Why Paris in December is Worth the Cold
There’s something about Paris in winter that just hits different. The city slows down, the tourists thin out, and every boulevard smells like roasted chestnuts and vin chaud. I went with my family in December 2018, and honestly, it might be my favorite trip we’ve ever taken.
We spent about a week exploring the city, and I’m going to walk you through everything we did, what was worth it, and what I’d skip next time.
Getting Around: The Big Bus Tour Saved Us
Look, I know hop-on hop-off buses are touristy. But in December, when it’s cold and dark by 4:30pm, having a warm bus that loops past every major sight is a lifesaver. We grabbed the Classic Ticket and used it to get from the Eiffel Tower area all the way to Notre Dame without dealing with the Metro.
That said, the Metro is cheap and fast. We used a mix of both, plus the occasional Uber when we were too tired to figure out which line to take.
The Highlights: What We Actually Loved
Versailles
We dedicated a full day to Versailles, and I’m glad we did. Get there by 10am or earlier — the crowds build fast even in winter. The Hall of Mirrors is as ridiculous as you’d expect, and the gardens are surprisingly beautiful even without the fountains running. The train from central Paris takes about 40 minutes.
2026 tip: Book your tickets online in advance. The lines are brutal if you show up without a reservation, and prices have gone up since our visit.
The Louvre
We spent an entire day here and still didn’t see everything. My advice: pick 2-3 things you really want to see (Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, Winged Victory) and then just wander. The building itself is half the experience.
2026 tip: Timed-entry tickets are now mandatory. Book at least a week ahead, especially for weekends.
Eiffel Tower at Sunset
December sunset in Paris happens around 4:30pm, which means you don’t have to stay up late to see the tower light up. We went to the Trocadero for the view, and it was absolutely worth freezing for. The tower sparkles on the hour after dark — don’t miss it.
Musee d’Orsay and the Orangerie
If you love Impressionist art (or even if you think you don’t), the Musee d’Orsay is a must. The building itself is a converted train station, and the collection is incredible. We paired it with a quick visit to the Orangerie across the river to see Monet’s Water Lilies. You can get a combo ticket for both.
Notre Dame and Sainte-Chapelle
We visited Notre Dame before the 2019 fire, so we got to see the interior in all its glory. The cathedral has since been beautifully restored and reopened in December 2024 after five years of reconstruction. If you’re visiting now, it’s absolutely worth going inside again.
Right nearby is Sainte-Chapelle, which honestly blew me away more than Notre Dame. The stained glass windows are unlike anything I’ve ever seen. It’s smaller and less famous, but don’t skip it.
The Champs-Elysees Christmas Market
This is the reason to visit Paris in December. The entire avenue turns into a massive Christmas market with food stalls, crafts, mulled wine, and lights everywhere. We went twice — once during the day and once at night — and the nighttime visit was magical.
2026 tip: The Christmas market format has changed a few times over the years. Check the current year’s dates and location before you go, as it sometimes moves to the Tuileries Garden instead.
Arc de Triomphe
Climbing to the top gives you one of the best views in Paris — you can see straight down the Champs-Elysees in one direction and out to La Defense in the other. It’s included in the Paris Museum Pass if you grab one.
Pere Lachaise Cemetery
This one surprised me. It’s peaceful, beautiful, and full of history. Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, Edith Piaf, Chopin — the list goes on. Grab a map at the entrance because it’s massive and easy to get lost in.
What We’d Do Differently
I wish we’d booked the Eiffel Tower summit tickets earlier — they sell out fast. We also tried to cram too many museums into one day a couple of times, which just leads to exhaustion. Two major sights per day is the sweet spot.
Also, the Catacombs. We wanted to go but didn’t book far enough in advance. Those tickets sell out weeks ahead, especially in peak season.
Tips for Visiting Paris in December
- Layer up. It’s not brutally cold (usually mid-30s to mid-40s F), but you’re walking a lot and the wind along the Seine cuts right through you.
- Book everything in advance. The Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Versailles, and Catacombs all require or strongly recommend advance tickets as of 2026.
- Consider the Paris Museum Pass. We used a 2-day pass and it paid for itself quickly. It covers the Louvre, Orsay, Arc de Triomphe, Versailles, Sainte-Chapelle, and dozens more.
- Sunset is early. Plan your outdoor sightseeing for the morning and save museums for the afternoon when it gets dark.
- Eat the crepes. Street crepes with Nutella and banana. Every single day. No regrets.
Was It Worth It?
A hundred percent. Paris in December doesn’t get the hype that spring or summer does, but that’s exactly why I loved it. Shorter lines, Christmas markets, cozy cafes, and the city lit up for the holidays. If you’re on the fence about a winter trip to Paris, just go.