Paris in December: What to Do, Weather & Events

Paris Weather in December & what to pack

December is the start of the winter season in Paris and occassional dustings of snow are possible. That said – the warmth of the season shines bright across the city with Christmas markets offering small gifts and warm cups of chocolat chaud. Holiday crowds bring a buzz to the central tourist areas and you will need a warm jacket, scarf and perhaps a hat as you explore the holiday delights.

• Average Temperatures: High 48°F (8°C) | Low 39°F (4°C)
• Precipitation: On average December has 11 days of precipitation that can include snow or light, icy rain

What To Pack For Paris In December

December is the official start of winter and warm jacket, scarf and hat are recommended. Warm, heavier layers are best to enjoy both the indoors and outdoors. December can bring different types of precipitation including snow, sleet and rain. As always we recommend a versatile capsule wardrobe with mix and match pieces that will keep you cozy as you explore the sites and the enjoy bistros and cafes. Parisians enjoy the outdoor terrace in most seasons including winter so don’t be surprised if you are offered a spot outside under the heaters – particularly on a sunny afternoon. Bring along some accessories (jewelry or a scarf) to sharpen your more casual outfits. Opt for comfortable boots that allow you to walk all day or stylish sneakers with warm socks.

What’s On In Paris In December

🎄Christmas Markets

European Christmas markets are a staple of the season and Paris puts on several to explore from mid-November through early January. The Tuileries Garden Christmas Market (La Magie de Noël) is the largest in the city. Located between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde, the market features carnival rides, food. and craft stalls to search for small gifts. The Notre-Dame Christmas Market (Marché de Noël Notre-Dame) is located at Square Viviani and has a cozier, more traditional vibe featuring arts, crafts and regional food stalls. Finally the Saint-Germain-des-Prés Christmas Market held on the Place Saint-Germain-des-Prés in front of the historic Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Prés is more of a neighborhood feel with artisianal crafts and gifts, food and music.

🎄Christmas Lights

The lights twinkle across the city. In mid-November a special event at the Champs-Élysées kicks off the holiday lighting season. Districts and merchants put up lights. Shops and department stores have beautiful window displays – particular favorites are the Galleries Lafayettes department store and the Louis Vuitton Vendôme location. Strolling through the city’s distinctive neighborhoods – the Marais, Saint-Germain, Montmartre – brings a warm holiday vibe.

🎶 December Cultural Events

Holiday music and ballet events round out Paris’s holiday traditions. The Nutcracker and Swan Lake ballets can be found at Opéra Bastille or the Palais Garnier. For a full schedule of what’s on at both venues visit the official website of the Opera National de Paris at operadeparis.fr

Concerts featuring traditional Christmas music are featured at many of Paris’s beautiful cathedrals and churches. If you love traditional or classical music, December is a marvelous time to take advantage of the classical concert season in Paris. The Concert Series at Sainte-Chapelle runs Friday-Monday with a 6pm or 8pm start time (Visit sainte-chapelle.fr for more information). In addition La Madeline Cathedral hosts a wonderful classical concert series in its historic and elegant setting. For a full schedule visit lamadeleineparis.fr/concerts-musique

Best Things To Do In Paris In December

🎄 Take A Festive Seine Cruise

The holiday season is a beautiful time to take a cruise on the Seine. The festive lights bring a special twinkle and warmth to the experience. Many lines offer special meals on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve if you are looking for a way to celebrate without worrying about where to make dinner reservations.

🥐 Holiday Food Tour

The holidays are a good time to take a food tour to get a more intimate perspective on Paris’s neighborhoods and to eat well. You’ll duck into boulangeries that have are baking baguettes with the armoma drifting through the street, taste cheeses your average restaurant will never serve, and hear stories about the neighborhoods no guidebook bothers to tell. More On Our Favorite Food Tours →

⭐ Don’t Miss December Experiences

Paris offers the chance to participate in aspects of French culture that are world-famous. You can take a perfume workshop or take a deep dive into French wine. Some of our favorite classes and activities include:

• Perfume Workshop: Looking for a unique gift to bring home? Perfume workshops are one of the most memorable and genuinely unique things to do in Paris. Paris has been the global capital of perfumery for over three centuries – so there’s no better place in the world to learn this art and bring home a bottle of your own signature scent. More On Our Favorite Perfume Workshops →
• Cooking Classes: Taking a cooking class in Paris will be a highlight of your trip. It is not just a fun afternoon, but one of those experiences that genuinely changes how you cook when you get home. There’s something about standing in a French kitchen, learning why butter temperature matters and how a proper roux should look, that no cookbook or YouTube video can replicate. More On Our Favorite Cooking Classes→
• Wine Tasting: Tasting wine in Paris is one of those experiences that sounds intimidating until you actually do it — and then you wonder why you hesitated. Whether you want to sip Grand Cru Bordeaux in a historic cellar or learn to pair Burgundy with perfectly aged cheese,Paris has a wine experience designed exactly for you. More On Our Favorite Wine Tasting Experiences →

Where To Stay In December

If you are planning to visit Paris in December you have a range of options to consider for your accommodation – but you must plan and reserve in advance. The holidays in Paris draw a host of visitors – particularly in the central tourist areas. Below are our guides and picks to help you choose the type of accommodation and area that fits your needs:

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