Christmas in Paris
If you're going to spend the holidays anywhere in France, spend them in Paris. The city of lights is a one-stop destination for holiday cheer, decorations and light displays. Paris dresses itself in all the Christmas fixings early and with the large bouts of snow recently you can count on a very white Christmas indeed.
Paris is a super low cost destination thanks to its close proximity to London. Flights to Paris are reasonably cheap, but last minute holiday deals are harder to come by. If you've already booked your flights, here are a couple festive events to take part in if you really want to join in the city's Christmas cheer while you're there.
Tour the holiday displays
Elegant holiday light displays make Paris's neighbourhoods shine brighter than ever. The usual historical sights are also done up in Christmas style. The trees along the Champs Elysées are covering in strings of lights, while you're strolling you shouldn't miss the Christmas marketplace which is open through until January 10th. For fancy department store windows head to Opera Garnier and visit Galeries Lafayette and Printemps.
Paris Christmas markets
Tiny outdoor villages seems to spring up out of nowhere offering hot beverages while you do your traditional shopping outdoors. These holiday markets first originated in the Alsace region where little wooden stalls were set up selling treats like gingerbread cookies, hot mulled wine, small gifts and decorations. Today they're famous all over Europe.
Open-air Ice skating
Enjoy the magic of skating outdoors during the holidays. There are several skating rinks set up around the city. Rental skating fees aren't too pricey and rink entrance ranges from free to €5 depending on the rink location. A Hotel de Ville there is even a sledding hill for kids to test their toboggan skills.
Christmas at Notre Dame
If a Christmas eve church service is a family tradition, make sure you attend one of the services at Notre Dame Cathedral. It's holiday services are said to be memorable and elegant. There is an international mass at 8pm, followed by a musical performance at 10pm and then later at midnight the French mass. If you would like seating, get there early.
Restaurants
A good thing to keep in mind is shopping hours and especially restaurant hours during the holidays. Many of Paris' restaurants are likely booked solid during the days leading up to Christmas and towards New Year's Eve. Most restaurants will be closed on Christmas Day so arrange a dinner night in or make a reservation at a hotel restaurant. Christmas eve lunch and dinner will be very busy!
Wherever you are this holiday season, enjoy those moments in between the stress and sometimes chaos (especially when travelling) with your family and friends. If you only get together one time a year, make it count.
Merry Christmas!