Visiting Paris in December has a special appeal. The holiday lights are twinkling, festive markets appear across the city, and the museums and cafés feel especially inviting at this time of year. While the days are shorter and the weather can be cold, December is still a lovely time to enjoy the French capital — as long as you plan ahead.
If you’re thinking about a winter trip to France, here are our top tips to help you make the most of a trip to Paris in December.
1. Book Major Museums and Exhibitions Early
December is a popular month for cultural outings, both for locals and international visitors. Timed-entry tickets for museums and special exhibitions often sell out, especially close to the holidays.
We recommend booking your tickets in advance for:
- The Louvre
- Musée d’Orsay
- Musée de l’Orangerie
- Major temporary exhibitions, which can be very busy in winter
This saves you from waiting in long lines and helps structure your days around the shorter daylight hours.
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2. Plan Around Shorter Daylight Hours
In December, the sun sets before 5pm. To make the most of the winter light, try to schedule outdoor sightseeing earlier in the day.
Some activities that work best in daylight:
- Exploring Montmartre
- Walking along the Seine
- Visiting historic neighbourhoods such as Le Marais and Saint-Germain
- Enjoying views from the Arc de Triomphe or the rooftop of Galeries Lafayette
Evenings are ideal for indoor experiences like concerts, theatre, or a relaxed dinner — just be sure to book ahead, as December fills quickly.
3. Enjoy Paris’s Holiday Lights
Paris takes its festive illuminations seriously, and each year brings new installations and decorations. While displays change annually, a few areas almost always shine:
- Champs-Élysées — the city’s most iconic holiday avenue
- Avenue Montaigne — elegant, understated, beautifully lit
- Hôtel de Ville — often home to decorations or small winter activities
- Galeries Lafayette – if the weather's bad, enjoy the beautiful Christmas displays inside Galeries Lafayette department store
A simple evening walk is one of the best ways to enjoy the atmosphere.
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Jean-Pierre Dalbéra, CC BY 2.0
4. Reserve Restaurants in Advance
December is a popular month for end-of-year celebrations, work dinners, and family gatherings. Many of the best restaurants book out days or weeks ahead.
If there’s a specific restaurant you’d like to try, especially on a weekend, it’s worth reserving as soon as your plans are in place.
Three of our favourites include Le Bel Canto, where classically trained opera singers perform between courses; Le Coupe-Chou, a cosy Latin Quarter restaurant with historic charm and excellent traditional dishes; and Restaurant H near the Bastille, a small, modern Michelin-starred gem that offers refined French cuisine without the fuss. All three are wonderful in winter, but they do book up quickly, so we recommend reserving ahead.
5. Dress for Cold, Damp Weather
Paris in December tends to be cold and drizzly. Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing will make a big difference:
- Waterproof shoes or boots
- A warm coat
- Layers you can add or remove indoors
- A scarf, gloves, and hat for evenings
This is especially important if you’re planning to explore the Christmas markets, which are mainly outdoors.
6. Take a Night-Time Seine River Cruise
A winter evening cruise is a memorable way to see the city. Landmarks such as Notre-Dame, the Louvre, and the Eiffel Tower look beautiful reflected in the Seine, and the holiday lights add an extra touch of magic.
It’s an easy, relaxing activity — and a great option if you’ve spent the day walking.
7. Visit Smaller Museums for a Quieter Experience
If you want to escape the crowds or explore something new, consider Paris’s excellent smaller museums. They’re often quieter in winter and offer fascinating collections.
A few of our favorites include:
- Musée Marmottan-Monet (home to the largest collection of Monet works)
- Musée Jacquemart-André (a beautiful mansion with fine art and seasonal exhibitions)
- Cluny Museum (France’s National Museum of the Middle Ages)
These are ideal choices for a cold afternoon.
Visiting Paris in December has a charm all its own — festive, atmospheric, and full of things to see and do. With a bit of planning, you can enjoy the best of the city while avoiding the common pitfalls of winter travel.
If you’re considering a December trip to Paris or would like help crafting a custom itinerary for 2025 or 2026, trip planners Emilie and Laura would be delighted to design a trip around your interests.
You can reach them at travel@france-justforyou.com, or send them your trip-planning form below!
