Paris Weekend Break

Christmas events

Just like most other capital cities in Europe, Paris celebrates the Christmas period with a number of special events, all aimed at the local population and visiting tourists.

Christmas lights

The most obvious of these are the Christmas lights that illuminate many of the city's more popular districts. The best displays can be seen at the Avenue de Champs Elysees where they run from an area starting before the Arc de Triomphe to the Place de Concorde. These lights are truly spectacular.

Another large and extravagant display can be found close to the Opera Garnier, the location of many of the top Parisian department stores, but the city as a whole is covered in many festive lights.

Markets

As is the fashion, Paris indulges in Christmas markets just like any other major European city. However, in Paris these markets tend to be home grown (i.e. not German in theme as is the case Britain) and they come from all over France.

The seasonal element to these markets sees them offering traditional Parisian fair, often in the form of gingerbreads, pastries and mulled wine. However as many of these Christmas market traditions originate from Parts of France that were once within the boundaries of Germany, their appearance and produce will be familiar to most. So will the appearance of the stalls themselves.

Some of the city's most popular seasonal markets can be found on the Champs Elysees, Place Saint Sulpice, Gare de l'Est and Place de la Nation. Many of these markets are now regular fixtures on the Christmas calendar.

Ice skating

The Christmas period sees a number of ice rinks pop up across Paris. Most have a nominal charge and they vary in size and location and duration of activity.

Possibly the most famous of all is the rink found at level one of the Eiffel Tower, but this is always busy and requires you to pay for entry to the tower n(even though the rink is free).

Another much larger rink can be found in the city's 4th district adjacent to the Hotel de Ville. This rink is located in a perfect Paris setting and is both large and free to use. It is very popular and although busy is large enough to accommodate many skaters.