When do the Christmas lights in Paris start in 2025?

VISITING PARIS DURING CHRISTMAS?

Experience Paris at its most magical time of year and discover the city’s most beautiful holiday illuminations.

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PLAN YOUR CHRISTMAS LIGHTS ROUTE

Want to see the most famous illuminations in one evening?

Recommended highlights:

• Champs-Élysées Christmas Lights
• Avenue Montaigne Decorations
• Place Vendôme Christmas Trees
• Bercy Village Illuminations
• Montmartre Holiday Streets

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Where can I see more Christmas lights in Paris?

The Place Vendôme is transformed into a magical setting with its majestic Christmas trees adorned with thousands of golden LEDs.

For an enchanted stroll, the quartier Montmartre offers a magical route along the rue des Abbesses and the place du Tertre.

Some of Paris's most famous thoroughfares are also full of surprises:

• Boulevard Haussmann: the glittering facades of the major department stores
• Rue de la Paix: luminous silver arcades
• Avenue George V: cascades of white lights

A tip for admiring these marvels: opt for an early evening visit around 6pm, when the city dons its luminous mantle in a particularly magical atmosphere.

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR EVENING

Many visitors combine the Christmas lights with a Seine River cruise or an evening sightseeing tour to enjoy both the illuminated streets and Paris landmarks after dark.

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Where are the most beautiful Christmas decorations in Paris?

The Village Royal offers a refined lighting decor, creating a unique atmosphere under its historic glass roof.

This elegant gallery is also home to boutiques with sumptuous window displays.

Bercy Village enchants visitors with its illuminated cobbled walkways.

Committed to the environment, Bercy Village uses sustainable decorations made from biodegradable and recycled materials, offering a festive and responsible experience.

The rue Saint-Dominique in the 7th arrondissement is an enchanting place with tastefully decorated shopfronts and pastry shops.

The shops compete with each other to create original settings, combining tradition and modernity.

Jardin des Plantes and Other Illuminated Parks

The Jardin des Plantes, Parc Floral, Jardin d’Acclimatation, Domaine de Saint-Cloud and Thoiry are adorned with monumental lanterns and light sculptures, transforming their paths into dreamlike trails for the whole family to discover.

TIPS FOR SEEING THE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS IN PARIS

• Visit shortly after sunset for the best atmosphere and photos.
• Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends.
• Combine several districts in the same evening to maximize your experience.
• Book popular Christmas activities and evening tours in advance, especially during December.

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Conclusion

Paris becomes one of the most enchanting cities in the world during the holiday season, with spectacular illuminations stretching from the Champs-Élysées to Montmartre, Place Vendôme and Bercy Village.

Whether you are visiting for a weekend or spending the entire festive season in the French capital, the Christmas lights are an experience not to be missed.

After exploring Paris’s festive illuminations, consider ending your evening with a special Christmas dinner at Madame Brasserie on the Eiffel Tower, where seasonal menus and breathtaking views create an unforgettable holiday experience.

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