In all seasons, Paris immerses the visitor in a magical atmosphere, and even more so when the end-of-year holidays come. The city lights up and puts on its most beautiful clothes to soak up the Christmas atmosphere around every street. And for an even more magical experience, the light trails of Paris invite you for an enchanting stroll that will amaze you.
Parc de la Villette: Dali’s extravagant light trail
The end-of-year holiday season is conducive to magic and daydreaming. Immerse yourself in the extravagant and luminous atmosphere imagined by Salvatore Dali , at Parc de la Villette. After an exhibition dedicated to Tim Burton, this year the experience invites you to discover the works of the Spanish painter who made him famous: Elephant of Triumph, Alice in Wonderland, The Profile of Time… The surrealist pieces are scattered throughout a luminous and audiovisual walk, creating a link between art and nature.
Address: Parc de la Villette, 221 avenue Jean Jaurès, 19th arrondissement;
Dates: November 16, 2023 to January 21, 2024.
Jardin des Plantes: Jungle in the process of enlightenment
On the occasion of the end-of-year celebrations, the Garden of plantsis also adorned with beautiful illuminations to make young and old alike dream. In 2023, lush nature will immerse you in the magic of Christmas, with an abundant trail that looks like a tropical forest. Venture into this jungle in the process of enlightenment , to encounter spectacular fauna and flora: immense luminous structures, giant flowers, formidable felines, astonishing frogs… So many wonders as surprising as they are charming.
Address: Jardin des Plantes, place Valhubert, 5th arrondissement;
Dates: November 22, 2023 to January 21, 2024.
Floral park: the luminous odyssey
When night falls at the Floral Park , the magic happens and immerses you in a poetic and wonderful atmosphere. The luminous odyssey opens the doors to a secret and magical world, which will take you across the whole world, and all the way to Lapland, where you will have the chance to admire the Northern Lights . Open your eyes wide, the walk promises to be magnificent, and the numerous paintings highlighted will leave stars in your eyes.
Address: Paris floral park, route de la Pyramide, 12th arrondissement;
Dates: November 28, 2023 to January 7, 2024.
Domaine national de Saint-Cloud: Lights in the Seine
At nightfall, the Saint-Cloud estate takes you on a journey, through the Lumières en Seine route . This nighttime stroll shines brightly, along a sparkling 2 km route. Discover this immersive experience in music and light, and fully experience the magic of the end-of-year holidays. Keep your eyes peeled so you don’t miss anything from the illuminated water lilies, the starry trees, or even Santa’s sleigh.
Address: domaine national de Saint-Cloud, 1 avenue de la grille d’honneur, Saint-Cloud (92);
Dates: November 17, 2023 to January 14, 2024.
Jardin d’Acclimatation: Dragons and lanterns
From December onwards, the Jardin d’Acclimatation is highlighted with the Dragons and Lanterns festival . Unprecedented in Europe, this magical journey introduces you to a major work of Chinese literature, the Book of Mountains and Seas. Rub shoulders with fantastical creatures and stroll along the paths of the garden, lit by traditional Chinese lanterns, created by the artisans of the Shanghai Yuyuan garden.
Address: Jardin d’Acclimatation, Carrefour des sablons, Bois de Boulogne, 16th arrondissement;
Dates: from December 15, 2023 to February 25, 2024.
Thoiry: Wild Lights
In Thoiry, the Lumières Sauvages route takes you to Asia. For its 6th edition, the light trail revolves around the magnificent 8 meter high temple. Facing the stars, it features the steppes of Mongolia, a giant Buddha, or even a lush jungle, for a sparkling and dreamlike stroll.
Address: Thoiry zoo, rue du pavilion de Montreuil, Thoiry (78);
Dates: October 29, 2023 to March 10, 2024.
Imagine your own light trail in Paris
From December 1st, all cities in France get ready to prepare for the end of year celebrations with dignity. In Paris more than anywhere else, Christmas promises to be grandiose, and each district of the City of Lights decorates its streets and shops. So, why not imagine your own luminous journey, following the Parisian illuminations ? Here is an itinerary that will not make you miss any of the most beautiful magical Christmas displays. To begin with, go to the magical Golden Triangle:
- The avenue des Champs-Élysées : going up the Champs is almost essential to admire the hundreds of illuminated trees and the facades of the decorated shops, and to soak up the magic of Christmas;
- The Department Stores on Boulevard Haussmann : every year, the decoration of the windows of Galeries Lafayette and Printemps Haussmann makes passers-by dream and lights up everyone’s faces;
- The Royal Village : head to Place de la Concorde, in Rue Royale, where superb decorations and a large illuminated tree are installed every year;
- Place Maurice Barrès : near Faubourg Saint-Honoré and Place Vendôme, this square is magnificently decorated throughout the month of December;
- The Christmas market in the Jardin des Tuileries : with its funfair and Ferris wheel, this Paris Christmas market is a must during the holidays;
- The Vivienne Gallery : in the 2nd arrondissement, this covered passage is adorned with its most beautiful finery for Christmas. The setting is ideal for buying the last few gifts in a magical atmosphere.
- Don’t forget to go see the superb illuminations of the Eiffel Tower !
Are you planning to experience the magic of the Christmas holidays in Paris? Put on your warmest coat, and stroll along the magical and luminous routes of the capital.