Christmas in Paris - What to do?

Les fetes! We were in Paris at Christmas last year, and were delighted to discover that blocks and blocks of boulevard are lined with adorable white chalet-style booths selling mulled wine (value! 3 Euros!), hot chocolate, toys, gifts, food, trinkets, Christmas schwag, and more. The city is filled with families - it seems to be a tradition to take your kids' pictures in front of the typical fuzzy-snow-sprayed trees that are everywhere. You can stroll and people-watch and enjoy the glorious blaze of lights for free; snacks and drinks are a modest treat. The whole thing seems desiged just for children and families - it's GREAT. There are Christmas-themed roller coasters for the kids, a huge lighted ferris wheel at Place de la Concorde, and at Trocadero (last year - might be an annual thing?) there was a "European Village" installation with a skating rink! The Eiffel Tower's light show plays every evening - best viewing from Trocadero, IMHO - there are amazing Christmas lights and decorations in every neighborhood... it's really a Christmas wonderland. I don't know about opening times and whatnot - whad plenty to do with just strolling around les fetes... we went three nights in a row and never got bored!

Thank You so much Kira for taking the time to help! Now I'm jazzed and not wondering if we were going to be 'alone' too much that day!!

The largest Christmas market in Paris is actually in La Defense (google it and you can get the info - I'm not sure if it actually goes on Christmas Day) Eiffel Tower is open every day, but I don't believe much else is open Christmas Day. I thought the Monet exhibit at the Grand Palais was open those days (or at least Christmas Eve) but it appears they are not selling tickets online anymore. It's possibly sold out. Are you hoping to go to Chartres Cathedral for mass or a visit? IF you just want to visit, work around the mass times. If you want to attend mass, let me warn you that you'll need to arrive early and that I recommend attending mass in French only if you know the language or are very devout. My super-religous parents went to mass twice while visiting me and then gave up because it is extremely difficult to attend a full mass in a language you don't understand, especially when it often runs over the hour most Americans are used to. Hope you enjoy Christmas in Paris.

Ah, merci! We would go to the Cathedral for a visit. Maybe we will just get tix for the Eiffel tower that day and walk around town at a slower pace for a change!

I am not religious, but I would go to a service at either Notre Dame or the American Church (near the Musee d'Orsay) on Christmas Day. That would make it feel all the more like Christmas for me.

Nina, this might be of help to you: http://goparis.about.com/od/events/tp/Christmas_Paris.htm

Re the post immediately above: I see nothing in Susan's post to suggest she would do this to "look good to others."

James - what a snarky comment to make. I'm a fallen anglican but I always try to make a Christmas Eve Mass; it brings back memories of my childhood and I love the pomp and ceremony. In short, it makes me happy and I do it for me.

Wow James, very snarky and very rude post from you. I won't dignify it with an answer.

Do not miss Galeries Lafayette. The outside of the store is covered in a beautiful light show, about 4 stories high. I am not sure how to describe it, hopefully it will be lit on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The windows on both sides of the store were decorated for the season. On the one side it had a "Barbie's display, maybe 300 dolls, and an Iron Man display next to it, plus more. The other side of the store theme was "Show Chaud Noel" with windows from Mama Mia, Dancing in the Rain, Cabaret, Rockettes +. It would rival anything from the past years from State Street (Marshall Field and Carsons Dept Stores) in Chicago. Inside in the stained glass center was a huge Christmas tree and larger than life hanging presents. If you don't get inside no big deal, the outside was marvelous. We were able to see the lights but not shop on Champs Elysees white chatelet Christmas market. I retrived details from my pictures, just got back November 29th.

Hello, My husband, 18 year old daughter and I will also be in Paris Christmas Eve through Dec. 30. We are planning to go to Notre Dame for Christmas Eve service. Walking around looking at lights, etc. Maybe go to a market, pick up food for Christmas Day in our apartment. Our first trip to Paris! Hope you have fun!