12 Things To Do In Paris In Winter

Are you looking for the best things to do in Paris in winter?

Paris is gorgeous at any time of year, although many people choose to visit between mid-Spring and early Summer.

Nonetheless, because it is the low season for travel, some believe winter to be the best time to visit Paris.

The months of January and February are the least busy, as the number of tourists declines substantially during these months. This means that hotel rates will be lower.

The mood of the French capital changes and has a distinct appeal during the winter. Under cloudy skies, the city’s historic structures stand out more.

The crisp air encourages visitors to go for long walks, while rainy weather invites them to stay in cafés, bistros, and tearooms. You also can enjoy the city’s greatest tourist attractions, such as the Eiffel Tower, without having to wait in line.

And if that isn’t enough to persuade you to visit Paris during the colder months, here are the best things to do in Paris in winter.

12 Things To Do In Paris In Winter

1. Stay Warm With a Cup of Hot Chocolate

A great way to start your Parisian winter holiday is by enjoying the rich hot chocolate in some of Paris’ finest cafés and tearooms. One of them is Angelina (226 Rue de Rivoli), known for its luxurious “L’Africain” chocolat chaud.

Their hot chocolate uses only cocoa from Nigeria, Ghana, and Ivory Coast. Each cup is served with whipped cream. Apart from this delicious drink, Angelina’s Belle Epoque interior adds to the experience.

Other places that serve chocolat chaud a l’ancienne (hot chocolate in the traditional style) in Paris include Ladurée (Champs-Élysées or Rue Bonaparte), Jean-Paul Hévin Chocolatier (Rue Saint-Honoré) and Café Pavane (Rue de Vaugirard).

2. Enjoy the Louvre (Almost) All To Yourself

During the winter, you will most likely be able to leisurely walk through the great art-adorned galleries and view the magnificent paintings without being pushed out of the way by other tourists.

This is easily one of the delights of visiting Paris in the winter when you can have the entire museum almost to yourself. This means that you can take your time and explore all of the Louvre’s highlights, including an up-close glimpse of the Mona Lisa.

Buy your ticket online here.

3. Admire the Holiday Decorations

During December, many parts of Paris feature spectacular displays of festive Christmas lights. Known as Les illuminations de Noel (Christmas illuminations), these lights cover Paris’s towering landmarks and grand boulevards, creating a magical atmosphere.

Take a trip through the Champs-Élysées, which boasts some truly extravagant Christmas decorations. The adjoining Avenue Montaigne, the chic Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, and the Place Vendôme are also well-known for their lavish Christmas decorations.

4. Get in the Spirit of the Season at Holiday Concerts

Throughout December, the historic cathedrals of Paris host Christmas classical music concerts and carols. This makes Paris a fantastic spot to spend the holidays.

Some of the places to go to for these events are the Eglise Saint-Germain-des-Prés (in the 6th arrondissement) which presents a concert on December 25th, the Eglise de la Madeleine in the 8th arrondissement presents special Christmas concerts.

The Eglise Saint-Sulpice (also in the 6th arrondissement), which is renowned for its Cavaillé-Coll organ, a classified Historic Monument and the Eglise Saint-Ephrem (5th arrondissement) with its remarkable acoustics.

5. Browse the Christmas Markets

Take in the joyful atmosphere of the holiday season at a Marchés de Noel while in Paris. These are traditional Alsatian outdoor markets, which feature vintage Christmas decorations and refreshments.

These markets are among the best places to visit in Paris throughout the winter. Here, vendors at modest wooden chalets sell artisanal products such as gingerbread, handcrafted Christmas ornaments, and holiday gifts.

The Marchés de Noel take place in December, with some beginning as early as November 30.

Some of the areas in Paris where you’ll find a Marché de Noël are the Notre-Dame de Paris, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Place Vendôme, et Jardin des Tuileries.

6. Go Ice-Skating

Ice skating is unquestionably one of the top winter activities in Paris. Whether indoors in a palace, or outdoors with some of the city’s iconic attractions as a background , ice-skating in Paris is a must-experience.

Some of the best places for ice-skating in Paris include the outdoor ice rink by the charming stately Neo-Renaissance-style Hôtel de Ville (4th arrondissement), Le Grand Palais des Glaces, Grande Arche de la Défense rooftop, the Eiffel Tower and the Trocadero ice rink.

7. Stroll the garden of the Serres d’Auteuil

This botanical garden, located in the centre of the Bois de Boulogne, was established in 1791. It now houses many rare plants and is one of Paris’s largest gardens.

If you’re looking for a change of scenery, this is one of the best things to do in Paris in the winter. Entering one of the five main glasshouses here is like stepping into a completely different and distant place.

If you’re lucky and the sun shines, the heat in the building and the plants will make you forget you’re in Paris in the dead of winter.

8. Take a selfie by the shop windows of the Grands Magasins

Just like Les Galeries Lafayette and Printemps, the Grands Magasins are well-known for their exquisitely decorated shop windows during the holidays.

This is the time when the windows become the main attraction of the stores, featuring displays considered to be true works of art.

Set in an enticing and festive background, these displays contain tiny figures that move as if in a little theatre. It’s a visual treat that will undoubtedly captivate you! You can also go shopping and climb to the rooftops for a stunning view of Paris.

9. See the Paris Festival Of Lights

Attending the Festival of Lights in Paris is one of the most pleasurable winter activities in the city. Following the success of the first festival of lights, which attracted over 370,000 visitors, the festival has grown to become one of the top winter attractions in Paris.

The festival enchants both young and old, with giant light sculptures illuminating Paris’s Jardin des Plantes and Menagerie du Jardin.

It is recommended that you purchase your tickets online to avoid standing in long lines. The festival of lights in Paris is held from November 18 to January 19, except December 24 and December 31.

10. Walk The Covered Passages Of Paris

Winter is the perfect season for discovering Paris’s remarkable and fascinating passageways.

Aside from enjoying the architectural concept of glass roofs cutting through several buildings, visiting the covered galleries is a great opportunity to escape the harsh winter conditions outside.

The most magnificent covered passages to visit in Paris are the Galerie Vivienne, which is the most iconic, Passage Jouffroy, Passage Verdeau, and Jardin Du Palais Royal’s surrounding galleries.

11. Warm-Up With Vin Chaud

Since France is a wine country, drinking  Vin Chaud will be even more wonderful throughout the winter in Paris. Vin Chaud is mulled wine or hot wine with a hint of spice. It’s created locally, and even Parisians believe it’s the best-mulled wine they’ve ever had.

You may get a glass from one of the many quiet cafes, but for an even authentic experience, go to the Christmas markets and ask the stall attendant to teach you how it is prepared.

12. Take a cruise on the Seine River

This may be cliche, but a cruise down the Seine is a lot of fun and one of the most romantic things to do in Paris during the winter.

The beauty of the illuminated city at night from the water is simply breathtaking. This shift in perspective is amazing. Plus, you can sit comfortably and warmly inside.

You may also purchase a ticket that includes a three-course dinner, providing you with a one-of-a-kind dining experience while in Paris.

Where to stay in Paris

Booking.com