Paris in Winter Wonderland: Christmas Markets, Ice Skating, and Festive Celebrations Abound

Paris is absolutely buzzing this week, and if you’re in the city right now, you’ve picked a magical moment to explore.

According to Sortir à Paris, the heart of the action today is all about Christmas in full swing. The Grand Palais has transformed into the Grand Palace of Ice, a gigantic indoor skating rink open through January 7, with an illuminated Eiffel Tower rising from the center of the ice and a food terrace serving hot chocolate and winter treats. Over at the Tuileries Garden, the big Christmas Market funfair is in full operation until January 4, with rides, an ice rink, and rows of food stalls where listeners can grab mulled wine, crêpes, or raclette.

If you love Christmas markets, you’re spoiled for choice. Sortir à Paris reports that the “Enchanted Forest” Christmas village at Paris City Hall is open all week, filled with Made in Paris artisans, wooden chalets, and twinkling lights. Out at La Défense, the huge Christmas market is celebrating its 30th edition, with more than 300 chalets, a central ice rink, daily Santa visits, and live entertainment through December 28.

As the weekend approaches, think lights, music, and late-night culture. The Louvre is running extended evening openings for the holidays, from December 22 to January 3, so listeners can wander the galleries after dark with fewer crowds. In the evenings, Parc Floral’s Luminous Odyssey offers a glowing trail of monumental lanterns, a drone show, and even an artificial Northern Lights experience, running through January 11.

For a dose of Parisian spectacle, the musical The Sun King is back at the Dôme de Paris this winter, reviving the world of Louis XIV with big costumes and big songs. Basketball fans can head to the Accor Arena on Sunday for the Ligue Nationale de Basket All Star Game, which Sortir à Paris describes as a full-on show with top players, entertainment, and a family-friendly atmosphere.

If you just want to stroll, make time for the legendary Christmas windows: Galeries Lafayette with its giant tree under the dome, Printemps with its New York–themed scenes, La Samaritaine wrapped in ribbons, and Le Bon Marché turned into a chic indoor Christmas village.

However you choose to spend it, Paris this week is all about skating, markets, lights, and late-night magic. Thanks for tuning in, and don’t forget to subscribe.

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