As the festive season approaches, Paris becomes more than ever the City of Light. The magic of Christmas transforms the capital and its surrounding region, inviting us to enjoy a festive and regressive program to the delight of young and old alike. Not surprisingly, tourists from all over the world mingle with Parisians to celebrate the festive season in the Paris region.
So here you are, with your little family , concocting a fine program for yourself in Paris and the Ile-de-France region to enjoy the joyous atmosphere of this Christmas. There's no shortage of great experiences to be had, from festivals of lights to animated shop windows and other enchanting events. And if you're on a tight budget, don't worry! There are plenty of great ideas for free Christmas outings in and around Paris!
Looking for great deals for a stroll around Paris during the 2026–2027 Christmas holidays? You’re in luck: here’s a roundup of free walks and activities waiting for you in the Paris region. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the festivities with your children while saving money!
By the way, stay tuned: this guide is updated as new announcements and discoveries are made. Don't forget to check back regularly for more great deals!
PLEASE NOTE: This guide is updated as we make new discoveries.
The 2026 Christmas Market at the foot of the Eiffel Tower returns in November – dates
How about a Christmas market with the Eiffel Tower as its backdrop? The Christmas village on Quai Jacques-Chirac is expected to return from December 5, 2026, to January 3, 2027. It’s a chance to enjoy a festive atmosphere and delicious treats in the heart of Paris. [Read more]
Christmas 2026 at Printemps Haussmann: the theme and the unveiling date for the store’s window displays.
There’s a quirky Christmas brewing at Printemps Haussmann! For the 2026 holiday season, the Parisian department store unfurls the thread of "Un Noël bien tricoté," a tale peopled with mischievous cats, crafty mice, and skeins that do as they please. Animated window displays, hand-sewn characters, and whimsical scenery: mark your calendars for early November to discover a story that promises to give its little heroes a real run for their money! [Read more]
Christmas 2026 at Galeries Lafayette: a colourful fairy tale by Castelbajac — the window display unveiling date
Galeries Lafayette Haussmann is celebrating Christmas 2026 in technicolor! Starting November 12, the Parisian department store will unveil “Au cœur de Noël,” a festive display designed by Jean-Charles de Castelbajac. The program includes animated windows filled with fantastical characters, a giant Christmas tree beneath the Coupole and a joyful explosion of color. [Read more]
BHV Marais' 2026 Christmas Window Displays: The Tale of the Little Fir
BHV Marais’ Christmas window displays tell the tale of the Little Fir, who sets out to find his lost lights in six chapters. On Rue de Rivoli, in the 4th arrondissement, the department store will revive the Bazaar spirit starting November 17, 2026. [Read more]
La Défense Christmas Market 2026: Chimène Badi and Gospel in Opening Concert
La Défense's giant Christmas market opens on November 12, 2026 in Hauts-de-Seine, with an opening concert by Chimène Badi on the 13th. Its 300 chalets will stay open until December 31, and the new Le Sommet area will remain open until January 3, 2027. [Read more]
Christmas 2026 in Paris: where to see the main holiday lights and when they’ll be lit.
Paris is gearing up to dazzle for the festive season! The Champs-Élysées, the grand boulevards, shopping districts… Discover the locations and dates of the 2026 Christmas lights, as well as the events planned in the capital. [Read more]
Paris department stores' Christmas window displays 2026: the lineup, themes and novelties
Paris department stores are gradually unveiling their 2026 Christmas program. Decorated shop windows, themes of the year, seasonal animations and installations: see what Galeries Lafayette, Printemps, Le Bon Marché and the other major retailers have in store for the year-end holidays. [Read more]
Tuileries Christmas Market 2026: Dates for the gourmet fair
The Tuileries Christmas Market returns to the Tuileries Garden in the 1st arrondissement, with its chalets, rides and treats, from November 14, 2026 to January 3, 2027. This year, the Champs-Élysées Christmas Market is also back just next door. It’s the perfect chance to kill two birds with one stone. [Read more]
The charming Notre-Dame de Paris Christmas Market returns in 2026: the dates
The Notre-Dame Christmas Market is back from November 26 to December 27, 2026, in the 5th arrondissement. French crafts, regional cuisine, and enchantingly festive activities await you at Square René Viviani. [Read more]
Dates and Opening Time
From December 20, 2026 to January 5, 2027
Prices
Free
Recommended age
For all
