I am planning to travel to Paris about December 6-12. Just curious as to when the holiday festivities (markets, concerts, etc.) begin. Is it as early in France as in the US? I am hoping to take advantage of going during December to go to the ballet or other performances. <BR><BR>Any ideas for activities in Paris in December? I don't mind being outdoors and like museums, dance, shopping, eating and just walking around. I have been to Paris many times before but never in December. Any special "must sees" (such as beautifully decorated stores/restaurants, etc.). I have been to most of the big tourist sights in Paris so really just hoping to relax and enjoy being in Paris.

Bonjour Sally~<BR><BR>Paris is absolutely magic at Christmas and my favorite time of year there!<BR><BR>There are many things to do and see during December...and especially gorgeous at night when everything is illuminated with decorations on top of the already beautiful city of lights.<BR><BR>In almost every bakery window you can see the gorgeous yule log cakes, and Fauchon has particulary fantastic window displays for these... <BR><BR>Certain areas of town have Christmas lighting arbors overhead draping the streets and framing windows. The streets like rue de Buci and the areas behind the Madeleine are especially nice as vendors are out selling mistletoe, roasting chestnuts, and everyone seems in good cheer!<BR><BR>Every year in front of Notre Dame on the parvis there is the creche/manger displays, and in front of the Hotel de Ville there is an ice rink set up with festive music and lights.<BR><BR>Most fabulous are the animated window displays at Galleries LaFayette and Printemps, where creativity is at its peak and children line up on special platforms in front of each window to get a better look and 'oooh and ahh' at dancing bears and what not...<BR><BR>Walking through the food halls in the larger stores like Bon Marche/Fauchon/ Galleries Lafayette is also wonderful as you can smell simmering spiced fruits, coffees, and teas. <BR><BR>Special shops selling santons, ceramic or clay figures of country folk and manger scenes are fun to stroll through and I keep adding to my village scene every year.<BR><BR>I can't imagine a prettier place to walk and relax than Paris at Christmas...even along the river (cold!) you can see Christmas trees on the decks of the river/barge boats decorated with lights and bright colored bows...and hear the sounds of a holiday party inside with people laughing and toasting to the season.<BR><BR>Stay tuned to the publications of Time Out, Where, and Pariscope for special event happenings...there is always something...<BR><BR>Just explore a different little neighborhood each day and see how they have it decorated and how they celebrate...after all these years, my favorite thing to do is still to purposefully get lost and see what happens.<BR><BR>It is August and your post is making me look forward to it already.<BR><BR>Anyone? What else am I leaving out!?<BR><BR>Wendy<BR>

Wendy, thank you for your email. I am excited too! do the festivities you describe begin as early as they would in the US (e.g. post Thanksgiving). I will be there in early December (6-12) so I'm curious if the markets will be open then, store displays up etc.

Absolutely!<BR><BR>If you have any specific questions, feel free to e-mail me as it gets closer...and I'll let you know what is going on!<BR><BR>Bonne fete!<BR>

I was in Paris last December and everything that Wendy s has posted is true! It is like a fairy tale! We spent our evenings walking through different areas with their street lights reflecting the holiday's and the neighborhood. The displays at Galleries Lafayette were brilliant! And I fell in love with the ice skating rink!<BR><BR>Remember to warm yourself up with chocolate chaud at Angelina's (and buy bags for at home). If your interested in the ballet I'm sure there will be a special production?? Or a Christmas music concert at Ste. Chappelle would be fantastic. <BR><BR>You will love Paris at the holidays!

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Here are a few specific questions:<BR><BR>1. Any restaurants that are specially decorated or particularly festive during December?<BR>2. Any fashion shows? doesn't Gallerie Lafayette have some sort of show each week?<BR>3. any special walks? Like 5th Ave, central park around christmas time.

Most restaurants are beautifully decorated in their own style...but not over the top by any means!<BR><BR>Gret walks definitely include the Champs Elysees, Rue Rivoli, Place Vendome, Rue de Buci, Behind the Opera (Galleries LaFayette and Printemps Dept. stores), The Marais, etc... You will not find a lack of any great walks or festivities.<BR><BR>Galleries Lafayette does do general fashion shows for the public one day a week, but not one specifically for the Christmas season.