What to Do in Paris in the Winter
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Winter is one of the best times to visit Paris, especially if you want to experience the city like a local. It’s much calmer and less crowded compared to the summer months, giving you a new perspective on the French capital with fewer tourists.
From late November to December, the city becomes oh-so-magical with sparkling lights, dreamy window displays and charming Christmas markets. Paris is always a good idea, but there’s something extra special about it with the holidays in full swing.
January and February tend to be the quietest months for tourism, which means you’ll get to enjoy Paris at a slower, more relaxed pace. Shorter lines and less cramped metros are always a plus!
Visiting Paris in winter is not only worth it, but it’s also a smart choice if you’re traveling on a budget. Fewer travelers means you can find great deals on flights and hotels.
Whether you’re planning to spend Christmas in Paris, or maybe you want to kick off your 2025 travels in the City of Light, Paris has so much to offer this winter!
In this post, I’m sharing everything you need to know about visiting Paris in the winter. You’ll discover tips for packing for Paris during winter, 12 of the best things to do in Paris and seasonal events for winter 2024-2025. Continue reading for your ultimate guide to Paris in winter!
In this Article…
Winter Weather in Paris
During the winter, Paris weather is generally cold, but not particularly harsh. Although, if I’m being honest, it’s definitely not the best. December is the rainiest month of the year, so you can expect some showers, but you probably won’t see much snow. Paris in winter temperatures are pretty mild, however, and typically range between the 30s and 40s. With shorter days and less daylight, it tends to get a bit colder as the sun sets too.
Walk around the city and you’ll feel the chill of winter in the air, but I’ve found that it isn’t quite as bad as my trips to NYC in the winter.
Don’t forget to check the weather for your travel dates to determine a more accurate forecast and plan for the variable winter weather in Paris.
What to Pack for Winter in Paris
Packing for winter in Paris? It’s best to pack plenty of layers, comfortable shoes, a winter coat and an umbrella in order to be prepared. You also won’t want to forget winter accessories like a hat, gloves, and a scarf (very Parisian) to stay warm when the temperatures drop. Be sure to check out my full guide on what to wear in Paris in the winter for a complete packing list, Parisian winter outfit ideas, and lots of helpful tips!
Read More: What to Wear in Paris in the Winter
Things to Do in Paris in Winter
1. Go Ice Skating
In the winter, ice rinks appear all over Paris, offering a quintessential winter activity near some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Rent a pair of skates and go for a glide in front of the Hôtel de Ville. Every year, a large ice rink is set up in front of Paris’s City Hall, where you can enjoy the open air with a view of historic buildings around you.
Another popular spot for ice skating is the Grand Palais, where a massive rink is set up under the stunning glass dome. Skating beneath the glittering lights and grand architecture feels straight out of a holiday movie.
When you're done, you can warm up with hot chocolate from a nearby café before continuing your adventures in the city.
2. Visit Museums
Those especially dreary days are the ideal time to visit Paris’s top indoor attractions. Escape the cold while exploring world-class exhibits? It’s truly one of the best ways to spend winter in the city.
There are hundreds of museums throughout Paris that you can always find a new place to explore. If it’s your first time in the city, you definitely won’t want to miss the Louvre and the Musée d'Orsay. For fans of modern and contemporary art, the Centre Pompidou is another must-visit museum. Whatever your interests are, there is probably a museum in Paris for you.
Here are some of the top art and cultural exhibitions in Paris in winter 2024-2025:
Feb. 9-Jan. 5, 2025: The Egypt of the Pharaohs: From Cheops to Ramses II at Atelier des Lumières
Apr. 26-Jan. 5, 2025: Fashion on the Move at the Palais Galliera
Sep. 4-Jan. 13, 2025: Surrealism at the Centre Pompidou
Sep. 24-Jan. 12, 2025: Harriet Backer at the Musée d'Orsay
Nov. 6-Apr. 6, 2025: The Departement Stores Saga at the Cité de l’Architecture et du Patrimoine
Jan. 24-Jul. 21, 2025: Fashion at the Louvre at the Musée du Louvre
Feb. 14-Aug. 17, 2025: Disco, I’m Coming Out at the Philharmonie de Paris
3. Explore the Christmas Markets
From late November until early January, Christmas markets pop up all over Paris. Vendors in wooden chalets offer artisanal products, Christmas decor, and of course, seasonal specialties like hot mulled wine, gooey raclette cheese, and roasted chestnuts.
The most popular market in Paris is at the Tuileries Garden. Both a market and a carnival, it’s one of the best spots to shop for Christmas gifts, enjoy the rides and peruse the many stalls and restaurants on site.
You can find Christmas markets in every arrondissement in Paris—in fact, you’ll probably come across one or two just by chance. A few more spots that are worth visiting are located near La Défense, the Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Montmartre district.
Read More: 10 French Christmas Traditions to Try This Holiday Season
4. Attend a Winter Concert
Winter is one of my favorite times to attend a classical music concert in Paris. Maybe it’s because there are so many incredible Christmas concerts or the fact that it brings some sense of joy during the dreary darker days.
Fans of symphony orchestra concerts should be sure to check out events at venues like the Palais Garnier, the Philharmonie de Paris, and the Opéra Bastille. During winter, you can catch performances by renowned orchestras with masterpieces by composers like Beethoven and Tchaikovsky.
All year long, there are classical music concerts in churches and chapels throughout the city including the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Église de la Madeleine, and Sainte-Chapelle. You can expect baroque and classical music from composers like Bach, Handel, and Vivaldi, along with choral performances, Christmas songs, and even pieces by contemporary composers. There is something truly inspiring about experiencing the music in such beautiful, historic settings.
Around Christmastime, there are also many concerts with holiday music, choirs, and special events at churches. You can listen to choirs and orchestras performing festive classics in some of the most iconic spots in Paris.
I attended a couple of concerts at Sainte Chapelle when I first lived in Paris. The gorgeous stained glass windows and French Gothic architecture made it truly unforgettable for me. As one of the most popular concert venues in the city, it’s definitely worth visiting, but you should book as far in advance as possible, especially for holiday concerts.
5. Enjoy a Seasonal Read
If you’re a bookworm like myself, then explore Paris’ bookstores for a seasonal read. Check out the city’s most famous bookstore, Shakespeare and Company, then take a two-minute walk to visit the Abbey Bookshop for an extensive selection of books in English. Near the Seine you’ll find several bookstands where you can purchase second-hand books for a few euros.
If you’re learning French, I’d highly recommend the Petit Nicolas books. This series of classic French children's books is quite charming and easy to read. Le Petit Nicolas, c'est Noël would make a festive read to enjoy this December.
6. Sip on a Coffee or Hot Chocolate
When the frigid winter weather arrives, it’s essential to warm up with a hot drink. Visit your favorite café and enjoy a coffee while you read, write, dream or people watch. If hot chocolate is your thing, stop by Angelina for a cup of their famous hot chocolate. Otherwise, you’ll find an espresso or café au lait almost anywhere in Paris. Here are some of the best cafes and coffee shops in Paris to enjoy your favorite warm beverage this winter:
7. Admire the Holiday Lights
Paris truly sparkles in December with Christmas lights and decorations throughout the city. Just take a stroll along the Champs-Élysées, Avenue de Montaigne or Boulevard Haussmann to enjoy the thousands of twinkling lights on display. Montmartre and Place Vendôme are two other must-see spots with some dazzling displays.
Many parks and gardens are also adorned with lights during the winter months. Once the sun sets, head to the Parc Floral, the Jardin des Plantes or the Parc de la Villette to walk the illuminated trails with a new theme each year.
8. Go Window Shopping
For even more Christmas magic, be sure to view the window displays of major department stores like Galeries Lafayette, BHV Marais, Printemps Haussmann, and Le Bon Marché. Every year, les vitrines are transformed into over-the-top works of art with puppets, animatronics, opulent decorations, beautiful lighting, designer clothes, jewelry, toys, and much more.
Inside these stores is just as merry and bright. The soaring glass dome at Galeries Lafayette is transformed into a glittering wonderland, and in the middle of the store stands a giant Christmas tree trimmed with beautiful baubles and twinkling lights. Le Bon Marché also creates a stunning holiday atmosphere with glowing garlands, festive displays, and lavishly decorated trees that capture the spirit of the season.
9. Shop the Winter Sales
If you’re in Paris after the holidays, you’re in luck. Throughout January until early February, the winter sales (les soldes d'hiver) take place across France, with major discounts on everything from designer clothing and accessories to home goods and beauty products.
This is one of my favorite times to stock up on clothing from some of my favorite French brands like Sandro, Maje and Claudie Pierlot.
To make the most of the winter sales, head to popular shopping districts like the Marais, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, or Rue Saint-Honoré. With discounts often reaching up to 70% off by the end of the sale period, there’s no better time to refresh your wardrobe.
Read More: Where to Shop in Paris on a Budget
10. Indulge in Seasonal Sweets
Winter in Paris means savoring some seasonal treats. You can find French classics like croissants, macarons, and éclairs year-round, but if you want to indulge like a local there are a few desserts you should keep an eye out for.
I’ve already mentioned chocolat chaud, but it’s worth repeating: you should definitely try a thick Parisian hot chocolate during the winter.
You can enjoy a crêpe in Paris anytime, but they really hit the spot on a cold winter day. With crêpe stands throughout the city, it’s really easy to find a warm, freshly made crêpe for a quick snack. Tip: try one with chestnut cream (crème de marrons) for an extra festive treat!
Speaking of chestnuts, you can find stands selling hot chestnuts throughout Paris, particularly near Christmas markets. If you’ve never tried marrons chauds before, now is the perfect time!
During January, you’ll also begin to see galette des rois (king cake) in bakeries and supermarkets across the city. It’s a popular French tradition to enjoy one of these buttery pastries with friends and family in celebration of the Epiphany. These cakes can be quite expensive, but many patisseries make smaller versions of the traditional treat that serve 2 to 4 people. Grab a bottle of crémant or cider to drink with it!
11. Cruise the Seine
A Seine River cruise is delightful any time of year, but in the winter, it offers a unique perspective of the city. Many companies offer daytime and evening cruises, so you can choose the one that suits your schedule and enjoy iconic views of the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and other landmarks from the water. In December, you’ll also get to see all of the Paris moments illuminated with Christmas lights. And no need to fret about the weather—most boats are heated and covered, so you’ll stay warm the entire tour.
If you’re planning to ring in 2025 in Paris, there are also plenty of dinner cruises on the Seine to celebrate the New Year.
12. Explore Covered Passages
When the chilly winter winds pick up in Paris, one of the coziest escapes is exploring the city's covered passages. These 19th-century glass-roofed arcades are some of Paris’s hidden gems where you can shop, stroll and soak in the seasonal atmosphere.
Galerie Vivienne is one of the most beautiful passages, with its intricate mosaic floors, a beautiful glass roof and upscale boutiques. You’ll find everything from vintage bookstores to chic cafes, perfect for spending a leisurely afternoon out of the cold.
Passage des Panoramas is another one of my favorites, a great place to do a little window shopping or pick up a unique souvenir from Paris.
Paris Events and Festivals in Winter 2024-2025
Get ready for a wonderful winter in Paris with these top events and festivals you don’t want to miss:
Dec. 6-8, 2024: Salon du Cheval at the Porte de Versailles
Dec. 8, 2024: Notre-Dame Cathedral Reopening
Dec. 25, 2024: Christmas Day (Nöel)
Dec. 27-Jan. 5, 2025: Festival du Merveilleux at the Musée des Arts Forains
Dec. 31, 2024: New Year's Eve
Jan. 1, 2025: New Year’s Day
Jan. 6, 2025: Epiphany
Jan. 8-Feb. 11, 2025: Winter Sales (Soldes d’Hiver)
Jan. 16-20, 2025: Salon Maison et Objet at the Salons au Parc des Expositions de Paris-Nord Villepinte
Jan. 21-26, 2025: Paris Fashion Week Men's Fall-Winter 2025
Jan. 27-30, 2025: Paris Fashion Week Haute Couture
Feb. 2, 2025: La Chandeleur
Feb. 14, 2025: Valentine’s Day
Feb. 15-Mar. 2, 2025: Winter Break
Feb. 22-Mar. 2, 2025: Salon International de l'Agriculture at Porte de Versailles
Winter is certainly the most magical time of the year to visit Paris. Whether you’re strolling through Christmas markets, skating in front of the Hôtel de Ville, or taking in the city’s twinkling lights during a cruise on the Seine, there’s no shortage of things to enjoy.
Are you visiting Paris in winter? What winter activities are on your Paris itinerary? Let me know in the comments below.
