Paris really knows how to do Christmas. If you’re heading here for the holidays, you’re in for a total treat — and not just the edible kind (though there’ll be plenty of those to feast on too). Between the twinkly lights, the cozy Christmas markets, and the smell of roasted chestnuts floating through the streets, the city feels like one big festive fairytale. Add a little extra holiday magic to your trip by taking some of these best festive tours in Paris.
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Visit Notre-Dame and its festive Christmas market
A stop at Notre-Dame is a must if you’re coming to Paris over the holiday season. Since reopening in December 2024, the cathedral has been back on every visitor’s wish list, and this lovely Christmas tour is the best way to visit it at this time of year. It kicks off with a fascinating intro to the history of the cathedral, which looks extra gorgeous decked out in Christmas decorations. Then you’ll take a short jaunt over to the Left Bank to explore the charming Christmas market at Square René Viviani. Known for its high-quality crafts and delicious festive bites, which you’ll also get to sample during the tour.
Book a Notre Dame Christmas Market Guided Tour & Tasting | 4th & 5th Arrondissement
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Take a guided family-friendly tour to enjoy Christmas lights and markets
Spending Christmas in Paris with the kids? Young and old(er) alike will adore this festive family tour. One of the best festive tours in Paris, it starts on the Champs-Elysées, where you’ll get to enjoy its STUNNING holiday lights. You’ll take in this festive spirit as you walk down the famous avenue towards Place de la Concorde. Here, your friendly guide will tell you about the history of this impressive square before entering the Tuileries Gardens to visit its fabulous Christmas market and fun fair. A holiday treat is included, and after the tour, you can keep the good times rolling on the rides and other attractions of the market.
Book a Christmas Lights and Markets Family Tour | 1st and 4th Arrondissements
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Learn all about how the French celebrate the festive season on a fabulous food tour
Christmas in France is a foodie’s dream come true. You can get to know the country’s food traditions, including festive treats, on this amazing food tour. Taking place in the Marais, you’ll taste over 10 different food specialities at a variety of food venues. These include crepes, cheese, pastries, natural wine, and some festive treats that are available at the different stops. Your expert food guide will also share some insider tips for eating like a local during the holidays. By the end, you’ll feel like a true Parisian gourmet and probably also be blissfully full.
Join a Paris Ultimate Food Tour | 3rd Arrondissement
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See the best Christmas lights from a vintage car
Want to crank up the festive charm? Hop into a vintage Citroën 2CV and cruise past the most magical holiday lights in the city. Definitely one of the best festive tours in Paris, this private tour covers some of the most beautifully decorated areas, like the Opéra district, Champs-Élysées, Place Vendôme, and beyond. To make the experience even more unique, you’ll get a little holiday gift: a chic Saint James scarf (made in France, of course) and a festive postcard to remember your fun and festive ride.
Take a Private Christmas Lights Tour by Citroën 2CV | Various Arrondissements
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Explore the history and festive spirit in Montmartre
If there’s one place in Paris that looks straight out of a snow globe during the holidays, it’s Montmartre. The cobbled streets, glittering lights, and cozy cafés make it one of the most enchanting areas to visit in December. On this private two-hour walking tour, you’ll uncover Montmartre’s artistic history and its best-kept secrets while soaking up all the festive spirit. Don’t forget to grab a cup of hot mulled wine to keep you toasty as you wander.
Take a Private Montmartre Walking Tour | 18th Arrondissement
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Taste the Sweet Side of Paris on a Chocolate and Pastry Tour
Got a sweet tooth? This pastry and chocolate tour is pure indulgence. You’ll pop into some of the Right Bank’s top bakeries, pastry shops, and chocolatiers to sample everything from flaky pain au chocolat to glossy macarons. You’ll also discover festive specialties and maybe pick up a few gifts (if you don’t eat them first). It’s the perfect way to add a little sugar rush to your Paris adventures.
Book a Paris Pastry and Chocolate Tour: Secrets of Paris’ Sweet Side | 2nd and 9th Arrondissements
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Enjoy a fairy tale day at the castles of Vaux-le-Vicomte and Fontainebleau
Ready to turn your holiday trip into a real-life Christmas storybook? This full-day excursion whisks you away to two of the most dazzling castles near Paris: Fontainebleau and Vaux-le-Vicomte. After getting picked up at your hotel by minivan, you’ll drive out to the Chateau de Fontainebleau. One of the French royals’ countryside getaways from the Middle Ages to the mid-19th century, it shows off more different architectural styles than Versailles does – plus it’s much less busy.
After lunch in the lovely town center of Fontainebleau, you’ll travel on to the Chateau de Vaux le Vicomte — the castle that inspired Versailles itself. Over the holidays, it goes all out with sparkling lights, festive decorations, and family activities like treasure hunts and marshmallow roasting. The excursion is a bit on the pricey side, but since transport’s included and Vaux-le-Vicomte is tricky to reach on your own, it’s absolutely worth it.
Join a le Grand Noël Vaux le Vicomte & Fontainebleau Excursion | Vaux-le-Vicomte and Fontainebleau
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Learn to make Christmas holiday treats with a French chef
Okay, this isn’t technically a “tour”, but this special cooking class is one of the most delicious activities you can do over the holidays in Paris. Taking place in the home of a professional chef who’s worked in a Michelin-starred restaurant, you’ll whip up a festive three-course meal, complete with the iconic Bûche de Noël, a yule log cake. Once everything’s ready, you’ll sit down together to enjoy your delicious holiday creations. It’s a fabulous hands-on activity to do with your foodie friends or older kids who love to cook.
Join a Paris Small Group French Christmas Cooking Class | 1st Arrondissement
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