From ice skating and Christmas markets to fabulous hotels, there are many reasons to visit Paris in the winter. Here’s a guide to the season’s best offerings.
There’s never a bad time to visit Paris. The city keeps its romantic allure alive all year, with winter bringing its own special magic: twinkling lights adorn trees and Haussmannian boulevards, cafés glow under red heat lamps, and department stores dazzle with extravagant holiday decorations. Sure, the gray skies can wear on you after a while (the French even have a word for it—grisâtre), but it makes for the perfect wintry setting for a short stay.
Whether you’re hunting for festive activities to fill your holiday schedule or figuring out what to pack and where to stay, here’s everything you need to know to enjoy Paris in winter.
The Best Times to Visit Paris
Things to Know Before You Go
Winter Weather in Paris
From December through February, temperatures usually range from the mid-30s to the upper 40s (°F). You might luck out with a brilliantly sunny day, but more often than not, expect a misty drizzle—made much cozier with plenty of chocolat chaud or red wine on hand. Snow is rare, so don’t count on a white Christmas; if it does fall, it’s usually just a light dusting.
What to Pack for Winter in Paris
Packing for Paris is always tricky, thanks to its fashion-forward reputation and endless (but tiring) walkability. For winter, bring clothes and accessories that’ll keep you comfortable in unpredictable weather. Waterproof shoes or rain boots are a must, along with an umbrella. A stylish yet sturdy winter coat will pull your outfits together, and layers are key for adjusting to changing temps.
Holiday Closures in Paris
If you’ve got must-visit restaurants on your list, double-check their hours. Many close for a winter break between Christmas and New Year’s, and some shut down entirely on the actual holidays. Also, remember that lots of shops and restaurants close Sundays and Mondays year-round, while museums often take Mondays or Tuesdays off.
Things to Do in Paris in Winter
From ice skating in the Marais to admiring festive department store displays, Paris has plenty of seasonal activities to enjoy.
Ice Skating in Paris
Strap on some skates and glide across the rink at the Hôtel de Ville (City Hall), one of Paris’s most stunning landmarks. Each winter, its courtyard turns into a public ice rink, open daily during the season. Bonus: It’s just steps from BHV, a department store that goes all out with its holiday window displays.
Christmas Markets in Paris
From late November to early January, Christmas markets pop up all over the city, filling the air with the scent of roasting chestnuts. Wooden chalets serve up everything cozy—hot mulled wine, cider, melty raclette, and more. The biggest (and most famous) is near the Tuileries Garden, which has grown into a full-blown carnival. Smaller but equally charming markets nestle near Notre Dame and Montmartre’s Place des Abbesses.
Window Shopping in Paris
Department stores like Galeries Lafayette, Printemps Haussmann, and Le Bon Marché go all out for the holidays. Their window displays are a spectacle—think dancing gingerbread men, Santa scenes, and miniature winter wonderlands. Inside, towering Christmas trees and twinkling lights add even more sparkle.
Winter Sales in Paris
Les soldes (the sales) happen twice a year, and the winter edition (January–February) is a shopper’s paradise. Prices drop on everything from designer fashion to home goods, with discounts getting deeper as the weeks go by.
Museums in Paris
If the weather’s too dreary for a Seine-side stroll, dive into one of Paris’s incredible museums. Whether you love fashion, Impressionist art, or history, there’s something for everyone. (Pro tip: Book tickets ahead!)
This winter’s standout exhibits include “Pop Forever Tom Wesselmann” at the Louis Vuitton Foundation, a Harriet Backer showcase at the Musée d’Orsay, and “Figures of the Fool” at the Louvre.
Eat Pastries in Paris
Paris’s pastry scene is a year-round delight, but winter brings bûche de Noël, a traditional Christmas cake rolled into a log shape—with countless fancy variations. Some of the best can be found at the Ritz Paris, Hôtel Lutetia, and Pierre Hermé.
Where to Stay in Paris
Whether you’re splurging on luxury or sticking to a budget, there’s a hotel for every taste.
For classic French opulence, the Ritz Paris (1st arrondissement) is unbeatable. You’ll soak up its lavish holiday décor and sip astrology-themed cocktails at the legendary Ritz Bar.
Design lovers should check out Brach Paris (16th arrondissement), a Philippe Starck masterpiece with warm wood accents, geometric pillows, and a rooftop garden boasting Eiffel Tower views (plus a Norwegian bath). Its sprawling spa includes an indoor pool, hot tub, steam room, and Himalayan salt cave.
Budget-friendly? Hôtel Caron de Beaumarchais in the Marais is a charming boutique spot with exposed beams and a lovely breakfast-in-bed option.
For something quirky, try Remix Hotel (19th arrondissement), an ‘80s-themed stay complete with neon lights, velvet headboards, and checkerboard hallways.
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