The 6 Best Christmas Experiences in Paris

1.Tootbus Open-Top Christmas Bus Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 1,365 reviews · 1h 30m · from $46Our pick

Ride Tootbus’s open-top electric bus through central Paris after dark, passing the Opéra, Place Vendôme, the Champs-Élysées, the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower. The 90-minute tour pairs a 10-language audio guide with Christmas songs. Bring warm layers, and arrive early if you want to choose your seat upstairs.

“The staff were friendly and helpful. The route was excellent - plenty of gorgeous lights and we went around Arc de Triomphe roundabout twice to ensure we saw it properly. We also went past Tour de Eiffel from several angles and were right in front of it when it started twinkling. Would definitely recommend this tour.”

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2.Private Christmas Lights Tour by Citroën 2CV

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 62 reviews · 2 hours

Spend two hours riding through festive Paris in a private Citroën 2CV, with pickup and drop-off at hotels in the 1st to 20th arrondissements. Your driver-guide shares stories in English or French, and you can tailor the route to your interests. Expect a soft bench, blankets, a convertible roof, and a 10-minute photo stop at Parc du Champ de Mars.

“We had the best time with Brice. Very knowledgeable and plessnt perosn to take a tour of beautiful Paris. We learned alot and saw many -laces in a different as;ect then what we were used too. Safe drivef. Thoroughly enjoyed ourdelves.”

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3.Paris Christmas Lights Walking Tour with Local Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 13 reviews · 2 hours · from $88

Walk from Rue Étienne Marcel to Place de la Concorde with a local guide, passing Galerie Vivienne, Palais-Royal, the Tuileries, Place Vendôme, and La Madeleine. Expect holiday lights, French seasonal traditions, a small group of no more than six, and a hot drink with a traditional sweet. Guides Ruben and Clara have led the tour.

“Ruben was by far the best tour leader we have ever had in all our entire visits and travels - he is literally 5/5 with the knowledge, information and presentation.”

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4.Christmas Special Lunch Cruise on the Seine River

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 7 reviews · 2 hours · from $147

Settle in for a two-hour Christmas lunch cruise with Compagnie des Bateaux Mouches, departing near Pont de l’Alma. A maître d’hôtel guides you to your table, then an aperitif, a French meal, half a bottle of wine per person, dessert and coffee accompany views of Paris’s bridges, quays and the Eiffel Tower. There’s an upper deck for photos.

“En underbar båttur och lunch på Bateaux Mouche. Servicen är toppen och maten mycket god. Hjälpsam servicepersonal och vackra vyer.”

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5.Christmas Gourmet Tour of St-Germain-des-Prés

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 3 reviews · 3 hours · from $246

Spend three hours with a guide exploring St-Germain-des-Prés gourmet shops and the Montparnasse Christmas market. Taste chocolate, bûche de Noël, gingerbread, nougat and other seasonal treats, then warm up with a festive drink. Groups are limited to eight, with tours in English, French or Japanese.

“The tour was great. The guide took us to some amazing shops to try fabulous chocolates and pastries. The Christmas markets were lovely and we tasted some lovely cheeses, mulled wine, truffles, nougat, honey, teas amongst other things. The tour finished at a great cafe where we had the opportunity to try some outrageous macaron flavours! Highly recommend.”

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6.Christmas Market Guided at Notre Dame & Food Tasting

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · from $27Best value

This one-hour English-language tour begins beside Notre-Dame and leads you to the Square René Viviani Christmas Market. Expect a short introduction to the cathedral, seasonal food samples, artisan-shopping advice, and a photo stop at Santa’s stall. Linda is one guide associated with the tour, known for her Paris knowledge and humor.

“Linda was a wonderful guide! Incredibly knowledgeable and loved her sense of humor. Highly recommend this tour.”

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