Where to See the Most Beautiful Christmas Lights in Paris in 2025

Every winter, Paris lives up to its nickname more than ever: the City of Light. As Christmas approaches, the streets glow, the shop windows come alive, and the capital transforms into a magical scene.

From the Nouvel Hôtel Eiffel, located in the quiet 15th arrondissement, you are just minutes away from the most beautiful illuminated spots. Here is our complete 2025 guide to enjoying the magic of the year-end lights in Paris.

Discover our rooms in the 15th

When Do the Christmas Lights Start in Paris?

The illuminations will switch on starting November 13, 2025, and will continue until early January 2026.

Main avenues such as the Champs-Élysées shine every evening from 5 p.m. to midnight, and all night long on December 24 and 31, from 5 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Good to know: light trails such as Lumières en Seine and En voie d'illumination open from mid-November.

Check our availability in December

The Most Beautiful Illuminated Places to Discover

The Champs-Élysées

A must-see among the most famous light displays. At nightfall, the world’s most beautiful avenue wraps itself in a golden glow: plane trees sparkle, façades shine, and a murmur of wonder runs through the crowd.

The shop windows of Guerlain, Cartier, or Swarovski compete in creativity, while suspended garlands create a vault of gold and silver.

The atmosphere is elegant and joyful: couples hand in hand, bundled-up families, children astonished by animated displays… A magical moment that captures the Parisian Christmas spirit.

How to get to the Champs-Élysées from the Nouvel Hôtel Eiffel?
Under 30 minutes: metro line 12 (Volontaires → Concorde), then a few minutes on foot.
Hours: 5 p.m. – midnight (1 a.m. on weekends).
Photo tip: arrive around 5:30 p.m. to capture the blue hour.

Place Vendôme & Faubourg Saint-Honoré

At Christmas, Place Vendôme becomes a shimmering jewel box: monumental trees, golden façades, sparkling jewelry houses…

Faubourg Saint-Honoré displays its refined garlands and haute couture windows, glowing beautifully.

From the hotel: 25 minutes (metro 12 → Concorde).
For an extended moment: enjoy a hot chocolate at Café Vendôme.

The Haussmann Department Stores

At Galeries Lafayette and Printemps, animated windows delight passersby: puppets, plush animals, magical decorations…

Under the Art Nouveau dome at Galeries Lafayette, a giant suspended Christmas tree shines brightly.

The rooftops offer a panoramic view of illuminated Paris.

From the hotel: metro 12 (Volontaires → Saint-Lazare).
Good tip: arrive around 4:30 p.m.

The Eiffel Tower & Champ-de-Mars

Just steps from the Nouvel Hôtel Eiffel, the Eiffel Tower sparkles as soon as night falls.

The paths of the Champ-de-Mars glow softly, in a peaceful atmosphere far from the busy boulevards.

From the Bir-Hakeim bridge, the view of the Eiffel Tower reflected in the Seine is unforgettable.

The Tuileries Christmas Market

Every winter, the Tuileries Garden becomes a Christmas village with wooden chalets, a Ferris wheel, treats, and festive lights.

From November 14, 2025, to January 4, 2026, it is a must-visit for families and lovers of the holiday spirit.

From the hotel: 20 minutes (metro 12 → Concorde).

Immersive Light Experiences

Lumières en Seine – Domaine national de Saint-Cloud

A magical 2-kilometer trail with light installations, giant projections, and enchanting music.

📅 November 14, 2025 – January 11, 2026, 5 p.m. – 11 p.m.
🎟️ Booking: lumieresenseine.com

Jardin des Plantes – “En voie d’illumination”

A poetic night walk featuring giant lanterns celebrating biodiversity.

📅 November 12, 2025 – January 18, 2026
🎟️ Dated tickets recommended

After these sparkling walks, return to the peace and comfort of your room at the Nouvel Hôtel Eiffel.

Book your Stay

Our Favourite Magical Itineraries

Romantic Route “Left Bank → Right Bank” (≈ 2h30)

• Departure: Nouvel Hôtel Eiffel → Bir-Hakeim
• Walk across Champ-de-Mars, photos of the Eiffel Tower
• Metro 6 → Kléber → Champs-Élysées
• Walk to Place Vendôme, hot chocolate break
• Return: metro 8 → La Motte-Picquet

An evening filled with romance, lights, and wonder.

Family Route “Lights & Attractions” (≈ 3h)

• Metro 8 → Opéra: animated shop windows
• Snack under the dome, panoramic rooftop
• Walk to the Tuileries Christmas Market
• Ferris wheel, rides, treats, then metro back

A route designed to amaze children and adults alike.

Practical Tips for Enjoying the Lights

• Ideal times: 5:30 p.m.–7 p.m. or after 9 p.m.
• Avoid crowds: choose weekday evenings
• Transport: metro 6, 8, 10
• With children: gloves, hats, breaks, hot chocolate
• Tip: enjoy the comfort of your renovated room when you return

Book directly to enjoy the best available rate.

Experience the Magic of Christmas in Paris from the Nouvel Hôtel Eiffel

After an evening strolling through the illuminated streets, the Nouvel Hôtel Eiffel welcomes you into a peaceful and warm atmosphere.

Its ideal location near the most beautiful festive displays makes it the perfect retreat to enjoy Paris in winter.

Book direct