12月のパリ：イルミネーション、アイススケート、ホットチョコレート

Paris in December feels like a living snow globe — glowing lights, festive markets, cozy cafés, and the soft hum of seasonal cheer in the air. Whether you’re here for Christmas, New Year’s, or just to soak up the winter magic, this guide will help you experience Paris at its most heartwarming.

🎄 See the Holiday Lights Across the City

Paris truly earns its nickname, La Ville Lumière, in December.

✨ Where to See the Best Christmas Lights:

• Champs-Élysées – the most iconic display, with glowing trees lining the avenue all the way to the Arc de Triomphe
• Avenue Montaigne – luxury boutiques dressed in gold and white lights
• Place Vendôme – elegant and refined, perfect for photos
• Galeries Lafayette – the department store’s giant Christmas tree under the glass dome is a must-see
• Rue Cler, Rue Montorgueil & Le Marais – charming, smaller-scale neighborhoods with cozy street decorations

📸 Pro Tip: Head to Place de la Concorde at sunset for photos of the lit Champs-Élysées stretching into the night.

🛍️ Explore Paris’s Best Christmas Markets

Markets pop up across the city, offering mulled wine, handcrafted gifts, regional foods, and even vintage-style carousels.

🎁 Top Christmas Markets to Visit:

• Tuileries Garden Market – now the biggest in the city, with food stalls, rides, crafts, and a festive village
• Notre-Dame Market (Square Viviani) – charming, with a view of the cathedral
• Saint-Germain-des-Prés – smaller and elegant, ideal for artisan gifts and chocolates
• La Défense Christmas Market – modern and massive, with over 300 chalets

🧣 Tip: Bring cash for small purchases and arrive late afternoon to enjoy both daytime shopping and evening lights.

⛸️ Ice Skating in Paris

Paris sets up magical ice rinks in scenic locations each December.

Where to Skate:

• Hotel de Ville Rink – often placed in front of City Hall (check each year for availability)
• Tuileries Garden Rink – fun and central during the Christmas fair
• La Défense Roof Rink – modern rink with skyline views

👟 Skates are rentable on-site; bring gloves (required at many rinks) and wear warm socks!

☕ Where to Find the Best Hot Chocolate in Paris

When it’s cold and crisp outside, Parisians warm up with a chocolat chaud épais — thick, rich, velvety hot chocolate.

Don’t Miss These Spots:

• Angelina (Rue de Rivoli) – legendary hot chocolate served with whipped cream; historic tea room charm
• Jacques Genin (Marais) – gourmet chocolatier with ultra-luxury sipping chocolate
• Carette (Place des Vosges) – old-school, elegant café with excellent pastries too
• Café de Flore & Les Deux Magots (Saint-Germain) – for iconic literary flair

🫖 Pro Tip: Pair your hot chocolate with a mont blanc, madeleine, or pain au chocolat for peak Parisian winter vibes.

🧥 How to Dress for Paris in December

Weather:

• Temps range between 3°C and 8°C (37°F–46°F)
• Occasional rain, wind, or even light snow flurries

What to Pack:

• Wool or insulated coat
• Waterproof leather boots
• Warm scarf, gloves, beanie
• Layers – turtlenecks, thermal tops, wool sweaters
• Compact umbrella and crossbody bag

💼 Locals favor chic, neutral tones. Think black, grey, camel — not bright colors or bulky puffers.

🎁 Holiday Gift Shopping Tips

• Galeries Lafayette and Le Bon Marché have entire sections dedicated to gifts, beauty, and luxury fashion
• Merci (Marais) and BHV for trendy or artsy finds
• Christmas Markets for local crafts, ornaments, and treats
• Bookshops & concept stores in Saint-Germain or the Latin Quarter for literary and cultural gifts

✨ Don’t miss specialty chocolate shops like Patrick Roger or Pierre Marcolini for gourmet stocking stuffers.

🕯️ Enjoy the Festive Mood, Paris-Style

• Attend a Christmas concert at Sainte-Chapelle or Saint-Eustache
• Visit a traditional crèche (nativity scene) at major churches
• Book a Seine dinner cruise to see the lights from the water
• Go window shopping at department stores – it’s an event in itself

Paris in December is romance, sparkle, and comfort all rolled into one. From skating in a city square to sipping thick chocolat chaud beneath glittering lights, it’s the perfect time to discover the city’s softer, magical side.

👉 Book Christmas Market Tours, Seine Cruises & Holiday Concerts in Paris