Paris in winter: what to see, where to go

Winter in Paris is a special time when the city transforms and reveals itself from a new side. The air temperature in the winter months stays on average around +5...+7°C, sometimes dropping lower at night, so tourists should bring warm clothes. But the cold is compensated by pleasant bonuses: in winter there are fewer tourists, queues at museums are shorter and hotel prices are slightly lower than usual. Parisians once again fill their streets and cafes, giving the city a quieter, more authentic atmosphere.

Holiday season: Christmas lights and New Year's Eve

The period from the end of November to the beginning of January is the most magical time when Paris turns into a real Christmas card. The city is ablaze with lights, the windows are decorated, and the scent of hot chocolate and roasted chestnuts wafts through the air. This atmosphere creates the perfect setting for winter walks and colorful photos.

Christmas illuminations and décor

• The Champs-Élysées becomes one of the main holiday locations: kilometers of garlands light up along the avenue, creating the effect of a glowing tunnel.
• Galeries Lafayette and Printemps compete for the title of the most beautiful New Year windows: every year they present themed installations that attract queues of people wishing to take photos.
• Christmas treesand lightsare installed throughout the city , especially the large Christmas tree in the center of the Galeries Lafayette under a glass dome.

Christmas fairs

Paris' marchés de Noël operate everywhere, but the most popular ones are located:

• in the Jardin des Tuileries,
• in the Place de la Défense,
• near the church of Saint-Sulpice,
• in Montmartre.

Here you can taste hot wine (vin chaud), buy handicraft souvenirs and snack on traditional winter treats - waffles, cheese raclette, chestnuts, gingerbread.

The fairs create a cozy atmosphere of old Europe: wooden chalets, music, the smell of vanilla and cinnamon - all this makes winter Paris especially romantic.

Disneyland in winter

In addition to the traditional holiday locations, Disneyland Parisdeserves a special mention . A trip there in December and January is a separate adventure. The park is decorated with hundreds of garlands, every week there are:

• winter parades,
• evening shows with fireworks (in the park itself),
• holiday performances by your favorite characters.

For families with children, this is one of the highlights of a winter trip.

New Year's Eve in Paris

Although noofficial fireworks are launched at the Eiffel Tower, Paris still celebrates New Year'sEve on a grand scale. The main points of celebration:

• Champs-Elysees,
• the Trocadero district and the Champs de Mars.

Here locals and tourists gather, a multimedia show with projections and music takes place, and the atmosphere is reminiscent of a big friendly party.

Chinese New Year

In late January and early February, thePlace d'Italie neighborhood hosts one of the most colorful events of the winter:

• dragon and lion parade,
• concerts,
• street performances,
• Asian food fairs.

This colorful event attracts thousands of spectators and adds another touch of festivity to Paris.

Epiphany and the cake of kings

On January 6, the French celebrate Epiphany (Epiphany). The main symbol of the holiday is the galette des rois:

• a round almond cake
• inside which is hidden a fava figurine.

The one who catches the figurine becomes the "king" or "queen" of the day and receives a paper crown. The pies are sold in bakeries throughout January, and locals consider it an extension of the holiday season.

Winter fun on the streets

Winter in Paris doesn't cancel out the walks and experiences. The city offers enough outdoor activities to get in the spirit of the season and discover Paris in a new, winter light.

Outdoor ice skating rinks

One of the most enjoyable and popular winter activities is ice skating. Temporary ice rinks open in different parts of the city, each with its own atmosphere and unique look:

• The skating rink by City Hall (Hôtel de Ville)
  One of the largest and most beautiful. The ice is poured right in front of the historic town hall, overlooking the Seine and the Isle of Cité. It is one of the most "Parisian" places for a winter photo.
• The ice rink in the Tuileries Garden
  It works within the framework of the Christmas fair. It is especially cozy here: lights, music, the smell of hot chocolate and sweets. A great option for families and couples.
• Ice rink at the Grand Palais (some years)
  If you are lucky enough to get to the period when the ice rink is organized under the glass dome of the Grand Palais, don't miss the chance. Skating turns into a real show: multi-meter dome, lights, music - this is one of the most impressive winter locations in Paris.

Skate rental is inexpensive, and the atmosphere and experience is like a Christmas card.

Night bus tours

When the sun goes down, Paris literally lights up. In winter, this is especially noticeable as it gets dark early and the festive illuminations make the streets magical. The best way to see everything at once is on a night tour by open-top bus.

During the tour, you'll be able to admire:

• the glittering Champs Elysees,
• the Place de la Concorde,
• the evening Louvre,
• the Eiffel Tower shimmering with golden lights.

The breeze is refreshing, the views are mesmerizing, and the photos are stunning - especially in December when the city is decked out in festive lights.

Stroll through the covered arcades

If you're looking for coziness and protection from the winter wind, head to Paris's covered passages - long galleries under glass roofs built in the 19th century:

• Galerie Vivienne
  Luxurious mosaic tiles, wrought iron details, unique boutiques, quiet cafes - everything reminds you of the splendor of old Paris.
• Passage Colbert
  One of the most elegant and tranquil passages, perfect for photos and a stroll for two.

Here you can hide from the rain, browse vintage boutiques, antique stores, bookstores or just warm up with a cup of coffee.

Paris viewpoints in winter

Winter panoramas of Paris are a separate treat. The colder, clearer air makes the city look crisper and the lights come on earlier in the evenings.

The best spots for a winter view:

• Eiffel Tower,
• the Arc de Triomphe,
• the observation decks on Montparnasse or on the roof of the Galeries Lafayette.
  

The pros of a winter visit: fewer tourists, quieter and calmer and the photos are softer and even more romantic, especially at sunset.

In winter, Paris from above seems even more mysterious: haze over the rooftops, lights, headlights on the bridges - the perfect moment for photos and cozy memories.

Museums and culture: it's time for the classics

In winter, Paris opens especially deeply and culturally: the cold weather itself invites you to spend the day in museums, theaters and historic halls, where it is warm, cozy and incredibly beautiful. Lines are shorter, tickets are easier to get, and the spaces themselves feel calmer and more intimate.

The main museums without queues

Winter is the perfect season for those who have always dreamed of seeing the world's masterpieces without the crowds:

• The Louvre
  In winter, the museum is noticeably less busy and sometimes introduces special evening tickets at a reduced price. There is an opportunity to leisurely wander the halls, see the "Gioconda" not through dozens of phones and discover little-known collections. New themed exhibitions are often launched towards the beginning of the year.
• Musée d'Orsay
  A paradise for lovers of Impressionism: Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh can all be viewed at length and in silence. The winter light coming through the clock on the top floor creates particularly atmospheric shots.
• Pompidou Center
  The perfect place to immerse yourself in contemporary art. Many major exhibitions open here in winter and the venues host performances, lectures and art fairs.

Theaters, musicals and ballet

The cultural life of Paris in winter is not just active - it is full of premieres:

• Théâtre Mogador traditionally hosts popular musicals, including The Lion King,
• classical ballet, operas and grand productionsat the Opéra Garnier and the Opéra de la Bastille,
• concert halls offer winter Christmas programs, chamber evenings and February romances.

It's a great way to spend an evening when it's cold outside and gets dark early.

Organ concerts and sacred music

In winter, organ concerts in historic Parisian churchescreate a special atmosphere .

The most popular venues are:

• St. Germain des Prés,
• Madeleine,
• Saint-Sulpice.

Here you can hear a powerful organ whose sound literally fills the space. Even if you are not a fan of classical music, such evenings are memorable for a long time.

You can book a hotel in Paris on the website.

Paris for kids: warm, informative and fun

For families with children, Paris in winter is full of interesting locations - and all of them are under the roof:

• Paris Zoo - spacious, quiet, open all year round.
• Museum of Magic in the Marais - interactive rooms, optical illusions, riddles.
• Natural History Museum - dinosaurs, minerals, huge evolution hall.
• Aquarium Cineaqua at the Trocadero - shows, jellyfish, shark tunnel and thematic expositions.

And of course, Disneyland is the most desirable option for children. Even in winter the park remains bright, warm and festive.

Cozy Paris: cafes, gastronomy and shopping

Winter in Paris is the perfect time for warm drinks, seasonal treats and, of course, the legendary French sales.

Warm cafes and winter gastronomy

During the colder months, Parisian cafes become veritable little havens. They beckon with warmth, the yellow light of lamps, fogged windows and the aroma of hot chocolate.

What to try in Paris in winter:

• hot chocolate (especially at Angelina - thick, almost like cream);
• croissants and buns from local boulangeries - fresh, crispy, hand-warming;
• onionsoup (soupe à l'oignon) at any traditional bistro - the perfect way to warm up after a long walk;
• roasted chestnuts sold in the streets of Montmartre and the Latin Quarter;
• mulled wine (vin chaud) at Christmas fairs;
• galette des rois, an amber almond cake that the French eat all January long.

Walking into a café in winter is more than just a snack. It's a small ritual: take off your gloves, breathe in the aroma of coffee, watch the street life and allow yourself to stop for a few minutes.

Winter shopping and legendary sales

January and February are the golden time for shopping. It is during these months that the famous winter sales (Soldes d'hiver) take place , starting in mid-January and lasting about four weeks.

What to expect:

• 50-70%discounts on clothing, shoes, accessories and French brands;
• favorable prices on luxury and premium segments;
• extended opening hours for many stores during the big sales.

Where to shop best:

• Galeries Lafayette and Printemps - flagship sale stores where you can find everything from luxury to French mass-market;
• the Marais quarter - boutiques of local designers, unique pieces and stylish brands;
• Rue Saint-Honoré for those on the hunt for premium brands;
• flea markets (Clignancourt, Vanves) - a real treasure trove of vintage, antiques and unusual finds.

In winter there are fewer people at these markets, so hunting for vintage treasures is even more pleasant. Don't forget comfortable shoes and free hands: sales in Paris are not just shopping, they are a real sports marathon of pleasure.

Useful tips for tourists

• Clothing and footwear:
  Dress in layered, winter-inspired clothing. Be sure to bring a scarf, hat and gloves, as well as waterproof boots - the humidity and wind can make you feel colder. After sunset, which comes early in winter, the temperature drops noticeably.
• Mode of operation:
  When planning what to see in Paris in winter, check the schedule of attractions. On holidays (December 25, January 1), many museums and stores are closed or work on a reduced schedule. Some places, on the contrary, are open longer during the holidays - for example, skating rinks or fairs.
• Transportation:
  In winter weather, it is more convenient to take the subway and buses than to walk. Be aware that in heavy snowfall there may be delays in transportation, although snow in Paris is rare.
• Photos:
  Paris in winter is incredibly photogenic. For beautiful photos of Paris in winter, catch the "golden hour" - morning or evening sunlight reflecting in the wet sidewalk, or shoot evening streets with festive lighting. Even foggy gray days add a special charm to your shots.

Enjoy the moment:
Allow yourself a leisurely pace. Winter is a time when you don't want to rush. Go to a bookstore, spend an extra hour at a café for dessert, walk where you took a cab in the summer. Paris in winter disposes to a more relaxed, deeply immersed in the atmosphere - take advantage of this, and your trip will turn out to be truly unforgettable.