The Christmas windows of department stores are now a must for every trip to Paris during the festive season. Like every year, we little and big kids, curious onlookers and photographers, eagerly await the arrival of the Galeries Lafayette Grand Sapin de Noël, which proudly takes pride of place every year in the center of the historic store.
And like every year, we obviously compare and try to remember the trees of previous years. More decorated, more refined, simpler, more original, crazier, more childlike, everyone has a preference for the version of the tree they liked best. One thing's for sure: it leaves no one indifferent.
Light and transparency are the order of the day for this edition, which sees Charles de Vilmorin's astonishing elves gravitating around the tree like a grand concerto. Every year, discovering Galeries Lafayette 's new Christmas tree is a real treat that never gets old.
Last year, Galeries Lafayette got back in touch with literature, 80 years after Colette's writings, by inviting novelist Claire Castillon to imagine an original tale: Planète Sapin. Set to pictures by Florent Chavouet, Planète Sapin tells the story of Nordmann, an inhabitant of Elato, the planet of the wild fir trees, who is sent to Earth to save Annie's Christmas. A rather sober (in the image of energy sobriety) cardboard tree awaits us this year.
Last year, a giant Rabbit sporting a retro game controller and an orbiting Santa dressed as a cosmonaut in homage to Thomas Pesquet, illuminated this fun and playful Christmas tree.
That year, Galeries Lafayette paid tribute to aviator Jules Védrines, who landed on the roof of the Parisian store in 1919. Under the artistic direction of Belgian illustrator Tom Schamp, the tree comes to life in the image of Céleste, a little explorer on a quest to discover the world and its creatures.
In 2019, we discovered the Christmas Hive. At the top of the tree, the queen bee admired her Christmas hive of lights. Every 30 minutes, the lights of the Coupole were switched off to make way for the awakening of the hive and the flight of the bees.
E, 2018, Place au sapin de la Maison Piaget transported us into the imaginary world of children, with a showcase of famous characters, made of wired structures, adorned and illuminated. A constellation of stars came to life every 30 minutes.
In 2017, Galeries Lafayette played the spectacular funfair card. The tree was adorned with inflatable cakes and sweets. Cakes and sweets twirled around during the animation.
In 2016, we were surprised by a tree unlike any other. An astonishing white paper tree. This gigantic tree, animated by a Ferris wheel and cable cars, welcomed polar bears for a magical experience in an immaculate world. Lorenzo Papace chiselled this magical work of art.
In 2015, we were offered a cosmic tree from another planet. A gilded tree that blended perfectly with the balconies of the famous store. Made of gold and silver meteorites, it took us into the Milky Way and its shower of stars.
In 2014, Galeries Lafayette decided to surprise us with an upside-down 25-metre Christmas tree in the image of the famous cupola from which it was inspired. The surprise was indeed there.
In 2013, we discovered a childlike Christmas tree that welcomed a veritable festive village at its foot. Clocks, mice, owls, Monsieur and Madame Loup, Lilly the doll and her bear Martin were all there.
In short, every year, the famous Galeries fir tree never ceases to amaze. Where does this tradition come from? We invite you to take a look at our article tracing thehistory of the famous Galeries Lafayette tree and its highlights, as well as this year's program of animated window displays.
Christmas windows and tree at Galeries Lafayette Haussmann - photos
In Paris, the magic of Christmas returns to Galeries Lafayette for Christmas 2023. From November 15 to December 31, 2023, discover the animated window displays and the giant Christmas tree in the heart of the department store. For the occasion, we're off to meet the Little Girl and the Magic Paintbrush, inspired by "Noël de mes Rêves" by couturier Charles de Vilmorin. Take a look at images from the inauguration on Wednesday November 15, in the presence of Juliette Armanet, who gave us an exceptional showcase. [Read more]
Location
Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann
25 Rue de la Chaussée d'Antin
75009 Paris 9
Prices
Free
Recommended age
For all
Official website
haussmann.galerieslafayette.com
Christmas windows and tree at Galeries Lafayette Haussmann - photos
