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Christmas season in Paris
From mid-November, Paris began preparing for this year's Christmas decorations. The streets were adorned with colorful wreaths, and shops and trees were brightly lit.
For Parisians, Christmas is a major holiday, a time for families to gather and celebrate, so the atmosphere everywhere is very solemn and warm.
In the days leading up to Christmas, you'll understand why Paris is called the "City of Lights." Christmas in Paris is magical, with brilliant winter sunshine illuminating the cold blue sky. Not only that, visiting during the festive season allows tourists to immerse themselves in the lively atmosphere of the streets and Christmas markets.
Photographer Dang Duc Vinh has lived and worked in Paris for many years. According to him, Christmas is the biggest holiday of the year, so the atmosphere is already bustling from mid-November, much like Tet in Vietnam.
The Christmas spirit has arrived throughout the markets in Paris.
“In the early years after moving here, it was a little boring because Christmas is a holiday for family gatherings. But later, when I had more friends and family, my feelings about Christmas changed completely. It's a time to relax, gather with friends, reunite with family, and enjoy the fun with children. In December, as soon as the streets start selling Christmas trees with decorative lights, just looking at them makes me so excited,” Dang Duc Vinh shared.
In the markets of Paris, many stalls set up in wooden cabins by local businesses sell typical products for the Christmas season.
To capture stunning Christmas photos in Paris, he also suggested several key locations that tourists can visit, such as the Champs-Elysee, the Christmas market in the Tulleries Gardens, the Christmas decorations and tree in Vendome Square, or the iconic Christmas windows and tree in La Fayette…
Christmas markets are one of the indispensable activities in France.
Experience Christmas activities and enjoy Christmas food in Paris.
In addition, the photographer also suggests that when visiting Paris during this time, you should go to the Christmas markets to enjoy the atmosphere and typical Christmas food and drinks. Participate in winter sports activities for all ages, such as outdoor ice skating. Immerse yourself in the crowds browsing, choosing, and buying gifts for loved ones. Or simply stroll around, taking pictures of shops, street corners, and streets decorated with vibrant Christmas themes… that's enough to bring the Christmas spirit back.
The most distinctive is Vin chaud – a type of mulled wine cooked with cinnamon, star anise, orange, and sometimes even apple. Just smelling it tells you Christmas is coming.
For food and drinks at shops, try raw oysters and foie gras – these are typical Christmas treats. While strolling through the streets and visiting Christmas markets, enjoy various flavored cakes with melted cheese, sweet treats like churros, and most notably, vin chaud – a type of mulled wine cooked with cinnamon, star anise, orange, and sometimes even apple. It's so distinctive that just smelling it lets people know Christmas is coming.
Some typical dishes at Christmas markets in France.
The photographer also shared: “Walking in the snow, just as your nose starts to get a little runny from accidentally inhaling a snowflake, and your fingers are numb from throwing snowballs with a friend, enjoying a steaming hot cup of vin chaud, held between two hands and inhaled deeply, inhaling the fragrant steam of wine, cinnamon, star anise, and orange, you might get tipsy even before you drink it. A sip of the burning hot wine warms you instantly; in just 17 seconds, all the cold of the snowy winter seems to vanish… There’s both hot red and white wine, but to truly appreciate the ‘intensity’ and ‘warmth’ of vin chaud, prioritize trying the red wine. Although it’s a light wine, because it’s aged longer and drunk hot, it will make you more prone to getting drunk than usual. It’s a very ‘chill’ and incredibly addictive feeling that you absolutely must try if you ever visit any Christmas market in Europe.”
In addition, getting around Paris is most convenient using public transport such as the metro and buses. In the summer, there are other options like bicycles, scooters, and trotinettes, but these are not recommended in the winter as they are both dangerous and cold. All tourist attractions in Paris are easily accessible by the metro and bus system.
There are countless activities that tourists can experience when visiting Paris during Christmas.
Photographer Dang Duc Vinh added: “Except for January and February, Paris is worth visiting at any time of year. Paris, known as the 'City of Lights,' is even more enchanting during Christmas, doubling its magical allure. Visiting Paris during Christmas also allows you to enjoy the rich French cuisine, especially the typical holiday foods and drinks. Shopping enthusiasts also consider Christmas an ideal time to hunt for sales, as there are many promotions. Finally, it's a chance to immerse yourself in the joyful and bustling atmosphere of the biggest holidays of the year. And then, immediately afterwards, enjoy the morning of the 25th, feeling like the first day of Tet (Lunar New Year) at home – quiet, peaceful, and surprisingly serene.”
Shopping enthusiasts also consider Christmas an ideal time to hunt for sales, as it's a time when many promotions are available.
This year, due to rising energy prices, many European cities have decided to reduce the use of Christmas decorations to save costs. On the Champs-Elysees in Paris, the lights will only be illuminated until 11:45 PM, instead of 2:00 AM as in previous Christmas seasons. This decision has been met with approval from many Europeans, who hope this Christmas will be a chance to enjoy the festive atmosphere after two consecutive Christmases were restricted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Christmas in Paris is also a time for interaction between locals and tourists, allowing them to enjoy the festive atmosphere leading up to the new year.
