Dazzling Paris Christmas lights begin to appear all over the city in mid-November and continue to fill the City of Lights through early January.

The Paris Illuminations, as they are called, take many forms:  lavish displays on Champs Élysées, along other famous avenues, in hidden passages, and magnificent plazas, sparkling decorations on 150+ more streets throughout the city, elaborate creations in department store windows, spectacular over-the-top light shows at Disneyland Paris, and cheerful strings of lights at the famous Paris Christmas markets.

Look for special light shows at the plaza in front of the Hotel de Ville where you can also stroll through a sparkling forest, buy snacks and artisan products with the Made in Paris label from the Christmas Market chalets, and, just for children, enjoy free rides. 

You'll find more lights at Place de la Bastille, Place de la Concorde, and along the banks of the Seine River - and of course, plenty of other spots around Paris.

For some of the loveliest, although more subdued, Christmas decorations and lights, go inside Paris churches. 

Or, for a completely different type of experience, take one of the evening Seine River cruises and see the Illuminations of historic buildings and monuments while you enjoy a gourmet dinner or Champagne and perhaps dancing to live music.

In addition to being beautiful, Paris Christmas lights are environmentally "green." 

A combination of LED bulbs and solar power generation means the energy usage and cost for the spectacular display is almost zero, which leads to even more streets displaying holiday lights each year.

This article shares where to find the most spectacular Christmas Lights, Illuminations, and decorations in Paris to celebrate the exciting holiday season.

Top photo: Holiday lights along Champs Elysées in Paris, with Arc de Triomphe in background; copyright Paris Discovery Guide, all rights reserved

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1.  Christmas Lights along Champs Élysées

Christmas lights along Champs Elysees in Paris

To see the most lavish display of Christmas lights and decorations in Paris, head straight to Champs Élysées, where a million (yes, literally!) sparkling lights cover the 200 or so trees lining both sides of the famous avenue between Place de la Concorde and the Arc de Triomphe. 

As you walk along the sidewalk, you'll also see festive decorations and even more lights in most of the stores.  Once the site of Magie de Noel, Paris's biggest Christmas Market (now relocated in Tuileries Garden), Champs-Elysees

Although the Christmas lights usually sparkle from 5pm to midnight, they will stay lit all night for Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.

This year, the Christmas lights along Champs Elysees turn on starting on November 19 and continue through January 7.

Don't miss this magical Paris winter holiday experience, and take time to stop for a chocolat chaud along the way!

Location:  Champs Élysées, 8th arrondissement
Metros:  Charles de Gaulle/Étoile, Georges V, Franklin Roosevelt, Champs Élysées/Clemenceau
Stay nearby:  Hotels near Arc de Triomphe


2.  Spectacular Lights & Christmas Trees in Place Vendôme

Christmas lights in Place Vendôme
Christmas lights in Place Vendôme

Dozens of Christmas trees shaped like perfect cones and sparkling with white and blue lights glitter across Place Vendôme's huge central plaza. 

Surrounded by the façades of palatial 18th century mansions now home to jewelers and even a "Palace" 5-star hotel (the Ritz, which occupies Number 15), the brilliantly lighted trees make the whole space feel ethereal. 

Christmas carousel in Place Vendôme
Christmas carousel in Place Vendôme

If your holiday gift list includes jewelry, Place Vendôme and adjacent Rue de la Paix is where you'll find the most famous names in French and international luxury gems and watches. 

Look for Boucheron, Chopard, Chaumet, Bulgari, Cartier, Gucci, Chanel, Van Cleef & Arpels, Dior, and and many more boutiques where you can see their dazzling creations.

Christmas lights in Place Vendome in Paris
Lighted Christmas trees in Place Vendôme

Location:  1st arrondissement
Metros:  Concorde, Madeleine, Pyramides, Tuileries
Stay nearby:  The Ritz - check reviews and rates
More to enjoy nearby:  Christmas lights and decorations along nearby Faubourg Saint-Honoré



3.  Avenue Montaigne Christmas Lights

Avenue Montaigne Christmas Lights

Delicate white lights float among the trees along stately Avenue Montaigne, where top Paris couturier showrooms and designer boutiques occupy the street's ornate mansions. 

Want to experience real magic?  Walk down Avenue Montaigne until you reach the Seine River, and watch the Eiffel Tower's nightly light show across the water.

Location:  Avenue Montaigne, 8th arrondissement
Metro:  Champs Élysées/Clemenceau

More to enjoy:  Exquisite Christmas displays in the haute couture boutiques lining Avenue Montaigne

Paris Christmas Illuminations Tours

Want to get the best views of Christmas lights in Paris? These three tours let you experience unforgettable close-up looks at the city's most spectacular holiday lights:

  • Paris Christmas Lights Bus Tour - Snuggle under a warm blanket as an open-top bus takes you past the city's most brilliant Christmas lights.  Along the way, you'll also see famous Paris attractions such as the Arc de Triomphe, Paris Opera House (Palais Garnier), Eiffel Tower, and Louvre museum as well as famous neighborhoods such as the Left Bank.  It's an unforgettable way to see Paris illuminated with thousands of sparkling lights!  Book now
  • Paris at Christmas on Champs Elysees & Arc de Triomphe Walking Tour:This small-group evening walking tour takes you to see the dazzling lights along Champs-Élysées while you learn about the history of this iconic avenue and stop by Laduree to sample macarons.  Skip-the-line admission to Arc de Triomphe, where you'll head up to the rooftop to admire Christmas lights all over Paris, and may even see the sparkling light show at the Eiffel Tower.  Book now
  • Private Christmas Tour of Paris with a Ferris Wheel Ride - A local professional guide picks you up at your hotel (and takes you back at the end) for this special tour, part walking, part driving, to see the most famous Paris holiday lights and decorations as well as some places you might not discover on your own.  As a bonus, enjoy a glass of mulled wine (or hot chocolate) and a ride on the giant Paris ferris wheel.  Book now


4.  Paris Illuminations from Seine River Cruises

Seine River in Paris at night

To see famous Paris lighted attractions, sparkling Christmas lights, and even the Eiffel Tower light show, take one of these popular Paris Illuminations cruises:

  • Paris Christmas Lights Tour - For a spectacular tour of Paris Christmas lights, bundle up and hop on this open-top double-decker bus as it takes you on a Christmas-themed tour to see the city's most brilliantly lighted streets and attractions - Find out more
  • Seine River Dinner Cruise and Moulin Rouge Show with Champagne - Enjoy dazzling views of Paris from the Eiffel Tower, and then cruise along the Seine past lighted attractions.  Dine either at the tower or on a dinner cruise (you choose), and cap your spectacular evening by watching a performance at the famous Moulin Rouge while you sip Champagne - Find out more
  • Christmas Eve and Day Dinner Cruises - Enjoy a special 5-course dinner cooked on board, live music, and magical views of illuminated famous sights and landmarks along the Seine River as you cruise by in a comfy glass-covered boat.  These holiday cruises always sell out - so book early to avoid disappointment!  Book now

More Paris Christmas Tours & Cruises:


5.  Rue Saint-Honoré & Rue Royale Christmas Lights & Decorations

Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré Christmas Lights & Decorations
Holiday lights along Rue Saint-Honoré

Gold and silvery-white Christmas lights and other fanciful decoration along fashionable Rue Saint-Honoré, Rue de la Paix, Rue Royale, and other nearby rues give an elegant and sophisticated touch to these upscale shopping streets.

Dior, Hermès, and other famous designer boutiques dominate the scene around Place Vendome and Place de la Madeleine, with Dior's decorations this year (as is true for most years) out-shining all the rest.

Holiday display at Dior showroom along Rue Saint-Honoré
Holiday display at Dior showroom along Rue Saint-Honoré

Take a moment to detour up Rue Royale toward Place de la Madeleine, and enjoy all the glitzy holiday decorations along the way.

Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré Christmas Lights & Decorations
Holiday decoration along Rue Royale

Equally compelling are the elaborate holiday window displays. 

Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré Christmas Lights & Decorations
Lavish holiday window decorations along Rue Royal

When you reach the elegant 19th century passage Le Village Royal (traditionally known as Cité Berryer) next to Dior, step inside this almost-hidden designer enclave to experience more holiday magic.

During the day, you can enjoy the tranqility as you stroll through this charming passage lined with designer boutiques.

Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré Christmas Lights & Decorations
Holiday decorations in the Le Village Royal hidden passage

After dark, thousands of sparkling lights turn the passage to gold.

Passage Le Village Royal at night
Passage Le Village Royal at night

Location:  Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré between Rue Royale and Palais Royal, 1st Arrondissement
Nearest Métro:  Tuileries or Concorde


3.  Lighted Christmas Trees Around the Pantheon

Avenue Montaigne Christmas Lights

Seventeen majestic evergreen trees sparkle around the Pantheon on top of Montagne Saint-Geneviève in Paris's Latin Quarter.

Combine your visit with a candlelight concert at a nearby Latin Quarter church such as Eglise Saint-Julien-le-Pauvre or Eglise Saint-Ephrem.

Check out concert schedules

For the perfect ending to your evening, stop by the Notre Dame Christmas Market at Square Viviani for a steaming cup of vin chaud.


6.  Bercy Village

Lighted Christmas tree at Bercy Village - Photo credit: iStock
Lighted Christmas tree at Bercy Village - Photo credit: iStock

Bercy Village, a quaint cobblestone courtyard lined with 42 pale stone buildings next to the Seine River in Paris's 12th arrondissement, once formed the epicenter of the world's largest wine market.

Today, boutiques and cafes fill the former wine storehouses, and each Christmas, the Village puts up a dazzling display of holiday lights designed by a different artist each year. 

A huge decorated Christmas tree adds to the festive ambiance.

While not quite in central Paris, Bercy Village is an easy 10-15 minute walk from the Latin Quarter or the Marais, or a quick (probably 5-10 minutes if you're coming from central Paris) metro ride.

Most Bercy Village businesses are open daily from 10am to 8pm, although the lights stay lit at least a couple of hours longer.

Metro:  Cour Saint-Emilion
Dates:  Mid November through mid January


7.  Grand Department Stores - Paris's Most Lavish Christmas Decorations

Galeries Lafayette Christmas display in store window
Galeries Lafayette Christmas display in store window

You can see some of the most elaborate Christmas lights and decorations in Paris in the windows of the city's five major department stores.  If you're visiting with kids, they'll be entranced by the elaborate animations based on different themes each year.

Go inside the stores to see even more lights and decorations!

Christmas decorations and lights suspsended from the skylight dome in Galeries Lafayette
Christmas tree and decorations suspended from the skylight dome in Galeries Lafayette

Paris Department Stores

  • Galeries Lafayette:  40 Boulevard Haussmann, 9th arr
  • Au Printemps:  64 Boulevard Haussmann, 9th arr
  • BHV:  14 Rue du Temple, 4th arr
  • Bon Marché: 24 Rue de Sèvres, 7th arr
  • La Samaritaine:  19 Rue de la Monnaie, 1st art

8.  Christmas Displays in Paris Churches

Christmas Advent display in Notre Dame Cathedral
Christmas Advent display in Notre Dame Cathedral

Paris churches also get into the spirit of the Christmas season.  Look for special Advent calendars and displays, beautiful nativity scenes, garlands and flowers, and even the occasional Christmas tree.

For an especially memorable experience, attend a candlelight concert during December or Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve.  


9.  La Défense Christmas Lights 

Lighted Christmas decorations at La Defense, Paris

The expansive central esplanade at La Defense is where you'll find the biggest and most flamboyantly colorful Christmas lights and decorations in the city.

As soon as you step off the escalator from the Metro station, you'll see the lighted decorations in front of you.

With shopping centers on both sides of the Esplanade and the brightly-lit La Defense Christmas market at the far end, you can easily spend an entire evening here.

Location:  West of Paris, just outside of the city
Nearest Métro/RER A:  Grande Arche de la Défense
More about the La Defense and other Paris Christmas Markets


10.  Disneyland Paris - A Christmas Light Extravaganza!

Christmas at Disneyland Paris during December
Christmas at Disneyland during December - Photo by Craig Adderley

Christmas celebrations begin at Disneyland Paris in early November with plenty of entertainment and fun for everyone.

You'll find a spectacular giant tree, entertaining shows, festive Christmas parades, and dazzling holiday decorations everywhere.  Don't miss two brand-new holiday shows at Walt Disney Studios® Park this year, a new immersive nighttime extravaganza, and singing carols with Santa, Mickey, and Minnie for a magical experience you won't forget!

When:  Early November through early January

Disneyland Paris and Transportation

Take RER A to the Marne-la-Valee station, walk across a small plaza to Disneyland Paris, and buy your tickets at the gate - or check out these advance ticket options to make your trip faster and easier:



More Paris Streets & Other Places to See Christmas Lights

Christmas lights in Paris neighborhoods
Golden lights on Boulevard Haussmann near Galeries Lafayette department store

Aside from the most extravagantly decorated avenues such as Champs Élysées, where else can you find Christmas lights in Paris?

Well, quite a lot of places, as it turns out:  each year, over 150 streets and squares in about 70 Paris neighborhoods put up lighted decorations, making it truly the "City of Light," thanks to energy-saving LED bulbs.

Here is a small sample of streets where you'll find them in central Parisian districts:

  • 1st arrondissement:  Place Vendôme, Rue de Rivoli between Rue Sainte-Opporturne and Rue Perrault, Rue Saint-Honoré, Rue Berger, Quai de la Mégisserie
  • 2nd arrondissement:  Grands Boulevards (by Galeries Lafayette and Au Printemps), Passage of the Panoramas
  • 3rd arrondissement:  Rue Saint-Martin, Passage des Ménétriers, Rue Brantôme, Rue Brantôme 
  • 4th arrondissement:  Rue Rambuteau, Rue des Archives, Rue Saint-Paul, Village Saint Paul; Rue Saint-Louis en l'Ile on Ile Saint-Louis usually sports lovely lights and decorations
  • 5th arrondissement:  Rue de la Huchette, Rue Galande, Rue Dante, Rue du Petit Pont, Rue Frédéric Sauton, Boulevard Saint Germain, Place Maubert
  • 6th arrondissement:  Rue de Bac, Rue de Rennes, Rue Saint Placid, Rue de Sèvres around Bon Marché, Rue d'Assas, Rue Notre Dame des Champs, Boulevard Saint Germain
  • 7th arrondissement:  Rue du Bac, Rue de Grenelle, Rue du Champ de Mars, Rue Saint-Dominique, Avenue de la Motte-Picquet, Avenue Bosquet, Rue Clerc, Rue Malar, Rue de l'Exposition, Rue Amélie
  • 8th arrondissement: Rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré, Rue Mathurins, Avenue Montaigne, Carré de la Madeleine, Avenue Champs Elysees, Boulevard Saint Germain
  • 9th arrondissement: Rue des Martyrs, Rue de Caumartin, Rue Mogador, Rue Cadet, Rue de la Chaussee d'Antin

You can see the Paris Christmas lights from mid-November (check the November Events Calendar for the exact date) through the first week or so in January (coming down just before January Sales begin) from 5pm until 2am. 



Pin Now, Check Out Paris Christmas Lights Later

Paris Christmas lights along Boulevard Haussmann near Au Printemps department store
Paris Christmas lights along Boulevard Haussmann
Lighted Christmas decorations at La Defense, Paris
Christmas decorations at La Defense

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