I'm considering signing up for the 7 days in Paris over Christmas 2025. I did the same for the 7 days in Rome, and it was a very special trip. Do you have any insights or suggestions? This trip starts on Christmas day and ends on the 31st.
Thanks!
Posted by
Alsenborn, Germany
1553 posts
Christmas in 2025 falls on a Thursday, which will impact things as relates to opening and closings; although not as much in Paris as outside. Remember that the 24th is the day much of the EU celebrates and plan accordingly. Most places will be closed from noon on. Dinner reservations are a must; make them 60 days out. Don't expect much to be up and running on the 25th, and the 26th is also a holiday, so many smaller shops will simply take a 4-5 day weekend. I'm not sure how the Christmas markets will work, this year many closed early (22-23 DEC) due to the mid-week holidays.
The crowds in Paris this winter were not bad. The weather has been cool (30-40's) and wet, but no snow. It gets below freezing at night. The metro is easy to use and the best way to get around, but plan ahead as point to point tickets may make more sense than a 24 hour pass if you're not planning a lot of hops.
All of the holiday markets are very close to, at least, one major metro station. I like the one in the Tuileries Garden best, the Ferris Wheel offers a great view of Paris from up top. The largest was at La Defense (in the northeast), and the small one by Notre Dame was mostly handicrafts. The walk from the Arc de Triomphe to the Trocadero was great at night when the Champs Elysee was all lit up.
The 31st is a night you'll want to be in Paris, so don't leave then. The celebrations and fireworks are not to be missed. Again, plan ahead for dinner reservations and there will be evening long events if that's more your speed.
If you feel the need to see something other than Paris I highly recommend a quick train ride to Metz for the markets there. Very pretty after dark.
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10676 posts
A couple of clarifications on the above. The 26 is not a holiday. Many Christmas markets close before Christmas. Families do celebrate the day of the 25th with a huge meal, as well as the night of the 24th with…a huge meal.
Paris is very crowded during this week. This year, late November and early December seemed like a lull based on reports and posted photos. At this same time this year, tickets to sites are pretty much sold out.
With the dates of this tour, you have neither Christmas nor New Year’s included, but you do have the decorations.
Last year we were in Rome too, but with a French organization. In our case, both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day celebration meals were provided for the group. We flew back to France the 30th, so New Year’s was at home. Your itinerary eliminates both, beginning after the Christmas celebrations and before New Year’s Eve.