Christmas : lights, window displays and markets in Paris Region

For the end of the year celebrations, Father Christmas becomes Mr. Loyal and takes his troupe on an extravagant tour to offer young and old the most unexpected of shows. The artist Olaf Hajek transforms the windows of Printemps Haussmann into an extraordinary Christmas circus. As if by magic, the domes of light are transformed into giant tents and the aisles into a starry ring. Clowns, orchestras, tightrope walkers, stilt walkers, illusionists and cannonballers invade the floors, counters and shop windows. The games, acts and surprises follow one another in a joyful whirlwind.

All along the Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann is getting back in touch with literature by inviting novelist Claire Castillon to imagine an original tale: Planet Christmas. Illustrated by Florent Chavouet, Planet Christmas tells the story of Nordmann, an inhabitant of Elato, the planet of the wild trees, who is sent to Earth to save Annie’s Christmas. The magical fairy-tale comes to life throughout the shop, from the windows on boulevard Haussmann to the top floor. An unexpected encounter where Christmas shines like nowhere else, under a glass dome known all over the world!

To bring the magic of the end of the year 2022 to life, the Samaritaine is putting on a show and transforming itself into a dance floor where a giant Christmas tree is enthroned. Dance in all its forms is highlighted. Pointes and tutus take over the main entrance and embark young and old for a magical ballet. On the ground floor, it’s disco night! Get out your sequined clothes and dance under the disco ball. As for the beauty area, it becomes retro and glamorous and invites you to sway to the rhythm of rock ‘n’ roll. And the highlight of the show takes place on the fifth floor, where you can dance to the voguing of the 80s. To wait patiently for Christmas Day, La Samaritaine opens a box in its giant Advent calendar every morning in December, revealing its share of surprises and gifts.

The Bon Marché Rive Gauche has been celebrating Christmas for 170 years and the magic is still intact. Windows and displays will amaze young and old alike. As every year, the four majestic Christmas trees are adorned with garlands and subjects in four different styles: crazy, traditional chic, snowy and enchanted. For 2022, Christmas baubles are in the spotlight. With the help the little Jolijou elves the windows are transformed into a bauble factory. Discover the backstage of this enchanted machinery!

This year, no need to travel miles to fall under the spell of Provence and its Mediterranean sun! At the Bazar de l’Hôtel de Ville, in the Marais district, Provence is in the spotlight for a Christmas that combines tradition and enchantment. Take advantage of the richness of this know-how to offer original, authentic and made-in-France gifts.

At this time of year when everyone rediscovers the child within them, Disneyland®Paris draws young and old alike into an enchanted Christmas in the land of Disney heroes – who have donned their Christmas costumes! Bedecked in sparkling decorations and dominated by its towering Christmas tree, the park transports you, more than ever before, to another world. To end the year on a high note, don’t miss the New Year’s Eve event, which offers attractions open in the evening, surprises and a firework display!

North of the capital, the artists of the Théâtre Les Poussières are enchanting the Parc de La Villette from 15 December to 2 January 2023 with grandiose light installations for a marvellous, poetic and free stroll. The lantern parade launches this festival of lights and transports you into a world of fantasy.

In the west of Paris, the Saint-Cloud National Estate is the setting for Lumières en Seine, an enchanting two-kilometre-long trail. Between illuminated decorations, musical events and illuminated water displays, the estate is being transformed until 8 January 2023.

Until January 15, 2023, in the heart of Paris, at nightfall, the Jardin des Plantes is filled with small luminous creatures that become gigantic for the occasion. Mini-Mondes explores the world of the infinitely small and offers you an original and poetic journey into the world of these itchy little creatures that live among us.

Until the 5th of March, the estate of the Château de Thoiry lights up at nightfall during its Wild Lights, these unique fabric-covered lanterns that are entirely handmade. Stroll through the park and gardens where more than 2,000 animals, characters and other dreamlike scenes await you. A magical outing for the whole family!