Paris in winter is pure magic. As the City of Light glows under festive illuminations, its cobblestone streets, iconic landmarks, and charming cafés take on an enchanting charm.
I’ve explored Paris in every season, but there's something uniquely special about its winter wonderland appeal. Whether you're sipping vin chaud (hot wine) at a Christmas market, admiring the Eiffel Tower dusted with frost, or indulging in a decadent hot chocolate at Angelina, winter in Paris is a dream come true.
One of the best things about visiting in the off-season is fewer crowds at major attractions like the Louvre Museum and Musée d’Orsay. You can wander through the halls of history without the usual rush. Luxury shopping lovers will adore the festive window displays at Galeries Lafayette and the incredible winter sales that start in January. And if you're a fan of French gastronomy, winter is the perfect time to savor hearty French cuisine, from onion soup to raclette.
I’ll guide you through the absolute best things to do in Paris during winter, from must-see events to hidden gems. Whether you're visiting for romance, culture, or food, this list will ensure your Parisian getaway is unforgettable. Ready to discover the magic of Paris in winter? Let’s dive in!
8 Best Things to Do in Paris During Winter
1. Visit the Christmas tree at the Galeries Lafayette
It is one of the largest and most emblematic galleries in Paris . In addition to visiting the luxury brand stores, there are many cafes where you can have a drink and enjoy the great dome . In December everything lights up and you can enjoy the Christmas decorations, with the Galeries Lafayette being one of the main attractions to visit in Paris during the end-of-year holidays .
Also, if you access the top floor, you can end up on the terrace (you will have to go up the stairs as well) and enjoy one of the most iconic views of Paris .
2. Visit the Paris Christmas markets in the Tuileries Garden
I love the Christmas markets in Paris. In the Tuileries Garden you will find games and lots of stalls where you can eat something delicious , drink hot chocolate, mulled wine or eat a good raclette.
Let’s see, we’ve reached the Ferris wheel… Love, hate? What do we feel about this famous trip around the world? Half of the French hate it. They say that it blocks their view, the landscape of the city and that it doesn’t show the essence of Paris.
The other half say they like it and that it is the symbol of the Christmas holidays in Paris, since it has been placed here every winter since 2000.
My opinion? I love it! It has a total of 42 cabins and every year it receives more than 300,000 passengers, and when you get to the top, at a height of 65 meters, you really will love it.
You will see the Louvre from above, the Tuileries Garden, and much more. Without a doubt, one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Paris can be found in the Jardin des Tuileries , right next to the large Ferris wheel through which we can enjoy the entire city.
3. Have tea or Breakfast & Taste Macarons at Ladurée on Champs Elysées
Ladurée is a very famous macaron house, it has several branches in Paris. Now that it is so cool, it is essential to go to its great café on the Champs Elysées Avenue .
It is one of my favorite places to go to have tea in Paris, have breakfast or have a hot chocolate and then go out to walk along the grand avenue and even take some photos at the Arc de Triomphe .
Nowadays, in Paris there are thousands of beautiful cafes where you can go to read a book or relax a bit and regain energy . Among my favorite areas are the Le Marais neighborhood , the Invalides area and the Latin Quarter .
Without a doubt, a must-have on your list of best things to do in Paris during winter.
4. Explore the Paris of passages and galleries
Paris in winter is cold, rainy and can even snow, and temperatures never rise above 2 or 3 degrees.
What can we do? Escape the damp cold and get into places with a roof and, perhaps, a little heating. And this is the perfect time to discover the museums of Paris with this guide to the best museums in Paris .
5. Visit the museums of Paris
Without a doubt, among the 5 things to do in Paris in winter , in addition to walking around the city and enjoying its majesty and architecture that is beautiful all year round, it is also important to enjoy it indoors.
That’s why here I share with you an article with our top 5 museums to visit in Paris .
If you are going to travel to Paris on a low budget , or want to make an economical trip, in this article we tell you and show you the free museums in Paris.
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Museum of the Orangery
6. Ice skating in front of the Eiffel Tower
Obviously, one of my favorite things to do in Paris in winter could not be missing. Yes! I love these skating rinks that are set up in Paris in winter. Imagine ice skating, like in the movies , with gloves, a hat and a hot chocolate in your hand, IN FRONT OF THE EIFFEL TOWER!! Well, if you come around these dates, you will be able to do it.
The Ice Rink at the Montparnasse Tower is open for the winter holidays.
7. Discover ‘Aura’, the mapping at the army museum, ‘Les Invalides’ in Paris
At the Grand Armada Museum, between the months of October and March inclusive, a mapping experience known as AURA takes place at night after closing time .
It is a show where we discover the history of this important building, but also of the city. It invites us to visit the tombs of the great military men buried there with a unique play of colours and sounds.
8. Take advantage of the big sales: winter offers and discounts in Paris
If you had the chance to do any tour with me over the years , I always make it clear that Paris is not Miami .
And what do I mean by this? You don’t have to come to the city and spend days and days in the shopping malls , going around the stores and buying everything you can.
There are so many things to see, so many places to visit, so many museums to discover and so many streets to walk , that shopping doesn’t seem to me to be the number one activity, at least if you’re coming for a short time.
BUT, my whole argument falls apart between the first days of January and the middle of February , when the 6 weeks of SOLDES (sales) appear in the city, which reach more than 70% discount in all stores .
At Forum Les Halles you will find a large shopping centre with popular brands and if you stroll through the Le Marais district you will find many independent designer shops.
Everything is on sale. You will find extremely cheap prices. It would not be unusual to find sweaters for €1, dresses for €5, or shoes for €3 at H&M these weeks .
On the other hand, I share with you an article detailing my plans to visit Paris when it rains.
