The best Christmas activities in Paris for families and kids in 2026 include sparkling light displays, Christmas markets, ice skating, department store windows, kid-friendly shows, and some seriously magical nighttime experiences.
And as a parent living in Paris with kids, I am ALWAYS looking for festive things to do that are actually fun for children—not just things that look pretty on an Instagram list.
My goal during December is usually to do most activities during the day and choose one or two special things for the evening.
Because let’s be realistic: Paris can get COLD at this time of year.
The good news is that the sun sets incredibly early in December. That means you can see the Christmas lights, visit an illuminated garden, and have a genuinely magical “nighttime” experience without keeping your kids awake until 10 p.m.
WIN.
Paris really does go all out for Christmas. By mid-November, lights start appearing across the city. Christmas markets open, department stores unveil their windows, and December brings an enormous number of shows and family events.
So whether you’re spending the entire Christmas holiday here or just have a few December days in Paris, these are the family Christmas activities I would put at the top of your list for 2026.
What You’ll Find In This Blog:
- Google Map Link: Christmas Activities in Paris With Kids
- 1. Ice Skate at the Grand Palais des Glaces: Christmas Activities in Paris for Families
- 2. See the 2026 Jardin des Plantes Christmas Illuminations
- 3. Disney’s Enchanted Christmas at Disneyland Paris
- 4. Festival du Merveilleux: A VERY Cool Paris Christmas Activity With Kids
- 5. See the Paris Christmas Lights With Your Family
- 6. See the 2026 Christmas Windows at Paris Department Stores
- 7. Explore a Paris Christmas Market With Kids
- 8. See a Family Christmas Show in Paris in December 2026
- 9. Plan an Indoor Christmas Activity for a REALLY Cold Day
- BONUS: What to Wear for Christmas Activities in Paris With Kids
- FAQ: Christmas in Paris With Kids
- Ready to book your Paris photoshoot with us?
If you’re here on holiday we all know that bedtime goes OUT THE WINDOW when on vacation so even more time to enjoy!! SO without further ado here are magical and christmassy things to do in Paris during December!
Google Map Link: Christmas Activities in Paris With Kids
I’ve put together a map with family-friendly Christmas experiences around Paris so you can see what makes sense geographically during your trip.
One thing I ALWAYS recommend when planning Paris with children is grouping activities by neighborhood.
You do not want to drag a tired four-year-old back and forth across Paris six times in one day because TikTok gave you a list of “must-see” Christmas spots.
Pick an area. Explore it. Stop for hot chocolate. Let everyone warm up. Then move on.
For transportation, restaurants, apps, and other practical information, our Local’s Guide to Paris is also worth bookmarking before your trip.
1. Ice Skate at the Grand Palais des Glaces: Christmas Activities in Paris for Families
This is one of the BIG family activities I would put on a 2026 Christmas itinerary
The Grand Palais des Glaces returns for the 2026 holiday season, turning the Nave of the Grand Palais into an enormous indoor ice rink.
And I mean enormous.
The rink is approximately 3,000 square meters and sits underneath the incredible glass roof of the Grand Palais. There are food options and skate equipment available, plus a supervised area that makes the experience more approachable for families.
For kids, I would choose a daytime session rather than the late evening.
The published 2026 sessions are:
- Morning: 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
- Afternoon: 2 p.m.–7 p.m.
- Evening: 8 p.m.–2 a.m.
Obviously, that 8 p.m.–2 a.m. slot is NOT the one I’m choosing with small children.
The daytime sessions let you enjoy the building and skating without turning bedtime into a complete disaster.
The Grand Palais des Glaces is scheduled for December 2026 through January 2027. Hours can change, so check again before you go.
Check 2026 Grand Palais des Glaces information and tickets
2. See the 2026 Jardin des Plantes Christmas Illuminations
This is SUCH a good Christmas activity with kids.
Every winter, the Jardin des Plantes creates an immersive nighttime illumination trail. Instead of generic Christmas decorations, the installations are usually based around the natural world.
For late 2026, the theme explores light produced by nature—on land, underwater, and in the air. The illuminated structures will bring plants, animals, minerals, and other natural phenomena to life throughout the garden.
This is exactly the kind of evening activity I like with children because you’re walking and exploring rather than asking them to sit quietly somewhere for two hours.
The current 2026 schedule is Wednesday through Sunday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. It will be open every day during the French Christmas school holidays.
And remember: 6 p.m. in December feels VERY much like nighttime in Paris.
Bundle everyone up.
Seriously.
Layers, hats, gloves, warm socks. Kids will want to stop and stare at everything, which means you’re moving much more slowly than you think you will.
Check dates and book the Jardin des Plantes illuminations
If you’re not sure what everyone needs for December weather, read our Ultimate Winter Packing Guide for Paris before you pack.
3. Disney’s Enchanted Christmas at Disneyland Paris
If you have Disney-loving kids, this one is easy.
Disney’s Enchanted Christmas runs from November 7, 2026 through January 6, 2027.
During the Christmas season, Disneyland Paris is completely transformed. There are holiday lights, an enormous Christmas tree, Disney characters in festive costumes, seasonal shows, and Mickey’s Christmas parade.
Santa is part of the festivities too.
Disneyland Paris is outside central Paris, so this needs to be treated as a full day rather than something you squeeze between the Louvre and dinner.
Personally, I don’t think you need a huge amount of time there. Disneyland Paris is much smaller than the American Disney parks. For most visiting families, one or two days is plenty.
If you’re staying in Paris, you can also make it a day trip.
Download the official app beforehand. You’ll want it for current wait times, restaurant reservations, show information, and planning your day.
See Disney’s Enchanted Christmas and buy Disneyland Paris tickets
4. Festival du Merveilleux: A VERY Cool Paris Christmas Activity With Kids
If you will be in Paris between Christmas and New Year’s, ADD THIS ONE.
The Festival du Merveilleux runs from December 26, 2026 through January 3, 2027 at the Pavillons de Bercy–Musée des Arts Forains.
Normally, visiting this unusual museum requires a reserved guided tour. During the festival, however, it opens in a completely different free-roaming format.
There are century-old fairground rides operating throughout the museum, plus street performers, magic, music, and shows.
It’s weird.
It’s whimsical.
And it is VERY Paris.
The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., which I also love for families because it doesn’t require another late night.
For 2026, listed admission is €23 for adults, €19 for ages 12–18, €15 for children ages 3–11, and free for children under 3.
See the Festival du Merveilleux and book tickets
5. See the Paris Christmas Lights With Your Family
You absolutely do NOT need to pay for every Christmas activity.
Some of the best Christmas experiences in Paris involve putting everyone in warm clothes and going for a walk.
In 2026, the Champs-Élysées illuminations are scheduled from mid-November through early January. They light up from 5 p.m. to midnight, extending until 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Again, you do not need to be out at midnight with kids.
At 5 p.m., Paris is already dark.
Beyond the Champs-Élysées, some of my favorite areas for Christmas decorations include:
Place Vendôme
Place Vendôme is ALWAYS beautiful during Christmas.
The giant trees, lights, Ritz Paris, jewelry houses, and luxury boutiques make the whole square feel incredibly festive.
From there, walk along Rue Saint-Honoré and toward Rue Royale.
Avenue Montaigne
The luxury houses really commit to their Christmas decorations along Avenue Montaigne.
It’s easy to combine Avenue Montaigne with the Champs-Élysées, and you don’t need a reservation or ticket.
Bercy Village
Bercy Village is another lovely option with kids because it feels more contained and pedestrian-friendly.
Montmartre
Christmas decorations plus Montmartre‘s little streets can be really charming, particularly if you already planned to explore this neighborhood.
My advice?
Don’t try to see EVERY Christmas light in Paris.
Choose one area, wander around, get something warm to drink, and enjoy it.
6. See the 2026 Christmas Windows at Paris Department Stores
THIS is a real Paris Christmas tradition.
And it’s one of the easiest Christmas activities to do with children because it’s FREE.
Every year, the major Paris department stores create elaborate animated Christmas windows. Families literally come into the city specifically to see them.
For children, Paris Je t’aime specifically highlights the displays at Le Bon Marché, BHV Marais, Printemps Haussmann, La Samaritaine, and Galeries Lafayette.
Galeries Lafayette Haussmann
Everyone waits to see the Galeries Lafayette Haussmann Christmas tree every year.
The tree underneath the department store’s enormous glass dome is a spectacle in itself. Then there are the animated windows outside.
It gets BUSY.
If you can avoid Saturday afternoon, please do.
I would.
And don’t forget the rooftop. It’s FREE and has an amazing view over Paris.
Printemps Haussmann
Printemps Haussmann is directly next door, which makes these two incredibly easy to combine.
Their Christmas windows are always beautiful, and I generally find the experience slightly less overwhelming than Galeries Lafayette.
Le Bon Marché
I LOVE Le Bon Marché.
The holiday decor is always creative, and the store itself tends to feel calmer. It’s also a great place to shop for beautiful gifts without feeling like you’re trapped in an airport terminal at Christmas.
BHV Marais
BHV Marais is easy to combine with Hôtel de Ville and a walk through the Marais.
La Samaritaine
If you’re already around the Louvre, Pont Neuf, or central Paris, La Samaritaine is another easy Christmas stop.
The great thing about the department stores is that they’re also your weather backup.
Too cold?
Go inside.
Raining?
Go inside.
Everyone needs a bathroom?
GO INSIDE.
For more cold-weather backups, save our guide to the Best Indoor Escapes for Rainy Days in Paris.
7. Explore a Paris Christmas Market With Kids
Christmas markets are everywhere in Paris from late November through December.
You’ll find the classic wooden chalets, hot chocolate, vin chaud for the adults, food, gifts, decorations, and plenty of things kids will want you to buy them.
For 2026, the Paris tourism office highlights Christmas markets around Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Notre-Dame, La Défense, and Gare de l’Est.
The Gare de l’Est market is particularly interesting because it focuses on Alsatian Christmas specialties.
That said, I want to be clear:
Not every Christmas market in Paris is amazing.
Some are basically temporary fairs with Christmas signage.
I personally prefer smaller artisan markets where you can find local food, decorations, ceramics, clothing, and things you’ll actually want to bring home.
Before your trip, check the official City of Paris website and the Paris Je t’aime December 2026 guide because smaller neighborhood and artisan markets are announced throughout the season.
And leave some room in your suitcase.
You have been warned.
8. See a Family Christmas Show in Paris in December 2026
This is another category where 2026 has some genuinely fun options.
According to the Paris tourism office’s current December calendar, several shows stand out for families.
Disney in Concert: Follow Your Dreams
On December 12 and 13, 2026, the Zénith Paris–La Villette hosts Disney in Concert: Follow Your Dreams.
The show combines Disney music with a symphony orchestra, singers, and dancers.
For a Disney kid who doesn’t need an entire Disneyland day, this could be a really fun compromise.
How to Train Your Dragon 2 Film Concert
On December 4, 2026, the Palais des Congrès de Paris hosts a film concert of How to Train Your Dragon 2 with more than 100 musicians and choristers performing live.
Cirque Arlette Gruss
Cirque Arlette Gruss also returns to the Pelouse de Reuilly with its annual big-top production combining circus traditions, acrobatics, and theatrical performances.
For current family programming throughout December, I would check Paris Je t’aime’s official guide to family activities before your trip.
9. Plan an Indoor Christmas Activity for a REALLY Cold Day
Here is the thing about Paris in December:
You cannot plan your entire trip assuming everyone will happily walk outside for eight hours.
Average December temperatures are generally around 4–8°C (about 39–46°F), and rain is absolutely possible.
Sometimes you need to GET INSIDE.
One of my favorite family options is the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie at La Villette. It’s interactive, huge, warm, and genuinely interesting for children.
Another favorite is the Galerie de Paléontologie et d’Anatomie Comparée at the Jardin des Plantes.
If you have a dinosaur kid, GO.
Seriously.
You’ll find enormous skeletons and all sorts of extinct and non-extinct animals. It also pairs really nicely with the Jardin des Plantes illumination if you want to make an entire day of that area.
For even more cold or rainy-day ideas, read our Best Indoor Escapes for Rainy Days in Paris.
BONUS: What to Wear for Christmas Activities in Paris With Kids
LAYERS.
I cannot emphasize this enough.
December is cold, but the bigger challenge is constantly moving between outdoor and indoor temperatures.
One minute you’re walking through a Christmas market. Then you’re inside a department store. Then you’re back outside looking at lights. Then you’re sitting in a warm café.
Dress everyone in layers that can come on and off easily.
For kids, I would bring:
- A genuinely warm coat
- Sweaters or fleeces
- Thermal layers on particularly cold days
- Warm socks
- Waterproof or water-resistant shoes
- Hat
- Gloves
- Scarf or neck warmer
- Extra pair of gloves for small children because somehow ONE ALWAYS DISAPPEARS
- Stroller blanket for younger kids
- Hand warmers for long evening activities
And PLEASE make sure your children’s shoes are comfortable.
Paris is a walking city.
Christmas Paris is still a walking city.
Cute shoes that produce blisters after 45 minutes are not festive.
If you want the full packing list, head to our Ultimate Winter Packing Guide for Paris.
And if you want your kids to look a little more Parisian while still being practical, our guide to How the French Dress Their Kids has plenty of ideas.
A Note About Christmas Week in Paris in 2026
The French Christmas school holidays begin Saturday, December 19, 2026 and run through Sunday, January 3, with school restarting Monday, January 4, 2027.
That matters.
The final two weeks of December get BUSIER. Shows sell out. Restaurants book up. Popular Christmas experiences fill their time slots.
So if you’re visiting over Christmas itself, I would not wait until you arrive to figure everything out.
Book the activities that matter most to you in advance.
Also check individual opening hours for December 24, 25, and 31. Museums and attractions may close early or shut completely on certain holidays.
The official Paris Je t’aime December 2026 guide is a good page to bookmark because event information can change as December gets closer.
FAQ: Christmas in Paris With Kids
YES.
It’s one of the most festive times to visit. There are lights, animated department store windows, Christmas markets, skating, shows, and special events all over the city.
The tradeoff is weather and crowds.
Come prepared for cold temperatures, don’t over-schedule your days, and have at least one indoor backup plan.
Christmas events begin appearing from early to mid-November.
Disney’s Enchanted Christmas begins November 7, 2026, while the city’s illuminations, markets, department store displays, and other festivities generally begin rolling out throughout November.
By December, Christmas in Paris is in FULL swing.
Christmas lights and department store windows are my favorites.
Walk Place Vendôme, Avenue Montaigne, or the Champs-Élysées after dark. You can also see the animated windows at Galeries Lafayette, Printemps, Le Bon Marché, BHV, and La Samaritaine without buying tickets.
With younger children, I actually think these simple activities can be more fun than trying to cram in five expensive ticketed experiences.
Want to See What a Winter Paris Photoshoot Looks Like?
Winter is one of my FAVORITE times to photograph families in Paris.
The city feels completely different. The light is softer, there can be fewer crowds in the mornings, and winter coats and layers photograph beautifully.
Browse our Paris photography portfolio to see real KDP sessions and get ideas for your own winter family portraits.
And if you’re trying to coordinate everyone’s clothes, our What to Wear for a Paris Photoshoot Guide goes through outfit ideas for babies, children, couples, and families.
Ready to book your Paris photoshoot with us?
Contact Katie Donnelly Photography to plan your family photoshoot in Paris.
Paris is SO much fun at Christmas.
I love living here with my kids during this season. There are lights everywhere, the city feels festive, and there are so many little traditions and experiences that make December special.
And whether this is your family’s first Christmas in Paris or your tenth trip here, DOCUMENT IT.
Your kids will not be this age again.
The lights will come down.
The trip will end.
But these are exactly the memories that deserve to make it onto your walls at home.
We would LOVE to photograph your family while you’re here.
