The Best Christmas Decorations in Paris This Year

If you’re dreaming of Paris during the holiday season, but can’t make it there in person, why not take a virtual vacation? Our correspondent Julie Chang Murphy has rounded up photos of the best Christmas decorations, displays and lights in Paris this year, from the chic  2019 holiday store windows to luxury hotels to Christmas trees. Here’s a glimpse of a sparkling city decorated beautifully for the holiday season. 

what are the best Christmas decorations in Paris this year?

Paris is swoon-worthy anytime of year, but it glows with a special grandeur and brilliance during the holidays. We like to think of it as the O.G. of Christmas haute décor.

From its famous landmarks to luxury department stores and posh hotels, there is more than enough festive cheer in this year’s Paris Illuminations to lift your spirits, even if it’s only from behind a computer screen.

If you’re dreaming of a holiday in Paris but can’t make it there in person, why not make yourself a cup of chocolat chaud and come take a virtual vacation in the City of Light?

 

Here are our favorite – and arguably the best – 2019 Christmas decorations in Paris.

Famous Streets and Landmarks

1. Champs Élysées

Setting the mood for the entire city, the famous avenue often considered the most beautiful in the world, has 400 trees ablaze in a wonderland of lights.

2. Avenue Montaigne

Delicate and ethereal lights float above Paris’ top couturier showrooms.

3. Boulevard Haussmann

The famous shopping boulevard razzles and dazzles.

4. Bercy Village

This year’s theme “A Forest and Its Secrets” imagines the village as a enchanted wood.

It’s complete with fantastic animals, charming lights and a castle that fits right in with stone streets.

5. Jardin des Plantes- National Museum of Natural History

While not entirely Christmas themed, the “Illuminated Ocean” is still a hit with children and the young at heart.

A moonlit stroll through the garden reveals the splendor and mysteries of the sea.

6. Place Vendome

Two perfect conical trees preside over the prestigious, elegantly lit central court.

7. La Defense

Just outside Paris in the business district, the largest and most flamboyant Christmas decorations await.

8. Palais Garnier Opera House

For sheer opulence and drama, no tree rivals the grandiose Christmas tree set inside the Baroque beauty.

Department Stores and Boutiques

1. Galeries Lafayette

This historic French department store is always at the top of any ‘best of’ Christmas decoration list.

This year, the store is buzzing with Christmas cheer with the inventive theme of a Christmas beehive.

2. Printemps

Sprung from fairy tales, the windows at Printemps are playful and dreamy, with 60 animal puppets involved in various amusing and magical scenarios.

3. Bon Marche

We hate to play favorites, but Bon Marché is by far our favorite luxury department store in Paris.

This year for the holiday, trees take center stage in childhood storybook scenarios. Truly magical!

4. BHV Marais

Inspired by Strasbourg, the capital of Christmas markets, BHV is filled with Alsatian charm of rustic woodsy decor and soothing neutral tones.   

5. Dior

Outside Dior, a pristine tree towers over the Avenue Montaigne. A glittering menagerie of animals find shelter in the fluffy white branches.

6. Louis Vuitton

The massive golden sun is sure to warm the hearts of pedestrians and shoppers in the darkest and coldest days of the year.

7. Galerie Vivenne

One of the most beautiful covered arcades in Paris. We love the magical combination of its mosaic tiled floor, glass roof and Christmas lights.

8. Le Village Royal

This “secret” passageway with luxury boutiques features adorable teddy bears and balloon sculptures for a dose of Christmas whimsy.

Hotels

1. Ritz Paris

The Ritz can always be counted on to be delightfully opulent and festive.

2. Four Seasons Hotel George V

The George V is the epitome of Parisian luxury, and this holiday is no exception. Shimmering modern sculpted reindeer and golden tree and baubles shine oh-so brightly in this Christmas dream.

3. The Peninsula

Elegant and traditional, the Peninsula features a ‘Stories from the Tree’ theme.

Colorful and beloved characters like the Nutcracker and Gingerbread Man, who adorn all the displays throughout the storied establishment.

4. The Bristol

Hotel Le Bristol is a glittering jewel, and every year it seems to shine even more brightly. This year, the Christmas trees in the hotel’s garden are dripping in Baccarat crystal.

5. Hôtel de Crillon

This timeless hotel is picture perfect all year round. But at Christmas, it makes us feel like we’re starring in a movie.

6. Plaza Athénée

It’s hard to top this winter wonderland. It even boasts its own private ice skating rink surrounded by twinkling Christmas trees.

7. Mandarin Oriental

Hot pink, gold and purple are the color palette in this year’s Mandarin Oriental Paris holiday decorations.

The hotel’s bar 8 terrace has been transformed into an enchanted forest, sponsored by Glenfiddich.

the best Christmas decorations in Paris 2019

Those are our picks for the best Christmas decorations in Paris this year. Without question, there’s something for everyone. What say you? What’s your favorite of all? Joyeux Noël!

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Crediting her training as a cultural anthropologist at Wellesley College, Julie has immersed herself in various industries in the last 15 years including fashion design, event planning, fitness and even investigating police misconduct. Julie lives in NYC where she loves trying every ramen and dumpling restaurant with her husband and three children. She finds joy in bold prints, biographies of fierce women. Also kickboxing and spending way too long finding the perfect polish color to express her mood.

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