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I have always said you can never have too much of Paris. After a jam-packed sisterly adventure a couple of years ago, I found myself patiently (well, somewhat) waiting two and a half years until I could waltz back into the City of Light. This time, I convinced my husband to hop on the Eurostar and enjoy a festive journey alongside our ventures in Strasbourg and Colmar. And so, after booking our stay throw Booking.com, clutching our suitcases and brimming with excitement, we arrived in Paris once again ready to soak up every twinkle of Christmas magic. You can alternatively check a Hostelworld for an alternative accommodation.  

Before You Go 

• Insurance: You may never need it, but if you do and do not have it, you will be in hot water. Healthcare can be extremely expensive, and you definitely do not want unexpected bills to add even more to your holiday costs. Consider VisitorsCoverage, which provides travel insurance in over 175 countries. 

• Staying Connected: Think about how you will stay in touch with friends and family back home. Yesim is a premier eSim provider, offering global solutions to keep you connected wherever you roam. 

Alternative Ways to Travel 

• Kiwi.com: Offers booking services for flights, trains, and bus tickets with unique “virtual interlining.” 

• Rail Europe: Perfect for train travel enthusiasts—it provides routes, inspiration, and tools to help you navigate Europe by rail. 

• GetTransfer.com: Ideal for booking transfers, long-distance trips, and taxi rides at attractive prices. 

• AutoEurope: For the brave souls who fancy driving in a foreign country—this service compares prices and lets you book cars from various providers. 

Bonus Tip: Book Ahead & Research 

I highly suggest booking your entry tickets to any major attractions in advance. Paris is such a popular destination that you really do not want to spend half your holiday waiting in queues—you want to explore and, most importantly, have an amazing experience. 

• GetYourGuide helps you discover the best things to do, including niche offerings you will not find anywhere else. 

• Tiqets lets you book mobile tickets for attractions around the world (no printing required!). 

• Viator boasts over 300,000 experiences, ranging from wine tastings and walking tours to cooking classes and catamaran rides. 

• GoCity offers multi-attraction passes for top tourist spots worldwide, saving you up to 65% off the usual cost. 

And finally, I always suggest doing a bit of pre-travel sleuthing on Tripadvisor. Reading other travellers’ reviews can help you refine your plans and avoid any hidden pitfalls. 

Settling In at Hôtel Jeanne d’Arc Le Marais 

We booked into a cosy little spot called Hôtel Jeanne d’Arc Le Marais, and I cannot recommend it enough. After ditching our bags in the room (we basically flung them onto the bed and shouted “Freedom!”), we set off on our first mission: to track down anything and everything Christmassy. 

Day One: A Festive Foray 

Café des Anges: The Perfect Start 

First stop, Café des Anges. Now, bear in mind that we had had a “small bite” in Strasbourg (which translates to half a pretzel and a dream), so by the time we landed in Paris, we were positively famished. Cue the onion soup—my top tip for any French escapade. It was warm, cheesy, golden-brown perfection in a bowl. Add in the fact that the place was humming with a pleasant vibe (just a handful of tourists), and we had a recipe for immediate contentment. 

Hunting for Christmas near the Louvre 

With our bellies full, we took the ever-reliable underground (an absolute saviour for weary legs) and headed towards the Louvre. Along the way, we passed the wonderfully colourful Palais Royal Metro entrance and ambled through the Domaine National du Palais Royal, where the classic architecture and chic gardens reminded us just how effortlessly stylish Parisians can be—even in winter coats and scarves. 

I have been to the Louvre before, but never at night—big mistake. The Louvre after dark is nothing short of magical. The glass pyramid lights up like a beacon, and wandering under the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel feels almost ethereal. Sadly, no Santa’s grotto in sight, but across from the Tuileries Garden we noticed what could only be described as a Parisian Winter Wonderland—think festive lights, wooden chalets, and the aroma of mulled wine drifting in the air. 

Tuileries Garden Christmas Market 

If you love feeling like a kid again, take a spin on the Ferris wheel (known as the “Big Wheel”) at this market. You will get a panoramic view of Paris’s twinkling holiday lights, and its equal parts romantic and thrilling (especially when the wind picks up at the top). The chalets were brimming with handcrafted gifts, crêpes, gooey raclette, roasted chestnuts… and did I mention mulled wine? I could have set up camp there all evening, happily slurping away on hot drinks until further notice. 

Window Shopping & Louis Vuitton’s Carousel at Place Vendôme 

Feeling buoyed by festive cheer, we ventured over to Place Vendôme, one of Paris’s most stunning squares. During the holidays, the luxury shops really put on a show—think high-end window displays that make you question whether you should remortgage your house for a handbag. There was even a free Louis Vuitton carousel, where people took joyrides under dazzling lights (the word “fabulous” does not even begin to cover it). 

Before we knew it, we had drifted to Place Maurice Barrès for a quick snap inside a giant Snow Globe—yes, you read that correctly—and admired yet more Christmas decorations at Chanel and Dior. My eyes were practically turning into Christmas baubles with all the sparkle going on. 

More Dazzling Streets & A Late-Night Adventure 

Our evening stroll led us past more shimmering lights on Rue Royal (opposite the Gucci shop, no less) and near Place de la Madeleine, with its famously handsome church facade. If you are curious for more sparkle (as if you could ever have enough), head to Rue Saint-Honoré—a legendary shopping street since the Middle Ages, now home to every designer brand under the sun. Joan of Arc once got wounded there, but nowadays, the only thing likely to injure you are the price tags. 

Champs Élysées 

For the piece de resistance of Christmas illuminations, we marched on to Champs Élysées, where over a million twinkling bulbs light up 400 trees between Place de la Concorde and the Arc de Triomphe. Imagine strolling down a corridor of glitter—utterly breathtaking! These lights typically switch off at midnight, except for Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, when they gleam all night long. 

We wrapped up the night by taking the underground to Bastille station, popping out briefly to admire the area (which is interesting in its own right), and then retreating to our hotel for a steaming cup of hot chocolate in the lobby. I fell asleep feeling like a smug elf on Christmas Eve. 

Day Two: Hot Chocolate & High-End Highlights 

Morning Indulgence: Carette 

Our second day began with a quest for the richest, creamiest hot chocolate known to humankind—found at Carette. When something goes viral, it is usually for a good reason, and this was no exception. Picture molten chocolate poured straight into a cup, topped with a swirl of thick whipped cream (be still, my beating heart). If you are a chocoholic, consider this your new holy grail. 

Le Village Royal 

Next, we wandered over to Le Village Royal, a hidden passageway accessible from Rue Boissy D’Anglas. The courtyard here transforms into a little festive pocket paradise during the holidays, with adorable cafés, fairy lights, and boutiques that might tempt your credit card beyond reason. The decorations are top-notch, perfect for the inevitable flurry of selfies. 

La Madeleine’s Church 

A short stroll away, you will encounter La Madeleine’s Church, a Roman Catholic landmark so grand it could pass for an ancient Greek temple. Surrounded by towering Corinthian columns, it is a majestic sight—especially during the festive period when excited students often gather for photos on the steps. In Paris, even the churches know how to do glamour! 

Galleries Lafayette Haussmann: The Grand Finale 

The highlight of the entire trip was our visit to Galleries Lafayette Haussmann. Opened in 1912, this luxury department store shows off stunning Belle Époque architecture. But at Christmas, it dials up the sparkle to at least a thousand. The main attraction is a massive Christmas tree sitting beneath a gorgeous glass dome—each year’s theme is different, but it is always sensational. If you fancy a closer look, you can walk out onto the Glasswalk, a platform high above the store floor, though be warned: you do need to reserve a time slot. 

Feeling brave? Head to the rooftop terrace (free of charge) for a panoramic view of Paris’s rooftops and iconic landmarks. We spent a good hour up there, snapping photos and pretending we were in some artsy French film. 

A Culinary Treat at A La Place Saint Georges 

After all that walking, we refuelled at A La Place Saint Georges. Here, I finally gave in to my curiosity and tried escargots (snails, for the uninitiated). They were garlic-buttery bliss, much to my own surprise! I followed that with their famed Orange Duck, while my hubby devoured sausage and mash (which he declared the best he has ever had—and he is a fussy one, so that is really saying something). 

Farewell, Eiffel Tower 

Of course, we could not end our time in Paris without greeting the Eiffel Tower. Whether you ascend it, snap photos from the ground, or just admire it glittering in the distance, it is a quintessential part of the Parisian experience—like a warm baguette under one arm and a fashionable scarf draped around your neck. 

More Churches & Notre-Dame 

A quick tip: In Paris, visit as many churches as you can—they are often stunning and full of surprises. And speaking of churches, the newly renovated Cathédrale Notre-Dame is open to the public again after its tragic fire. Nearby, at the Paris Notre-Dame Christmas Market in Square Viviani, you can grab a cup of cider, snack on roasted chestnuts, and even catch a musical performance if you time it right. 

In Conclusion 

So, there we have it—a whirlwind, gloriously Christmassy Paris jaunt, complete with mouth-watering food, designer window-shopping, and enough festive lights to make the North Pole jealous. Whether you are a first-timer or a seasoned Paris aficionado, Christmas in the City of Light has a magical way of sweeping you off your feet and reminding you why this city has captured the hearts of travellers for centuries. 

If you’re still on the fence about visiting Paris during the festive season, let me assure you: watching the Eiffel Tower shimmer after dark, wandering through the Tuileries Garden Christmas Market with a cup of mulled wine, or marvelling at the incredible holiday display under the Galleries Lafayette dome is like stepping into a dream. And the best part? You do not have to give up any of your favourite French indulgences—those perfectly flaky croissants, creamy onion soups, and, if you are feeling adventurous, escargots swimming in garlic butter. 

Of course, it pays to come prepared. Pack comfortable shoes because these streets (and department stores!) are meant for exploring. Bring an appetite for all things sweet and savoury, from decadent hot chocolate to steaming crêpes. And do not forget a camera—trust me, you will be snapping photos of glittering shop windows, sparkling trees, and romantic street scenes all day (and night) long. 

Above all, embrace the spirit of the season and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of a Paris dressed in its festive best. Let each corner of the city surprise you, let the holiday lights guide your nighttime strolls, and let every bite of French cuisine remind you that life’s little pleasures are worth savouring—especially at Christmas. 

Joyeux Noël, everyone—and do remember, there is never too much of Paris!