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TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Renowned for its luxe living, Paris remains one of the top destinations in Europe, attracting travelers from around the globe. While the city is available all year round, exploring the so-called Fashion Capital during Christmas is even more exciting as it is adorned with innumerable, twinkling holiday lights.
In case you’re looking forward to a year-end trip to the city, Condé Nast Traveler shares some of the recommended things to do during Christmas in Paris for a merrier winter.
1. Immerse in Vibrant Parisian Christmas Markets
A visit to the Christmas markets is an essential component of the festivities during the holy month. Paris boasts a number of Christmas markets, with La Magie de Noël in the Tuileries Park being the largest. Open through early January, La Magie de Noël features wooden cabins offering a selection of small gifts and seasonal treats.
Visitors can also experience the same vibrant atmosphere at the Saint-Germain-des-Prés Marché de Noël on the Left Bank. A variety of culinary options are available, including caviar, foie gras, classic pretzels, and other sweet and savory treats.
2. Admire Enchanting Holiday Displays
As winter approaches, the City of Lights is not only festooned by piles of snow but also hundreds of Christmas trinkets adorning every corner. The city offers travelers endless holiday displays, providing a unique and enticing experience.
Take the Samaritaine, one of the oldest department stores in Paris, as an example. This place transforms into a mystical winter garden, featuring an array of fantasy creatures, from giant butterflies to mushrooms.
Eco-activists will love every second at Opéra Garnier, which is adorned with decorations made from recycled materials.
3. Ice Skating at the Grand Palais des Glaces
What other things are there to do during Christmas in Paris? Ice skating is the answer. Head to the Grand Palais des Glaces to see the largest indoor ice rink in the world. Don’t be shy; hit the rink and dance on the icy surface throughout the night.
4. Extraordinary Winter Illuminations at Jardin des Plantes
If anything, Christmas presents an ideal opportunity to appreciate the winter illuminations. The Jardin des Plantes particularly stands out during this time of year, featuring a range of lantern displays that add a special touch to the cherished month.
Despite being a popular picnic location, this Christmas, the garden offers visitors the opportunity to observe the flora and fauna of tropical forests. You guessed it: the Jardin des Plantes exhibits hundreds of large-scale lanterns in the shape of plants and animals that illuminate everywhere you stroll.
Take your family or loved ones to experience the holiday lights display at the Jardin des Plantes, which is open through January 19, 2025.
5. Amble Around Place Vendôme
Renowned for its bronze spiral column, the Place Vendôme is even more charming by the presence of four imposing 30-meter-high fir trees that adorn the column. As you proceed, you will have the opportunity to admire the immersive Christmas lights as you pass the Park Hyatt Paris, Tiffany's, and Cartier before finally stopping at the Christmas market to enjoy a warm mug of mulled wine.
6. Holiday Lights on the Champs-Élysées
Craving more holiday lights? How about taking a stroll down the Champs-Élysées? As in previous years, the street will be festooned with LED lights perched on trees, creating a festive atmosphere.
The winter illuminations light up at 5 p.m. and conclude at midnight. Be sure to attend the countdown and pyrotechnic display, showcasing over 3,000 fireworks, on the Champs-Élysées on New Year's Eve.
7. Indulge in Parisian Hot Chocolate
A mug of hot chocolate is perfect to combat the chill of winter. Some locations in Paris offer the best hot chocolate, including Angelina on Rue de Rivoli. Their specialty is Chocolat Chaud Africain, which is so thick that it is as if it were made from freshly melted chocolate bars.
8. Christmas Dinner at Moulin Rouge
We hope you still have some room to fill up with the exquisite dishes at the Moulin Rouge. But this isn’t just any ordinary dinner. You’ll be accompanied by the legendary performance of French cancan cabaret while savoring the mouthwatering French cuisine.
Sip on a glass of champagne while you take in the spectacle of dancers in lavish costumes with sequins and rhinestones.
9. Savor Christmas Treats in Paris
Paris enchants travelers with its romantic ambiance and the magical light emanating from the Eiffel Tower. During the holiday season, it’s even more enchanting as many are drawn to the delectable yule log cake, better known as Bûche de Noël.
This Christmas classic can be found in a bunch of patisseries across the city. Pay a visit to Butterfly Pâtisserie to savor a variety of seasonal pastries, accompanied by a cup of tea or a mug of hot chocolate.
10. Watch a Classical Concert at Sainte-Chapelle
If you spend Christmas in Paris, don’t miss out on the opportunity to catch a classical concert at Sainte-Chapelle. The latter, with a history tracing back to the mid-13th century, once served as a royal chapel to house the Crown of Thorns relic.
Today, Sainte-Chapelle entices architecture enthusiasts with its display of 15 stained-glass windows comprising over 1,000 panels. Moreover, the church showcases a classical concert featuring the music of Mozart and Franz Schubert during the holiday season.
Editor’s Choice: 10 Best Christmas Markets in the U.S. 2024
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