The holiday season is in full force both here and Europe. Recently I posted about Christmas Markets in Paris, but this Travel Tip Tuesday, I wanted to share a few more free holiday festivities to take advantage of if you happen to be traveling to Paris from now through the end of the year.
1. Paris Illuminated. It’s no secret that the Champs-Elysées is a spectacular sight with its energy-saving lights on the 400 trees that line the grand boulevard from Place de l’Etoile to the Place de la Concorde during the holidays. But during the months of December and January, many other neighborhoods join in the celebration. Over 100 streets and squares in Paris, in almost every arrondissement, erect Christmas trees, decorations and colored holiday lights – each one prettier than the next. Check the ParisInfo.com website for details and specific locations.
2. Holiday Lights at Paris’s Department Stores. If you think the holiday department store windows in New York are something special, just wait until you see what the French have to offer! End of the year festivities at Paris’s big department stores include decking out their facades in colorful lights and enlisting the help of designers to create their inventive and elaborate window displays; themes change every year. Visit the big four – Le Bon Marché, BHV, Printemps and Galeries Lafayette. And don’t forget to visit the interior courtyard of Galeries Lafayette where you can drool over their massive 20 meter high Christmas tree which glows with over 5,000 lights!
3. Christmas Sound and Light Show. Notre-Dame hosts a daily spectacular light, music and ‘nativity in art’ show on a giant screen hanging in the nave. On-going performances happen about every 30 minutes and feature recordings of Notre Dame’s choir and organ. An added bonus is viewing Paris’s Christmas tree, which graces the square in front of the iconic cathedral. Admission is free, but donations are always welcome!
What are your favorite free holiday events in Paris? Share in the comments.