Christmas & New Years in Paris

The best time I've ever had in my life was New Year party in Paris in '95. French really know how to party. Soon after 12 AM they go on the streets and continue to celebrate.They are allowed to drink on the streets. Bars and restaurants stay open long afer 12AM, which is cool.
It's cold in December, but they don't get snow all the time.

We will be in Paris for New Years too, and I hope you get some good ideas for places to go. I'll just "borrow" from the responses you get...:)

I particularly enjoyed the more subtle, but stylish Christmas decor. You won't find any giant inflatable Santa Clauses here!

As for weather- expect ranges from the 30s to 40s. Paris doesn't usually get particularly cold, so don't overdress. Also expect some rain and fog.

Crowds- Expect them in full force. Although the tourist sites are not as packed as in summer, but far more than the fall or early spring.

Tom, Overdressing is relative. I live in California and am not used to a very cold winter. That is my biggest concern for our trip. I want to be comfortable but not overly warm or too cold, in order to want to spend time outside, but I don't want to overpack either. I know about layering, but if you have to take off more than one layer, what do you do with the extra (more than one item of clothing) you have taken off?

Andrea, I have been to Paris 3 times recently in January and February, and I also live in California.
I have a couple of warm coats that I bought with the specific purpose of wearing only in Paris in the winter. (coats are better than jackets -- wear it on the plane). I wear a regular outfit that I would wear in SF in winter - such as jeans, or velour pants, or maybe a long skirt with tights, with sweater, or knit top. Over this I wear a nice warm coat & lighweight pashmina scarf. Sometimes I add a hat and gloves if it's particularly cold - though I have not used these too much. I take off the coat when indoors, but otherwise I have not found it necessary to remove any other layers, and I normally do a lot of active walking in Paris. I think some people have gone overboard with the layering recommendation -- I don't think it is neccessary -- at least it hasn't been for me.

I've talked to many people from warmer climates who have visited Paris in the winter, and most agree that the weather was more mild than they expected. Overdressing (like wearing a thick parka, long thermal underpants and boots) will leave you uncomfortably warm and sweaty in Paris. A sweater, a decent coat, scarf, hat, light gloves, good socks and an umbrella are probably all you'll need. Now if you add Moscow to the trip, that's a different story...

Hi Richard.. Paris is wonderful any time of the year. I must add one thought. We just re turned from France.. were there 6 weeks. We were inParis over Halloween and also in late September. It was very cold, blustery , rainy ,etc. It was about 30 Farenheit. I had a raincoat, but had to add a sweater underneath and a scarf, also.I am sure that no matter what the waether you will have a great time.

My daughter and I were in Paris for Christmas last year and it was wonderful. The weather was in the 30's and we had a run of sunny days. A sweater and jacket worked well as well as gloves. Get a scarf while you are there and wear it like a real Parisian! We did not need boots at all. We walked everywhere and were never cold.
The stores have the most wonderful food during the holidays. The patisseries have speciality desserts and appetizers. Plus champagne (the real stuff) is very inexpensive and very good. There are markets everywhere and the stores and streets are all done up with lights. The Champs Elysees was spectacular with the lights, people and atmosphere!! It was the most magical Christmas I ever had!