Look back of 2021 Christmas season in Paris
Every year when Paris enters the Christmas season, the whole city is filled with the Christmas atmosphere. Countless Christmas decorations cover the City of Light, especially in some famous spots. During this period, more than ten Christmas markets will appear in the city, selling Christmas-themed or special items. At the same time, as a feature of Paris, large department stores will decorate their Christmas windows according to specific themes. In addition, there will be numerous Christmas-themed festivities, including the unveiling of Christmas lights, as well as New Year’s celebrations.
Around the end of the year celebrations, Christmas markets with tasting sessions, gift ideas, and many more magical and enchanting discoveries. Thousands of visitors go there every year to admire the Christmas lights and decorations and the various markets scattered around the capital. During a typical year, about 15-20 Paris Christmas Markets appear across the city.
This Christmas 2021 in Paris marks the return of the famous Christmas markets with tasting sessions, gift ideas, and many more magical and enchanting discoveries. With sparkling lights, Christmas trees full of bright decorations, and even occasional visits from Père Noëlskating. Rinks to celebrate winter with the family, many chalets offering handcrafted objects, clothing, accessories and pop-up restaurants.
The Christmas markets are always a big hit in the capital. You will find all the ingredients you need to prepare your festive meals there, but also something to have a good time. The most popular dishes are generally pancakes, waffles, mulled wine of course, but also cheese and delicatessen. Copy the Parisians – sip hot mulled wine, munch on roasted chestnuts, and sample delicious sausages, cheese and chocolates while shopping for arts and crafts, festive Christmas decorations, regional food specialties, candies, and other gifts until well into the night.
Christmas illuminations put on the most beautiful finery of the City of Light. The Christmas lights in Paris are a magical moment that accompanies the end-of-year celebrations. From the Champs-Élysées to Bercy Village, via the very chic Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Paris is adorned with thousands lights with magnificent Christmas illuminations. Rain of stars, twinkling garlands, luminous fireflies, shimmering fir trees and multicolored balls animate more than 150 streets and 70 districts of the capital, from the Champs-Élysées to Montmartre via the banks of the Seine, Bercy Village, Place Vendôme and even the Hôtel de Ville …
If each district of the capital has a particular charm in this season, the highlight of the show, in addition to the avenue des Champs-Élysées, remains the windows of the department stores. Paris has added thousands of multicolored LEDs to the 56,000 street lamps that usually light it for the holiday season; not to mention the shopping districts on the right bank as well as the left bank, which compete in entertainment to attract walkers chilled by the weather.
During Christmas, the City of Light adorning itself with its finest sparkling finery. Every year, the decorations of the Christmas windows of department stores are veritable inventive and surprising works of art. As the streets are being lit up, by the Parisian department stores, they compete in creativity to unveil fantastic Christmas windows. Every year, families flock so that they cna all admire these magical stagings.
Christmas markets 2021
A major end-of-year shopping event, the traditional and popular Christmas markets open their chalets from November. It is in a warm atmosphere imbued with the magic of Christmas that Christmas decorations, festive items, local products and crafts are presented in small wooden chalets. The perfect opportunity to find something to dress up your Christmas tree, original gift ideas or something to concoct delicious feasts for the holidays.
Tuileries Christmas Market
Since he no longer has permission to settle on the Champs-Élysées, Marcel Campion has moved his famous Christmas market to the Tuileries Garden. Eith an ice rink, Santa Claus and many gift ideas and tastings on the program. Privileging French craftsmen, this market called “The Magic of Christmas” consists of a hundred wooden chalets, a 1200 m2 ice rink, a 50-meter Ferris wheel, or a beautifully decorated Christmas tree.
Christmas Market in the forecourt of the Town Hall
Located in the heart of the capital, the forecourt of the Hôtel de Ville is home to wooden chalets surrounded by a forest of fir trees. Each year, this fair brings together around fifty exhibitors to find a gift for sure unique for Christmas. Local craftsmen present their know-how and their products. The grown-ups feast on waffles and mulled wine while the little ones take turns on the big carousel with wooden horses, climb aboard a little train.
Notre-Dame de Paris Christmas Market
Temporarily closed following the fire that ravaged its structure in April 2019, the famous cathedral hosts a charming Christmas market in its surroundings. Each year, there are exhibitors who share their profession and their passion for French crafts and gastronomy, but also free entertainment for children, including the presence of Father Christmas. Artistic craftsmanship and authentic atmosphere are on the program of the site, with the presence of real craftsmen and the sale of quality products (jewellery, textiles, ceramics, gastronomy…).
Saint-Germain-des-Prés Christmas Market
Modest in size, this richly decorated market is worth a visit. It is held every year along the church of Saint-Germain-des-Prés with its beautiful chalets decorated for the occasion, and its products gourmet and artisanal. For more than a month, charming little stands sell craft, traditional and local products. Several activities are offered to children, who can even meet Father Christmas there on weekends and have their picture taken with him.
Champ-de-Mars Christmas Village
With its 50 artisanal chalets, this Christmas village installed on the lawns of the Champ-de-Mars offers a magical moment under the magical decor of the great iron lady. On the lawns of the Champ-de-Mars to tickle your taste buds thanks to the presence of numerous gourmet and regional stands. Many activities are offered there for the youngest: specialty tastings, board sports and a beautiful ice rink.
Alsatian Christmas Market at Gare de l’Est
Every year, the forecourt of the Gare de l’Est is transformed in December into a large Alsatian Christmas market, with a slew of great gourmet discoveries on the program. On the menu, all the culinary specialties and delicacies that make the reputation of the region: pretzels, gingerbread, small cakes, chocolates, fresh pasta, foie gras, wines, eau-de-vie, charcuterie…
Alésia-Leclerc Christmas Market
The Alésia-Leclerc Christmas Market 2021 in the 14th arrondissement of Paris to enjoy a friendly craft market, where to find real treasures for the New Year’s Eve table.
Montmartre Christmas market
A very beautiful traditional and convivial Christmas market in an environment of exceptional beauty. Fifteen small wooden chalets are spread out in the streets surrounding the Butte, in a warm and festive atmosphere. French craftsmanship, gastronomy from our regions and free decoration workshops for children… Artisanal products, local products and many gift ideas are offered there. The youngest can meet Father Christmas there and even give them their letter…
Swedish Christmas market at the Swedish Church
Founded in 1626, the parish of the Swedish church in Paris mainly attracts Swedes, passing through or living in the French capital. Organized in Scandinavian tradition, offering Swedish gourmet specialties, gift ideas or even crafts. Christmas market is set up there in December where visitors can find decorative objects, gifts of all kinds, as well as many Scandinavian specialties: salmon, cheese, bread, cakes, jam, glassware…
Spring Christmas Market
Come to rue de Caumartin in Paris to experience the magic of the end-of-year celebrations. Illuminated chalets, end-of-year holiday decorations, Christmas trees to be delivered, tasting of winter streetfood, delicacies of all kinds, mulled wine… The artisan crepe maker Malo delights all the taste buds of Paris with his pancakes (hello the sausage pancake) and sweet crepes.
Canopée des Halles Christmas Market
Don’t miss the new edition of the Forum des Halles Christmas Market. Twenty exhibitors will be present in a magical and festive atmosphere in the heart of Paris. You are bound to find the perfect gift for your loved ones! Installed in front of the famous shopping center with 125 shops, this beautifully decorated market includes a large luminous Christmas tree over 20 meters high in the heart of its forest of lights.
Christmas Village on the Forecast of La Défense
This 2021 edition called “Christmas around the World” will bring together more than 200 exhibitors from the four corners of the planet on more than 10,000 m² and will showcase the diversity of cuisines from around the world. In this colorful and enchanted village, there will be many illuminations and entertainment! Giant rabbits, red and white chalets, XXL treats and a spangled sky will amaze young and old alike. You can also enjoy wooden toys, puzzles, figurines, candles, jewelry and local products, foie gras, honey, champagne…
“Sparkling Paris” Place de la Bastille
For the holidays, the Place de la Bastille comes alive as if by magic. At the bend of the enchanted forest, come and discover the seasonal catering chalets, savory and sweet. For the little ones, they can take advantage of a carousel, accessible free of charge from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and meet Santa Claus on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, then every day during school holidays.
The Faeries of Auteuil
In the illuminated setting of rue Jean de La Fontaine, in the 16th arrondissement, come and celebrate Christmas with the Apprentis d’Auteuil! This veritable Christmas market is accompanied by entertainment for children, concerts, an exhibition of nativity scenes… not to mention a Christmas-themed creation workshop, an old-fashioned merry-go-round, pony rides, balloon releases, a restaurant area, an oyster bar…
Vincennes Christmas Market
Like every year, the association of merchants from the Lacomidi town center invites you to discover a variety of artisanal products. And throughout the month, Santa Claus will be walking around the city.
Canal Christmas Market
Several Christmas markets are organized this year in the Pavillon des Canals. Each weekend has its own theme: “Kinky Christmas Market” (November 27 and 28, 2021); “Growing up by changing tomorrow” (December 4 and 5): visual and musical creation Christmas market (December 11 and 12); Illustration market (December 18 and 19).
Christmas illuminations 2021
Every year, at this time of year, tourists and Parisians eagerly await the spectacle of the Christmas lights in Paris. Visitors come from all over the world to admire the magical colors given to the streets of Paris during this festive period. Luminous arches, multicolored light bulbs, incandescent flames and sparkling projections sumptuously adorn the avenues of the French capital.
Avenue des Champs-Élysées
On Sunday November 21, 2021, at 7:15 p.m., singer Clara Luciani will kick off the illuminations of the Champs-Elysées. Nearly a million decorative LEDs are traditionally installed on the 400 plane trees of the famous avenue.
Bercy Village
From November 18, 2021 to January 16, 2022, no less than 1,200 bright and sparkling umbrellas will be installed in Bercy Village. At nightfall, this sky of white umbrellas will be adorned with 1000 lights, plunging Bercy Village into a magical universe…
Avenue Montaigne. From November 2021, magical settings, gourmet surprises and creative workshops will enliven the luxury houses in the heart of Paris. Avenue Montaigne, rue François 1er and rue de Marignan don their clothes of light and adorn themselves with a scintillating light scenography. This magical setting is harmoniously displayed on the trees and the railings of the gardens typical of the most chic district of Paris.
Place Vendôme
Every year, in November, four 10-metre-high fir trees and several dozen other smaller specimens are erected on Place Vendôme. While waiting for the 2021 Christmas lights, the “Flying Dragon”, a monumental work by sculptor Alexander Calder, took over the famous square at the end of October. Although static, the impressive sculpture is transformed according to the different angles from which it is observed and gives the spectators the sensation of a mystical being filled with a legendary force…
Faubourg Saint-Honoré
In order to celebrate the end-of-year festivities, the Faubourg Saint-Honoré will put on its clothes of light on November 18, 2021 and will unveil its Christmas decorations for the occasion. The sidewalks will be lined with a mini forest of sparkling green fir trees in a magical setting and a bright, festive atmosphere.
Saint-Germain-Des-Prés
Every year since 1999, the Saint Germain des Prés Committee has helped spread the festive and warm atmosphere of the Christmas holidays by lighting up Boulevard Saint Germain and Place Saint Germain des Prés. It is thanks to the support and participation of many merchants that a new edition of the Christmas illuminations has been produced. To immerse you even more in the magic of Christmas, the traditional Christmas Market is held along the church of Saint Germain des Prés.
Christmas window displays 2021
Every year, the decorations of the Christmas windows of department stores are veritable inventive and surprising works of art. True to tradition, the facades of Parisian department stores are decked out in November with their finest festive decorations. The shop windows are also the scene of surprising sketches where animated automatons and magical decorations rub shoulders in an interactive world… a real spectacle! Enchanting universes imagined and created by craftsmen and decorators with invaluable know-how, which fascinate over the years.
Galeries Lafayette
Galeries Lafayette Haussmann is partnering with Atelier Bournillat for their 2021 Christmas window displays. The theme of this edition: 1, 2, 3 Christmas! The adventure begins with the awakening of the toys which then embark on a tour full of surprises aboard Santa’s sleigh.
Printemps Haussmann
Printemps Haussmann’s Christmas windows present a Christmas tale brought to life by illustrator Aurélia Fronty. In this tale, Santa’s factory is shut down due to a snowstorm. The elves therefore start looking for a new workshop and the amazed spectators follow them in their adventures told in 6 scenes: flight above the dome of Printemps, development of the mythical Chanel perfume n ° 5, creation of iconic pieces of Prada…
BHV Marais
For this end of the year, the BHV Marais is putting Switzerland in the spotlight in its Christmas windows with the theme “Christmas at the top”. On the program: magic, eco-responsibility, the Chalet des Marmottes to taste good Swiss cheeses in all their forms (by the slice, in sandwiches, in fondue)…
Bon Marché Rive Gauche
Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche adorns itself with its most beautiful decorations and invites young and old to discover its animated windows. This year, it is the gingerbread man Aristide – whose first name pays homage to the founder of the Bon Marché Rive Gauche – who accompanies young and old visitors. The animated and musical windows of the only department store on the Left Bank are populated by deliciously regressive gingerbread men and candy canes.
Samaritaine Paris Pont-Neuf
The return of the Samaritaine Christmas window displays after 15 years of restoration. The iconic department store in the center of Paris, which reopened in 2021, is at the Christmas rendezvous for its big comeback. The theme for this edition: the art of the French garden. The magic and the surprises continue in the store with in particular a giant Advent calendar and a Santa Claus accompanied by surprising ladies-trees.