lranaeg

My husband and I are planning our first trip to Paris for the first week of December. Will the Christmas Decorations be up around town? We thought the cool winter air would make for a nice romantic trip - any comments to the contrary?

Underhill

We were in Paris at the beginning of December 2001, and decorations were up in many places. It's all very festive.

jules4je7

Iranaeg, the only downside to traveling to Paris that time of year is that the weather can be chancy and there are shorter hours for some sights, and of course the days are shorter.

Paris is on the same latitude as Seattle, and it can be rainy, particularly that time of year. Go prepared for that, and you'll be fine. I don't think there's a "bad time" to go to Paris, as it beats being at home.

Happy travels,

Jules

stormygirl

it's cold! we went a few years ago and are going again this year. Pack accordingly, take a good umbrella and longer overcoats. When the sun comes out it is glorious!

francophile03

It was drizzly and cold when we went last December at monthend. Although it was cold it was like the coldness we get back home and unfortunately it didn't snow. The decorations were still up and they give the city a different and unique atmosphere. You make me envious--have a nice trip!

LoriNY

We were there the first week of December last year and the weather was just perfect. 45F or so during the day, 35F or so at night. During the day I wore black jeans, a turtleneck, and a heavy cotton sweater, scarf, gloves, leather boots, and a quilted thermolite coat. I was very comfortable. At night I wore light wool pants, leather boots, and merino wool sweaters, and the gloves, scarf, and jacket. Also comfortable, except one night my feet got cold - a little wine helped that!! All the decorations are up, but the skating rinks weren't open when we were there - missed it by 2 days. It was a great time to be there, not crowded, and ALL the stores are opened on Sundays in December. We had a blast!

letour

We were there two New Year's Eves ago. I ditto the comment about cold feet! You naturally want to walk about the city, but I really do remember feeling pretty cold. It gets dark early at that time of year in Paris. The lights were lovely, however, and Paris is always Paris!

Underhill

Boots that deal with both cold and wet will be very useful. I was very glad I had thrown in a pair of sturdy, waterproof walking shoes at the last minute.

5alive

Went when I was in college, a little later in December. I remember how it got dark so early more than I remember the cold, but after Midwest winters I was well prepared for cold. The decorations were gorgeous.

Not sure if they still do it but on Sunday evenings in December, Notre Dame offered free organ concerts. It was really an incredible experience. The organ just filled that huge space with rich sound.

Enjoy your trip.

richardsonsnm

it's not the cold, it's the wind, i felt like i was in chicago, not paris. bring a good long coat and scarf, you will need it.

sandi_travelnut

check out these earlier threads baout Paris in December:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34568177

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34661314

lranaeg

Thank you, this is a lot of good information. We are from Central Texas so cold and wet winters are normal for us.

Sarah

Hi Iraneg,

Have you thought about going to Kriskindle Mart in Nuremberg if Christmas is your thing? I have been in Paris in December and I what I remember most is the cold. Still as an above poster suggested there is no wrong time to go. A pair of long john www.sierratradingpost.com on sale now lol and a hat and you will be fine.

I was a poor college student when I was there and I remember not wanting to splurge on the hat, lol. Austria is also lovely that time of year and I don't remember it being as cold believe it or not.

Mind over matter if your tickets are already set. Long Johns hat and you will be fine. If you ski you will know what I am talking about. And that is another idea, how about heading to the alps for skiing? There is sure to be a Christmas environment down there too. And you are probably certain to have snow that time of year.

dmkujat

We were in Paris the first of December 2004, and the Christmas decorations were in full swing, (including some of the gaudiest red flocked trees I ever saw!) It was in the 40's and 50's, no rain all week, and in fact, one day it was close to 60, felt like spring, and we took the most awesome pictures of the Eiffel tower at sunset. The sky was blue and pink and no one at the picture framers believed I took this picture! We also took a day trip by train to Reims where they had a fabulous Christmas market going on. It was a great way to get into the holiday spirit!

sandi_travelnut

Wow, we were in Paris Dec. 2004 and it was feezing and it snowed on us!

francophile03

We were there in Dec. '04 (from Dec. 30th) as well. It was cold and drizzly but it wasn't so cold that it snowed at that time.

sandi_travelnut

Dec. 21st 2004 - outside the Pantheon

http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slidesho...2qc91&Ux=1

francophile03

Thanks, that is alot of snow! It's always amazing to see Paris covered in snow. I was hoping it would snow for New Year's but nothing happened.