Paris, the city of love, transforms into a winter wonderland as Christmas approaches. The French capital takes its festive preparations seriously, weaving magic and tradition into its very streets and public spaces. Here are five enchanting ways Paris decks the halls for Christmas 2017:
1. Grandeur of Christmas Lights
Paris lights up for the holiday season, and in 2017, the tradition continued with an array of illuminated streets, trees, and architectural wonders. The Champs-Élysées, arguably one of the world’s most famous avenues, became a sparkling corridor of lights, where visitors and locals alike could stroll through a mesmerizing tunnel of golden illumination.
- Avenue des Champs-Élysées: Sparkling with lights that stretch from the Arc de Triomphe to Place de la Concorde.
- Le Bon Marché and Galeries Lafayette: Iconic department stores that compete with their mesmerizing window displays and elaborate internal decorations.
- Paris by Night Tour: Special tours offered where visitors can experience the magical light displays that adorn Paris.
💡 Note: Remember to check online for the schedules of the Christmas lights turn-on ceremonies, as they tend to be both a beautiful and well-attended event.
2. Christmas Markets
Paris hosts numerous Marchés de Noël or Christmas markets that are not just places for shopping but also for experiencing the quintessential French holiday ambiance.
| Market Name | Location | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| Saint-Germain-des-Prés Market | Paris’s Latin Quarter | Artisan crafts, traditional foods, live performances. |
| Tuileries Christmas Market | Jardin des Tuileries | Giant Ferris wheel, wooden chalets, ice rink. |
| Sablon Craft Market | Near Notre-Dame Cathedral | Authentic arts and crafts, open-air festive atmosphere. |
3. Festive Parades and Events
The holiday season in Paris includes public parades and events, each with its unique charm:
- Parade des Rois Mages: A Christmas tradition where the Three Wise Men parade through the streets, retelling the story of their journey to find baby Jesus.
- The Lantern Procession: A new take on the traditional parade, where attendees carry lanterns and sing Christmas carols along the Seine.
- Christmas on Ice: Ice skating rinks pop up around Paris, including at iconic locations like Hôtel de Ville, providing both residents and visitors with festive activities.
4. Enchanted Storefronts
Paris’s store windows transform into stages for enchanting scenes, creating an immersive experience for those wandering through the city’s shopping districts.
- Le Bon Marché: Known for its theme-based, spectacular window displays, with characters and stories that captivate all ages.
- Printemps: Displays that often reflect Parisian life or a magical twist on reality, turning window shopping into a festive adventure.
- Galeries Lafayette: Offers elaborate installations that not only showcase products but also tell a story, making it a highlight of the season.
5. Sacred Celebrations
Christmas in Paris is incomplete without experiencing the spiritual aspects of the season:
- Midnight Mass at Notre-Dame: One of the most sought-after experiences, where people from all over the world attend to celebrate Christmas with a spiritual service in one of the world’s most iconic cathedrals.
- Christmas Music at La Madeleine: Classical concerts featuring Christmas carols and choral music, which fill the air with festive melodies.
- Living Nativity Scenes: Some churches bring the nativity story to life with actors portraying the biblical event, creating a living tableau for visitors to witness.
In summary, Paris in the lead-up to Christmas 2017 was a canvas of magical moments. From the illuminated streets to the bustling markets, each aspect of the city's Christmas preparations added to the festive spirit, creating a truly Parisian Christmas experience. The interplay of traditional practices with modern elements ensures that the magic of the season transcends time, captivating all who wander through its enchanting avenues.
What are the must-visit Christmas markets in Paris for 2017?
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Must-visit Christmas markets in Paris included the Saint-Germain-des-Prés Market for its artisan crafts, the Tuileries Christmas Market for its Ferris wheel and ice rink, and the Sablon Craft Market for its location near Notre-Dame.
How can I find the best Christmas light displays in Paris?
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Visit the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, Le Bon Marché, and Galeries Lafayette for a dazzling display of Christmas lights. Additionally, taking a night tour of Paris will ensure you don’t miss any of the city’s magical illuminations.
Can you recommend some festive family activities in Paris during Christmas?
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Families can enjoy ice skating at one of the many rinks like the one by Hôtel de Ville, visiting the Christmas markets for some festive shopping, or attending the enchanting lantern procession to sing carols along the Seine.
