Are you planning to visit Paris in December? We invite you to read our comprehensive tips and suggestions on how to maximize your experience during the Christmas holidays in the city of Paris. Additionally, you will find detailed information regarding Paris weather in December and recommendations on what to pack for your visit to Paris for the year’s end holidays. Our objective is to guide you through a memorable adventure in the city of lights. Regardless of the duration of your stay in Paris, you will undoubtedly be impressed by the city’s architectural and cultural heritage.
It is certainly the best period to enjoy the many pleasures of the proclaimed capital of gastronomy, fashion and shopping – especially at this time of the year. On December 31st you could celebrate New Year’s Eve in Paris in style at the Champs Elysée with 500,000 other people.
On December 26, the is no boxing day : everything is open in Paris.
Weather in Paris in December
Average Temperatures in Paris en December
- Average minimum temperatures in Dec. in Paris : 2°C / 36°F
- Average maximum temperature in Dec. in Paris: 7°C / 45°F
- Average rainfall : 59 mm
Although December in Paris can be cold, temperatures usually stay between 2°C/36°F and 7°C/45°F. The first weeks are milder but still cool as winter arrives. December often brings clouds and about 15 rainy days, though the rain is usually light. There’s also a chance of snow around Christmas, making the city look especially beautiful. With many Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations, Paris truly deserves its nickname – the ‘City of Light’.
What to Wear in December in Paris
If you are visiting Paris this month, be ready for cold weather. Bring a winter coat, scarf, and gloves, and consider an umbrella or raincoat for easier walks. Wear shoes with good tread to avoid slipping. Also, leave space in your luggage for shopping or souvenirs. See 5-day weather forecast for Paris
Paris in December: Events, Musicals, and Opera in Paris
Festive Lights and Windows
In Paris, you can admire many beautiful Christmas lights. The most famous are on the Champs-Élysées, Montmartre Hill, and the magical Christmas windows of Galeries Lafayette.
Galeries Lafayette, one of Paris’ most iconic department stores, is a must-see during the holidays. Its festive window displays, sparkling lights, and creative decorations turn shopping into a real spectacle.
Another great way to enjoy the Christmas atmosphere is with a Seine River cruise. From the Champs-Élysées to Notre-Dame Cathedral and Place de la Concorde, these tours let you discover Paris illuminated in all its holiday charm.
>Book your illumination Tours by Tootbus
Wonderful Christmas Cruise on Seine River
Experience a remarkable Christmas Cruise on the Seine River, an exceptional opportunity to savor a gourmet holiday meal while admiring the majestic Parisian monuments and festive illuminations. Numerous companies, including Bateaux Mouches, Paris Seine, and Yachts de Paris, offer an exquisite Christmas Eve dinner on December 24th. Additionally, companies such as Bateaux Parisiens and Bateaux Mouches provide a delightful Christmas lunch on December 25th.
>> More info on Xmas Cruises in Paris
Open-Air Ice Skating
During this period, numerous open-air ice skating rinks provide an opportunity to engage in winter entertainment with friends or family through outdoor activities at the ice rinks. These rinks are located in the square in front of the Paris City Hall (Hôtel de Ville), on the Champs-Elysées at the Grand Palais, and within the Jardins du Trocadéro.
See Museums in Paris .
>> Book now your hotel in Paris and save money
25th and 26th December in Paris
Christmas day, December 25th is a public holiday – so most museums and attractions will be closed as well as the shops.
Nevertheless, some museums and monuments are open on Christmas day such as the Museum of Montmartre or Espace Dali and The Pompidou Centre – the most important Contemporary Art Museum in Paris.
Some churches and religious monuments are open, such as Notre Dame Cathedral, Sacré Coeur Basilica and Madeleine Church. These Churches often organize events and special celebrations on 24th and 25th December where you can see exceptional live choir performances.
The 26th of December is not a holiday – there is no Boxing Day in Paris – so most museums, monuments, and shops will be open for business.
During the New Years Eve celebrations on the Champs Elysée avenue, several surprise events are planned to welcome the new year into the city.
Exhibitions in Paris in December
December is set to be a month of considerable cultural richness for the French capital, featuring numerous outstanding exhibitions in the City of Light.
| Exhibition | Venue | Dates | Main Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cartes Blanches (Jospin & Tabouret) | Grand Palais | Dec 2025 – March 2026 | Monumental contemporary art |
| Rick Owens, Temple of Love | Palais Galliera | Until Jan 4, 2026 | Avant-garde and spectacular fashion |
| The Mystery of Cleopatra | Institut du Monde Arabe | Until Jan 11, 2026 | Historical and cultural journey about a mythical queen |
Read more about Christmas Events in Paris
Christmas at Disneyland Paris
Experience the magic of a family Christmas at Disneyland Paris!
Illuminations, Disney fairies, and fun for all the family… Christmas is certainly the best time to visit Disneyland Paris. A lot of shows and special events take place at DisneyLand for Year’s End celebrations.
Book your stay at Disneyland Paris!
Paris Christmas Markets in December
It would be a crying shame miss out on the hot chocolate, wine, crepes, and waffles found at the Christmas Markets in Paris. You can also buy many typical French products like locally-made cheese.
- CHRISTMAS MARKET ON SAINT GERMAIN DES PRES
From November 25th to January1st- 10am-9pm
Eglise Saint-Germain-des-Prés de Paris – 6th arrondissement Metro : Saint-Germain-des-Prés
- CHRISTMAS MARKET ON THE JARDIN DES TUILERIES
November 16th to January 7th
Jardin des Tuileries – 2nd arrondissement Metro : Concorde- Tuileries
- ALSATIAN CHRISTMAS MARKET IN GARE DE L’EST
This famous Christmas market proposes food and product from Eastern France .
From December 1st to December 17th
Read more : All Christmas markets in Paris
Gare de L’Est – 2nd arrondissement Metro : Gare de l’Est
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