CHRISTMAS IN THE CITY OF LIGHT D
o your holiday plans include a visit to Paris? Our friends at Visit Paris Region
have shared a list of mustsee sights during the festive season. THE MAGIC OF DEPARtMENT STORE WINDOWS Christmas in Paris is not really Christmas without a trip to admire the windows of the Parisian department stores. Faced with the animated scenes, parents fall back into childhood while their children dream of enchanted worlds before enjoying the many activities on offer inside the shops. For the end of the year celebrations, Father Christmas becomes Mr. Loyal and takes his troupe on an extravagant tour to offer
young and old the most unexpected of shows. The artist Olaf Hajek transforms the windows of Printemps Haussmann into an extraordinary Christmas circus. All along the Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann is getting back in touch with literature by inviting novelist Claire Castillon to imagine an original tale: Planet Christmas. Illustrated by Florent Chavouet, Planet Christmas tells the story of Nordmann, an inhabitant of Elato, the planet of the wild
trees, who is sent to Earth to save Annie’s Christmas. The magical fairy-tale comes to life throughout the shop, from the windows on boulevard Haussmann to the top floor. An unexpected encounter where Christmas shines like nowhere else, under a glass dome known all over the world! To bring the magic of the end of the year 2022 to life, the Samaritaine is putting on a show and transforming itself into a dance floor where a giant Christmas tree is enthroned.
Dance in all its forms is highlighted. Pointes and tutus take over the main entrance and embark young and old for a magical ballet. On the ground floor, it’s disco night! Get out your sequined clothes and dance under the disco ball. As for the beauty area, it becomes retro and glamorous and invites you to sway to the rhythm of rock ‘n’ roll. And the highlight of the show takes place on the fifth floor, where you can dance to the voguing of the 80s. The Bon Marché Rive Gauche has been celebrating Christmas for 170 years and the magic is still intact. Windows and displays will amaze young and old alike. As every year, the four majestic Christmas trees are adorned with garlands and subjects in four different styles: crazy, traditional chic, snowy and enchanted. For 2022, Christmas baubles are in the spotlight. With the help the little Jolijou elves the windows are transformed into a bauble factory. This year, no need to travel miles to fall under the spell of Provence and its Mediterranean sun! At the Bazar de l’Hôtel de Ville, in the Marais district, Provence is in the spotlight for a Christmas that combines tradition and enchantment. Take advantage of the richness of this know-how to offer original, authentic and made-in-France gifts.
MAGIC IN THE STREETS Don’t miss the ChampsElysées avenue, whose 400 trees are illuminated from 20 November 2022 to 2 January 2023, from 5pm to 11.45pm and all night long on 24 and 31 December. The magic continues along the very chic Avenue Montaigne and Place Vendôme, the historic district of Saint-Germain-des-Prés… or further east, at Bercy Village where hot-air balloons illuminated in warm white take flight like lanterns. North of the capital, the artists of the Théâtre Les
Poussières are enchanting the Parc de La Villette from 15 December to 2 January 2023 with grandiose light installations for a marvellous, poetic and free stroll. The lantern parade launches this festival of lights and transports you into a world of fantasy. In the west of Paris, the Saint-Cloud National Estate is the setting for Lumières en Seine, an enchanting twokilometre-long trail. Between illuminated decorations, musical events and illuminated water displays,
he estate is being transformed until 8 January 2023. Until January 15, 2023, in the heart of Paris, at nightfall, the Jardin des Plantes is filled with small luminous creatures that become gigantic for the occasion. MiniMondesexplores the world of the infinitely small and offers you an original and poetic journey into the world of these itchy little creatures that live among us. Until the 5th of March, the estate of the Château de Thoirylights up at nightfall during its Wild Lights, these unique fabric-covered lanterns that are entirely handmade. Stroll through the park and gardens where more than 2,000 animals, characters and other dreamlike scenes await you. Through January 2nd, the Parc Floral de Paris will be offering you a sparkling holiday experience from nightfall. Light and soun works will take you on an enchanted stroll for an immersive and magical Christmas experience. CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN THE REGION Often made up of small wooden chalets and offering local or typical products from other countries, the markets are an opportunity to get ready for the festive season
by finding the latest gifts to put under the Christmas tree or a culinary speciality to serve on Christmas Eve. The stalls showcase numerous creative or craft items and gastronomy products. From jewellery, ceramics, leather and metalwork to foie gras and macaroons, you will be spoilt for choice. And to console yourself from the winter temperatures, warm up with a good wine or hot chocolate accompanied by a sweet treat.
PARISIAN HOLIDAY MARKETS - Christmas Market in the Tuileries Gardens: - Alsace celebrates Christmas at the Gare de l'Est - Féeries d'Auteuil 2021 (Apprentis d'Auteuil Christmas market): - Notre-Dame Christmas market: - Branly Christmas Village : - Village du Champs de Mars