Winter in Paris: tips for your city trip

Going on holiday to Paris during the winter season is a great idea. The city of light and love turns into a winter fairytale full of romance and warmth. Together with your loved one or with friends, a weekend in Paris in December is so much fun. Are you planning a city trip and wondering what to do in Paris in December? Be inspired by the following tips for visiting Paris in winter.

Things to do in Paris in December

Even in December, Paris is a pretty sight and there is plenty to do in Paris, even in one of the darkest months of the year.

Browse the Christmas markets

Scattered throughout the city, you will find a number of charming Christmas markets. Most markets are located near the main landmarks of Paris, but there are also some that will introduce you to less well-known places.

One of the most iconic Christmas markets in Paris is La Magie de Noël (The Magic of Christmas), located in the Jardin de Tuileries. With more than 100 stalls, you can easily spend an entire afternoon wandering around here, browsing through Christmas souvenirs, mulled wine stalls and endless amounts of delicious food.

Another famous Christmas market is Trocadéro Christmas Market. Located at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, you can Christmas shop with Paris' most iconic building in the background.

Are you looking for original gifts? Then don't miss Les Féeries d'Auteuil. The majority of the stalls sell items made by local artists and craftsmen. This market is also beautifully decorated.
Address: 40 rue Jean de La Fontaine

Ice skating in Paris in winter

Artificial ice rinks are placed in several places in Paris during the winter. The most famous one is at the Eiffel Tower and, as you would expect, this is also the most crowded ice rink.
Another unique place to skate is La Grand Palais des Glaces, where you can skate under the glass roof of the Grand Palais. This ice rink is the largest in the world! A special experience not to be missed during your holiday in Paris in December.
Address: La Grand Palais, 3 avenue du Général Eisenhower

Get warmed up with typical winter nibbles and drinks

Those in need of a warm drink on a winter's day go to Angelina. This chocolatier opened its doors in 1903 and has been an icon ever since. According to many, Angelina is the best chocolatier in town. In winter, they make a delicious, full-bodied hot chocolate that people love to queue for. This drink of the gods is not to be missed when you are in Paris in winter.
Address Angelina: 226 Rue de Rivoli

Did you know that you can also eat 'outside' in Paris in winter? There are countless covered gallery cafés in the city where you can sit outside, sheltered from the elements. For example, take a seat on a terrace under the Passage des Panoramas, the oldest covered passage in Europe. It is one of the most beautiful galleries in Paris and there is plenty of choice of snug outdoor cafés.
Address Passage des Panoramas: 11 Bd Montmartre

Weekend Paris in December by train

A holiday to Paris in December is easy by train. You travel from € 35 one-way directly from Amsterdam or Rotterdam to the city of love. When departing from Rotterdam, you will be in the heart of Paris is just 2.37 hours. From Amsterdam it takes 3.18 hours.

So, your Paris weekend in December can start right away. Tip: book early to get the most affordable train tickets.

The weather in Paris in December

The weather forecast for Paris in December is fairly stable. Paris has a temperate maritime climate, which means that winters in this part of France are relatively mild. On average, there are seven days of snow in Paris during the winter. In December, the temperature during the day usually fluctuates around seven degrees above zero, while at night it tends to freeze.
So, the weather in Paris in December is fine as long as you dress warmly. Of course, there is nothing wrong to regularly warming yourself with a cup of tea or something a littel stronger.

Find train tickets

This winter to Paris

From € 35