As a Parisian who's her whole life in this famous, often-fantasized city, I must admit that it's not always la vie en rose here. Don't get me wrong, I love living here, but much like any other city, it has its pros and cons. Even more so when it comes to the holidays. I won't deny that celebrating Christmas in Paris is magical. It's as sparkly and romantic as movies will have you believe. Reality, however, isn't as glossy as all that either. Amidst all the good things Paris has to offer, you still have to contend with the cold weather, the huge crowds, and the high prices.
Though there’s no denying that celebrating Christmas in Paris is magical, it still has its pros and cons. Take a look at this list and see if you think you ought to spend the holidays in the city or go on a vacation instead.
PROS
Paris Gets Brighter
Paris truly lives up to its “City of Lights” moniker the most during the holiday season. If you thought this city was already bright on any given day, you haven't seen it truly lit up during Christmas. I've lived here all my life and I still can't help but get dazzled by all the lights, displays, and decorations. I don't live anywhere near the Champs-Élysées in the 8th arrondissement but I often find myself going here every year just to take in all the lights. It's an amazing sight even for a Parisian like me!Paris Puts on The Best Christmas Displays
Speaking of Christmas displays, you seriously need to see them at least once! My personal favorite is the one that Galeries Lafayette puts on. The famous department store never fails to put on the glitz, glamour, and gloss for the holiday season. Even though I could never afford to buy anything inside, I still go here every year just to see the displays in person. It's become a Christmas tradition of mine and my friends have even joined in on the fun in recent years. The best part about it is that it's free!Paris Sets Up Great Christmas Markets
Paris's Christmas Markets are practically a godsend every holiday season, especially for me who's not exactly rich. I'm pretty well off myself but I'm a bit strict with my budget—living here is expensive!—so when it comes to Christmas shopping, I often go to these markets. Not only do they have amazing finds at considerably lower prices, but they're also fun, charming, and magical. Going to a Christmas market is practically a European tradition. There's lots to eat, shop, and do around here. My personal favorite is the Hôtel de Ville Christmas Market with its beautiful Christmas trees and iconic carousel ride.Paris Serves Sweet Holiday Treats
Remember how I said the holiday markets are some of the best places to do Christmas shopping in Paris? Well, add eating out too! I get that you want to celebrate Christmas in Michelin-starred restaurants, upscale bistros, or even Instagram-worthy cafes for the holidays, but they won't serve you the seasonal flavors of Paris. The city's Christmas markets are also known for their local treats, including mulled wine, Bûche de Noël, Galette des Rois, and more. Some hotspots may serve them too, but they'll likely cost a lot more than those sold in the markets.Cons
Paris Gets Very Cold
The warm sunny Paris you see in movies, TV, or on social media? Yeah, that's not the Paris you'll get in December. It's around this time of year that the temperature will drop substantially, signaling the impending arrival of winter. I start wearing thick sweaters and heavy coats as early as October too. I'm a bit sensitive to the cold so even the city's autumn weather is already too much for me. Come December, even my closest friends and family barely recognize me on the street with how many layers I wear outside. In general, the average temperature in Paris during the holiday season ranges from 4°C (39°F) to 8°C (46°F).Paris Gets Pretty Expensive
I'm warning you now—don't be fooled by all the holiday sales and seasonal discounts the stores will bombard you with. The city is still expensive, arguably even more so, every Christmastime. I mean, yes, some stores do offer great deals and all, but they're often not enough to make a difference from when you'd shop at any other time of the year. That's why I insist that the best places to do some Christmas shopping in Paris are the markets. They're your best bets to get your hands on cool stuff at lower-than-normal prices.Paris Gets Extremely Crowded
You'd think that tourists won't go to Paris for Christmas because it's cold and expensive here. Even as a Parisian myself, I'd go so far as to argue that it may be better to celebrate Christmas in other French cities, particularly the warm ones down south. Why? Because apart from the chilly weather and higher prices, Paris gets crowded during the holidays too. December is still peak tourism season in the city, surprisingly even more so than summer. And I get it! As I've said before in the 'Pros' part of this list, Paris gets pretty magical during Christmas. Unfortunately, the downside to that is that it draws in more tourists at the same time.Paris Gets Busier Than Ever
More tourists means what? A busier Paris too! I already feel that the city is extremely hectic at any other time of the year. But around Christmastime... forget about it! I still surprise myself when I decide to go out during the holiday season. I'm not much for crowds myself so all those tourists give me a headache. Nevertheless, life goes on and the city is undeniably beautiful every Christmas. As much of a big con the city's hustle and bustle is, it's still not enough to stop me from enjoying what the city has to offer for the holidays!Though there’s no denying that celebrating Christmas in Paris is magical, it still has its pros and cons. Take a look at this list and see if you think you ought to spend the holidays in the city or go on a vacation instead.
