Experience the magic of the Parisian festive season

Parisian Christmas are magical, with bustling winter markets and show-stopping twinkling lights. Enjoy the best of the city during the festive season with these top things to do during your stay at an Originals Hotel. 

Christmas shopping in Paris with festive markets and more 

Christmas markets in Paris (Marchés de Noël) are a bucolic blend of rustic Germanic chalet stalls and traditional French crafts. The largest market is in La Défense but quaint stalls also line Notre Dame, Montparnasse Tower and Paris City Hall. Pick hotels close to these treat-filled markets at Hotel Lecourbe, close to the Eiffel Tower, and Hotel du Vieux Saule in the hip 3rd arrondissement. The fragrance of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine (vin chaud) should draw you in as you peruse the stalls for last-minute stocking-fillers and look forward to a delectable Christmas dinner in Paris. 

The French capital also comes to life with world-famous window decorations at major department stores and boutiques. Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré is where high-fashion stores compete with one another for the most magnificent exhibits. Chief of all stores is Galeries Lafayette along Boulevard Haussmann with its impressive central Christmas tree and astonishing light displays. Follow this up with a champagne dinner of warming bœuf bourguignon finished with a slice of bûche de Noël. 

Where to see Christmas lights in Paris 

The Christmas lights on the Champs Elysées are the pinnacle of festive delight. This world-famous light show contains over a million fairy lights flowing down France's most famous avenue. Night tours by bus and boat provide captivating ways to take in this festive spirit. Alongside these dazzling displays, seek out the traditional experience of light draped through Parisian stained-glass church windows at a choral concert. The most impressive is Sainte-Chapelle, easily reached from Hôtel Paix République. 

For families, nothing beats Disneyland Paris during the festive season. Enchanted Christmas brightens up the entire theme park with fairy lights, markets and live performances. Catch classic Disney Christmas tales or sing along to festive classics with all your favorite characters. The park is easy to get to from central stays, or you can opt for the nearby Hotel Codalysa for a cozy Christmas getaway. 

There are plenty of things to do in Paris at Christmas, from ice-skating in ancient courtyards to tucking into a traditional French Christmas meal. Enjoy a homely, warming experience with the Originals Hotels. Book your yuletide stay to see the City of Lights in its element.