Where to find Paris Christmas shopping windows and decorations in Paris
LOOKING AT THE CHRISTMAS WINDOWS IS A GREAT THING TO DO ON CHRISTMAS EVE OR CHRISTMAS DAY WITH KIDS IN PARIS
The Galeries Lafayette Haussmann Christmas windows (9e):
Theme: Santa’s workshop
Giant Christmas Tree under the dome
Live from: November 12th-31st December 2025.
Printemps Haussmann Christmas windows (9e)
Theme: A Christmas In New York
Christmas Tree: Giant tree inside under the store’s characteristic glass dome
Live from: November 6th, 2025, to January 4th, 2026
La Samaritaine Christmas Windows
Theme: The store is a gigantic gift to be unwrapped
Not confirmed if one large tree, but the windows will display decorative smaller trees
Live from: November 5th- 6th January 2026
Meet Santa at the Eiffel Tower!
While visiting the Eiffel Tower this December, be sure to stop by and say hi to Santa too! The details: Where: Eiffel Tower 1st floor, photo corner (or photocall) shaped like a giant open book.
When:
- OPEN CHRISTMAS EVE
- Weekends: 6th-21st December: 10.00-20.00.
- Adding in Wednesdays from: 10th-24th December: 10.00-18.00
- And you can meet him every single day: 22nd -24th December:10.00 to 18.00.
More info here on the official Eiffel Tower website
Christmas on the farm
Many farms around Paris not only are looking all festive, but offer Christmas workshops for little kids. An absolute Tots City Guide favourite is the Christmas festival at Les Fermes Des Gally.
- Explore a Winter wonderland of decorations galore
- A little ‘manger’ featuring donkeys and other related animals
- A supercute ‘Lapinodrome’ with bunnies galore
- Plus some super fun 5-10 minute workshops perfect for little kids, stuff like, make your own clay decoration and decorate a tiny Christmas tree.
- Of course a visit to see the regular farm animals is also included.
Great value for money and probably one of the best festive things you’ll do.
Paris Christmas Markets
La Villette Christmas Market
A winter wonderland in east of Paris – with lots of Christmas themed activities for small kids.
Paris La Défense – Christmas Market
The district holds an annual Christmas market, with 300 chalets, rides for all ages and themed festive zones.
Good for young kids: Meet and greet with Santa, shows and costumed characters on the weekends, of course lots of chalets with sweet treats
Live from: 13 November to 28 December 2025
Find out more via the official La Defence website
Tuileries Gardens – Christmas Market & Funfair ‘La Magie de Noël‘
A winter wonderland takeover at Paris Tuileries Gardens. Along with festive market stalls, there is ice skating, (with props for toddlers), and rides suitable for small kids, including a ‘toddler train’.
Live from: OPEN CHRISTMAS EVE / CHRISTMAS DAY/ NYE/ NEW YEAR’S DAY. 15th November-4th January 2026
Find out more on the Instagram page @lamagiedenoel_paris
Paris magical light events
Illuminating: Nature’s Lights at Jardin des Plantes
Explore the Jardin des Plantes incredible nighttime world at En Voie D’illumination, with illuminating animals and vegetal forms.
TIP: With popular events like this, book tickets as ahead as possible, (like, now), because if you’re wanting to nab that 6pm spot it could go very quickly!
THE EVENT IS OPEN CHRISTMAS DAY & NEW YEAR’S EVE & NEW YEAR’S DAY, BUT CLOSED ON CHRISTMAS EVE
During term-time, open Wednesday-Sunday. School holidays, everyday. 6-10pm. From 12 November – 18th January 2026.
‘Japan In Lights’ Lantern Festival – Jardin d’Acclimatation
Enjoy a magical walk admiring colourful lantern displays. Note, the event starts at dusk.
THE EVENT IS OPEN CHRISTMAS EVE, CHRISTMAS DAY, NEW YEAR’S EVE, NEW YEAR’S DAY
Live from: 10th December 2025 to 8th March 2026
Find out more about ‘Japan In Lights’ Lantern Festival here
Lumières en Seine – Saint‑Cloud
Check out the amazing illuminated walk Lumières en Seine through Domaine national de Saint‑Cloud – just west of Paris. Tip: Book the early slot asap if you’re hoping for it!
THE EVENT IS OPEN CHRISTMAS DAY & NEW YEAR’S DAY
Live from: 14 November 2025 to 11 January 2026, 5pm-11pm
Find out more and book via lumieresenseine.com
Light Cycles at La Villette
Explore this enchanting night trail of five multi-sensory worlds, transformed by colourful light and sound.
From now until 30th December. From €12.90 for a child’s ticket. Free for under 4s. Located at Parc de la Villette. Suitable for all ages, according to the website, – it really depends how much your kids like the dark and bright lights! 45 min walk. Book and find out more here
Odyssée lumineuse at Parc Floral
An adventure exploring illuminated sculptures around the beautiful Parc Floral
THE EVENT IS OPEN CHRISTMAS DAY & NEW YEAR’S DAY
Live from Wednesday, 19th November! Find more info and book here
Paris Christmas Theatre Shows for kids under 6
There are tons of great Paris Christmas theatre shows suitable for young kids – check out this theatre round up here.
Ice skating
Grand Palais Ice Rink
The infamous Paris Grand Palais transforms into a HUGE 2,700 m² ice rink from mid December. Although the space is big and gets busy, there’s a dedicated ares for small kids in the daytime. TIP: Buy tickets in advance to try and avoid queue time, but be prepared there may be a lot of waiting involved. Aim to arrive early as possible in the morning when it should be a bit less busy.
THE EVENT IS OPEN CHRISTMAS EVE, CHRISTMAS DAY, NEW YEAR’S EVE, NEW YEAR’S DAY
From December 14th, 2025 – January 7th 2026. Find out more about the Grand Palais Ice Rink and book in here
Other Christmas events in Paris
‘Christmas Magic’ at the Hippodrome
The Hippodrome in Paris‑Vincennes gets a festive makeover over 4 weekends in December. These Hippdrome days out can be super cheap and a full day out for the whole family. Activities for small kids include:
- Village of the Santa’s Mini-Horses
- Pony rides from 3 years
- Carousel
- Elf School – an educational workshop for looking after ponies
FREE entry – 7, 14, 21 et 28 December. Find out more here
Christmas events in Paris at Baby Cafes + Schools
Pépites de familles, (Colombes)
Various Christmas workshops at this baby cafe north west of Paris. Check them out here on Instagram.
ÔTIPI Saint-Placide (6e) and ÔTIPI de Breteuil (6e)
Festive workshops and Christmas musical events in the run up to Christmas – check them out here for Bretreuil and here for Saint-Placide
Christmas events in Paris Suburbs
Versailles
The King’s Tour
Travel back in time to the baroque era, where the Palace of Versailles is transformed into a festive celebration. The King’s Tour is an immersive and unique tour-show that takes you throughthe Salon of Hercules to the Queen’s Chamber via the Hall of Mirrors – with royal fireworks, musicians, dancers, singers, fencers and actors along the way! Of course Marie-Antoinette is the star, finishing with a special surprise, a visit to baroque Santa Claus !
Note, suitable from 4 years only. Tour lasts 1.10mins. From 33 euros per person. Launching mid-December but dates remain from 23rd December. Tour times starts from 6pm. Book the King’s Tour soon (HERE) to avoid disappointment.
Versailles Christmas market – La Cour des Créateurs et des Saveurs de Noël
This Christmas creators and food market is back this year, in November, there are activities for kids planned including Christmas carols, free creative workshops and treasure hunts.
Location: Hôtel de Beauté. Taking place in December on the following dates: 20 -21st .Find out more here
Find all these locations on the Tots City Guide Baby & Toddler map
Fontainebleau
Christmas market: Marché de Noël & Festival des Lumières
This lively Christmas market includes a visit from father Christmas, along with children’s workshops (such as craft and biscuit decorating).
Over in Fontainebleau Village there are lots of fun activities for small kids including a small train for a tour of the illuminated village, also an interactive “lutin” (elf) wall and luge (from kids 1m20)!
Events happening 23rd-28th December 2025. Located at Place de la République & Cour de l’Hôtel de Ville. Find out more info here
Noël à Gagny
Gagny Christmas Village
This mega Gagny market features everything from market stalls, to rides, faux snow skiing and Santa visits.
THE EVENT IS OPEN CHRISTMAS EVE, CHRISTMAS DAY, NEW YEAR’S EVE, NEW YEAR’S DAY
FREE entry. Located: Parc Courbet, Gagny, Seine-Saint-Deni. 30thNovember-1st January 2026. More info here
Gagny Christmas Market (indoor market)
Special events: Craft workshops for children: Saturday 13th Dec: 14:00–18:00PM. Sunday 14th Dec: 14:00–16:00PM
Located: Gagny Salle des Fêtes (Town Hall event hall). Friday 12-14th December. More info here
Find tons more things to do in Paris with kids under 6 with the Paris toddler & Baby Map
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