During Christmas, Paris offers practical and memorable holiday experiences that won’t disappoint. The city’s festive season runs from late November through early January, with countless ways to experience local traditions firsthand.
I’m especially fond of the food-focused walking tours through charming neighborhoods, where you’ll taste seasonal specialties like marrons glacés (candied chestnuts) and vin chaud (mulled wine). The evening bike tours are another favorite – they’re a smart way to see the city’s spectacular light displays while avoiding crowded sidewalks.
The intimate walking tours through historic districts provide the best value, combining Christmas market visits with stories of Parisian holiday customs. Small-group château tours outside the city are worth the splurge, offering a glimpse into aristocratic Christmas celebrations of the past.
Browse our carefully selected Christmas experiences to find your perfect Parisian holiday adventure:
Good To Know
Immerse in the festive ambiance of Paris through guided walking tours that showcase Christmas decorations, seasonal delicacies, and insights into French holiday traditions.
Engage in hands-on French Christmas cooking classes led by Michelin-star chefs, providing an authentic culinary experience and the opportunity to learn about seasonal ingredients.
Embark on private tours to explore the city’s enchanting Christmas markets, festive illuminations, and iconic landmarks, accompanied by seasonal refreshments like mulled wine or hot chocolate.
Capture the magical essence of Parisian holidays through a private photoshoot at the Jardin des Tuileries Christmas market, ensuring exclusive access and high-quality digital photos.
Experience the grandeur of a Parisian Christmas by visiting the transformed Vaux-le-Vicomte Château, which becomes a winter wonderland, and the majestic Château de Fontainebleau.
Paris Christmas Gourmet Food Tour
The Paris Christmas Gourmet Food Small Group Walking Tour is a delightful way to celebrate the holiday season in true French fashion.
This 3-hour walking tour, limited to just 8 people, takes you on a gourmet journey through the festively decorated streets of Paris. You’ll sample seasonal treats like gingerbread, chocolate Yule logs, and nut-studded nougat, while learning about French Christmas traditions.
Relax in a cozy Parisian tearoom with a warm beverage. With a knowledgeable local guide, you’ll discover the charm of Paris during the holidays.
However, some past guests have noted limited tastings and expectations not being fully met regarding Christmas markets. Overall, it’s a personalized experience highlighting the flavors of a Parisian Christmas.
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Paris Christmas Tour
For those seeking to experience the magic of Paris during the holiday season, the Paris Christmas Guided Tour by Bike provides an engaging and festive way to explore the city’s iconic sights.
This 2.5-hour evening tour takes visitors on a bicycle journey past the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées, and other renowned landmarks, with the added bonus of snacks and mulled wine.
Rated 4.2 out of 5 stars, the small-group experience allows travelers to enjoy the holiday atmosphere in a personal setting.
However, some reviews note clarity issues and traffic concerns, so participants should prepare accordingly.
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Small Group French Christmas Cooking Class in Paris
Amidst the enchanting Parisian streets adorned with twinkling lights and festive displays, the Paris Small Group French Christmas Cooking Class offers travelers a unique opportunity to enjoy the culinary traditions of the season.
Led by a Michelin-star experienced chef, the half-day class accommodates a maximum of 8 participants and focuses on seasonal French ingredients. Guests will engage in hands-on cooking of a traditional winter meal, from a savory potimarron velouté starter to a decadent chocolate and chestnut Bûche de Noël dessert.
Included are all ingredients, utensils, and a post-cooking tasting session where participants can savor their creations and learn about French Christmas customs.
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Paris Christmas Illuminations Ferris Wheel Ride & Holiday Market Private Tour
On this private tour, travelers will be immersed in the enchanting holiday atmosphere of Paris.
They’ll explore iconic landmarks like the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, and Champs Elysees, while also enjoying the festive spirit in various neighborhoods.
Highlights include a ride on a Ferris wheel at a holiday market and indulging in seasonal snacks, mulled wine, or hot chocolate.
The tour is highly rated, with travelers praising the knowledgeable and personable guide, Milan, who can tailor the itinerary to individual interests.
With flexible duration, chauffeured transportation, and free cancellation up to 24 hours, this private tour provides a memorable Christmas experience in the City of Light.
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Paris Christmas Tour With a Local Guide, Custom & Private
Enjoy the enchanting Christmas atmosphere of Paris on this private tour with a local guide.
You’ll explore the city’s festive lights, decorations, and markets, learning about Parisian traditions along the way.
Sip on a cup of hot chocolate or mulled wine as you visit Le Marais and discover charming patisseries.
The flexible, customizable itinerary allows you to tailor the experience to your interests.
With a 5.0-star rating from 6 reviews, this tour offers a personalized glimpse into Paris’ Christmas celebrations.
Wheelchair and stroller accessible, the tour is conveniently located near public transportation.
Book at least 48 hours in advance to secure this unique holiday experience.
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Paris Tootbus Christmas Tour
The Paris Tootbus Festive Christmas Tour offers a 90-minute journey through the heart of the city’s enchanting holiday atmosphere.
Aboard an open-top bus, visitors can enjoy unobstructed views while listening to audio commentary and Christmas songs through individual earphones.
The tour showcases iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées, and Louvre Museum, all illuminated by 150,000 sparkling lights.
Guests can board at the convenient meeting point near public transportation, and the tour concludes at the iconic Christmas windows of Le Printemps and Galeries Lafayette.
While some past travelers noted minor issues, the overall experience is praised for its magical ambiance and excellent organization.
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Paris Christmas Lights Walking Tour With Local Guide
Exploring the enchanting Christmas lights of Paris on a small group walking tour with a local guide offers a delightful way to experience the city’s festive ambiance.
Rated 4.3 out of 6 reviews, this 2-hour tour takes guests on a journey through the illuminated streets, with a stop for a warm cup of hot chocolate or mulled wine.
The tour is wheelchair accessible (private option only) and stroller-friendly, allowing for a comfortable experience.
Participants can expect knowledgeable guides, tips for navigating the city, and the beauty of Paris during the most wonderful time of the year.
The tour operates rain, snow, or shine, ensuring a memorable holiday adventure.
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Private Christmas Market & Chocolate Tour in Paris
On this private Christmas market and chocolate tour in Paris, guests will embark on an exclusive journey through the enchanting Latin Quarter and Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhoods.
Led by a local expert guide, the tour focuses on the festive Christmas markets and a delightful chocolate experience. Highlights include tasting chocolate macarons, sipping hot chocolate, and indulging in salted butter caramel.
The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and service animals are welcome. Priced from €299 per person, the tour includes pickup, drop-off, and all tips and gratuities.
With a perfect 5-star rating based on one review, this is an unforgettable way to immerse in Paris’s Christmas spirit.
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The Magic of Christmas in Reims and Epernay One Day Tour
Although Paris is renowned for its festive Christmas markets, travelers seeking a more immersive champagne experience can embark on a one-day tour to the nearby cities of Reims and Epernay.
The tour includes a guided visit to a champagne cellar with a tasting, as well as a stop at the Reims gothic cathedral and the Mercier cellars. Guests will also have the opportunity to celebrate the holiday with a glass of champagne and chocolates.
Departing from central Paris, the tour is accessible by public transportation and features a trilingual guide and a maximum of 8 travelers per group.
With hotel pickup and drop-off included, this experience provides a convenient and memorable way to explore the magic of Christmas in the Champagne region.
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Paris Christmas Food Tour With Local Guide
For those seeking a delightful immersion in Parisian holiday cuisine, the Paris Christmas Food Tour with a Local Guide offers a delectable experience.
This 1.5-hour tour takes guests on a culinary journey through the city, showcasing traditional Christmas specialties. Savor oysters, foie gras, and mulled wine, then indulge in classic French desserts like the yule log cake and candied chestnuts.
With a maximum group size of 6, travelers enjoy personalized attention from a knowledgeable guide who provides local tips and insights. The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, making it an inclusive experience.
At $250 per person, it’s a pricey but worthwhile way to experience the flavors of a Parisian Christmas.
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Christmas Fairytale: Vaux-Le-Vicomte Chateau Private Guided Tour
Vaux-le-Vicomte, a stunning 17th-century château located just outside of Paris, transforms into a magical winter wonderland during the Christmas season.
Visitors can embark on a private guided tour of this opulent estate, exploring its lavish interiors and beautifully landscaped gardens adorned with twinkling lights. The tour also includes a visit to the impressive Château de Fontainebleau, making it a comprehensive experience.
Priced at $851.86 per group (up to 2 people), the tour includes private transportation, admission fees, bottled water, and gratuities.
With a 5-star rating based on 1 review, this Christmas fairytale tour is a must-try for those seeking a truly enchanting holiday experience in Paris.
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Christmas and Eve Dinner Near Eiffel Tour
Travelers seeking a quintessential Parisian Christmas experience can indulge in a delectable Christmas and Eve dinner near the iconic Eiffel Tower.
Priced from $215.66 per person, this private tour offers a menu featuring French meats, starters, foie gras, smoked salmon, hot main courses, and a selection of delicious French desserts.
The meeting point is 3 Rue Emile Duclaux, 15th arrondissement, and the tour returns to the same location.
While not wheelchair accessible, the event is suitable for most travelers, including infants who must sit on laps.
Notably, the experience is non-refundable, so travelers should consider the Lowest Price Guarantee when booking.
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Paris Christmas Market and Illuminations Family Tour
Families seeking a magical Parisian Christmas experience can embark on the Paris Christmas Market and Illuminations Family Tour. Priced at $539.15 for groups of up to 4, this private tour takes participants to the city’s iconic Christmas markets and dazzling illuminations.
Beginning at a centrally located meeting point, the tour includes coffee or tea and provides round-trip transportation to the festive sites. With wheelchair and stroller accessibility, the experience caters to families of all abilities.
Guests will marvel at the twinkling lights and indulge in the sights, sounds, and flavors of a Parisian Christmas. The tour concludes at the stunning Place de la Concorde, leaving indelible holiday memories.
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Private Christmas Market Photoshoot at Jardin Des Tuileries
Embarking on a private Christmas market photoshoot at the Jardin des Tuileries in Paris offers a unique opportunity to capture the enchanting holiday atmosphere.
Led by a local photographer, the experience promises quick delivery of edited high-quality digital photos within 48 hours. Guests will meet outside the Rosa Bonheur la Crêperie, recognizing the photographer by their purple hat or lanyard.
The activity is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with service animals allowed, and is conveniently located near public transportation. Most travelers can participate, as this is a private tour where only your group will take part.
Embrace the festive spirit and leave with treasured memories of Paris at Christmastime.
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Private Tour of the Great Christmas of Vaux Le Vicomte and Fontainebleau
Exploring the Great Christmas of Vaux le Vicomte and Fontainebleau offers a captivating private tour that transports visitors into the enchanting world of French holiday traditions.
Operated by ASR SERVICES, this experience takes guests on a private journey through the stunning Vaux le Vicomte and Fontainebleau. The tour includes private transportation, with pickup from a designated meeting point in Paris.
Participants can enjoy the flexibility of a Reserve Now and Pay Later option, and free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time. Though not wheelchair accessible, the tour accommodates strollers and infant seats, making it accessible for most travelers.
At $323.49 per person, this private tour provides a unique and festive way to take in the magic of Christmas in France.
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Paris Walking Tour: Christmas Food and Decorations
Discover the enchanting Christmas ambiance of Paris on this 3-hour walking tour that immerses visitors in the city’s festive decorations and delectable seasonal delicacies.
Led by a professional guide, you’ll marvel at the opulent displays at Galeries Lafayette, admire luxury shop windows, and enjoy panoramic views of the twinkling city lights.
Savor traditional French Christmas treats like oysters, foie gras, macarons, and éclairs, paired with wine and Champagne.
Explore charming boutiques for unique gifts as you gain insights into France’s holiday traditions.
With a maximum of eight participants, this small-group experience offers personalized attention and an immersive cultural exploration of Paris at its most magical time of year.
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Paris Christmas Market Tour
Visitors can enjoy the festive spirit of Paris by joining the Paris Christmas Market Tour. This private tour allows groups of up to 15 people to explore the city’s charming Christmas markets with a local guide.
The tour starts and ends at the Grand Bassin Rond, conveniently located near public transportation. While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller-friendly and welcomes service animals.
Priced from $292.23 per group, the tour offers a lowest price guarantee and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Gratuities aren’t included, and confirmation is received upon booking.
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Uncover the Enchanting Secrets of Paris’ Christmas Passages
One of the most enchanting ways to experience the Christmas spirit in Paris is by uncovering the secrets of the city’s historic covered passages.
Set out on a private tour with a knowledgeable guide and unravel the mysteries of these charming arcades through a festive scavenger hunt.
As you explore, savor a warm beverage and holiday treats in a typical Parisian café, basking in the cozy ambiance.
With a meeting point near the Palais-Royal-Musee-du-Louvre metro and an end point in the lively Montmartre district, this experience offers a unique blend of history, holiday cheer, and the quintessential Parisian atmosphere.
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Christmas Flow Movie Locations Private Tour in Paris
For those seeking a more cinematic Christmas experience in Paris, the Christmas Flow Movie Locations Private Tour offers a captivating journey through the heart of the city.
This private walking tour allows you to explore the iconic locations featured in the popular French film, Christmas Flow. Led by a friendly local guide, the tour is fully customizable, showcasing both must-see spots and off-the-beaten-path gems perfect for photoshoots.
With expert advice on post-tour activities and an authentic local experience, this tour provides an exceptional value at $129 per person.
Although not wheelchair accessible, the tour is stroller-friendly and accessible via public transportation, making it an ideal choice for those with moderate physical fitness.
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The Sum Up
Paris is a magical city during the Christmas season. From indulging in gourmet food tours to discovering the enchanting Christmas passages, there’s a festive experience for every traveler. Whether you’re interested in cooking classes, illuminations, or guided tours, Paris offers an array of unique ways to learn about the holiday spirit. With so many options, you’re sure to find the best Christmas experience to suit your interests.