How to Spend the Perfect Christmas in Paris

"Few things are more magical than waking up on Christmas morning and exchanging gifts with loved ones under a tinsel-strewn tree-though spending it in Paris with a view of the Eiffel Tower and a basket of fresh croissants certainly comes close. The City of Light dazzles more brilliantly than usual over the holidays, when cobbled streets and department stores sparkle with Christmas lights, and festive fun can be found in every arrondissement."

"While you may need to put any dreams of having a white Christmas on the back burner-Paris rarely gets more than a thin layer of snow-there's no shortage of romantic ways to spend winter days there, whether on a moonlit cruise down the Seine or in the toasty glow of a heated terrace with a glass of wine in hand."

"Some of the best Christmas markets in Europe can be found in Paris. They're more like winter villages, with Swiss-style wooden chalets doling out vin chaud (mulled wine), raclette sandwiches oozing cheese, and plenty of made-in-France souvenirs. Holiday markets begin popping up around the city in late November and usually run through late December (a few happen through the new year), ranging in size from a handful of stalls to upwards of 300."

Paris transforms into a festive, illuminated destination at Christmastime, offering markets, decorated department stores, and seasonal concerts in churches. Christmas markets appear from late November through late December, ranging from small stalls to large winter villages with Swiss-style chalets serving vin chaud, raclette sandwiches, and French-made souvenirs. Romantic winter activities include moonlit Seine cruises, heated terraces with wine, and exchanging gifts with views of landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower. Snow is uncommon, so heavy accumulation is unlikely. Notable locations for holiday markets and displays include the Left Bank near Notre Dame, the Tuileries Garden, Hôtel de Ville, Galeries Lafayette, and Le Bon Marché.

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