Christmas in Paris - any suggestions?
 

I shall be in Paris for Christmas (yippee). Does anyone have any "don't miss" activities?

All suggestions (especially those involving lots of food and drink) gratefully received.

I have nothing planned, so let's what comes up!

old-time Christmas Market opposite Louvre by Palais Royal - German style outdoor market selling regional specalties and seasonal stuff like hot grog and spiced wine. For a typical French Xmas treat cop a Bouche Noel, traditional calorie-loaded French Christmas log (a heavy sweet pastry).

thanks for that. Any more?

FYI log = buche in French, bouche means mouth (or hole or vent in some contexts), so asking for a Bouche Noel would be interesting. It's a cake -- one of those rolled thin sponge cake with a filling such as whipped cream and then sprinkled with powered sugar. I've made them at Christmas.

Of course there would be religious services, but maybe that's out. There is a skating rink in front of Hotel de Ville and generally a festive atmosphere around there. Last year they had some special multimedia Xmas show at Notre Dame, if I recall. Just wander around the center, you'll see stuff. There are usually some nice Christmas concerts in various churches, such as St-Germain and St-Louis en Ile.

You can get a full list of seasonal activities or concerts at www.paris-touristoffice.com

David, how wonderful, sigh, I am positively jealous!
There will be a creche in front of Notre Dame as well as Christmas Eve and Day mass. St Chappelle is so beautiful, they will do something, sometimes concerts at night.
There will be theme decorations, at the Rond Point on the Champs Ellysses, and decorations in front of the Pantheon, as well as many other places.
You can go hear a childrens choir sing at St Germain de Pres , and choirs singing at the Church on St Louis en Ille.
Museums do seasonal exhibitions in addition to the regular exhibits. The Forum des Halles has creches.
Window displays:
Bon Marche
La Samaritaine
Printemps
and Galleries Lafayette.
and all that eating and drinking :)
Restaurants do special dinners, from Tour de Argent to affordable ~

I was in Paris 2 years ago for new years and we found lots of great holiday decorations. Many of the neighborhoods string lights over the streets that reflect the area they are in. Just off Rue Cler a street had cute little Eiffel Towers strung, another in a neighborhood of shops had wrapped gifts strung. Explore the streets and see what they've done.

Also Galleries Layfette department store had beautiful lights and displays set up.

We really enjoyed the displays in the windows of the chocolatiers. Tons of roasted chestnut venders on the streets, the skating rink was fun and there was a nativity scene at Notre Dame.

Have you been to Paris before? We decided to splurge on a very special dinner at Taillevent. Oh the memories of that!

Make a stop at Angelina's for the hot chocolate after a day in the cold, order pot au feau (sp?), gratinee and confit du canard...lots of hot, hearty fare!

Sorry for all the spelling errors. Have a great trip, I'm off to Paris myself over Halloween!

david, I just found some old notes from when we were there.

Look for street lights/decorations on Rue Montorgueil, Rue Royal, Pl. Vendome, Rue de la Paix and of course the Champs d'Elysee

David, have you tried the roasted chestnuts? I don't know how prevalent they are in England but coming from the States it was nice to try them, walking around munching roasted chestnuts while sightseeing!!

I have been to Paris twice, the first time in February, the second in January. It was BITTERLY cold each time (still had a blast, though). I'm guessing it will be quite chilly in December, too. So, my best advice is to dress warmly!!

Other than that, the suggestions everyone has made here are great.

Thanks for the help. It seems rather a long time yet, but I'm sure it will come soon enough.