Explore Magical Family Adventures This Christmas in Paris: Top 2025 Holiday Activities for All Ages in the City of Lights

Published on December 18, 2025

Paris transforms into a dazzling winter wonderland during the Christmas holidays, offering a spectacular array of family-friendly activities for all ages. From December 20, 2025, to January 4, 2026, the City of Lights becomes a playground for visitors, featuring twinkling lights, magical Christmas markets, ice rinks, and festive exhibitions. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Paris offers an unforgettable experience for families looking to enjoy the holiday season. Here’s a guide to the must-see attractions and activities to make the most of your family Christmas holidays in Paris and Île-de-France.

A Glittering Christmas: The Stunning Lights of Paris

One of the main attractions during the Christmas holidays in Paris is the city’s famous Christmas lights. Streets, squares, and landmarks throughout the capital are decked out in millions of sparkling lights, making it one of the most enchanting times to visit the city.

The Champs-Élysées is particularly famous for its grandiose Christmas light displays, which stretch down the iconic avenue, illuminating the entire area with festive cheer. Starting in mid-November, these lights are a sight to behold, but they truly come to life in the run-up to Christmas, captivating visitors from around the world.

Bercy Village and Faubourg Saint-Honoré also light up, offering a more intimate yet equally spectacular experience. Families can stroll along these beautifully lit streets, enjoying the atmosphere and perhaps stopping for some hot chocolate or mulled wine at one of the many seasonal stalls. The festive lights are an integral part of Paris’ charm, providing the perfect backdrop for family photos.

The Best Christmas Markets in Paris for Families

No trip to Paris at Christmas is complete without a visit to its renowned Christmas markets. These markets, filled with artisan goods, seasonal treats, and festive decorations, capture the spirit of the holidays. From the smell of roasted chestnuts to the sound of Christmas carols, these markets are the heart of the city’s festive celebrations.

Among the most popular markets are those at La Défense and the Tuileries Garden. The Tuileries market is perfect for families, offering a wide selection of traditional French foods and handmade gifts, as well as an ice rink for skating enthusiasts. Kids will love the rides and festive games, while adults can browse the stalls for unique gifts and enjoy the local delicacies.

At La Défense, the market’s large wooden chalets provide an authentic Christmas atmosphere. Located in the business district, it’s a great place to explore with family, with numerous activities available for all ages. From gingerbread cookies to traditional French craftwork, the market offers a delightful shopping experience during the Christmas holidays.

Ice Skating in Paris: A Classic Holiday Tradition

Ice skating is one of the quintessential holiday activities in Paris. Many of the city’s iconic locations host temporary rinks, where families can glide across the ice in a magical setting.

The rink at the Grand Palais is one of the most stunning, offering a beautiful view of the historic glass dome above while skating. For a more accessible option, the rink at the Hôtel de Ville (City Hall) is a fantastic spot for families to enjoy a fun-filled afternoon together. In addition to these, several ice rinks pop up throughout the city, allowing visitors to skate on outdoor rinks set against the backdrop of Paris’ most famous landmarks.

For those looking for a more relaxed experience, the ice rink at the Parisian department store Printemps Haussmann is an excellent choice. With breathtaking views of the city, it offers a memorable way to spend a few hours during the holiday season.

The Magical Christmas Window Displays in Paris

The Christmas window displays at Paris’ grand department stores are an annual tradition that families look forward to every year. These enchanting windows feature elaborate festive scenes, bringing to life the magic of Christmas.

Printemps and Galeries Lafayette are known for their stunning window displays, each year transforming their windows into vibrant, whimsical scenes filled with moving dolls, twinkling lights, and festive decorations. These displays are a must-see for children, offering an immersive experience that sparks the imagination. They are also an excellent opportunity for families to enjoy a leisurely walk while taking in the holiday atmosphere.

Beyond the major department stores, smaller shops around the city also decorate their windows with festive cheer, creating a charming holiday vibe throughout Paris.

L’Odyssée Lumineuse at Parc Floral: A Journey Through Light

For families seeking a more interactive experience, L’Odyssée Lumineuse at Parc Floral is a magical light trail that is sure to captivate visitors of all ages. Running from mid-December 2025 to early January 2026, this festive light display features an illuminated path winding through the park’s beautiful gardens. The light show combines art and nature, with large-scale light installations creating a surreal atmosphere that’s perfect for a family outing.

The experience is especially magical at night, when the lights come to life, casting colorful reflections in the winter air. It’s an ideal place to take a family walk and enjoy the holiday season in a serene, enchanting setting.

Top Christmas Trees in Paris: A Seasonal Spectacle

If you love Christmas trees, Paris boasts some of the most stunning trees in the world during the holiday season. From the Galeries Lafayette, which features an enormous tree under its iconic glass dome, to the Ritz Paris, known for its elegant tree displays, Paris offers plenty of opportunities to admire festive foliage.

The trees are often adorned with sparkling lights, vibrant ornaments, and sometimes even real snow, creating a magical winter atmosphere. Families can wander through the city to admire these grand trees and take in the holiday sights.

For a more immersive experience, visitors can also explore the trees at places like the Opéra Garnier, where the tree is often decorated in a more traditional style, reflecting Paris’ rich cultural heritage.

Christmas Exhibitions and Museums for Families

Paris is home to many world-class museums, and during the Christmas holidays, these institutions often offer special exhibitions and activities for families. Children can enjoy interactive exhibitions, art workshops, and even special holiday-themed tours.

One highlight is the Christmas exhibition at the Musée Grévin, where visitors can meet life-like wax figures of famous celebrities, including Santa Claus himself. The Musée d’Orsay and the Louvre also feature family-friendly events and exhibitions, allowing children to experience art in a fun and engaging way.

For a unique cultural experience, families can visit the Château de Versailles, where special holiday events take place, including performances, festive decorations, and immersive light shows.

Gourmet Christmas Tea Times and Winter Treats

Christmas in Paris also means indulging in the city’s famous culinary delights. Tea times at Parisian cafés take on a festive twist, with seasonal flavors like cinnamon, orange, and gingerbread making their way into pastries, hot chocolate, and teas.

Whether you’re looking for a cozy café or a high-end restaurant, Paris offers plenty of places to enjoy a festive tea time. Many luxury hotels and patisseries offer special holiday menus, perfect for families looking to enjoy a warm treat while taking a break from sightseeing.

Sledding in Paris and Île-de-France

Sledding is another beloved winter activity, and during the Christmas holidays, several locations in Paris and Île-de-France offer temporary sledding slopes. The large parks around the city, including the Bois de Vincennes and the Bois de Boulogne, are popular spots for families to enjoy a winter day out, complete with sledding, snowball fights, and other fun activities.

Conclusion: Unforgettable Family Adventures Await in Paris

The 2025 Christmas holidays in Paris promise to be a magical experience for families, with a wide range of festive activities and events to enjoy. Whether it’s ice skating on a grand rink, wandering through the twinkling lights of the Champs-Élysées, or taking in the mesmerizing window displays, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in the City of Lights. With so many exciting family-friendly outings on offer, Paris is the perfect destination for making unforgettable holiday memories with your loved ones.

From cultural exhibitions to festive treats, the city offers an endless variety of activities that will leave families with cherished memories long after the holiday season ends. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for another holiday season, Paris in 2025 will be brimming with festive magic and joy.

As the year draws to a close, make sure to take full advantage of everything Paris has to offer. Celebrate the magic of Christmas with your family in one of the most iconic cities in the world.