✨ Christmas Lights in Paris 2026: Dates, Locations, Prices, and Must-See Routes

Starting in November, Paris gradually transforms into a magical capital. The avenues light up, department store windows unveil their festive displays, and historic neighborhoods are adorned with string lights. Every year, Paris’s Christmas lights attract countless visitors eager to experience the City of Light at its winter best.

In 2026, several events will let you enjoy this festive atmosphere starting in early November. The window displays at Printemps Haussmann kick off the season, Galeries Lafayette unveils its decorations a few days later, and the Champs-Élysées launches its illuminations on November 22. Nightlife enthusiasts can also plan a visit to Notre-Dame, the La Défense Christmas market, or the Parc Floral to experience more immersive light displays.

Planning a trip to Paris in November or December? Here’s our practical guide to Paris’s Christmas lights in 2026: announced dates, locations, prices, hours, transportation, and tips for planning an enjoyable stroll as a couple, with friends, or with kids.

🎄 1. The Champs-Élysées Light Display

The Champs-Élysées Christmas lights are among the most iconic events of the holiday season. The famous avenue, which connects Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe, is decked out in lights, transforming an ordinary stroll into a truly festive outing. The illuminated trees, store windows, and the neighborhood’s monumental architecture create a particularly photogenic setting at nightfall.

For Christmas 2026, the lights are scheduled to go on starting November 22, 2026, and will remain on display until early January 2027. The Champs-Élysées Christmas market is also returning to the avenue and is set to remain open through January 4, 2027. Visitors will be able to combine a stroll through the lights with exploring the market stalls and enjoying a gourmet treat.

• Lighting dates: November 22, 2026, through early January 2027.
• Christmas Market: scheduled to run through January 4, 2027.
• Address: Avenue des Champs-Élysées, between Place de la Concorde and the Arc de Triomphe, Paris 8th arrondissement.
• Cost of the illuminations: free.
• Market cost: free admission to the promenade; purchases, meals, and any attractions are subject to a fee.
• Hours: Check the exact hours for the 2026–2027 season before your visit.
• Official information: Guide to Christmas lights in Paris.

To easily reach the avenue, take the metro to Franklin D. Roosevelt, George V, or Champs-Élysées–Clemenceau. The area is particularly crowded on weekends and during opening events. To enjoy the promenade in a more peaceful setting, choose a weeknight and be sure to dress warmly.

Our tip: Start near Place de la Concorde, gradually make your way up the Champs-Élysées, and end your walk toward the Arc de Triomphe. This way, you can admire the lights along the entire length of the avenue without having to take multiple metro rides.

🛍️ 2. The Christmas Window Displays at Printemps Haussmann

Printemps Haussmann is among the first major Parisian department stores to unveil its Christmas window displays. In 2026, the announced theme is “A Knitted Christmas, ” a world imagined around characters, textile decorations, and a story full of fantasy. Passersby will be able to admire the animated scenes from Boulevard Haussmann without having to enter the store.

The window displays are scheduled to run from November 5, 2026, through January 3, 2027. This timing allows visitors to plan a visit early in the month, even before the grand illuminations on the Champs-Élysées are unveiled. Boulevard Haussmann is a great place for a stroll, as Galeries Lafayette is nearby.

• Announced dates: November 5, 2026, through January 3, 2027.
• Address: Printemps Haussmann, 64 Boulevard Haussmann, 75009 Paris.
• Price: Free to view the window displays from the street.
• Hours: Window displays are visible from the sidewalk; store hours may vary.
• Transportation: Havre-Caumartin, Chaussée d’Antin–La Fayette, or Saint-Lazare metro stations.
• Information: Printemps’ official website.

This visit is particularly well-suited for families with young children, as it requires neither a ticket nor a reservation. To avoid the crowds, choose a weekday time slot or arrive a little before nightfall. You can then continue your tour to the Opéra Garnier, Place de la Madeleine, or Galeries Lafayette.

🎨 3. The Decorations and Christmas Tree at Galeries Lafayette

Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann is renowned for its Christmas window displays and its large Christmas tree set up beneath the dome. In 2026, designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac will create a world titled “Au Cœur de Noël” (At the Heart of Christmas), featuring fantastical characters, colorful displays, and decorations inspired by his graphic style.

The window displays are set to debut on November 12, 2026. Once inside the store, take the time to admire the Christmas tree from the different levels, beneath the iconic glass roof. The decorations are among the most accessible Christmas attractions: entry to the department store and viewing the window displays are free.

• Announced launch date: November 12, 2026.
• Address: Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann, 40 Boulevard Haussmann, 75009 Paris.
• Cost of the window displays and the Christmas tree: free.
• Transportation: Chaussée d’Antin–La Fayette, Havre-Caumartin, or Opéra metro stations.
• Official website: Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann.

In addition to the window displays, the store is offering a temporary synthetic ice rink on its rooftop terrace for the 2026 season. This activity is scheduled from November 24, 2026, to January 3, 2027, with 30-minute sessions and a view of the Paris rooftops and the Eiffel Tower.

• Adult rate (ages 15 and up): €16 for 30 minutes.
• Child rate (ages 4–14): €7.50 for 30 minutes.
• Reservations: Required according to the terms and conditions announced by the organizer.
• Equipment: Gloves are required to enter the ice rink.

Children 14 and under must be accompanied and supervised by an adult on the ice rink. One free companion per skater may access the terrace, subject to the published terms and conditions. Check available time slots and specific reservation details before your visit.

✨ 4. Avenue Montaigne: An Elegant, Illuminated Stroll

Avenue Montaigne, located in Paris’s Golden Triangle, offers a more refined atmosphere during the holiday season. The major fashion houses and luxury boutiques decorate their facades and storefronts. The lights highlight the avenue’s architecture and invite you to take an evening stroll just a few steps from the Champs-Élysées.

The walk can begin near the Champs-Élysées roundabout and continue toward Place de l’Alma. You’ll discover the window displays of the major fashion houses and the surrounding streets. The exact dates and times for the 2026 Christmas illuminations on Avenue Montaigne are still to be confirmed with the organizer.

• Address: Avenue Montaigne, Paris 8th arrondissement.
• Dates: Detailed schedule for the 2026 season to be confirmed.
• Price: Free outdoor stroll.
• Transportation: Franklin D. Roosevelt or Alma-Marceau metro stations.
• Information: tourist information on Parisian holiday lights.

The main attraction of this walk is the architectural scenery and the store windows. You don’t need to set aside a specific budget to admire the lights, but some shops may offer activities or events that are accessible only by invitation or reservation.

💎 5. Place Vendôme and the downtown shopping streets

Place Vendôme offers a particularly elegant setting during the Christmas season. Its monumental facades, arcades, and architectural vistas provide a remarkable backdrop for photographs. The seasonal decorations highlight the character of the neighborhood, known for its luxury boutiques and major jewelry stores.

Take advantage of your visit to explore the neighboring streets and continue your stroll toward Rue Saint-Honoré, Rue de la Paix, or the Tuileries Garden. The exact dates for the Place Vendôme Christmas 2026 illuminations have not yet been confirmed in the available tourist program. However, the square remains a great spot for a stroll through Paris’s historic center.

• Address: Place Vendôme, 75001 Paris.
• Dates: 2026 lighting schedule to be confirmed.
• Price: Free access to the public space.
• Transportation: Take the metro to Tuileries, Opéra, or Madeleine, depending on your route.

Plan your visit for late afternoon or evening, when the building facades and store windows add to the winter atmosphere. This stop pairs well with a stroll along the Champs-Élysées or through the Haussmann district, but the various locations aren’t all right next to each other: allow enough time for travel between them.

🏮 6. Bercy Village and its Christmas decorations

Bercy Village offers a different atmosphere from that of the grand boulevards. Its cobblestone alleys, historic facades, and pedestrian-friendly areas are adorned with seasonal decorations that invite you to take a leisurely stroll. The neighborhood features shops, restaurants, and recreational spaces, allowing you to extend your stroll with a snack or dinner.

The Christmas lights at Bercy Village are a regular highlight during the holiday season. However, the exact dates and detailed schedule for 2026 have yet to be confirmed. Check the venue’s website before your visit if you’d like to attend a special event or see a specific installation.

• Address: Cour Saint-Émilion, 75012 Paris.
• Dates: 2026 light display schedule to be confirmed.
• Price: Free admission to the promenade; purchases and food/drinks are subject to a fee.
• Transportation: Metro Line 14, Cour Saint-Émilion station.
• Official website: Bercy Village.

This outing is a great option if you want to get away from the most touristy areas of central Paris. The pedestrian walkways make it easy to stroll with children, though crowds may increase as the holidays approach. Allow plenty of time to choose a restaurant or a heated outdoor seating area, depending on what’s available at the time.

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⛪ 7. The Christmas tree and lights at Notre-Dame de Paris

The Notre-Dame neighborhood is another must-see for visitors looking to explore Paris during the holidays. The cathedral’s forecourt and surrounding area offer a remarkable setting to admire the capital’s historical heritage, especially when the facade is illuminated with seasonal lights.

The Christmas lights on the Notre-Dame plaza are scheduled to be on display from November 29, 2026, to January 6, 2027. A Christmas tree and the illuminated facade will help create a festive atmosphere in the heart of the Île de la Cité.

• Announced dates: November 29, 2026, through January 6, 2027.
• Address: Notre-Dame forecourt, Place Jean-Paul-II, 75004 Paris.
• Cost to view the outdoor decorations: free.
• Transportation: Cité metro station or Saint-Michel–Notre-Dame RER station, depending on which entrances are open.
• Information: Christmas lights tourist guide.

You can round out this visit with a stroll along the banks of the Seine or through the Latin Quarter. The streets near the cathedral can get very crowded, especially on weekends. Check access points and any safety guidelines if a special event is being held on the plaza.

🎄 8. The Paris La Défense Christmas Market

The Paris La Défense Christmas Market is one of the major festive events in the Île-de-France region. Set up on the plaza of the business district, at the foot of the towers and the Grande Arche, it will feature more than 350 chalets for the 2026 edition. Visitors can discover gift ideas, regional specialties, hot drinks, and artisanal products.

The traditional market is scheduled to run from November 12 to December 31, 2026. A festive square, family-friendly activities, and an ice rink are also part of La Défense’s Christmas program, with some activities running through January 3, 2027.

• Address: Paris La Défense plaza, 92800 Puteaux.
• Traditional market dates: November 12 through December 31, 2026.
• Festive area dates: scheduled through January 3, 2027.
• Admission: free.
• Announced market hours: Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
• Exceptions: specific hours on December 24, 25, and 31, and January 1.
• Official website: dates, hours, and directions to the market.

To get to the market, take Metro Line 1, the RER A or E, or the T2 tram to La Défense–Grande Arche. Public transportation is the most convenient option during busy evenings. The main walkways are listed as accessible to people with limited mobility.

The advertised events are free and open to visitors, but purchases, food and drink, and certain activities or attractions may require a fee. Check the price of the ice rink and the terms for children’s workshops in the official program before planning your budget.

🌌 9. The Odyssée Lumineuse at the Parc Floral de Paris

For a more immersive evening outing, head to the Parc Floral de Paris in the Bois de Vincennes. The “Odyssée lumineuse” features a walkway lined with giant illuminated sculptures, colorful displays, and light installations. The 2026 edition also promises a “Féérie des Fontaines Lumineuses” (Enchanted Light Fountain Show) on the lake, as well as a shadow puppet show.

The event is scheduled to run from November 14, 2026, to January 24, 2027. Hours are scheduled from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., with last admission at 9:30 p.m. The tour lasts about an hour and a half, depending on your pace. Several evenings when the event is closed are listed on the calendar: check the dates before purchasing your tickets.

• Address: Parc Floral de Paris, route de la Pyramide, 75012 Paris.
• Dates: November 14, 2026, through January 24, 2027.
• Hours: 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.; last admission at 9:30 p.m.
• Adult price: €13 for a dated ticket.
• Child (ages 3–12): €11 for a dated ticket.
• Children under 3: free.
• Undated ticket: listed at €18 for adults and €16 for children, depending on the ticketing site consulted.
• Official website: ticket sales and practical information.

The tour is advertised as wheelchair-accessible and stroller-friendly. Holders of a Mobility Inclusion Card or a disability card may enter for free under the conditions specified by the organizer. Job seekers may also qualify for a special rate upon presentation of proof of status on site.

To get there by public transportation, take Metro Line 1 to Château de Vincennes, then walk about fifteen minutes to the main entrance on the castle side. Bus routes also serve the area around the park. Be sure to bring a warm coat, as much of the tour takes place outdoors.

🏮 10. The Lantern Festival at the Jardin d’Acclimatation

The Jardin d’Acclimatation also hosts a major light festival during the winter season. The 2026–2027 edition of the Lantern Festival, titled “Indian Nights, ” invites visitors to discover thousands of lanterns and sculptures inspired by Indian culture. The installation transforms the park into an immersive nighttime experience, featuring monumental displays and lighting designs perfect for a family stroll.

The festival is scheduled to run from November 27, 2026, to February 21, 2027. Visits are scheduled in the evening, generally from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. for dated tickets, with last entry at 9:00 p.m. Certain evenings are excluded from the schedule, notably Mondays and Tuesdays outside of Zone C school holidays: please check the exact schedule when making your reservation.

• Address: Jardin d’Acclimatation, Bois de Boulogne, from Route de la Porte Dauphine to Porte des Sablons, 75116 Paris.
• Dates: November 27, 2026, through February 21, 2027.
• Adult ticket prices: €18 for a dated ticket; €25 for an undated ticket, according to the official ticketing website.
• Hours: Open in the evening; last admission at 9:00 p.m.
• Official website: Jardin d’Acclimatation ticket office.

The park’s regular attractions are closed during the light show, with the exception of the Ferris wheel, which requires an additional ticket priced at €4.50. Dogs are not allowed, with the exception of guide dogs for the blind. Children’s rates and special conditions should be verified when purchasing tickets.

This outing is ideal for families who want to extend their Christmas celebrations beyond the lights in central Paris. Since there is an admission fee and the event is organized into evening time slots, be sure to book in advance if you want a specific date.

📅 11. Which Christmas lights can you see for free in Paris?

It’s entirely possible to enjoy the Christmas atmosphere in Paris without buying a ticket. Outdoor strolls along the Champs-Élysées, Avenue Montaigne, Place Vendôme, and around Notre-Dame are free. The window displays at Printemps Haussmann and Galeries Lafayette can also be viewed from public areas, while the Christmas tree set up under the Galeries Lafayette dome can be admired without paying an admission fee.

To stay within your budget, plan an itinerary that combines several nearby neighborhoods. You can visit Boulevard Haussmann and the department store window displays all in one outing. You can dedicate another evening to the Champs-Élysées, followed by Avenue Montaigne. The Notre-Dame neighborhood, meanwhile, lets you combine holiday lights, historic landmarks, and a stroll along the Seine.

Special attractions, such as the illuminated sculpture trails at Parc Floral and the Lantern Festival at the Jardin d’Acclimatation, do require a ticket. Christmas markets generally have free admission, but the products sold in the chalets, meals, and rides represent additional expenses.

🗺️ 12. Recommended Itinerary for a Christmas Evening in Paris

To see the main decorations without spending your evening on public transportation, here’s a simple itinerary you can follow on foot and by metro. It’s best to plan your trip when the store windows and lights you want to see are actually open.

1. Late afternoon: Start with the window displays at Printemps Haussmann or Galeries Lafayette on Boulevard Haussmann.
2. Early evening: Head to Place Vendôme to admire its architecture and the nearby shopping streets.
3. After dark: head to Place de la Concorde and walk up the Champs-Élysées to see the holiday lights.
4. Optional: You might want to extend your walk toward Avenue Montaigne or take the metro back to your starting point.
5. For a second evening: choose Notre-Dame or book a paid tour of “L’Odyssée lumineuse” at the Parc Floral.

Opening dates vary by location. If you’re visiting Paris in early November, be sure to check out the window displays at Printemps starting November 5 and those at Galeries Lafayette starting November 12. The Champs-Élysées lights don’t go on until November 22, while those at Notre-Dame are scheduled to start on November 29.

🧣 13. Practical Tips for Enjoying the Christmas Lights

Choose the right time. The period between late afternoon and early evening is ideal for seeing the lights without staying out too late. Fridays, Saturdays, and the days leading up to Christmas tend to draw larger crowds. If you’d like to take photos or browse the store windows with your family, a weeknight is often more pleasant.

Dress warmly. The light-filled walks take place mainly outdoors and can last over an hour. Wear a warm coat, comfortable shoes, and bring rain gear. If you’re with young children, opt for a shorter route and plan a break at a café or restaurant.

Take the metro for long distances. Downtown Paris can get very crowded during the holidays, and parking is often a challenge. Public transportation makes it easy to get around between Haussmann, the Champs-Élysées, Notre-Dame, and other sites in the capital. Check for any service disruptions and last-train times before you leave.

Book tickets for paid events in advance. Dated tickets for L’Odyssée lumineuse or the Lantern Festival allow you to plan your evening precisely. For the Galeries Lafayette ice rink, reservations are reportedly required. Check the official ticket office before heading out to verify prices, availability, and admission requirements.

Double-check the dates at the last minute. Organizers may adjust schedules, calendars, or admission policies. This article compiles the information announced for the 2026–2027 season, but dates still listed as “to be confirmed” should not be considered final.

🎁 Conclusion: Where to see the most beautiful Christmas lights in Paris in 2026?

The Christmas lights in Paris let you discover the capital in a whole new light starting in November. The window displays at Printemps Haussmann kick off the season on November 5, followed by those at Galeries Lafayette on November 12, and the Champs-Élysées will launch its lights starting November 22, 2026. Starting at the end of the month, Notre-Dame and the Lantern Festival at the Jardin d’Acclimatation also add to the festivities.

For a budget-friendly visit, opt for free strolls along the grand avenues and window-shopping at the department stores. For a more immersive experience, book a light tour at the Parc Floral or the Jardin d’Acclimatation. Finally, the Paris La Défense Christmas market offers a festive alternative with its chalets, gourmet specialties, and entertainment.

Before your visit, check the official websites to confirm hours, prices, and booking details. To round out your stay, check out our other ideas for things to do in Paris during the holidays.