Every year, for Christmas, Paris gets a makeover for the Holiday magic. Christmas markets open here and there, so do ice skating rinks and at nightfall, streets lighten up. As for department stores, windows come to life for families’ greatest joy, revealing magical staging with toys ready to go under the tree. From the boulevard Haussmann to the Marais area without forgetting the left bank, they all play along.

But this year, an iconic location joins in. Remember, after closing for years, the Samaritaine finally reopened for Parisians’ and tourists’ greatest joy! The Samaritaine kicked Christmas festivities off on November 9, 2021 but are to be fully revealed this November 10, 2021, and you can discover them while strolling around.

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From this day forth, go and walk by the Châtelet to enjoy the Samaritaine windows before hitting the smallest of department stores (but the biggest of concept stores) for a shopping spree! For the new Samaritaine's first Christmas, the theme revolves around the art of French formal garden and pays tribute to the romance of the capital city throught fun scenes.

The walk goes on inside the store with a giant Advent calendar on the groundfloor with many surprises to discover daily in December. As a matter of fact, every day, a number is revealed in the Advent Calendar along with a surprise on each day prior to Christmas.

For Christmas, maison Dalloyau also treats us to a wonderful pastry to discover now at the Dinette tearoom or the L'Exclusive patisserie. The Jardin Enneigé, here is the name of this cake themed on gardens and mixing crunchy chestnut, chestnut cake, Ardèche chestnut crémeux and mousse flavored with Tahitian vanilla, chestnut vermicelli and a dash of rhubarb. Allow €10.90 for one and €65 for the large one to share.

And do not forget to meet & greet with a fashionista Santa Claus alongside funny tree-ladies!