Paris Christmas Lights 2025: What’s On & What’s Next
This is Paris Christmas Lights week: As of this week, Paris is officially sparkling. The “City of Light” is transforming for the holiday season, and the magic is happening right now.
This is your live guide to the 2025 illuminations—where to see the lights that are shining right now, and which grand illuminations are still to come this week.
What’s On Now: The Illuminations Already Shining
The first wave of magic has begun. These iconic avenues and department store windows are now fully lit and waiting for you.
The Department Store Vitrines The show began in early November at the Grands Magasins (Galeries Lafayette and Printemps). This tradition was a 19th-century invention, as they were the first in the world to create the fantastical, animated window displays (vitrines) that we love today. [Read more about the 2025 Department Store Displays…]
Avenue Montaigne: The Runway of Light
Status: NOW LIVE! 🟢
The Vibe: This is the heart of haute couture, and the lights are as chic and elegant as the fashion.
The Hidden Story: Before it was home to Dior and Chanel, this was the “Allée des Veuves” (Widows’ Alley)—a muddy, desolate path where grieving widows would gather in the 17th century. Its transformation into a glittering runway is a true symbol of Paris’s enduring glamour. [Read more about Avenue Montaigne’s lights…]
Champs-Élysées: The People’s Avenue
Status: NOW LIVE! 🟢
The Vibe: Over 400 trees are now sparkling every night, stretching from the Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe.
The Hidden Story: This tradition is younger than you’d think. The first modern illuminations only began in 1959. A little-known fact? The original lights were not white—they were a striking blue! [Read more about the Champs-Élysées celebration…]
Faubourg Saint-Honoré: The Street of Power
Status: NOW LIVE! 🟢
The Vibe: Timeless, classic, and perfectly refined. This street is “old money,” home to the Élysée Palace (the President’s residence) and legacy designer boutiques.
The Hidden Story: This street’s prestige is authentic. It follows an ancient Roman road, but its reputation comes from the 18th-century aristocrats who built their private mansions (hôtels particuliers) here, long before it became a center for political power. [Read more about the Faubourg Saint-Honoré’s lights…]
Place Vendôme: The Jewel Box
Status: NOW LIVE! 🟢
The Vibe: The most opulent of all. This square is home to the world’s greatest jewelers (Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels) and is famous for its giant, sculptural Christmas trees that are works of art.
The Hidden Story: The giant column in the center is the story. It was built by Napoleon, who melted down 1,200 captured enemy cannons to forge the bronze that wraps the column. The glittering, peaceful lights are a beautiful contrast to the square’s militant origins. [Read more about the Place Vendôme 2025 decorations…]
Boulevard Haussmann: The Shopper’s Dream
Status: NOW LIVE! 🟢
The Vibe: This is where the magic of Christmas shopping was born. The lights here are the grand finale to the department store window displays.
The Hidden Story: The street itself is the history. It didn’t exist in medieval Paris. It was one of the massive boulevards Baron Haussmann tore through the old city. The lights are a celebration of the street that created the modern Paris we know today. [Read more about the Boulevard Haussmann 2025 lights…]
The lights are just the beginning. To discover the hidden stories behind the sparkle and see the landmarks up close, explore all of our Paris walking tours.
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