Paris in December: Things to Do, Festive Events and Tips
Paris in December offers Christmas markets, Champs-Élysées lights, Grand Palais skating, museums, and festive treats. Expect daytime temperatures around 7–9°C, rain, and short days, with snow uncommon. Visit early in the month for smaller crowds and book popular holiday events online in advance.
December brings Paris Christmas markets, illuminated avenues, decorated department stores, and plenty of indoor winter activities. Highlights include the Champs-Élysées lights, the Tuileries Christmas fair, the Grand Palais ice rink, and seasonal concerts.
Expect chilly, damp weather and sunset before 5 p.m. Early December is generally easier for sightseeing, while Christmas week and New Year's Eve bring larger crowds and higher demand for hotels and special events. Here is what to see, when to go, and how to plan your visit.
Is December a Good Time to Visit Paris?
Yes, especially if festive atmosphere matters more to you than warm weather. Markets, sparkling shopping streets, Christmas pastries, museums, and evening concerts make winter sightseeing rewarding. Early December usually offers a better balance of decorations and manageable crowds than the school holiday period.
The drawbacks are rain, short days, occasional wind, holiday closures, and potentially expensive accommodation around Christmas and New Year. France's Christmas school holiday begins after classes on December 19, 2026, which can increase demand for family activities.
If you are asking "is December a good time to visit Paris" for outdoor sightseeing, spring and early autumn are more comfortable. For Christmas atmosphere, December has a clear advantage. Our Best Time to Visit Paris guide puts these seasonal trade-offs in context.
Paris Weather in December
The Paris temperature in December is typically around 7–9°C (45–48°F) by day and 3–5°C (37–41°F) at night. Rain is possible throughout the month, and a breeze can make exposed areas near the Seine feel colder. Near the winter solstice, Paris gets roughly eight hours of daylight, with sunset before 5 p.m.
If you search "weather in Paris on December" dates, remember that historical climate averages are not a forecast for a specific day. Look at the short-range forecast before packing and again before outdoor plans.
Average December Weather in Paris
Snowfall in December
Snow is possible but uncommon, and it usually does not stay on the ground for long. If you are wondering, "does it snow in Paris in December", do not plan around a white Christmas. Pack a waterproof coat, warm layers, scarf, gloves, and comfortable shoes that can handle wet pavement.
Best Things to Do in Paris in December
These 14 activities combine festive highlights with classic attractions and reliable rainy-day options. Each includes a location and one useful planning tip.
#1. See the Christmas Lights Along the Champs-Élysées
The avenue's illuminated trees create a memorable evening walk toward the Arc de Triomphe. The 2026 display is expected to run from late November into early January, with lights generally on from 5 p.m.
Location: Avenue des Champs-Élysées, 8th arrondissement.
Tip: Visit just after dusk to see the lights before the late-evening crowds.
Read more: If festive city lights are the main draw for your winter holiday, another option to consider is New York in December: Weather, Christmas Events and Tips.
#2. Explore Paris Christmas Markets
The Tuileries fair brings food stalls and rides, La Défense has an extensive market, and Saint-Germain-des-Prés usually offers a smaller neighborhood setting. The restored Champs-Élysées Christmas market is also returning in 2026 after nearly a decade.
Location: Tuileries Garden, La Défense, Champs-Élysées, and Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
Tip: Choose one or two markets rather than spending a full day crossing the city; verify Saint-Germain's final dates before visiting.
Read more: If Christmas markets are shaping your choice of destination, compare Paris with Italy in December: Best places, Christmas Markets, Weather & Tips.
3. Admire the Galeries Lafayette Christmas Tree
Galeries Lafayette Haussmann is known for its enormous Christmas tree beneath a stained-glass dome. Nearby Printemps adds elaborate window displays.
Location: Boulevard Haussmann, 9th arrondissement.
Tip: Go on a weekday morning for easier viewing and photographs.
4. Visit the Eiffel Tower After Dark
The illuminated Eiffel Tower sparkles for five minutes at the beginning of each hour after nightfall, until its scheduled final display. It is one of the most memorable free views in winter.
Location: Champ de Mars and Trocadéro, 7th and 16th arrondissements.
Tip: View it from Trocadéro, and book ahead if you want to go up the tower.
5. Go Ice Skating at the Grand Palais
The Grand Palais des Glaces is scheduled from December 12, 2026, through January 6, 2027, under the building's glass roof. Published adult tickets are €27 for morning, €32 for afternoon, and €39 for evening sessions.
Location: Grand Palais, 8th arrondissement.
Tip: Reserve online; the rink has modified hours on December 24 and 31.
6. Explore Montmartre's Festive Streets
Montmartre's steep lanes, cafés, and the Sacré-Cœur Basilica offer a cozy change of pace from the main shopping districts.
Location: Montmartre, 18th arrondissement.
Tip: Wear shoes with good grip on damp cobblestones and steps.
7. Visit the Louvre or Musée d'Orsay
Both museums are excellent rainy-day choices. The Louvre has world-famous art and antiquities, while Musée d'Orsay is especially strong in Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works.
Location: Louvre, 1st arrondissement; Musée d'Orsay, 7th.
Tip: Reserve timed entry and do not schedule either museum on December 25.
For more year-round ideas, see our Things to Do in Paris guide.
8. Attend a Seasonal Concert at Sainte-Chapelle
Sainte-Chapelle's stained glass offers a striking setting for classical music. December concerts depend on the promoter's published program rather than a guaranteed daily schedule.
Location: Île de la Cité, 1st arrondissement.
Tip: Check the concert organizer's dates and book separately from standard chapel admission.
9. Try French Christmas Treats
Look for bûche de Noël, the traditional Christmas log cake, alongside chocolates, roasted chestnuts, seasonal pastries, and hot drinks. Many bakeries offer limited-edition holiday creations.
Location: Bakeries and markets citywide.
Tip: Pre-order a special cake if you will be in Paris for Christmas Eve.
10. Take an Evening Seine Cruise
A river cruise offers illuminated bridges and landmarks while giving your feet a break from cold-weather sightseeing.
Location: Boarding points around the Eiffel Tower or Pont Neuf.
Tip: Choose a covered, heated vessel and compare a basic sightseeing ticket with a more expensive dinner cruise.
11. Explore Notre-Dame and Île de la Cité
Notre-Dame has reopened to visitors, and the nearby Christmas market at Square René Viviani is scheduled for November 26 through December 27, 2026. The surrounding streets are appealing for a winter stroll.
Location: Notre-Dame and Square René Viviani, beside the Seine.
Tip: Check cathedral admission arrangements and service times before entering.
12. Experience a Winter Light Festival
The Jardin d'Acclimatation lantern festival is scheduled from November 27, 2026, to February 21, 2027, featuring illuminated installations and themed sculptures.
Location: Jardin d'Acclimatation, Bois de Boulogne, 16th arrondissement.
Tip: Reserve a timed evening visit and allow extra travel time from central Paris.
13. Shop in Covered Passages and Department Stores
Galerie Vivienne and Passage des Panoramas provide attractive sheltered walks with independent boutiques and cafés. They work particularly well on rainy afternoons.
Location: 2nd and 9th arrondissements.
Tip: Combine nearby passages in one walking route rather than crossing Paris between shops.
For other neighborhoods and landmarks, see our Best Places to Visit in Paris guide.
14. Celebrate New Year's Eve Near the Champs-Élysées
The Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe are traditional focal points for Paris's December 31 celebrations. Crowds and security controls can be substantial; the precise program, gathering time, and fireworks arrangements for December 31, 2026, should be confirmed through the City of Paris before travel.
Location: Champs-Élysées, 8th arrondissement.
Tip: Expect controlled access and potential Metro station closures; avoid large bags and set a meeting point.
Christmas Events and Markets in Paris
The best places to visit in Paris in December for a festive atmosphere include the market areas around the Tuileries, Champs-Élysées, La Défense, and Notre-Dame, as well as decorated department stores. Market entry is generally free, but rides, food, gifts, and special experiences cost extra.
Champs-Élysées illuminations, Place Vendôme decorations, and the Christmas windows along Boulevard Haussmann are especially easy to enjoy without paying admission. Seasonal concerts add an indoor alternative, while New Year's Eve plans should be checked closer to December 31.
The best places to visit in Paris in December are easier to enjoy when grouped by neighborhood. For a Christmas vacation in Paris, combine a market visit with lights and one booked activity rather than scheduling multiple distant venues on the same evening.
Read more: Fit those festive stops around the rest of your sightseeing with How to Plan a Perfect Itinerary for Your Paris Trip.
What Is Open in Paris During Christmas?
Paris stays active during Christmas, but many museums and smaller shops close on December 25. The Louvre and Musée d'Orsay are closed that day. Other places, such as churches, restaurants, outdoor landmarks, and certain festive attractions, may be accessible with special hours.
Opening times can also be shortened on December 24 and 31. La Défense's traditional market, for instance, publishes an early closing time on those dates, while its wider festive area follows separate dates.
Reserve Christmas Eve dinners, holiday cruises, skating, and concerts in advance. When checking "weather in Paris on December" travel dates, also check official attraction calendars: rain is manageable with an indoor plan, but a closure cannot be solved by changing your coat.
Essential December Travel Tips
Choose your dates carefully. When traveling to Paris in December, early December usually offers the festive decorations with fewer school-holiday crowds. French school holidays begin after classes on December 19, 2026.
#1. Book the popular experiences
Secure accommodation, timed museum tickets, skating sessions, concerts, and special dinners early, especially if you're traveling to Paris in December during the final two weeks.
#2. Plan around daylight
Photograph outdoor landmarks earlier, then save lights, markets, concerts, and cruises for the evening.
#3. Use public transport
A standard Metro-Train-RER ticket costs €2.55 in 2026; the separate Paris Region airport rail ticket is €14 on applicable routes. Check station access during major celebrations.
#4. Dress for rain, not guaranteed snow
Waterproof footwear, gloves, and layers are more useful than packing only for picturesque snowfall.
#5. Keep your budget flexible
Street lights and browsing markets can be free, but festive meals, special events, and accommodation around Christmas can be costly.
#6. Check schedules on the go
Mobile data is useful for digital tickets, service alerts, restaurant reservations, and navigating from one neighborhood to another.
Our Paris Travel Guide covers wider first-time planning, and How Many Days in Paris can help you decide how long to stay.
Read more: Visiting from London for just one day? Make the most of your limited sightseeing time with How to Plan a Day Trip to Paris From London?
Is Paris Expensive in December?
Paris can be expensive in late December, particularly for hotels, Christmas Eve dining, and New Year's Eve packages. Early December sometimes offers better accommodation value, although rates vary by property and booking date. Compare the total price of your stay rather than relying on a single average.
Budget separately for accommodation, meals, transport, museum admission, cruises, and skating. The 2026 Metro-Train-RER single fare is €2.55, while Grand Palais skating has published adult sessions from €27. Street illuminations, browsing Christmas markets, Montmartre walks, and the city's covered passages offer lower-cost alternatives.
If you're traveling to Paris in December on a limited budget, choose a centrally located base near public transport and prioritize one or two paid festive experiences.
Read more: Build your budget around the sights and experiences you want with How Much Does It Cost to Travel to Paris? 2026 Complete Guide.
Stay Connected While Exploring Paris
An eSIM for Paris helps international visitors check Metro routes, access tickets, confirm market opening times, and navigate when winter rain changes the plan. Jetpac offers one reusable eSIM profile for 200+ destinations, supported-network switching, hotspot access on eligible plans, and continued use of selected essential apps after regular data runs out on qualifying packages.
For a Christmas vacation in Paris, this can be useful when locating a market, changing a restaurant booking, or sharing a connection with a travel companion. Check the supported French networks, package validity, and eSIM compatibility before buying. Country-specific data doesn't automatically cover onward travel to other European destinations.
Compare eSIM Paris offers by data allowance, speed rules, and plan duration, not just the starting price. You can install a Jetpac eSIM for Paris over Wi-Fi before departure, then enable your travel data line according to the app's instructions after arrival. When assessing an eSIM Paris package, make sure your phone is carrier-unlocked.
FAQs
Does it snow in Paris in December?
Snow is possible but uncommon, and it often melts quickly. Expect chilly, damp weather rather than guaranteed snow.
What is open in Paris on Christmas Day?
Some restaurants, churches, and outdoor attractions remain accessible, but many museums and shops close. Both the Louvre and Musée d'Orsay close on December 25. Check each venue's holiday timetable and book meals ahead.
How many days should you spend in Paris?
Three to four days allows time for major landmarks, Christmas markets, lights, and a museum visit. Five days gives you more room for shopping, concerts, or a relaxed neighborhood walk.
What should I pack for a December trip?
Bring a waterproof winter coat, warm layers, scarf, gloves, and comfortable waterproof footwear. The Paris temperature in December is usually cool rather than severely cold, but rain and wind matter.
When do Christmas lights and decorations come down in Paris?
Many displays continue into early January, but dates vary by venue. The Champs-Élysées market is scheduled through January 4, 2027, while the wider La Défense festive area runs through January 3.
Is Paris crowded during Christmas and New Year?
Yes, especially around major markets, department stores, and New Year's Eve gatherings. Early December is generally calmer. If you want fewer holiday crowds, consider the first half of the month.
Disclaimer: This article provides general travel-planning information. Event dates, ticket prices, opening hours, transport arrangements, and eSIM features can change. Weather figures are historical planning averages, not forecasts. Verify your arrangements with official event, attraction, transport, and provider websites before visiting.
Get connected as soon as you land with a Jetpac travel eSIM.
