It’s that time of the year again, and Paris is bursting with holiday lights, entertainment, magical experiences for children and adults, and full out decorations in the shop windows. Here’s a list of some of our favorite things.

In the enchanting windows at Printemps, Jules and Violette are two fictional child heroes who make their way around the world by ship. Disaster strikes when Father Christmas is missing and Jules and Violette drop anchor to search for him. They realize he’s already left to deliver his gifts and along the way travel to the The Frosted Valley, The Golden Dunes, The Prairies of the Four Winds, and The Land of Sweet Delights.

Printemps Haussmann

64 Blvd. Haussmann, 75009

http://departmentstoreparis.printemps.com/

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The glorious, towering holiday tree in the lobby of Galeries Lafayette never ceases to amaze us. This season, luxury jeweler Piaget has outfitted the tree with decorations of emerald green, sapphire blue and Piaget boxes with gold foil ribbon and bows. The windows express The Dream Factory featuring the Advent calendar, the gift factory, Santa Claus village, and New Year’s Eve dinner.

Galeries Lafayette

40 Boulevard Haussmann, 75009

https://haussmann.galerieslafayette.com/en/

Take a stroll down the Champs Elysees and enjoy the glow of red lights streaming along the boulevard, and after, go window-shopping on the elegant Avenue Montaigne with designer boutique windows festively decorated.

The prestigious Kiev Opera Ballet has not preformed in Paris since 1964, and triumphantly returns with their special production of the The Nutcracker. A rare opportunity not to be missed.

December 23, 20018 to January 6, 2019

Theatre des Champs Elysees

13 Avenue Montaigne, 75008

https://www.theatrechampselysees.fr/en/season/dance/the-nutcracker

The Broadway mega-hit musical Chicago has landed for the first time in Paris. Gyrate and sing along with All That Jazz, plus the rest of the catchy musical numbers. The show is performed in French with English subtitles.

Chicago at Theatre in Paris

Mogador Theatre

25 rue Mogador, 75009

https://www.theatreinparis.com/show/chicago-the-musical

A very special performance at the Hall of Mirrors in the Palace of Versailles will impress all. At nightfall, after the palace is closed to daytime visitors, a group of baroque actors, dancers, singers, fencers and musicians recreate The Royal Court show performed for the King.

The King’s Tour at Versailles

December 21,22, 28,29

https://en.chateauversailles-spectacles.fr/programmation/the-king-s-tour_e2007

At the plaza at the Hotel de Ville (City Hall), a Christmas market decks the halls with traditional products, along with a mini-forest made up of fir and birch trees, a carousel, and a mini-train. Waffles, crepes and mulled wine are just some of the yummy foods offered.

Hotel de Ville Christmas Market

Until January 6, 2019

It looks more like a safari park rather than the Jardin des Plantes, the botanic garden of Paris. A show of life-size illuminated animals, such as dinosaurs, polar bears, mammoths, turtles, butterflies, pandas, elephants and penguins, are on display throughout the park grounds.

Note: The display is only in the evening

Until January 19, 2019

Everyday 6PM to 11PM

Jardin des Plantes, 75005

http://www.jardindesplantes.net/fr/agenda/evenement/especes-voie-illumination

Show-off your best figure eights gliding on the ice at the Grand Palais. Skate rentals are available on site.

Until January 9, 2019

Avenue Winston Churchill, 75008

Metro: Champs Elysees-Clemenceau

https://www.legrandpalaisdesglaces.com/en/home/

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