Visiting Paris in December? Live in Paris and wondering what to do in Paris in Winter? December is the month to enjoy Christmas in the city: put on some holiday music, pour a cup of French hot cocoa, and plan the festive experiences you want to savor this month.
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Paris in December Weather
December in Paris is chilly and often breezy, with daytime temperatures typically between about 3°–7° C (37–45° F). Expect overcast skies, occasional rain, and sometimes snow. If you catch Paris under a fresh dusting of snow it feels truly magical. Overall, December is a lovely month to experience Paris’s holiday atmosphere.
Paris in December temperatures
- Minimum temperature: 3° C / 37.4° F
- Maximum temperature: 7° C / 44.6° F
- Average temperature: 4° C / 39.2° F
- Average rainfall: 49 mm / 1.9 inches
What to pack for Paris in December
- Light sweaters: One to three soft, lightweight sweaters—cashmere if you like—are versatile and warm.
- Cozy accessories: Pack a warm hat, scarf, and gloves.
- Warm boots: Comfortable, insulated boots for long walks are a must.
- Rain gear: Rainboots or weatherproof shoes and a sturdy umbrella will help on rainy, windy days.
- Camera: A camera that performs well in low light will help you capture evening decorations and winter scenes.
Pro tip: Pack light and leave room for gifts and treats you’ll want to bring home. An extra lightweight bag or some free suitcase space makes shopping easier.
10 Reasons to Visit Paris in December
- Stunning Christmas lights and decorations
- Festive Christmas markets
- Seasonal foods, pastries, and special treats
- Beautiful photo opportunities everywhere
- The scent and atmosphere of winter in the city
- Elaborate holiday windows in boutiques and department stores
- Special holiday packaging and gift presentation
- Warm winter drinks in Parisian cafés
- The chance of snow
- A wonderfully romantic ambiance
Paris in December : Things to Do
Visit Christmas markets
Paris hosts several charming Christmas markets—Tuileries, Champ de Mars, and La Défense are among the favorites. Stroll the stalls, enjoy warm drinks, sample seasonal treats, and soak up the festive atmosphere.
- Champagne bar: Sip a glass of bubbly at a market bar.
- Mulled wine: Warm up with vin chaud as you wander.
- Salmon sandwiches: Look for stalls grilling salmon over open flames for a smoky sandwich.
- Saucisse aligot: Try sausage with cheesy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.
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Take a Seine dinner cruise
A dinner cruise on the Seine is a classic Parisian experience. Imagine a gourmet meal and city lights passing by the windows—perfect for a special evening in December, whether on Christmas Eve or any cold winter night.
Visit museums
Cold weather makes museum days ideal. Return to major institutions like the Louvre or Musée d’Orsay, or explore one of Paris’s many smaller museums. Consider a Paris Museums Pass if you plan to visit multiple sites.
- Skip-the-line tickets are often available for major museums and can save time on busy days.
Musée des Arts Forains
The Musée des Arts Forains is a unique collection of fairground art and antiques. It’s often only open for limited visits or by booking; check availability and tour schedules before you go.
Sit in a Parisian café
Savoring coffee, watching the world go by, and relaxing in a cozy café is a Parisian pastime year-round. December is ideal for lingering over warm drinks and pastries as the city sparkles outside.
Go ice skating
Seasonal rinks appear across the city. Popular spots include La Défense, Grand Palais, Champ-de-Mars, Jardin des Tuileries, AccorHotels Arena, and Galeries Lafayette.
Enjoy Christmas decorations
Paris is beautifully decorated for the holidays. Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, the Champs-Élysées, and Place de la Madeleine are especially festive. Evening walks to admire lights are a free and memorable activity.
Visit a Christmas crèche (nativity scene)
Many Paris churches display elaborate crèches during December. Notable places to visit include Église de la Madeleine, Notre-Dame (when available), Saint-Germain l’Auxerrois, Saint-Sulpice, and Saint-Julien-le-Pauvre.
Hot chocolate and Mont Blanc at Angelina
Angelina is famous for its rich hot chocolate and its Mont Blanc pastry—meringue, chantilly cream, and chestnut cream. If lines are long, consider take-away and enjoy your treats across the street in the Tuileries.
See the giant Christmas tree at Galeries Lafayette
The department store’s Christmas tree and the themed windows at Galeries Lafayette and Printemps are a highlight of December. Visit early or late to avoid the biggest crowds.
Jardin des Plantes light show
Seasonal illumination events at the Jardin des Plantes create stunning, animal- or ocean-themed light displays—perfect for an evening walk with family or friends.
Montmartre Cheese, Wine & Pastry tour
Explore Montmartre through its food with a guided tour of cheeses, wines, and pastries—an excellent way to discover the neighborhood’s flavors and history in winter.
Walk through Montmartre in the snow
Snow is rare but unforgettable in Paris. If it snows, Montmartre and locations like Palais Royal become especially picturesque—perfect for romantic strolls and photos.
Go out for a festive meal
December is a wonderful time for memorable meals. Choices range from historic brasseries and Belle Époque dining rooms to modern bistros. Notable experiences include traditional brasseries serving seafood platters, classic French dishes, and special holiday menus.
- Le Grand Colbert — a historic Parisian brasserie.
- Le Train Bleu — ornate Belle Époque dining at Gare de Lyon.
- Brasserie La Lorraine — known for seafood and festive decor.
- Verjus — seasonal produce with a modern approach.
- Bouillon Julien and Bouillon Chartier — affordable, traditional French dining in historic settings.
Go to the spa
A spa day is a cozy way to escape the cold. Paris has many excellent spas offering hammams, massages, and treatments—perfect for relaxing between sightseeing.
More festive experiences just outside Paris
Vaux-le-Vicomte at Christmas
The Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte is especially enchanting for its holiday decorations. Special evening events and seasonal programming make it a magical day trip from Paris.
Where to stay in Paris
- Le Pavillon de la Reine Hotel & Spa — luxury in the Place des Vosges, Marais.
- Maison Souquet — intimate, romantic boutique hotel in the 9th arrondissement.
- Hotel Parister — a trendy boutique option with amenities including a pool.
- Hotel du Louvre — a renovated luxury option facing the Palais Royal.
More Things to Do in Paris
- Afternoon tea at Le Meurice
- Classic dining at Bouillon Chartier
- Couples Turkish bath experiences
- Discover small museums across the city
Planning to visit Paris at another time?
- See seasonal guides such as Paris in November for alternative timing and tips.
Do you travel for food? Plan your meals in Paris with a food guide
Travel Resources
Useful services for planning travel include hotel booking platforms, car rental sites, ticketing services for museums and experiences, and digital SIM providers. Using reputable booking sites can help organize logistics and often provides customer support in multiple languages.
- Booking platforms: for hotel reservations and accommodation options.
- Car rental services: for trips outside the city.
- Ticketing sites: for museum entries, concerts, and tours.
- Digital SIM services: for staying connected while traveling.
Paris in December
December offers a magical Paris: festive lights, seasonal flavors, cozy cafés, and cultural experiences. Whether you seek romantic walks, culinary discoveries, or museum days, the city provides memorable winter moments.
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First published December 7, 2019. Last updated October 1, 2025 with added tips and improved readability.