Christmas lights in Paris
 

Does anyone know the exact date that the Christmas illuminations ie stores, streets etc are turned on in Paris this year?

I see nobody responded yet, so I will try! I also wanted to know 2 years ago and if I am not mistaken, it is usually on - or immediately after 25 November. We were in Paris the very first week of December and it was so beautiful - lights and Christmas decorations all over the place! The window displays were absolutely lovely.

chiarachiara: Many thanks for your help.

There is no one exact date, as it's not a law. It varies, and stores can do what they want, and streets vary some, also. Generally, it ranges between around Nov. 20 and the middle of December. I think the Champs-Elysees is one of the early ones, but some of the major sites are more like the first week of December (like the Madeleine), and think that is a more common time.

I was in Paris last November..the second week. The Grand Magazines were in the process of installing the decorations, so I'm guessing that they would be on around our Thanksgiving time.

though obviously not a law unless law and order Sarkozy makes it one, the Paris tourist office says:

(For the month of Dec)

"every day at dusk, the trees that line the Champs-Elysees glow with garlands of golden bulbs. And the Eiffel Tower shines with 27km/17 miles of lights that twinkle on the hour"

In 2004 and 2001, the Galleries Lafayette Christmas window decorations were in place by the 15th of November and the trees in the area were lighted for the holidays.

...they're pretty all right, but don't expect an over-the top extravaganza...5th Avenue lighting sort of thing...

I waz in Paris two Christmases ago and was very disappointed with the lack of lights, etc. like i am used to at home.

Maybe it is just the magic of Paris but I found it lovely. I really liked the displays in all the shop windows and the decorations outside the shops around the doors ... and the Christmas atmosphere ... and the smell of warm Chestnuts ... and people snuggled up in coats and scarves. Maybe it was just Paris.

And there are Christmas Markets at some venues - the biggest, according to Paris tourist office, is on the Esplanade de la Defense and is open all of December (RER A to La Defense)

I loved the department store window displays of elaborate fairy-tale scenes in a winter setting.

Christmas Eve check out the long lines at chocolate shops!

PalenQ I will visit that market when I am lucky enough to be in Paris again during December! I was not aware of it - only knew about the ones at Gare St Lazare and Place Madeleine. And I loved the small Alsace Market on the Champs Elysee.

Yes, the fairy tale displays are wonderful! I loved the windows of Le Bon Marche - and to watch the children's faces looking at the moving toys and figures!