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At this special time of year, the city has a magical atmosphere, combining dreamlike illuminations with unique events...and enhanced even more by the infinite choice of gifts on offer in the city’s department stores and markets. You never know what surprises are around the corner!
Paris is never as beautiful as at the onset of the festive season! As a result of the "Paris Illumine Paris" project, the capital is a blaze with light, and its main thoroughfares and shopping streets are adorned with thousands of brilliant colours. Notable examples include the Rue des Francs-Bourgeois, Boulevard Poissonnière, Rue Mogador and, of course, the Champs Elysées.
©Eric Larrayadieu
However, it’s impossible to think about Christmas in Paris without mentioning shopping.
The city’s major department stores along Boulevard Haussmann compete fiercely with each other to attract shoppers both young and old, creating imaginative window displays that are truly enchanting.
 
© Eric Larrayadieu © Galeries Lafayette
Christmas markets flourish in the capital and are there to tempt you with a variety of arts and crafts and to provide myriad gift ideas.
Christmas and New Year are full of delightful winter pleasures, so why not head to one of the many ice rinks that are set up in Paris and in numerous towns around the region. In Paris, ice rinks are free (though you will need to hire skates for around 5 euros) and remain open for several months. Traditionally, the largest of them is located in front of the Hôtel de Ville (City Hall), near the métro station of the same name (lines 1 and 11).
© Fabian Charaffi/CRT Paris IDF
Spectacular New Year celebrations!
Cabarets, dance clubs and gourmet restaurants all bring in the New Year in great celebratory style with special events and gastronomic cuisine. Whether you’re looking for glitz and glamour, want to hang out in the city’s trendiest new addresses, or see in the New Year in more relaxed style, there’s something for everyone - the hardest part is making your mind up! Here are a few ideas to help you make your choice from the huge array of options.
Opera
See in the New Year in magnificent style.
Cabaret
Cabarets, such as the Moulin Rouge, the Lido and the Crazy Horse guarantee an unforgettable experience.
New Year dinner and brunch
For a night to remember, why not head to Enghien-les-Bains, home to the only casino in the Paris region. Stay overnight in a hotel to add to the romantic sense of occasion.
What could be more romantic than seeing in the New Year on the Seine, cruising past the Eiffel Tower in all its illuminated glory? The Bateaux Parisiens company offers a New Year’s Eve cruise.
Vaux le Vicomte celebrates Christmas
Enchantment starts with snow falling in the honor courtyard bordered by white Christmas trees path leading towards the entrance of the chateau. (Snow every first ten minutes of each hour starting at 11a.m.)
In each stately rooms, a new atmosphere is set up with sumptuous Christmas décor and music, and chimney fires.Discover many other lit surprises in the garden of Le Nôtre.
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Château de Vaux le Vicomte
77950 Maincy
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