December in Paris: Festive, Magical, and Crowded
All you need to know for your trip to Paris in December 2026. What to expect from the weather, what to pack, and where locals have fun. If you’re in a hurry, jump directly to what to do in Paris in December ↓
December in Paris is entirely festive, a welcome break from the winter gloom. The first Christmas markets open in late November, and the city remains alive with holiday cheer through the end of the year.
Beyond the markets, the theatre season peaks (not only French shows), and boutiques and department stores dress their windows in colorful displays.
You will have to deal with the shortest days of the year and the return of the crowds (another exception during the winter gloom), but you’ll love the winter shopping and festive mood. Here’s everything you need to know about Paris in December 2026.
Last update: August 2026
Is December a Good Time to Visit Paris?
December Rating: ★★★★☆
✅ Best for: First-time visitors, families, anyone who wants Paris at its most cinematic
⚠️ Watch out for: High season means higher prices and crowds (especially mid-December through New Year’s), some restaurants/shops/venues may close on Dec 25.
💡Local verdict: December is high season, but it’s a completely different experience from summer tourism. The crowds aren’t sightseeing hordes – they’re Parisians shopping, meeting friends, and enjoying the city’s theatres and cafés. If you can handle the cold and rain, December rewards you with postcard-worthy scenes and a festive atmosphere.
Quick stats:
- Average temperature: 5-10°C (41-50°F) highs / 1-5°C (34-41°F) lows
- Rainfall: Frequent rain and occasional snow
- Crowd level: 8/10 – High (holiday season = peak crowds, but different vibe than summer)
- Hotel prices: High (premium rates, especially Dec 20-Jan 1)
- Daylight: 8.5 hours/day (sunset around 4:45pm by month’s end)
- Book in advance: Yes, especially for Dec 15-Jan 1 (hotels, theatre, restaurants). Early December offers more flexibility.
Are You Planning a Trip to Paris Last Minute?
If you are booking a last-minute trip to Paris, I’ve got you covered! Below are our guides, top tours, hotels, and more:
» Plan: Paris Travel Planner; Paris Arrondissements Guide; Check out the best Paris Metro tickets for tourists
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» Where to Stay: Best Districts to Stay in Paris
- Le Pavillon de la Reine (historical 5-star hotel in Le Marais)
- Hotel La Comtesse (mid-range hotel with Eiffel Tower view from all the rooms!)
- Hotel Ducs de Bourgogne (super central 4-star hotel near the Louvre)
» Top-Rated Paris Tours & Tickets:
- Louvre Museum
- Eiffel Tower Summit Access Ticket
- Seine River Night Cruise
- Château de Versailles and Gardens
- Catacombs Skip-the-line tour with VIP access to restricted areas
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» Don’t leave without travel insurance! SafetyWing Essential plan works well for long and short trips (from 5 days up). Can also cover electronics theft through their add-on.
Weather in Paris in December
After 15 years living in Paris, I’ve experienced every kind of December – from crisp early December days that still feel like late autumn, to relentless cold rain that lasts for days. There are also magical moments when snow dusts the rooftops and holiday lights glow against white streets – even if it is only for a couple of hours.
December is unpredictable and unforgiving, but it’s also when Paris becomes most atmospheric.
December marks the official start of winter in Paris (December 21 is the winter solstice). You should expect temperatures around 5-10°C (41-50°F) during the day, dropping to 1-5°C (34-41°F) at night.
Rain and Snow in Paris in December
December has about 13-15 rainy days, frequent and persistent. This isn’t the occasional shower – it’s regular, damp rain. Some days it’s a steady drizzle that lasts all afternoon. A waterproof jacket with a hood is essential, and an umbrella helps, though on windy days (which are common), I find a hood to be more practical than fighting with an umbrella on wet streets.
Daylight in December
This is the hardest part for me about Paris in December: daylight disappears almost entirely. December 21 is the winter solstice – the shortest day of the year. The sun sets as early as 4:45 p.m., and sunrise isn’t until around 8:15 a.m. If you sleep past 8 a.m. or work during daylight hours, you’ll barely see natural light. Plan your outdoor activities for midday when there’s actually light to see. But also, December’s darkness is part of what makes the holiday lights and illuminated shop windows so magical.
Temperatures in Paris in December (Week-by-week breakdown)
These are typical patterns. Check current forecasts closer to your trip – December is unpredictable.
Early December (1-10):
- Typical highs: 8-11°C (46-52°F)
- Typical lows: 4-6°C (39-43°F)
- Often the mildest part of the month, with occasional dry days. Still feels like late autumn transitioning to winter.
Mid December (11-20):
- Typical highs: 6-9°C (43-48°F)
- Typical lows: 2-4°C (36-39°F)
- Cold, wet, increasingly dark. This is December at its most winter-like.
Late December (21-31):
- Typical highs: 5-8°C (41-46°F)
- Typical lows: 1-3°C (34-37°F)
- Deep winter. Cold, dark, frequently rainy.
Is Paris Busy in December? Honest Crowds Forecast
December in Paris is high season – a winter exception to the general rule. Years ago, early December was relatively quiet, but since Christmas markets began opening in late November, the entire month is now busy.
To optimize your time and avoid the longest lines: Visit temporary exhibitions during office hours (9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays) when locals are at their desks, not browsing museums. Book tickets well in advance.
The same strategy applies to Christmas markets and holiday shopping – prioritize these during weekday office hours. Save the touristy activities for weekends when Parisians are out shopping and enjoying the city.
December is also peak year-end social season. On weekdays, especially Thursdays, bars and restaurants are packed with office workers having year-end gatherings. Weekends belong to friends and family celebrations. If you have a specific restaurant or bar in mind, book well in advance – availability disappears quickly.
Below, I list the main Paris attractions for which you will need advance tickets and have added links to my favorite trusted providers for your convenience.
Over the years, I’ve seen quite a few transportation strikes scheduled for December. A week before your departure, check this post on transportation strikes in Paris, which is always kept up to date. Just in case…
Holidays in France in December
December 24 (Christmas Eve): Families gather for a pre-Christmas dinner, and many attend midnight Mass. Shops and tourist attractions usually close early. Restaurants and night attractions, including Parisian cabarets, often offer special menus and programs, so advance booking is recommended.
December 25 (Christmas Day): Traditionally a family day, Christmas Day is one of the quietest days in Paris. Many attractions are closed or have reduced hours, so check opening times before you go.
December 31 (New Year’s Eve): Most shops and tourist attractions are open, although some may close early. Restaurants and cabarets often have special New Year’s Eve menus and programs, which usually require advance booking.
December Shopping in Paris: Markets & Traditions
Holiday Markets
Paris’s Christmas markets run roughly from late November through the first week of January, offering thoughtful gifts in a festive atmosphere. Yes, it’s cold, but comfort food (roasted chestnuts, crêpes, raclette, tartiflette) and mulled wine make the experience cozy rather than miserable. For a short trip, prioritize the Tuileries Garden Christmas Market for atmosphere and shopping.
Elisa’s local tip: visit the top of Notre Dame Towers at dusk to photograph the lit-up Notre Dame Christmas market from above – the view is more magical than browsing the stalls. See my post on how to visit Notre Dame towers for details.
For a complete list of markets and locations, check my guide on the best Christmas markets in Paris.
Independent Boutique Shopping Culture
December is prime shopping season for Parisians, who browse not just to buy but to experience. The Latin Quarter is perfect for independent bookshops – ideal if you’re hunting for thoughtful gifts. Le Marais offers original clothing boutiques (no chain stores) and excellent vintage shopping. Visit the covered passages of Paris for vintage shopping and fairytale-like decorations.
Window-Shopping
December is when faire du lèche-vitrines – one of Parisians’ favorite traditions – makes the most sense. It literally means “window licking” and consists of admiring shop windows and displays without necessarily buying anything. Galeries Lafayette, Printemps, and other traditional department stores compete for the most spectacular holiday window displays. The interior décor is equally impressive – the famous cupola at Galeries Lafayette glows beautifully during the holidays.
Elisa’s local tip: Department store windows attract kids, especially after school and on weekends, when families come to admire the displays. Visit during weekday office hours for fewer kids literally licking the windows!
Need Gift Ideas?
Looking for what to buy? Check out my guide to gifts for Paris lovers and my recommendations for the best books about Paris.
Best Things to Do in Paris in December 2026
If you visit Paris for the first time, you may want to tick some of Paris’s top tourist attractions off your bucket list. The itineraries below are designed for people visiting Paris for the first time, and they are planned around the main attractions and the most interesting neighborhoods in Paris:
If you want to spend Christmas in Paris, check out my dedicated articles, which include all the festive activities and top tips to get the most out of the holiday season.
Enjoy the Light Festivals of Paris
A light festival is a magical nighttime experience: an enchanting stroll among colorful illuminated installations, often accompanied by music for an even more immersive atmosphere.
The Festival of Lights at the Jardin des Plantes is the best known. This Paris light show is a mesmerizing experience for the whole family, with monumental light installations illuminating the paths and lawns of this beautiful garden.
If you’ve already experienced the Festival of Lights on a previous trip, the Light Festival at the Jardin d’Acclimatation is also worth checking out. It attracts about one-third as many visitors, making it a great alternative if you want to enjoy the lights with smaller crowds.
Enjoy a Champagne and Can-Can Show
With darkness falling early in December, why not embrace the Parisian night with a glass of champagne and a dazzling cabaret show? It’s a fun way to experience the city’s legendary nightlife while escaping the cold and dark outside.
The Moulin Rouge is the most famous cabaret show in Paris, known for its spectacular French can-can, glamorous costumes, and lively atmosphere. But it’s far from your only option! For more ideas, check out my guide to the best cabarets in Paris, where you’ll find some great alternatives for an unforgettable evening.
Keep in mind that the holiday season is high season in Paris, so be sure to book your cabaret show well in advance.
Hunt Down Paris’s Best Chocolate and Pastry Creations
The holiday season is the perfect time to indulge in Paris’s beautiful chocolate and pastry creations. From elaborate holiday displays to decadent pastries and truffles, Paris’s best pastry shops pull out all the stops in December.
For chocolate lovers, Le Marais and Saint Germain-des-Prés are two neighborhoods worth exploring. In Le Marais, follow my free chocolate walking tour to discover some of the area’s best chocolate shops and pastry boutiques. In Saint-Germain, this Gourmet Chocolate & Pastry walking food tour is a delicious way to sample some of the neighborhood’s best sweet treats while exploring its charming streets.
Prefer a hot chocolate to warm you up on the coldest days? Check out my favorite spots for hot chocolate in Paris.
Theatre & Performing Arts (not only French shows)
December is a great time to enjoy Paris’s vibrant performing arts scene, with something for every taste and age.
Candlelight concerts in beautiful venues such as Sainte-Chapelle are especially magical during the holiday season – just be sure to book well in advance.
You’ll also find opera, musicals in English, circus performances, and plenty of kid-friendly shows. Here’s the full list of exhibitions, shows, and concerts taking place during your stay in Paris. Use the calendar on the left to select your dates.
Elisa’s local tip: when friends visit from abroad, I love taking them to an English-language comedy show: How to Become a Parisian in 1 Hour or Oh My God She’s a Parisian! Both are fun, lighthearted introductions to Parisian culture and a great evening out.
A Festive Spin on Ice
Nothing feels more festive in Paris in December than ice skating. The most spectacular rink is the one beneath the famous glass cupola of the Grand Palais, a truly magical setting. Some of Paris’s Christmas markets also have ice rinks, including the large rink at the La Défense Christmas Market. For a more central option, head to the Tuileries Garden, although it tends to be much more crowded.
Whichever rink you choose, remember that wearing gloves is compulsory. If you’re skating with children, check the rink’s age and height requirements before you go, as these can vary.
Visit the Castles Near Paris for a Fairytale Day Trip
French castles are always wonderful to visit, but they are especially magical when dressed up for Christmas.
You don’t need to travel all the way to the Loire Valley to admire grand châteaux. There are plenty of fairytale castles near Paris to explore, beyond the famous Château de Versailles. Some of these châteaux also host special events and festive celebrations during the holiday season.
I particularly recommend visiting the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, famous for its candlelit evenings, Le Grand Noël. You can visit it on its own or combine it with a visit to Fontainebleau on this guided small-group tour.
Visit Disneyland Paris (Christmas at the Happiest Place in France)
A day trip to Disneyland Paris is a wonderful way to get in the mood for the holidays, thanks to its special parades and Christmas shows. This year, Christmas at Disneyland Paris lasts two months, from 7 November 2026 to 4 January 2027! Immerse yourself in a warm, festive atmosphere at Disneyland Paris, with light shows and streets adorned with Christmas decorations.
Beware that since November 2024, prices to get to Disneyland Paris vary according to demand. As with planes or trains, to pay less, you will have to book in advance! I recommend looking at this Disneyland Paris Crowd Calendar, which is updated for 2026, to find the best days to visit to avoid the biggest crowds. Once you have decided when to go, book your tickets ASAP for the best prices.
Elisa’s Local Tip: Extend your Disney Christmas experience by spending one night or two at one of the Disneyland hotels. They all have a free shuttle bus to the parks and are specially decorated for the season!
Check out the Temporary Exhibitions in Paris in December 2026
December is an excellent time to explore Paris’s museums, especially when the weather is cold or rainy. If you’ve visited Paris before, it’s worth checking out the temporary exhibitions at the city’s major museums and galleries – you’re sure to find something new and interesting.
Paris always has an exciting cultural calendar in December. As of now, there’s not much information about temporary exhibitions in Paris for December 2026. Check back for the latest updates!
Robert Capa: War Photographer – Musée de la Libération de Paris, until 20 December
Remember Me – Bourse du Commerce, from 7 October until 31 December
Critical Thinking – Cité des Sciences et l’Industrie, until 30 June 2027
Here’s the full list of exhibitions, shows, and concerts taking place during your stay in Paris. Use the calendar on the left to select your dates.
What to Pack for Paris in December
December weather in Paris is seriously cold and wet. Early December can still echo late November’s mild weather, but by mid-December, Paris is at its most winter-like. Heavy layers are essential.
What I Actually Wear in December:
- Waterproof or water-resistant coat (heavy-duty winter coat, not a light jacket) – this becomes your daily uniform and your lifeline
- Dark wool trousers or heavy jeans
- Heavy sweaters and cardigans – worn constantly, sometimes layered even indoors as buildings can be chilly
- Long-sleeve thermal or merino base layers – essential if you are planning to spend a day outdoors
- Warm wool socks (thick ones matter)
- Waterproof boots with good traction (cobblestones are treacherous when wet or icy)
- Wool scarf and gloves – essential, not optional.
- Hat or beanie – practical warmth, not just style.
What Tourists Always Regret Packing for December:
- Light jackets – December needs serious insulation, not a windbreaker
- Fancy shoes with no grip
- One “good” coat – you need waterproof, and December is too wet for anything else
What Tourists Regret NOT Packing for December:
- Enough warm layers – that 8°C afternoon becomes 1°C by evening, plus rain and wind chill it further
- Waterproof coat – non-negotiable, not optional
- Proper winter boots – waterproof AND insulated. Your feet will thank you
- Thermal socks – cold, wet feet ruin December
- Quality gloves – cheap ones are easy to find at Christmas markets, but you’ll want warm and with sensitive touch to use your mobile
- Thermal layers or leggings – December cold goes through regular jeans
Elisa’s local tip: December packing is about serious layers and waterproofing. The key is insulation. Wear long-sleeved thermal layers under sweaters under coats. Heavy sweaters, thicker scarves, insulated boots.
For a complete packing guide, check out my full guide to packing for Paris in December. For styling advice on how to combine things and blend in with locals during winter, check out my fall-winter style guides:
Where to Stay in Paris in December
Book early – Christmas in Paris is one of the most sought-after trips in the world and good hotels in central arrondissements sell out by September. Avoid hotels near the Tuileries Garden Christmas market if you want to sleep – it runs until late and it’s noisy.
For December, I recommend staying in a hotel in Le Marais: it’s central, festive, and pleasantly quiet after 10 p.m. If your budget allows, why not treat yourself to a stay at a beautiful hotel with an Eiffel Tower view? Some of the best hotels in Paris offer spectacular views of the Eiffel Tower, which is especially magical when it sparkles at night.
Find the right accommodation in Paris – whether it’s a hotel or guesthouse, holiday apartment, or private apartment – I have them all! Book your accommodation by using the map below.
Paris in December FAQ
Is December a good time to visit Paris?
Yes! December is a magical time to visit Paris, with Christmas lights, decorated shop windows, festive markets, seasonal events, and a generally festive atmosphere. Just be prepared for short days, chilly weather, and possible rain.
How far in advance should I book a trip to Paris in December?
I recommend booking the basics – flights or train tickets and your hotel – before September, especially if you’re traveling around Christmas or New Year’s. Once those are secured, book popular activities as soon as possible, particularly cabaret and other shows, as well as timed-entry attractions like the Louvre and Sainte-Chapelle. For the Eiffel Tower, tickets currently go on sale up to 60 days in advance.
Does it snow in Paris in December?
It can, but snow is relatively rare and usually doesn’t last long. December is more about festive lights and decorations than a guaranteed winter wonderland.
What time does it get dark in Paris in December?
- Early December: sunset around 4:55 p.m.
- Mid-December: sunset around 4:53 p.m.
- Late December: sunset around 5:00 p.m.
What is Paris like on Christmas Day?
Christmas Day is one of the quietest days of the year in Paris. Many shops, restaurants, and attractions are closed or operate on reduced hours. If you’re visiting on December 25, check opening times and make restaurant reservations well in advance.
Have more questions? Join my Facebook group about Paris & France travel planning – ask anything, get insider tips from locals and experienced travelers, and find inspiration for your trip.
Still Deciding When To Visit?
- Paris in November (The Month for People Who Actually Love Paris)
- Paris in January
- Compare all months or plan your visit around one of the major events in Paris.
December brings crowds, but also Paris’s most festive and atmospheric season. This local’s guide will help you experience the city the way Parisians do. Bon voyage!
