Is Christmas a good time to visit Paris?
My family decided to spend our holidays in France this year, and we can now answer that question with a resounding yes! The city of lights is even more stunning and magical at Christmas. Christmas markets abound and restaurants offer special holiday meals for Christmas eve and day, as well as New Years. There is much to do and enjoy and the museums are not as packed as during the heated months of summer.
The Champs-Elysees is always a sensational avenue. Add a million, yes a million, twinkling red and blue Christmas lights to the trees from the Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe, and it becomes spectacular.
An ocean of elegant white lights greet you as you stroll down Avenue Montaigne. Although you can visit the designer boutiques within the stately mansions year round, these twinkling lights will only greet you during the Christmas holidays.
Place Vendome showcases dozens of Christmas trees covered in white and blue amidst the 18th century mansions; this spot becomes enchanted during Christmas.
Don't forget to head over to visit the windows of Galeries Lafayette. Unlike the opera or ballet, you don't need to obtain a ticket or pay a fee, and you will be surrounded by others taking in the fabulous animated window displays.
Windows of Galeries Lafayette in photo above, hit slide arrow to see additional photographs.
Linger and take in the scene, not only the windows but the people surrounding you, for the good cheer is palpable. I love that this event is visited by all ages, and yes, it is worthy of being called an event. From babies in strollers to elderly in wheelchairs, all age groups are represented.
In front of Hotel de Ville (City Hall of Paris) a Christmas Village and market arises during the holidays (above). Actually it seems to me that the entire city is filled with Christmas markets and lights.
These photographs are only a small sampling of the fabulous light displays in Paris. Walking throughout the city, hundreds of streets denote a festive spirit with lights and decorations. People come from all over the world to see the lights of Paris. For those that especially enjoy festive holiday lights, Christmas is the perfect time to visit. It is magical indeed, and most of us enjoy a little magic.
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