When Do Paris Christmas Light Displays Begin in 2025?

The start of the Christmas illuminations in Paris is set for 16 November 2025 on the iconic Avenue des Champs-Élysées.

All 400 trees lining this legendary boulevard will sparkle every evening from 5pm until midnight, continuing through to 7 January 2026.

The festivities carry on from 18 November 2025 along Avenue Montaigne.

The Faubourg Saint-Honoré neighbourhood will join the festive lighting from 22 November 2025.

Bercy Village will create its characteristic holiday ambience from late November 2025 until early January 2026, while Place Vendôme will reveal its elegant illuminated décor at the end of November.

In an effort to reduce energy consumption, the lights will switch off two hours earlier than in previous years, except on 24 and 31 December, when they remain lit throughout the night.

Where can I see more Christmas lights in Paris?

Place Vendôme transforms into a dazzling scene with its grand Christmas trees decorated with thousands of golden LED lights. For a charming winter walk, Montmartre offers a magical route along rue des Abbesses and place du Tertre.

Several of Paris’s most iconic streets also offer stunning displays:

- Boulevard Haussmann: shimmering façades of the famous department stores

- Rue de la Paix: bright silver-themed arcades

- Avenue George V: streams and cascades of glowing white lights

For the best experience, plan your visit around 6pm, when the city begins to shine and the atmosphere becomes especially enchanting.

Where can I find the most beautiful Christmas decorations in Paris?

- Village Royal presents sophisticated festive lighting, creating a distinctive ambience beneath its historic glass roof. This refined passage also hosts charming boutiques with beautifully decorated windows.

- Bercy Village captivates visitors with its glowing cobblestone paths. Dedicated to sustainability, Bercy Village uses eco-friendly decorations crafted from recycled and biodegradable materials, offering a joyful yet environmentally responsible holiday setting.

- Rue Saint-Dominique in the 7th arrondissement is another delightful spot, known for its elegantly decorated storefronts and pastry shops. Retailers along the street compete to design creative seasonal displays that blend classic charm with contemporary style.

The Jardin des Plantes, along with several other Parisian sites such as the Parc Floral, Jardin d’Acclimatation, Domaine de Saint-Cloud, and Thoiry, showcases impressive lantern installations and illuminated sculptures, turning their walkways into magical journeys for families to enjoy.