Our Activity Recommendations for December 2024

Every Christmas, the City of Lights comes alive with beautiful bright decorations, festive window displays, and plenty of holiday markets.  Of course, this December is no exception, so here you will find the essential activities to do in Paris city center during this time of the year.

The illuminations around the city are spectacular, so make sure to visit the iconic Champs-Élysées Avenue, where trees lining the avenue are adorned with thousands of tiny, twinkling lights, leading up to the Arc de Triomphe. Also, in the luxurious Place Vendôme, you will find elegant displays of holiday lights and decorations, and giant Christmas trees decorated with white and gold ornaments placed throughout the square.

Another must do in the city is to make a visit to Galeries Lafayette and Printemps; both department stores on Boulevard Haussmann feature animated window displays with holiday scenes, for people of all ages. These windows are designed by renowned artists and are a Parisian holiday tradition. Inside Galeries Lafayette you will find a massive Christmas tree suspended under the central glass dome.

You will also find multiple Christmas markets in Paris, full of holiday magic with their cozy wooden chalets, festive foods, handcrafted gifts, and seasonal decor. Each market has its own unique atmosphere, and these are some of the most popular ones:

La Magie de Noël in Tuileries Garden: The Tuileries Christmas Market is the largest in Paris, with food stalls, rides, and local artisans selling unique gifts.

Saint-Germain-des-Prés Market: Located near the famous Saint-Germain-des-Prés church, this smaller market is known for its gourmet food and charming ambiance.

Montmartre Christmas Village: Nestled at the base of Sacré-Cœur, this market is cozy and picturesque, with stunning views over Paris.

To come and go from Paris city by public transport, you can use the RER A, there are multiple stations in the city center. Our hotel is located in front of the RER A Val d’Europe station.

If you’re visiting Disneyland Paris during December, is surely because you’re looking forward to seeing all the Christmas charm the park has to offer. You’re in luck, because Mickey Mouse and his friends will make sure to give you an unforgettable Christmas!

Disney’s Enchanted Christmas season runs until 6^th January 2025. For this winter season Disneyland is beautifully adorned with Christmas trees, thousands of lights, and dazzling decorations, forming an enchanting atmosphere.

Near the entrance you will find a majestic 24-meter-high Christmas tree with nearly 1,000 ornaments. Right behind there’s Main Street U.S.A. with sparkly festive garlands and “snow” falling multiple times per day, leading you all the way to the castle.

There are several activities that are exclusive to the season: The “Sparkling Christmas Parade” in the heart of the park, multiple meet and greets with beloved Disney characters in festive costumes, the stage show “Let’s Sing Christmas” located in Videopolis, where everyone gets to enjoy traditional Christmas carols, and the tree lighting that occurs every 30 minutes after dark.

The experience that we particularly highlight for this season is a brand-new addition for this year. Before the nighttime spectacle “Disney Illuminations”, the magic of Christmas comes alive over the castle with the drone show “Disney Electrical Sky Parade”. For the first Christmas season ever, the show adds a festive finale, transforming the castle with vibrant Christmas colours, iconic Nutcrackers, presents, giant candy canes and the snowy charm of the North Pole. Meanwhile, Main Street, U.S.A. sparkles with enchanting lights, enhanced by whimsical snowfalls, creating a true holiday wonderland.

You will find the showtimes in the Disneyland Paris app, make sure to download it during your park visit, you’ll find very helpful information to make the most of your Disneyland visit.

Photography @wewillalwayshaveparis

The Jurassic Illuminated Exhibition at Jardin des Plantes in Paris is a colourful event that brings prehistoric creatures to life through spectacular light installations. Set against the beautiful backdrop of the Jardin des Plantes, this exhibition often features large-scale illuminated dinosaurs and other creatures from the Jurassic era, creating an immersive journey through time.

You can expect to see Life-sized Illuminated recreations of dinosaurs like T-Rex, Triceratops, and Brachiosaurus, all glowing in vibrant colours and interactive experiences to learn more about the creatures and their ecosystems.

Its is a family friendly atmosphere that combines education and entertainment. It is accessible for wheelchair users.

It opens every evening from Wednesday to Sunday, 6pm to 10pm (last entry 9pm) until 19^th January 2025. Ticket prices are from 15 to 18€ and you can buy them here (https://www.jardindesplantesdeparis.fr/en/jurassic-illuminated).  To get from our hotel to the Jardin des Plantes by public transport, take the RER A train in Val d’Europe station towards, getting off at Gare de Lyon. From there, walk 10–15 minutes south across Pont d’Austerlitz to Jardin des Plantes. The total travel time is about 1 hour.

We hope that our recommendations are helpful, and we wish you an excellent Christmas Season, where you create beautiful memories with your loved ones during your stay with us.

“Le Noël des Siècles” is an immersive theatrical experience held at the Château de Champs-sur-Marne, located in Seine-et-Marne, France. This enchanting event combines theater, dance, and history in a spectacular setting, taking visitors on a journey through the history of Christmas celebrations.

The story follows Ilda, a young girl who, with the help of a magical being called the Nisse, travels through time to experience iconic Christmases from different eras. These include the grandeur of the 18th century, the elegance of the Belle Époque, and the lively Roaring Twenties, with appearances by historical figures like Ernest Hemingway. Each scene is brought to life through impressive costumes, beautifully decorated rooms, and performances by actors, dancers, and choristers.

Event Details:

• Dates: Every Saturday (9 AM to 11 PM) and Sunday (9 AM to 9:30 PM) through December 15, 2024.
• Duration: The experience lasts approximately 30 minutes.
• Price: Tickets start at €18.99, with free admission for children under 4 years old.
• Venue: Château de Champs-sur-Marne, 31 Rue de Paris, 77420 Champs-sur-Marne.
• Extras: Food and drinks are available on-site.

This event is family-friendly and designed to captivate both children and adults. It offers a unique way to enjoy the holiday season in a historical and festive environment