It's one of the most eagerly awaited Christmas attractions every year: the inauguration of the Galeries Lafayette Christmas tree and window displays. This huge tree, suspended under the dome of the Parisian department stores and decorated with thousands of lights and objects, is a real eye-catcher for young and old alike.
Where does this iconic tradition come from, and what's the story behind the large, decorated tree that adorns Galeries Lafayette at Christmas? We tell you.
Christmas window displays and giant Christmas tree at Galeries Lafayette, inauguration in photos with Clara Luciani
Galeries Lafayette unveils its 2025 Christmas decorations on Boulevard Haussmann in Paris with a beautiful inauguration ceremony attended by Clara Luciani! This year, illustrator Jeanne Detallante has designed the Christmas window displays and decorated the giant Christmas tree under the famous dome, from November 12, 2025, to December 31, 2025. [Read more]
The first Christmas celebrations at Galeries Lafayette began with the illumination of the store front in 1912, quickly followed by festive decorations in the famous windows. It was only a few years later that the first Christmas tree was installed inside the store. As the tree grew, so did the lavish decorations that embellished it, until they gained the notoriety they enjoy today.
On its website, the department store chain tells the story of this tree. " Christmas celebrations began in 1920 with the annual in-house Christmas party. Employees were invited, with their children, to come and enjoy a stage show and admire the Christmas tree, both placed just in front of the majestic staircase, under the beautiful cupola ", we learn.
The moment must have been so appreciated that Galeries Lafayette decided to repeat the experience in subsequent years, transforming this discreet internal celebration into a major event that attracts crowds of visitors from all over the world.
Since 1945, Christmas decorations have systematically followed a precise theme: designers and creators are tasked with inventing new decorations to dazzle customers. These artists include Raymond Peynet, Albert Dubout, Jean Effel, Pierre Pothier...
Galeries Lafayette has a few special trees that have marked its history:
What was your favorite theme? By the way, do you know why we decorate a tree at Christmas?
Why do we decorate a tree at Christmas? Where does this tradition come from? Discover the origins of this iconic element of the holiday season. [Read more]
Discovering the huge Christmas tree at Galeries Lafayette has become a real tradition in Paris. Every year since 1976, it has adorned the center of the dome of the famous Parisian department store. Like every year, everyone has their say on whether it was better or worse than last year. So we thought a little falsh back of the photos from the last 12 years would give you a better opportunity to compare. [Read more]
This test was conducted as part of a professional invitation. If your experience differs from ours, please let us know.
Christmas window displays and giant Christmas tree at Galeries Lafayette, inauguration in photos with Clara Luciani
Why do we decorate a tree at Christmas? History and tradition of the king of forests and celebrations
The last 13 Christmas trees at Galeries Lafayette from 2025 to 2013
