The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, a food tour – there are certain Paris must-sees that never change. But the French capital is also home to a thriving, ever-changing scene of exhibits, concerts, and more! In keeping with the holiday spirit, here are the five things we’re most excited about for this month.
1. Christmas Windows at the Department Stores
Paris is home to several grands magasins, gorgeous department stores that are far more than a mere shopping experience. The Galeries Lafayette is known for the beautiful Piaget Christmas tree in its rotunda, while Printemps is now home to one of our favorite places to grab a quick bite to eat: Printemps du Goût, on the top floor of the gorgeous 19th century building.
To celebrate Christmas, these stores have inaugurated their annual holiday windows: at Galeries Lafayette, the designs were made in part by children from 5 to 11 years old, who were invited to draw their Christmas heroes and see them transformed into stuffed puppets. At Printemps, meanwhile, the windows were developed in association with luxury brand Maison Boucheron to evoke the “Magical World of Father Christmas.”
While not in the same neighborhood, don’t miss the windows at BHV, which boast a Mary Poppins Christmas theme this year and have proven to be our personal favorites of 2018! (It’s also not far from one of our favorite hot chocolates in Paris – a secret spot at the Jardins du Marais hotel. (Discover some of our other chocolatey faves on our Sweet Tooth in Saint-Germain tour.)
2. Ice Skating at the Grand Palais
The ornate Grand Palais is transformed into a patinoire for skating every year beginning just before Christmas. This year, the indoor Grand Palais des Glaces invites you to skate on the largest ice rink in the world from December 16 to January 9. Grab tickets online for skip-the-line access to daytime skating and nighttime shows!
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3. Christmas Concerts
We’re huge fans of Christmas music, and so is our adopted city! Paris really pulls out all the stops at the holidays with concerts at some of its most beautiful Gothic churches, from Saint-Sulpice to Eglise Saint-Roch to the Madeleine. We’re particularly looking forward to the annual Christmas concert at Notre-Dame Cathedral – there’s really nothing like it for getting into the spirit of Christmas!
4. Illuminated Species at the Jardin des Plantes
If you’re traveling with kids (or any fans of animals!) a visit to the Jardin des Plantes to see a variety of animal-themed illuminations. This nighttime walk inspires wonder and awe as you glimpse pandas and turtles and even walk through an enormous illuminated shark’s mouth! Check out the real thing at the menagerie right next door.
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5. The Last Month of the Klimt Exhibit
We’ve heard nothing but raves about the Gustav Klimt exhibit currently on display at the Atelier des Lumières. For this unique experience, the works of the Viennese artist are projected and set to music, for an immersive experience unlike any other. Given its popularity, this exhibit has been extended through January, so now’s the time to go – before it’s too late!
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