Christmas in Paris bursts with authentic European charm and practical sightseeing opportunities. The city’s best yuletide experiences focus on traditional elements: illuminated monuments on evening bus tours, local food sampling at cozy markets, and Seine River cruises that showcase the City of Light at its most magical. The guided Christmas food walks stand out as real gems – you’ll taste classic holiday treats while learning about French festive customs. For families, the interactive market quest keeps kids engaged while parents soak in the atmosphere. Let’s explore the most worthwhile Christmas tours Paris has to offer.
Key Points
- Guided Christmas lights tours offer immersive experiences showcasing Paris’ holiday charm, with options for walking, rickshaw, and private Citroën 2CV tours.
- Culinary tours and dining experiences, including Christmas gourmet food tours, private cooking classes, and Christmas lunch cruises, provide a taste of French holiday traditions.
- Self-guided and interactive tours, such as the Magical Christmas Walk and Christmas Markets Festive Digital Game, allow for independent exploration at one’s own pace.
- Accessibility and personalization are key, with custom and private tour options, expert local guides, and flexible meeting arrangements to cater to individual interests.
- Tours generally operate rain or shine, with positive feedback on guide knowledge and experiences, flexible cancellation policies, and a variety of unique holiday activities.
Paris Tootbus Christmas Tour
For those looking to experience the magic of Paris during the Christmas season, the Paris Tootbus Festive Christmas Tour offers a 90-minute journey through the city’s enchanting holiday lights and scenery.
With an average rating of 3.9 out of 5 based on 34 reviews, the tour provides audio commentary and traditional Christmas songs via individual earphones.
The tour starts at 11 Rue Auber and ends in front of the iconic Christmas windows at Le Printemps and Galeries Lafayette.
While the tour is generally well-received, some guests have reported issues with cold temperatures and overcrowding, so it’s recommended to dress warmly and arrive early.
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Paris: Open-Top Christmas Bus Tour
The Tootbus Open-Top Christmas Bus Tour offers a unique way to experience the holiday magic of Paris.
This 1.5-hour tour takes visitors through the city’s iconic landmarks, including the Opera, Place Vendôme, Champs-Élysées, Arc de Triomphe, and Eiffel Tower.
The open-top bus provides panoramic views, while an audio guide in 9 languages and traditional Christmas songs set the festive mood.
Onboard Wi-Fi and individual earphones ensure a comfortable experience.
The tour also includes a self-guided walking tour using the Tootbus app.
With prices starting at $29.40 per person and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour provides a convenient and flexible way to explore Paris during the holiday season.
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Paris Christmas Gourmet Food Tour
Enjoy the festive flavors of Paris on the Paris Christmas Gourmet Food Small Group Walking Tour.
This 3-hour experience takes you through the charming St.-Germain des Prés neighborhood, where you’ll visit a traditional European Christmas market and indulge in holiday favorites like Christmas cakes, gingerbread, and candied nuts.
You’ll also sample seasonal treats like nut-studded nougat and chocolate-covered Yule logs while learning about the French tradition of the 13 Desserts of Christmas.
The tour culminates at a cozy tea room, where you’ll savor more treats and explore the Christmas traditions of France.
With a maximum group size of 8, this intimate tour offers a unique and flavorful glimpse into Parisian holiday culture.
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Paris: Magical Christmas Walk In-App Audio Tour in English
Discover the enchanting sights and sounds of Paris during the most wonderful time of the year with the Paris: Magical Christmas Walk In-App Audio Tour in English.
This self-guided tour allows you to explore the city’s iconic landmarks decked out in festive decorations at your own pace. Follow the app’s turn-by-turn navigation and immersive audio commentary to learn about the history and traditions behind the holiday displays.
The tour covers popular attractions like the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées, and Notre-Dame Cathedral. Priced at $15.75 per person, it’s an affordable way to capture the magic of a Parisian Christmas.
Simply download the app and embark on a enchanting yuletide adventure.
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Paris Christmas Tour With a Local Guide, Custom & Private
For a truly personalized and in-depth exploration of Paris during the Christmas season, consider booking the Paris Christmas Tour With a Local Guide, Custom & Private.
This 3-hour private experience allows you to discover the city’s holiday highlights with a knowledgeable local host. The tour includes a hot chocolate, mulled wine, or soft drink, and you can customize the itinerary based on your interests.
With flexible meeting options and accessibility for wheelchair users, this tour is suitable for most travelers.
Reviews praise the tour’s personalized experiences at Christmas markets and the hosts’ expertise in showcasing both popular and hidden gems around the city.
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Paris: Crazy Christmas City Escape Game
During the Christmas season, Paris transforms into a city of wonder and excitement, and the Crazy Christmas City Escape Game offers a unique way to experience it.
This 2-hour immersive game challenges teams to solve puzzles and complete tasks throughout the city, uncovering the secrets of Paris’s festive traditions.
With a certified tour guide leading the way, participants can skip the line and explore iconic landmarks like the Louvre and Palais Garnier.
The Crazy Christmas City Escape Game is a thrilling adventure that allows visitors to discover Paris’s holiday magic in a fun and interactive way.
At $103.93 per person, it’s a must-try for those seeking a memorable Christmas experience in the City of Light.
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Paris Christmas Lunch Cruise by Bateaux Mouches
Stepping away from the exhilarating Crazy Christmas City Escape Game, visitors can indulge in a more leisurely Christmas experience with the Paris Christmas Lunch Cruise by Bateaux Mouches.
For $122.96 per person, guests can embark on a 3-course lunch cruise along the Seine River. The menu includes French classics like foie gras, roasted capon, and a Christmas log cake, accompanied by wine and live music.
While some reviews note the food quality is below French standards, the overall experience is praised for its magical atmosphere, welcoming staff, and spectacular views of Paris.
Wheelchair-accessible and near public transportation, this cruise offers a festive way to soak in the city’s holiday charm.
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Paris : Christmas Markets Festive Digital Game
Beyond the festive allure of Paris’ traditional Christmas markets, visitors can now enjoy a captivating digital gaming experience.
The “Paris: Christmas Markets Festive Digital Game” offers a unique way to explore the city’s iconic holiday attractions. Using their smartphone, travelers can navigate a virtual map, solve puzzles, and unlock rewards as they virtually visit the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, and other renowned landmarks.
This interactive adventure promises an engaging and innovative take on the classic Parisian Christmas experience. At €59 per person, it’s an ideal activity for families or groups seeking a modern, tech-savvy way to celebrate the season in the City of Light.
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Paris Small Group French Christmas Cooking Class
For those seeking a truly immersive French Christmas experience, the Paris Small Group French Christmas Cooking Class provides the perfect opportunity.
Led by a professional chef with Michelin-starred restaurant experience, this half-day hands-on class allows participants to learn how to prepare a traditional French Christmas dinner.
The class has a maximum of 8 travelers and is available from early November to early January. No prior cooking experience is necessary as the chef provides personalized guidance.
The menu includes a starter, main course, and dessert, all made with seasonal ingredients.
After cooking, participants enjoy a 45-minute tasting session and receive a copy of the recipes to recreate the meals at home.
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Paris: Private Christmas Lights Tour in Citroën 2CV 2h
Exploring Paris under the enchanting glow of Christmas lights becomes a truly magical experience with the Private Christmas Lights Tour in Citroën 2CV.
For 2 hours, you’ll discover the city’s iconic monuments and squares adorned with festive lights. Ride in a vintage convertible with detailed commentary from your knowledgeable driver, and personalize the itinerary to your interests.
You’ll also receive a 100% made in France Saint James scarf as a gift. With convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, and traffic-free driving, this tour offers a unique and relaxing way to enjoy Paris’ Christmas ambiance.
The tour operates rain or shine, though it’s not suitable for those with mobility impairments.
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Paris Christmas Lights Small Group Walking Tour With Local Guide
During the Paris Christmas Lights Small Group Walking Tour with Local Guide, travelers can enjoy the enchanting holiday ambiance of the city.
The tour, which costs from €95.86 per person, takes visitors on a walking exploration of the city’s dazzling Christmas lights and festive sights. Led by a local guide, the group, capped at 6 travelers, will enjoy a cup of hot chocolate or mulled wine as they discover the historical and cultural insights behind the illuminations.
While the tour operates rain or shine, some past guests have noted weather-related issues, so checking forecasts before booking is advisable.
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Paris Christmas Lights Walking Tour With Local Guide
The Paris Christmas Lights Walking Tour with Local Guide offers travelers an enchanting glimpse into the city’s festive illuminations and cultural traditions.
Priced from $96.58 per person, the 2-hour tour takes guests through the iconic 1st arrondissement, stopping at sites like the Palais-Royal, Tuileries Garden, and La Madeleine Church.
Along the way, a local guide shares insights into French Christmas customs while participants sip on mulled wine or hot chocolate and sample traditional holiday sweets.
With a maximum group size of 6, the intimate experience is wheelchair accessible via the private tour option.
Reviews praise the knowledgeable guides and personalized experiences, though some wish for more focus on the city’s dazzling Christmas lights displays.
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Paris: Christmas Lights Private Tour in a Modern Rickshaw
Travelers seeking a unique and intimate way to discover Paris’s enchanting Christmas lights can embark on a private tour via a modern rickshaw.
This 2-hour experience takes visitors to key landmarks like Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Champs-Élysées, and the Eiffel Tower, offering panoramic views and photo stops along the way.
Led by a multilingual guide, the tour includes the Eiffel Tower lighting, though past customers have mixed reviews on the representation of Christmas lights.
While the rickshaw provides a sustainable mode of transport, comfort may be an issue.
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Paris: Christmas Lunch or Dinner Cruise
For those seeking a festive and picturesque dining experience in Paris, a Christmas lunch or dinner cruise along the River Seine is a delightful option.
Priced from $136.48 per person, the cruise lasts 1.5-2 hours and offers a 3-course gourmet meal with a glass of champagne, wine, and water.
Guests can enjoy spectacular views of iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower while indulging in a selection of French cuisine, from duck foie gras to vegan options.
With holiday music setting the festive mood, this cruise is a unique way to experience Paris’ beauty during the Christmas season.
Customer reviews indicate the transportation and value for money are commendable, though the food quality may vary.
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Paris: Christmas Gourmet Tour of St-Germain-des-Prés
Paris’ Christmas Gourmet Tour of St-Germain-des-Prés offers visitors a delightful opportunity to enjoy the festive atmosphere of this charming Parisian neighborhood.
Priced from $206.82 per person, the 3-hour tour is limited to 8 participants and available in English, French, and Japanese.
Highlights include exploring gourmet shops, sampling decadent French treats like bûche de Noël and marrons glacés, and strolling through the Montparnasse Christmas market.
Though some reviewers wished for more focus on Christmas traditions, the tour receives positive feedback for its amazing shops and delicious tastings.
Flexible booking options make it easy to plan this unique Parisian Christmas experience.
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Paris: Private Christmas Food Tour With Local Guide
Priced from $251.96 per person, the 3-hour “Paris Christmas Food Tour with Local Guide & Seasonal Treats” offers visitors a private, immersive experience in the festive charm of the city.
The tour includes stops at a local bakery, restaurant, and café, where participants can sample delicacies like foie gras, buttery pastries, and spiced mulled wine.
Led by a knowledgeable local guide, the experience also showcases iconic landmarks like Notre Dame Cathedral and the Jardin du Luxembourg.
Wheelchair accessible and available in English, French, and Spanish, the tour isn’t suitable for those with lactose intolerance, vegetarians, or vegans.
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
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Paris: Christmas Market Walking Tour
The “Paris Christmas Market Walking Tour” offers visitors an immersive experience exploring the festive charm of the city’s iconic Christmas markets.
Priced at $288.70 per group of up to 15 participants, the 1.5-hour guided walking tour allows guests to discover the history and origins of these markets in Alsace at their own pace.
Highlights include indulging in local delicacies like hot mulled wine and roasted chestnuts, finding unique gifts and handicrafts, and experiencing the charming atmosphere around landmarks like Notre Dame Cathedral.
With a customizable tour and a convenient meeting point, this experience is a must for those seeking to capture the essence of Parisian Christmas traditions.
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From Paris: the Great Christmas at Vaux Le Vicomte & Fontainebleau
This popular tour offers visitors a chance to explore two magnificent French châteaux during the enchanting Christmas season.
Over 10.5 hours, the tour visits Château de Fontainebleau and Château de Vaux le Vicomte, with a stop at Blandy les Tours along the way.
Guests can admire Napoléon Bonaparte’s throne at Fontainebleau and marvel at the architectural masterpiece of Vaux le Vicomte, which inspired the design of Versailles.
The tour includes entry tickets, lunch, and hotel pickup and drop-off within Paris.
Audio guides in multiple languages are available.
Priced from $241.46 per person, the tour offers free cancellation and a reserve now, pay later option.
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Christmas Exploration of Paris Walking Tour
For those captivated by the enchanting festivities of a Parisian Christmas, the “Parisian Christmas Magic: From Notre-Dame to Vendôme” walking tour offers an immersive exploration of the city’s iconic landmarks adorned in holiday splendor.
Priced at $640.40 for a private group of up to 4, the 2-hour tour guides visitors through the festive atmosphere of Notre-Dame Cathedral, Hôtel de Ville, Domaine National du Palais-Royal, Galerie Vivienne, and Place Vendôme.
Participants can savor the charm of Paris during the yuletide season, with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
The tour captures the essence of a Parisian Christmas, providing an ideal opportunity to soak in the city’s festive beauty.
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Recap
Visitors to Paris have a wealth of Christmas experiences to choose from, including sightseeing tours, gourmet food tours, and walking tours. These tours provide opportunities to explore the city’s festive markets, historic landmarks, and culinary delights. Whether seeking a rundown or a more specialized experience, there’s something to suit every traveler’s interests and preferences during the holiday season in Paris.