Every year the historic Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann department store puts on a spectacular Christmas display featuring a decorated tree beneath its majestic dome. This year’s theme “A Christmas Journey” takes us around the world through the enchanting window displays depicting far away lands. The Christmas tree tells the story of this expedition, with glittering lanterns and Jules Védrines’ plane flying overhead. It was 1919 when his actual plane landed on the Galeries Lafayette rooftop! Ready to embark on a virtual journey?
Every 30 minutes the dome lights turn off to reveal a spectacular sound and light show. A sight to behold!
The window displays at the Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann store take us to distant imaginative lands, from a fairytale village full of polar bears to a mystical land of Arabian nights. This is the magic of Christmas!
Every Christmas season I vow to find my way to the holiday markets all over the city and indulge in the mulled wines and assorted delicacies. Somehow, I get side-tracked and never make it, having thus far only found my way to the grand Christmas marche at La Défense. (Well worth the trip!) To prevent this from happening again, the well informed travel site AnyTrip.com has provided a list of the Marches de Noël in Paris. For those lucky enough to be living in the city of lights, take your pick!
Christmas Market at Champs-Elysées: November 19 – January 2
The Christmas Market on the most famous street in the city of Paris draws millions of visitors during the holiday season. This market stretches over a length of approximately 2 miles from the Arc of Triumph to the Place de la Concorde. On either side of the famed boulevard, you will find numerous chalet styled cottages that house many Christmas themed items such as hats, scarves, purses, jewelry, chocolates, arts and crafts and many others. This market is particularly popular for children as the popular La Grande Roue (Ferris Wheel) and other amusements rides are open at the Jardin des Tuileries (Tuileries Garden), not far from the Place de la Concorde. The Paris Metro serves various portions of the Champs-Elysées so if you can’t walk the entire length, you can use the public transportation system.
Christmas Market at La Défense: November 23 – December 27 (Closed on Christmas Day)
The Christmas Market at the La Défense section of Paris, is the largest in the city, in terms of the number chalets. This Christmas Market offers live music, beautiful holiday themed artwork, plenty of good food and more arts and crafts. La Défense comprises a number of business and features the impressive Grande Arche, which is square shaped arch that is over 360 feet high. La Défense is easily visible from several miles away, due to its large collection of high-rise buildings.
Christmas Market at Trocadero December 8 to January 2
With the striking view of the Eiffel Tower as a backdrop, the Christmas Market at Trocadero is among the best choices in Paris. The Palais du Trocadéro is the most prominent structure at Trocadero, which was completed for the 1878 World’s Fair. The palace now houses a number of museums, including the Museum of Monuments and the Maritime Museum. Along with the many chalet styled shops, which features arts and crafts, food and other Christmas related items, there is a very popular ice skating rink. At night, the rink offers an amazing view of the grandly illuminated Eiffel Tower.
Christmas Market at Saint-Sulpice December 11 to December 24
Saint-Sulpice, Paris’ 2nd largest church is the site of yet another popular Christmas market. Situated not far from the 2nd largest park in the city, the Jardin du Luxembourg, this smaller yet lively Christmas market offers all of the arts and crafts and the tasty foods you might find at the larger sites. There is also a Santa’s Village, which obviously is a top draw for the children. Saint-Sulpice houses one of the finest church organs in the city is aptly known as The Great Organ.
Christmas Market at Montparnasse Tower December 5 to December 30
Located at the front of the Gare Montparnasse (Montparnasse Train Station), this mid-sized Christmas market is known of its broad collection of French foods with Christmas flair. Because of its easy access from the train station, this market is one of most visited in the city. As with all of the other Christmas markets in the city, you’ll discover a number of interesting arts and crafts.
Thank you for the Christmas market inspiration AnyTrip!
As an additional bonus, cross the channel and win a winter trip to London! To enter, go to AnyTrip’s Facebook page and tell them what you and a friend would do on your perfect day in London. Winner chosen on Friday Dec 16th.
