Paris is a dream destination of many people and if you can celebrate Christmas in Paris this year you’re truly a lucky person! Paris is always among the top travel destinations. The capital city of France will charm you regardless of the season, but is looks especially alluring in winter. Once you’re in Paris you will fall in love with the atmosphere of happiness, festivity and magic in the air! However, if it’s the first time that you’re in Paris, you may find it difficult to figure out what to see and to do in the city. Here are 7 great things you should do when you’re in Paris at Christmas.

1. Look for Christmas markets

Obviously, Christmas markets in Paris cannot compete with those in Austria, Belgium or Germany, but they’re still very popular and worth visiting. Christmas markets attract thousands of visitors and tourists each year. Markets are so widespread and popular in Paris that you can easily find a few Christmas markets nearby your hotel or any pace you stay. The most popular markets include Montmartre, Gare Saint Lazare, Place de la Republique, Place des Abbesses and Place de la Bourse. I bet you’ll get a lot of great emotions and memories while visiting these places!

2. Go to a skating rink

Skating rinks are becoming more and more popular Christmas entertainment in different countries. Indeed, what can be more Christmassy than putting on a pair of skates and gliding to cheerful holiday songs under the stars? There are many of outdoor skating rinks in Paris, which are available from December till January and even February. If you want to admire the Eiffel Tower while skating, you should go to the rink at the Trocadero. Some skating rinks offer free entrance if you bring your own skates! So put on your gloves and earmuffs and head to the skating rink if you’re in Paris.

3. Admire the lights around the city

When you’re in Paris, one of the most awesome things that you can do is to admire the myriads of lights that are everywhere around the city. The breathtaking Christmas Illuminations are the event that both Parisians and tourists look forward to. The colored bulbs, luminous arches, show windows and sparkling garlands deck out the streets of Paris in holiday radiance and Christmas cheer. Go to Place Vendôme, Avenue Montaigne, Forum des Halles or Bercy Village. All these places are imbued with festive cheerful atmosphere. Walk along the streets and admire beautifully decorated trees that change their color every half hour. Christmas lights displays are available at any time from November till January.

4. Amusement for children

If you’re going to Paris with your kids you should think up some interesting ways to keep your little ones entertained during the trip. Disneyland is definitely one of the best places to visit, where your children will enjoy the fairy-tale atmosphere with numerous performances, shows and roundabouts. You shouldn’t overlook Paris gardens and parks that offer puppet shows and pony rides for children and the opportunity to relax for their parents. Visiting the Big Wheel with your kids is another great idea to consider. You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy the most picturesque scenes of the French capital.

5. Nativity scenes

Every year people around the world look forward to the opportunity to enjoy nativity scenes. When you’re in Paris during Christmas season you can enjoy them in Parisian churches. Most big churches prepare installations that are either animated, or inspired by local history or even contemporary. When you come to any church you’ll be amazed at the beauty and greatness of the nativity scenes. The figures may vary from small to life-size, which are more appealing and exciting. Try to visit several different churches to enjoy modern, traditional and baroque installations. Notre-Dame Cathedral and Saint-Sulpice Church, Madeleine Church prepare new nativity scenes every year. Fééries d’Auteuil is also a great place to visit on Christmas and enjoy not one but several different Nativity scenes that together compose an exhibition.

6. Don’t miss a show

Paris is the cultural center of France, so when it comes to the holiday season, Paris is full of evening and night entertainments for guests of the city and Parisians. Lights, shopping and amusement parks aren’t everything that the city can offer. When you’re in Paris you should definitely visit Moulin Rouge and Opera Bastille. Circus will also be a great entertainment either you’re with kids or not. Do you know that Paris holds an annual Festival Mondial du Cirque de Demain to find new talents? Circus is an integral part of holiday time in France and it’s already become a great tradition to visit circus at Christmas. Cirque National Alexis Gruss, Cirque Pinder and The Cirque du Soleil are among the most popular places that you have to visit if you’re in Paris during the winter holidays. You’ll get unforgettable long-lasting impressions when visiting circuses in Paris!

7. Shopping

Since Paris is a world famous shopping center, you just can’t miss an opportunity to do shopping in the city! While Christmas markets are great places to visit, department stores shouldn’t be overlooked as well. Department stores are truly one-of-a-kind during the holiday season with numerous sparkling garlands, exiting goods at the window displays and cheerful bustle of the customers. France is a homeland of the best perfumes and cosmetics, so when being in Paris on Christmas holidays use this chance to buy nice gifts for your close family and friends. However, you’d better not expect to find some great sales till the first week of January. The Galeries Lafayette, Le Bon Marche and Printemps department stores are among the best places for shopping all over Paris!

If you haven’t decided where to celebrate Christmas this year, choose Paris and you’ll never regret it! This amazing European city offers a great variety of Christmas activities and entertainments for you and your family. Be sure to have the most hilarious and joyful Christmas ever in Paris!

Originally posted 2016-11-23 14:29:14.