One of the biggest attractions for tourists coming to Paris in December are the Christmas markets, which open around the second half of November and close at the end of December. Tourists can expect to find a range of goods on sale from Christmas-related decorations and nativity displays to holiday foods and alcoholic liqueur drinks. The most popular markets take place in the Place Saint-Germain-des-Pres and on the Champs-Elysees.
Children will enjoy Christmas at Disneyland Paris. Expect to see the usual characters: Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, and Donald, plus a special guest appearance by Santa. Other spectacles include Sleeping Beauty's castle being transformed into an ice palace, snowflakes falling on the park's Main Street, Santa greeting kids in his own toy workshop, and the annual nighttime Christmas parade. Christmas in Disneyland Paris lasts from early November to early January, and visitors should take advantage of Mickey's Christmas dinner in December, where families can enjoy a buffet meal with some of their favorite Disney characters.
Disneyland Paris
Marne-la-Vallee
Paris
France
+33 (0)1 60 30 60 53
disneylandparis.com
Throughout December, tourists will find a number of ice skating rinks springing up all over Paris. One of the most famous is located in front of the Hotel de Ville, Paris' iconic city hall. The best thing about this activity is that it is free, providing you have your own skates. Renting skates will only set you back €5. Another popular rink is located at Patinoire Montparnasse.
No matter what your religious persuasion, visits to Paris should include a stop at Notre Dame Cathedral and its nativity scene. This is the perfect place to soak up some Christmas atmosphere while learning about the church's history at the same time. On Christmas Eve, the cathedral puts on what is known as "Spectacle de Noel," an impressive show featuring sound and light projections, followed by Midnight Mass.
Notre-Dame Cathedral
6 Parvis Notre-Dame
Place Jean-Paul II
75004
Paris
France
+33 (0) 1 42 34 56 10
