December in Paris | Luxury Travel

Embracing the Magical Charm of Paris in December: A Winter Wonderland Getaway

Paris in December holds a special allure, with the city transforming into a winter wonderland. In this blog post, I’ll guide you through the best activities and spots to experience the enchanting side of Paris during the holiday season. Welcome to the City of Love, Paris, where romance reigns supreme, and magic is in the air!

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1. Paris in December: A Winter Wonderland

Arriving in Paris during December, I was captivated by the city’s festive lights, cozy ambiance, and the delightful scent of mulled wine at the Christmas Markets. It’s a magical backdrop for embracing the essence of the season.

2. The Ritz Paris: A Dreamy Home Away from Home

The Ritz Paris is the epitome of luxury and indulgence. Staying at The Ritz Paris feels like stepping into a fairytale, with opulent surroundings and exquisite dining. Whether you’re savoring a meal or simply enjoying the ambiance, this iconic hotel provides an unforgettable experience and impeccable service. The Ritz Club and Spa are stunning! I highly recommend the Iris rebalancing massage after a long flight. Remember to spend time at the luxurious indoor pool as well. When you swim underwater you can hear classical music, a nice touch. Bar Vendôme and the Hemingway Bar are highly popular so getting there early is key. They also have a fabulous afternoon tea with pastries and Champagne in the hotel!

3. Cultural Romance: Exploring The Louvre

The Louvre is a treasure trove of history and art, offering an immersive cultural experience. I recommend this Viator to skip the line and see the most famous pieces within about 2 hours. Be flexible about your time on the day you visit. Even those of us with timed check-in and skip the line pass had to wait about 45 minutes because they delayed opening that day due to staff issues. I’ve been told that delayed opening happens sometimes, but usually will open 30-60 minutes late.

Discover magnificent architecture and famous artworks, including the little smile we all long to see on the Mona Lisa.

4. A Royal Affair: Versailles Palace

Versailles Palace’s opulence and breathtaking gardens are stunning. Explore the grandeur of the palace and enjoy a stroll through the gardens to immerse yourself in history. We did a guided small group tour, and the extra history and anecdotes made it so interesting.

5. A Sparkling Night: Eiffel Tower at Twilight

The Eiffel Tower, illuminated at twilight, is a must-see. Whether you’re dining at a restaurant or enjoying a glass of champagne, the views are simply magical. Savor the atmosphere and the twinkling sparkle lights (every hour in the evening) for a romantic and unforgettable experience.

There is a restaurant there at the Eiffel Tower for a romantic lunch or dinner, but make reservations or you won’t get a table. One better, is the Michelin restaurant overlooking the Eiffel Tower at the Peninsula, ‎L’Oiseau Blanc. We had a fantastic tasting menu and saw the the Eiffel tower sparkle every hour during our dinner.

6. Winter Activities: Christmas Markets and More

The Christmas season in Paris is magical with all of the holiday lights. Explore the beautifully lit streets, with Champs-Élysées and Place Vendôme being particularly renowned. We stayed at the Ritz at Place Vendôme, and it was beautiful and very charming.

The Christmas markets were in full swing when we were there the last week in November, and first week of December. We stopped for mulled wine, hot chocolate, and taking in the different foods and stands in many areas around Paris. Tuileries Garden Christmas Market was huge and so busy on the weekend. I read that there was a rink this year at Tuileries Garden for the 23-24 season, but didn’t see it while I was there. It was so packed with people I may have just not been able to see it.

7. Paris Shopping for Memories

Paris in December is a shopper’s paradise with Christmas Markets for local artisan gifts.

Luxury shopping in Paris is plentiful. Shop for a special memory and then don’t forget the rooftop at Galeries Lafayette for amazing city views or floors 7 & 8 at Le Printemps Hausmann.

Get the insider scoop on where to shop with this private shopping tour.

8. Relaxation and Romance in Paris –  Luxury Spa Retreats

Feeling jet lagged can be improved with a day-of-arrival massage. After a day of exploration, take a moment to relax and embrace the romance of Paris. For luxury spa experiences visit The Ritz Paris’s exceptional spa.

Consider a peaceful riverside moment by the Seine to unwind and enjoy the city’s soothing ambiance. Anywhere you are in Paris find a cafe and just linger together with some mulled wine or hot chocolate.

We went to Guy Savoy for my birthday and did the 13 course tasting menu overlooking the Seine River. We met Guy Savoy, the food, experience, and service were amazing and we had so much fun. We enjoyed multiple desserts including one with a candle for my birthday (no singing just elegance)! They even sent us home with an amazing pastry type of muffin for breakfast the next morning!

Ideas for How to Spend your days in Luxurious Paris

• Visit Montmartre: This historic neighborhood offers a unique charm in the winter. Explore the charming streets, visit the iconic Sacré-Cœur Basilica, and enjoy cozy cafes. Henri de toulouse-lautrec was the official painter of the Moulin Rouge. He was there nightly, and didn’t require any payment other than whatever he wanted to drink nightly. Renoir painted the Bal du moulin de la Galette inspired by many nights spent there. You can see their painting along with many by Degas at the Musee D’Orsay. I highly recommend a guided tour to see the hot spots of Montmartre and then the next day visiting Musee D’Orsay to see the paintings inspired by these locations and others around this area. Picasso and many other artists lived and painted in Montmarte, specifically Le Bateau-Lavoir. Le Bateau-Lavoir offered affordable or free housing and studios for starving artists.
• Musical Performances: Check out classical music concerts or ballet performances at venues like the Opéra Garnier for a cultural and artistic experience.
• Wine Tasting: Warm up with wine tastings in the city’s wine bars and cellars. Learn about French wines and enjoy the cozy atmosphere.
• Explore Covered Passages: Paris has a number of beautiful covered passages like Galerie Vivienne and Passage des Panoramas. These historic arcades offer a perfect refuge on a rainy day.
• French Cooking Classes: Learn the art of French cooking with a culinary class. From making croissants to gourmet meals, it’s a fun way to spend a winter day.
• Antique Shopping: Explore the city’s antique shops and markets. You might find unique and charming pieces for your home.
• Christmas Lights: The Christmas season in Paris is magical. Explore the beautifully lit streets, with Champs-Élysées and Place Vendôme being particularly renowned.
• Chocolate and Pastry Tasting: Paris is known for its decadent pastries and chocolates. Take a food tour or simply explore various patisseries and chocolateries.
• Museums and Art Galleries: With fewer crowds in the winter, it’s a great time to explore Paris’s world-class museums, including the Musée d’Orsay and the Centre Pompidou.
• Seine River Cruises: A daytime or evening cruise along the Seine provides a unique perspective of the city, especially during the winter when the city lights twinkle in the evenings.
• Explore Parks: While gardens and parks may not be as lush in winter, they have a unique beauty. The Tuileries Garden and Luxembourg Gardens are great options.
• Attend Winter Festivals: Keep an eye out for special winter festivals and events.
• French Cinema: Enjoy a movie in one of the city’s charming independent cinemas.
• Bookstore Browsing: Paris is home to some of the most iconic bookstores in the world. Spend a cozy afternoon browsing through literature. Shakespeare and Co. is famous and has a cafe and a free bedroom inside for starving artists.
• Food Tours are a great way to navigate the city with a local.

Remember that Paris has a lot to offer year-round, and the winter season has its own unique appeal with fewer crowds and a cozy ambiance.

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