Fall in love with the capital during the Christmas holidays
Categories : Visit Paris, published on : 11/19/15
Enjoy a stay at the Chess Hotel Paris to discover the charms of the capital during the Christmas holidays. More than ever at this time of year the capital deserves her description as the ‘City of Light’.
Discover the City of Light during Christmas
During the holidays, Paris dons her magnificent gown of festive illuminations to produce a spectacle that, each and every year, leaves both tourists and Parisians bewitched by the magic of Christmas. From November to early January, the lights sparkle like jewels on the Champs-Elysees, Place Vendôme and in Montmartre, offering visitors an unforgettable experience. This time of year also offers the splendour of the famous Parisian department stores, which each year compete to present the most lavish décor and stunning display windows, with fabulously innovative designs, giant fir trees and inventive automata.
Activities for the whole family
Entertainment and cultural outings proliferate throughout the capital, delighting children and parents alike. The Grand Palais is transformed into a giant funfair, while the square in front of the City Hall becomes a giant outdoor ice rink where anyone can join in to try their skill on skates. Don’t miss the many delightful Nativity scenes, such as the one presented by the Church of St. Georges. And then there’s the high point of the celebrations; the Grand Parade, which takes place every January 1st on the famous Avenue des Champs Elysées.
The magic of the Christmas markets
The holidays also offer the opportunity to stroll through the Christmas markets of the capital and savour their unique and magical atmosphere. The Champs Elysees have the most famous of these, but also be sure to discover the Alsatian market at the Gare de l'Est, and the Christmas Village on the forecourt of La Défense; a maze of colourfully decorated stalls.
