windows, and charming boutiques ready for festive browsing.
It also has some cozy cafés where you can grab a meal or a warming drink.
Rue des Abbesses, 18th arrondissement
Maybe I’m a little biased because I live nearby, but I think this local street in Montmartre has some of the best Christmas lights in Paris. Like Rue Montorgueil, it has special holiday lights with the street’s name, then lights and decorations are strung all along it and the neighboring streets. End your stroll at the Christmas market in Place des Abbesses or keep walking up to Place du Tertre, which is also beautifully lit and much more enjoyable to see after the daytime crowds clear.
Bercy Village, 12th arrondissement
Here’s a cool spot that’s off the classic tourist trail, but so worth the jaunt. Tucked away in eastern Paris, this former wine warehouse district turns into a glowing holiday walkway. The cobbled lane is fringed by shops and restaurants, which are decked out in fantastic holiday lights, and the whole vibe feels like stepping back in time. It’s on the edge of the walking route of Day 5 of our Paris Itinerary, which includes other amazing places to check out in the area.
Rue Mouffetard, 5th arrondissement
This is another great market street that puts on a fabulous Christmas show. Located in the south of the 5th arrondissement, start at the bottom of the street, where you can duck into food shops selling the most mouthwatering holiday food. Then stroll upward through festive shops and cafés. At the top, grab a seat at a cozy café in the pretty Place de la Contrescarpe, where you can toast to the season like a local.
After checking out my list of the Best Christmas Lights in Paris, are you looking for other cool things to do over the holidays in Paris? Read these next:
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