My husband and I are thinking about ditching out on Thanksgiving dinner with the family and heading to Paris for the week after Thanksgiving. We'll use miles and can't really go at any other time of year because of vacation restrictions. Is it worth going to in December? Will it be too cold? (we're hearty Coloradans, so we're used to snow!) Is anything decorated for Christmas that early in December? Do the days feel to short to really feel like you can get everything accomplished you want to? Is the city lively enough? Last time we were there in March and it was beautiful, warm and sunny. Would hate to go all the way over there for grey, dreary and empty. We're hoping that it's always a great time to visit Paris and that the short days will mean the night lights are even more vibrant and charming. PLEASE give your honest opinion of Paris at that time of year as we can't go any other time.

I've been in December and November. FWIW...November was quite warm and I did not need a fall jacket. The December trip, it was cooler and there was a sprinkle every day, so just having an umbrella with you is a good idea.

I like that time of year because it seems that the number of tourists is down, and Paris is in its daily routine. Cultural venues that take a summer recess/slow down are now back.

I also found, after having been several times during peak sunny months that there is a different atmosphere in the city once fall arrives. Hard to put into words..

I have no issue with recommending a trip that time of year.

They don't call Paris the "city of light" for nothing.

You could very well get "grey, dreary" weather. If that's a deal breaker for you, so be it.

But it won't be empty. And if you plan your days correctly, the limited daylight hours won't be important. You'll just do your indoor activities later in the day.

And they still light up Paris at night.

I doubt you'll see Christmas decorations, but Parisians are not much for Christmas decorations even closer to the actual event.

But with so many cherished memories, maybe you'd rather not risk being disappointed. Vienna interest you? Prague? London?

Problem is, anywhere you go in Europe you could get "grey, dreary" weather. And while I've seen beautiful Novembers in Italy, it's no guarantee.

You were lucky you got such pretty days in March! It rains quite a bit in Paris, which is one of the reasons it's so often photographed (romantically) with wet streets.

Paris is wonderful any month of the year. With the exception of 2 trips, I have only been in Paris in January or February and have always had a great trip. Yes, it gets dark early, but who cares? Restaurants and cafes are cosy and some even have nice warm fireplaces. We've also been lucky with the weather and not had dreary, cold weather the entire trip. If u want sunny, pleasant weather, than don't go to Paris in the winter. But I'd say, give it a try, u may be surprised at how nice it is in Wintertime.

A few years ago I was in Paris the 2nd week of December and decorations were up on the Blvd. Hausmann--around Printemps and Galeries Lafayette--Christmas decorations were for sale in stores and I think there were some temporary wood Christmas market huts set up near the Gare St. Lazare but I was speeding by them in a taxi. There wasn't very much sunshine but I don't remember biting cold--when I did get cold it was fun to drop in a cafe for a vin chaud. Oh, and many cafes along the boulevards had outdoor space heaters so you could still sit outside and people watch.

My first trip to Paris was the week before Christmas and I loved it. Very few tourists, walked into most museums and even had them hold the tour for me at Versailles while I went to the bathroom! Go.

Paris has fantastic Christmas decorations. I think you would be seeing more and more each day that you are there.

I have been there from mid Dec. til the end of Dec. I had a taxi drive me around for the sights....beautiful, as all will tell you!!

Weather..who knows..but if from Colo. you should not have a problem. Take an umbrella..it may be grey and then it may be sunny!! They don't get much snow.

Go and enjoy!!!

Paris will likely be considerably warmer than Colorado and rain is much more likely than snow.

I was there in late Nov and
a leather jacket - not blazer but not with warm lining - ws plenty for night. Some days I just used a raincoat. Just be sure your shoes and boots are comfy for lots of walking, waterproofed and that you have a sturdy folding umbrella.

We've been a few times in mid-November and found the weather generally pleasant for us. We live in mid-Massachusetts. Check this BBC website and compare Paris to your home in Colorado.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/world/country_guides/

The trees in the Galeries Lafayette area were lighted and windows were decorated for Christmas.

Check when the museums are open at night which frees up daylight hours for spending outdoors. The Louvre opens late on Fridays nights and has a reduced fee after 6.00pm. Also it wasn't crowded. We then headed off for dinner.

Absolutely go. Paris has actually become more popular for this kind of visit - so if you want to use FF miles start booking now.
The weather could theoretically get cold but is more likely to be cool rather than truly cold (especially if you are accustomed to Colorado winters.) Plan on wearing layers and you will be fine.

Yes, it does get dark early but so what? It is a well lit city and just as enjoyable, but in another way. I have been 3 or 4 times a his time of year and enjoyed all the trips. Christmas decorations will probably not be out in full force, but you may see some.

We were in Paris a few years ago at Thanksgiving and for part of early December. It was great! There were many holiday decorations in late November, especially along the Champs-Elysées and the Place Vendôme, and the city is VERY lively. If you go you'll have a wonderful time.

December will be great! I find the weather moderate. It is one of my favorite times since it is not as crowded. You can enjoy the Christmas decorations and lights and the Christmas markets in and around Paris. I have been to the Christmas market in Reims too, maybe a 45 minute train ride. Very fun! If you are interested in the Christmas markets I think I have a website that lists them in November sometime. I can look for it if you would like.

Have fun don't hesitate on this time of year.

Two years ago we were in Paris the first week of December. The weather was cool -- not cold -- and clear. The Christmas decorations were up everywhere and we especially enjoyed walking the Champs Elysees -- all of it -- at night under the lights. As for it getting dark early, I personally enjoy Paris at night better than in daylight, and especially during the holidays. It's definitely worth the trip. Enjoy!

We were in Paris last December and the weather was cool and wet. We knew it would be but that was our time to travel. The best thing was walking straight into the Art Galleries and Museums,no lines to join. We have been several times in better weather and this was definitely an advantage. Just take a good umbrella,plenty of layers and be prepared to strip off every evening on your return,to dry out,as we did while we enjoyed the evening lights. Everything was decorated,the Champs Elysees was beautiful.I would go again in December.

We were in Paris last Thanksgiving and the following week, The weather was great, cool but not cold. Yes the store windows were decorated, several churches had Christmas bazaars and the Christmas markets were beginning to open November is one of my favorite times to go as it is game season and the food was sensational.

The crowds were not too bad and I don't think we waited on line anywhere.

Go for it!

It is a wonderful time to go to Paris. I was there one Thanksgiving week and returned on December 2nd - I recall.
There were Christmas decorations up. The prix fixe food was generally hearty at the small bistros and such, delicious and easy on the budget.
In one day it rained like all get out, stopped the sun came out and it was too warm for my lined trenchcoat. C'est la Vie.
For me, a day in Paris is better AT ANY TIME than a day in Delaware.

Took my parent to Paris Dec 2004 and it was quite cold but lovely. We got rained on several days and it snowed on us one day as well. Loved every second of it.

It's a great time to be there. DH gifted me with several days in Paris in December 07 and I had a super time. It was cold but pleasant. Lots going on!

If you want to day trip out of Paris, Strasbourg has a big Christmas market and would very festive. A fast ride on the TGV and to save money, you can book Prems tickets ahead of time.

One caveat: I went to the Alsace "Christmas Market" on the Champs Elysees and it was very disappointing. Their "authentic" selections of Alsace holiday products included several items from Hearthwood Creek (sp), the American brand made in China. I did pick up an excellent book on blue and grey pottery from the region, but that was the only thing I thought worth buying.