Last updated on November 3rd, 2023
Traveling to Paris in December? Here is all you need to know about visiting the City of Love during the Christmas month.
Looking for a truly unforgettable experience? Look no further than Paris in December! This magical city is transformed into a winter wonderland during the Christmas month, offering visitors a unique and unforgettable trip.
From the world-famous Christmas markets to the stunning decorations that light up the city, Paris in December is a must-see destination for anyone looking for a festive adventure.
You’ll learn about the best things to do in Paris in winter, how to get around the city, and more.
After reading this post, you’ll be excited to plan your trip to Paris in December and experience the magic of the City of Love during the most wonderful time of the year.
This post is all about Paris in December.
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Table of Contents
- Is December a good time to go to Paris?
- Is Paris pretty at Christmas?
- What to do in Paris in December?
- Is it cold in Paris in December?
- Best Way to Get Around Paris
- How to get from the airport to the city center?
- Where to stay in Paris?
- Is Go City Pass worth it for Paris?
- What is the best app for learning the French language?
- Can I visit Paris without speaking French?
- What happens in Paris in December?
- What do you wear in Paris in December?
- Is it worth visiting Paris on Sunday?
Paris in December
Is December a good time to go to Paris?
ABSOLUTELY. Anytime is a good time to visit Paris, but December is perfect for a few reasons.
First, it happens to be a low season for Paris, which means fewer tourists and cheaper accommodation & transportation. So, December is an ideal time to visit for budget travelers & those wanting to escape the crowds.
*However, late December tends to be quite busy due to the Christmas holidays. I suggest booking your trip during early to mid-December to avoid the crowds.
The second reason December is a good time to visit Paris is because it’s unlike any other time of the year. The city is completely transformed with Christmas lights & decorations all over, and the Christmas markets are full of festive fun!
December is an excellent time to visit Paris. With all the festive fun, it is definitely worth the visit.
[mailerlite_form form_id=3]Is Paris pretty at Christmas?
Yes, it’s gorgeous. Paris at Christmas time is one of the prettiest times of the year. Decorations and lights are up everywhere. The whole city just seems to sparkle with festive energy.
What to do in Paris in December?
Just because it’s cold outside (and possibly snow on the ground) doesn’t mean there isn’t much stuff to get into. In fact, because December is such a festive time in Paris, you are guaranteed to find something fun to do. Here are the best things to do in Paris in winter.
Go see the gorgeous Christmas lights.
From mid-November to early January, Paris truly lives up to its nickname as the City of Lights. And what better way to get in the Christmas spirit?!
These elaborate decorations & lights, known as Paris Illuminations, cover over 100 streets, department store windows, and the famous Christmas markets. So, you will see them while you’re out & about.
Popular ways to see the lights are walking tours or bus tours. One is not necessarily better than the other; it depends on your preference. Walking tours are great for movement & put you right in the heart of the lights. Whereas with bus tours, you can cover more ground & get off your feet for a bit.
Here are the best areas to see the lights if you plan on doing a walking tour:
- Place Vendôme
- rue de la Paix
- rue Saint-Honoré
- Montmartre
- Avenue des Champs-Elysées
- Bercy Village
- Avenue Montaigne
Take a cruise on the Seine River
I’m always a huge advocate of hopping on a cruise on the Seine River, regardless of the season. Cruising on the river is a great way to see the iconic sites of Paris, like the Eiffel Tower and the Notre Dame Cathedral.
Some cruises also come with a glass of champagne or sometimes even a meal, depending on the cruise you book. Most of the time, these boat trips have incredibly informative guides that teach you a bit about the city.
So, whether you go solo or make it a romantic outing, cruising on the Seine River is an AMAZING way to experience the city.
Explore the Christmas Markets
One of the best activities in Paris in December is exploring the Christmas markets. It’s one of the most popular holiday things to do in the city & an excellent way to get into the holiday spirit.
There is food galore, from hot, delicious crepes & hot coco to paella & more! If you go for no other reason, you MUST go for the yummy Paris street food.
Besides all the delicious treats, the Christmas Markets are also the perfect place to grab souvenirs and gifts for your friends & family. While you can do loads of shopping in Paris, these markets have awesome hand-crafted gifts that make for a unique gift.
Museum Hop
If you’re the type that loves museums, then you are going to enjoy yourself in Paris. There are over 140 museums throughout Paris. The nice thing about visiting in December is that the museums won’t be as busy.
And while I don’t suggest visiting them all (probably impossible to do in one visit), I would pick 2 to 4 top museums you want to see & spend the day exploring.
Here are my favorite museums in Paris:
Take a Day Trip
A day trip is another excellent addition to your Paris in December itinerary.
Did you know that winter is not only a low season for Paris but all of France (and the surrounding areas)? And what does that mean? Smaller crowds, shorter lines, and cheaper fare! So, if you’re spending the winter in December, you might as well take advantage of the season & visit a nearby city.
The lovely thing about Europe is that a fantastic rail system runs through the entire continent. So, you can be in another city or country in just a few hours. With these surrounding areas being so close and accessible, it’s easy to dedicate one day for a day trip.
Quick Tip: I only recommend a day trip if you spend 4 days or more in Paris. Or if you’ve been to Paris before & seen all the sights.
Check out my post on Paris Day Trips: Best Day Trips From Paris in Winter!
Shop!
Paris is notorious for its plethora of shopping opportunities. From high-end luxury brands to thrift stores, you have plenty of options to purchase gifts for family & friends and some things for yourself, too.
Here are the best shopping areas in Paris:
- The 1st & 2nd arrondissements
- Le Marais
- The 9th and 10th arrondissements
- Boulevard Haussmann and the Grands Boulevards
- Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Elysées
Go Ice Skating
Ice skating is a classic winter activity, and there are several spots to do it in Paris. You can even ice skate on the rooftop, which is not only tons of fun, but you get a view out of it, too!
Here are some of the best spots to ice skate in Paris:
- Tuileries Garden Ice Rink
- Accor Arena Ice Rink (indoors)
- Montparnasse Tower Rooftop Rink
- Galeries Lafayette Rooftop Rink
Essential Things to Know Before Planning a Trip to Paris in December
Is it cold in Paris during December?
Yes, Paris can be very cold during December and wet if it snows. While snow is possible for Paris in December, it’s slim that it will fall.
Many days will be cloudy; however, the sun does make an appearance every now & then. Temperatures fluctuate, but for the most part, it gets up to the mid-50s F during the day, and nights can dip down to the mid-30s or 20s F.
Best Way to Get Around Paris
One of the things I love most about Paris is how easy it is to get around.
The most common (and FREE) way is to walk. Paris is a highly walkable city, making it easy to get to and from.
Another common way to get around in Paris is to take the metro or bus. Paris is known for its excellent public transportation, making it easy to get to your destination. Even if you aren’t fluent in French, it’s easy to figure out your way through a train station.
The last and most expensive option is to Uber or taxi around. If you don’t feel like walking or dealing with public transportation, then this might be a great option for you. I usually only take Uber or taxis around when I’m going to & from the airport just because it can be pricey.
How to get from the airport to the city center?
There are a few ways to get from the airport to the city center, depending on which airport you’re coming from.
If flying into the Charles de Gaulle Airport, the main international airport for Paris, then you can reach the city center by train or Uber/Taxi. Taking a train from the airport to the city is much cheaper, around 12 euros one way. Whereas an Uber or Taxi will cost you roughly 60 euros.
A couple of things to note:
- Do NOT take a taxi from anyone offering you a taxi ride in the airport. These people are not registered and will definitely overcharge you. Instead, go out of the airport & look for taxis in the designated taxi area.
- Taxis have a flat rate from the airport to the city, so research what it is before you book one. It’s usually around 55 – 60 euros. It’s also a good idea to compare the taxi rate against Uber rates because the taxi might be cheaper!
- Yes, taking the train from the airport is way cheaper, but if you have a large suitcase, prepare for some heavy lifting. The metro is underground, so you’ll have to lift that heavy suitcase up and down stairs throughout the train station.
Now, if you’re flying into Beauvais-Tillé Airport or Orly Airport, you have another option. You can take a shuttle bus to the city, in addition to the other options mentioned for the main airport. Ticket prices depend on which airport you’re traveling from, as one is farther away than the other. But you can expect tickets to be anywhere from 30 to 60 euros one way.
Where to stay in Paris?
Where you stay in Paris depends on what you want to do. For first-time visitors, I recommend staying in the center of the city. Of course, staying in the city’s center is more expensive. However, you won’t have to spend much on transportation because everything is within walking distance.
Paris is split into 20 different neighborhoods, better known as arrondissements, with the Seine River separating the city in two. But which district do you stay in?
You may be tempted to stay in the 7th arrondissement, where the Eiffel Tower is located. That’s part of the Paris dream, to wake up with a view of the famous Eiffel Tower.
But here’s my unpopular opinion: Don’t stay in the 7th arrondissement. This district is far from all the major tourist spots & not to mention you’re going to fork out a ton of money for a balcony view of the Eiffel Tower.
Instead, book your hotel in the 1st or 2nd arrondissement. These districts are considered the heart of Paris, so you’ll be close to all the top attractions like the Louvre and more!
Is Go City Pass worth it for Paris?
You may be thinking, ‘What is the Go City Pass?’ The Go City Pass is a pass that allows you to see multiple museums and attractions for a set fee. There are several options with 3, 4, and 5-day options. So, you can pick the amount of days that will suit your trip.
But the question is: is the pass worth it? Yes!
You can see all the top attractions AND save money. So, if you plan to visit many museums, check out the city pass.
What is the best app for learning the French language?
I’m currently studying French in preparation for an upcoming trip to Paris, and I’m presently using Duolingo. And to be honest, I love it.
Duolingo gamifies the learning experience, so it’s fun & challenging. You can practice speaking, reading, and writing. The app has both a free version & a paid version, so you can start learning today – free of charge!
Other Great Apps to Learn French for Travel:
- Babbel
- RocketFrench
- Tandem
- Rosetta Stone
- HelloTalk
Can I visit Paris without speaking French?
Now you may be thinking: Do I really need to learn French before traveling to Paris?
You don’t need to be fluent in French, but I highly recommend learning the key phrases you’ll need for your trip. Knowing some of the basic words will definitely make your visit smoother.
Here are the MUST-KNOW French words:
- Bonjour means Hello: Whenever you enter a store, restaurant, or any type of establishment, greet the employees with a simple hello. It’s considered rude if you don’t.
- Bonsoir means good evening.
- S’il vous plaît means please.
- Parles tu anglais? Means: Do you speak English? Don’t assume people speak English; it’s rude. Simply ask them if they speak English before you start sprouting off in English.
- Comment ça va? Means: How are you?
- Oui means yes.
- Non means no.
- Excuse-moi means excuse me.
While I recommend studying French more in-depth before your visit, these words should be enough for you to get by.
What happens in Paris in December?
Paris becomes this festive wonderland that is brimming with excitement and holiday spirit. Monuments, streets, department stores, and more light up for the season, so gorgeous lights are displayed everywhere.
Live music performances happen in churches and sometimes around the Eiffel Tower. Operas and ballets put on special holiday performances. Christmas markets are open from the end of November until January. Ice skating rinks are available, and the list continues.
So, if you thought spending the winter months in Paris would be dull, I’m here to tell you it’s not. There is much to do & see during the colder months in Paris.
Paris in the wintertime is an entirely different experience than visiting in the other seasons. I highly recommend visiting during this time to experience all this holiday goodness.
What do you wear in Paris in December?
Paris in December is cold and sometimes wet, so naturally, you want to dress accordingly. You will also most likely be outdoors often, walking to & fro, in the street markets, and more. So warm clothing is vital.
Outerwear
For outerwear, bring a warm coat, gloves, a couple of scarves, and a hat. And consider bringing an umbrella. However, if you’re packing light, you can purchase one when you arrive in the city.
Regular Clothing
A massive hack to staying warm in cold weather is layers! Layers will be your best friend because the more you have on, the warmer you’ll be, and you can always remove pieces of clothing if you get hot.
Top essentials you’ll want for layering up:
- Long socks
- Leggings or stockings: these are great to throw under your pants, skirts, or dresses to keep your legs warm.
- Simple long-sleeved shirts and tanks or undershirts: these are perfect for layering and can easily go under your sweaters for added warmth.
- Sweaters
- Pants and/or jeans
Shoes
Shoes are another item you don’t want to miss the mark on. Obviously, you should go for warmer shoes like boots and walking shoes.
But the important thing to remember is that you want your shoes to be comfortable. You will be getting your steps in; I can guarantee you that. So, you want to make sure your feet are in shoes that can get you through the day without causing you any pain or discomfort.
Another thing to remember when selecting your shoes is that it could rain or be wet from snow. So, you want to pack shoes that can hold up in the rain.
Extra Tips on What to Wear in Paris
Those were the more logistical tips for dressing in Paris in December. But here are some overall tips to keep you from standing out (and thus being a target).
Now, I’m not saying standing out is terrible. By all means, flaunt your style! I mean, you don’t want to stand out for the wrong reasons. AKA: you don’t want to scream, I’m a tourist, come steal from me.
You can avoid this by tweaking a few things in your wardrobe.
Here are some things you want to avoid wearing:
- Baseball caps: Nothing screams tourist (American) like wearing a baseball cap.
- Running shoes: Another easy way to identify an American is if they’re wearing running shoes. Europeans don’t actually wear running shoes unless they’re running or working out. So, try to avoid these and instead opt for a nice pair of sneakers.
Sneakers are for casual wear while running shoes are strictly for running. Here are some examples:
- Shirts with logos on them. Europeans don’t usually wear logo-branded clothing.
- Berets: I know there is a stereotype that you must wear a beret in Paris. But that’s all it is: a stereotype.
Wearing a beret is like putting a giant red target on your back, marking you as a tourist. So, unless you really, really want to wear one, I suggest leaving it at home.
Of course, you can wear what you like. Remember that pickpocketers are sneaky, and 9 times out of 10, your things have been stolen without you even realizing it. So, if you decide to wear any items that mark you as a tourist, keep a close eye on your surroundings at all times.
Is it worth visiting Paris on Sunday?
Sundays in Paris are usually quiet rest days for Parisians. So, naturally, many establishments close early or are just closed all day.
Does this mean you can’t enjoy Paris, though? No!
In fact, Sunday is a perfect day to explore Paris and, even better, get iconic pictures of the city. So, if you’re in the city on a Sunday, take that time to peacefully explore the city without all the crowds.
Fun tip: Museums are FREE on the 1st Sunday of each month!
As you have read, Paris in December is an excellent way to spend the end of the year! Christmas markets, lights galore, cozy cafes, Christmas concerts, and more await you in Paris.
And if you follow the tips in this guide, you are sure to have a fantastic time.
Wishing you safe & happy travels.
Xoxo
~ Jacquelyn
This post is all about Paris in December.
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