Christmas & New Year's in Paris

Hi Cahty, We just got back from doing that same trip! It was amazing-so excited for you to go. I would say Christmas Eve mass at Notre Dame and a NYE dinner cruise (it is expensive but was such a great way to bring in the New Year). Other than that we just did the normal sights and enjoyed the city. I would definitely recommend getting an apartment and would be happy to give you the one we stayed at if you want to private message me. Have fun planning!

Stephanie - Thank you so much for the reply! I had read up on Christmas Mass at Notre Dame and I definitely think we'll do that, but I wasn't sure about any other fun markets or activities. I can't wait to go!

I'll second the suggestion to get an apartment. Hotel rooms in Paris are usually very small and it's nice to have some extra space. Also it's handy to have a kitchen. Look for a place with a washer and hopefully a dryer to aid in being able to pack light. Daylight hours are short. When we were there for New Years a few years ago it didn't get light until 9:00 a.m. and it was dark around 4:00 in the afternoon. We spent more time in our apartment on that trip due to dark and extreme cold than we have on any other trip. This year it was much warmer during that period than we experienced. We have a group of people from this helpline that meet in Sacramento each month on the 3rd Saturday. The meetings are open to everyone who loves to travel. It would be great if you could join us. We enjoy helping new travelers by answering questions and help them with their planning. The meeting this month will be on the 19th. The information will get posted under the General Europe heading about 7-10 days before the meeting. Private message me if you have any questions.

Just returned from 4 weeks in Europe for the majority of December. I would say that Paris was the biggest disappointment. Others on this board have characterized Paris holiday season as "understated". I would say that is between accurate and an understatement. We also visited Strasbourg, Salzburg, York, and London. I found all to be far more festive than Paris. For a large city, I would choose London, for something smaller, Strasbourg.

Hi David, Thanks for the note. I realize (from reading and research) that Christmas is definitely not as festive at Christmas time as we are here in the States, but I'm okay with that. On the contrary, I'm actually looking forward to a little less steroid-commercially-induced version of the holidays. I just love Paris and can think of no better place to ring in the new year than in the City of Lights. I would like to visit some of the other places you mentioned. What was your fave out of those? Cathy

Oh and I should note that we're spending a little less than a week in London right before arriving in Paris, so I'm sure that will go a ways towards the holiday festivities as well.