Happy end of the year! Last years New Years + Christmas were very low key for us, which we loved. We planned it this way because for Christmas, Ryan & I gifted ourselves a trip to Paris. Paris is truly one of the most magical places in the world to me. And it’s even more magical during the Christmas season! Between all of the beautiful window displays, the Christmas markets in Paris and being able to see landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Paris in the winter is always a good idea!
This trip has been planned for a while and was a new tradition that we decided to start. Earlier this year, we both decided that we had enough “stuff”. We don’t like getting gifts for each other because we have realized throughout the years that we either buy what we want ourselves or don’t really “want” anything that by Christmas time we both end up buying each other random things that we don’t really want or need! Because of this, we decided to “gift each other” an end of year trip instead.
To make it even more fun, we spend the second half of the year planning the trip each choosing activities to do while we are there! This made the planning so fun and really something to look forward to in December. I already shared lots of photos over on my instagram of our trip & keep getting the same question- how was Paris in December?
Reasons to visit Paris in December
Being my third time in Paris, I can say that this trip was my favorite. My other two trips were for work so we’re different already. But Paris during December is truly a magical time of year to visit the city of light. Not only is it “off season” so the city is not as busy, but so many other things. I’ve listed below some I would recommend going to Paris in December, contrary to belief.
It’s “off season”
Paris is known for tourists, but during the winter months it’s considered off season so it’s a little slower. This was great in many ways- for one, hotels + flights are slightly less expensive if you book far out in advance. Also, major attractions (like museums) are not as busy so you are able to go to them with smaller lines and wait times. We actually spent two morning walking through many of the Jardins and they were not nearly as full as they would’ve been during spring or summer. For us, this was a plus as we had Londyn with us so the less crowds the better! With less people, I felt like we were able to enjoy the city more.
“off season” = more affordable
Since Paris is typically off season during the month of December, hotels are a little less expensive than they would be if you were to visit during a peak season time, such as spring. This is great if you are eying a fancy boutique hotel or even an American 5 star chain, as it could end of being less expensive or have some upgraded rooms available that are typically booked during summer time. Additionally, if you buy your tickets earlier enough- they could end up being a little less expensive as well! Saving money on both your transportation to Paris as well as your lodging- you have more money for shopping! A win for everyone involved, especially if you love to shop like I do.
Create Family Memories
During Christmas, walking around alone can create wonderful family memories! There are so many beautiful Christmas displays during the holiday season no matter which way you look. Every major retailer creates beautiful window displays with lots of tourists taking pictures of them and the magic doesn’t stop there! Inside most major stores are displays as well, most very elaborate. If you find yourself all shopped out, you can also do something active with the family, like go ice skating at an Ice skating rink. Paris has many things to do to create memories- shopping, walking around and seeing the city, visiting historic museums and sites included!
Easy to take day trips to somewhere else
In addition to simply walking around the city being magical, there are so many day trips that can easily be taken from Paris! Doing so can make it feel like you are taking a “mini trip” within your trip, making it even more memorable. This is something that I would highly recommend if you are going for longer than 3-4 days to add something fun to your trip and also make it feel “longer”.
During our most recent stay, we took the train and visited Versailles for the day. It was such a fun trip- we spent the day learning a little bit of history and then had lunch. It was a great full day spent on our trip and so easy to do by taking the train and was fairly inexpensive to do so. Other day trips that are easy to do from Paris include visiting Reims, or even doing something more specific like a Champagne wine region tour!
The lights are magical
Paris retailers do Christmas decor like no other! Every store is decked out with holiday decor and lights which makes shopping even more fun. My favorite retailer in Paris, Galleries Lafayette is known for their extravagant decor but others do just as much. Whether you are walking through Champs-Elysees window shopping or doing some major splurge shopping yourself or roaming St. Germain the decor is so pretty & I promise you will want to take so many photos!
Go Shopping!
Okay the obvious reason- but shopping! Paris is known for amazing luxury shopping, from major retail stores that carry any designer brand you could think of to little boutiques that have unique, high quality items. Not only that, but the entire city has tons of Christmas markets that are so fun. Think mulled wine, macaroons, hot chocolate, unique gifts & trinkets to buy for loved ones mixed with a little cold winds. We went to about 4 of them (we passed them daily) and each time we bought something fun!
In regards to major retailers, there are so many great ones to visit! Galeries Lafayette is always at the top of my list, with Le Bon Marché also being a place I always make sure to visit. I like walking through the stores to see what kind of fashion is trending, but also love buying Parisian beauty products! Perfume is something that I stock up on when I am in Europe- a lot of major brands have Parisian exclusives that you can only get in the city and nowhere else. This also goes for designer handbags! My favorite Louis Vuitton store is in Paris with the Champs-Élysées store carrying designs that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Other stores (both designer and non designer) that carry Parisian exclusives include Nike, Chanel and Gucci.
Take part in a different lifestyle
One of my favorite reasons to visit Europe so often is due to the lifestyle difference that I experience there. I love seeing the hustle and bustle of the city, but also love visiting coffee shops and restaurants that locals frequent often. And of course- I love staying in a Parisian boutique hotel to make my stay in Paris feel even more authentic.
One thing I love doing in Paris is simply just having coffee at a local shop and people watching! I am always in awe of all of the great fashion in Paris and love watching all of the chic outfits walk by. I always come back feeling inspired to update my wardrobe and style a little differently!
Those are just three reasons why Paris in December is a good idea. Although Paris is always a magical place to be, the Christmas season there is now one of my favorites! Follow me on Instagram!
Things to do in Paris in December
The list of things to do in Paris in December is endless! Below are a few easy things to help you start planning your winter trip to Paris:
- Go Shopping- make sure Galeries Lafayette, Le Bon Marché, and Samaritaine are all on the list of places to go
- Visit Christmas Markets- there are many to choose from with most being similar- great Christmas gifts and souvenirs to bring back home, mulled wine & hot chocolate!
- Go sight seeing- You can’t miss the Eiffel Tower but Paris also has many museums you can visit, like the Lourve
- If you have time..take a day trip! Paris has public transit that makes it easy to visit nearby places. While there, you have easy access to places like Versailles by taking the train! You can also check out getting bus tickets to visit someplace close by.
Paris Weather in December
The weather was one question that I got asked a lot! In December, Paris is cold and can be a little rainy. If you are from a cold climate, you are more than prepared for the weather and would be find with a wool coat and sweaters. If you live in a hotter climate, you might want to later! For myself and Ryan, we both wore sweaters daily with coats and were fine. I brought two coats with me, a camel wool wrap coat and my favorite mango coatigan. Both were perfect for the weather and I didn’t get cold once, even when we went out at night time!
If you are on the fence about visiting Paris during Christmas time, I hope this has helped you decide. Visiting the city of lights during Christmas is a magical experience that I will never regret!
XO,
B
