I’ve always been a big fan of Christmas.  It’s been my favourite holiday for as long as I can remember; which is great because the build up to Christmas is longer than any other holiday throughout the year.

In North America the excitement of Christmas begins long before the first chocolate window on the Advent calendar is open.  Christmas decorations, ads on TV and all things Christmas in the stores can be found as soon as Halloween ends.

When I moved to Paris, I was happy to find that Parisians love Christmas just as much as I do!  It was refreshing to experience all the ways that Parisians celebrated the holidays besides just shopping for presents.

Here are a few of my favourites :

Marché de Noël

The Christmas Markets will be the most obvious festivity if you are a tourist visiting Paris in December.  You can’t miss the Marché de Noël set up along the Champs-Élysées because let’s face it; if you’re visiting Paris, you won’t leave without walking along this famous street.  But don’t stop at just one market!  There are marchés lining the streets in neighbourhoods all around Paris.

Grab a cup of vin chaud, indulge in some raclette smeared on a fresh baguette and listen to ‘Petite Papa Noël’ playing through the speakers above as you stroll  through the village of little wooden chalets that make up the Parisian Christmas markets.  Taste your way through the market, buy unique gifts or just take in the sights.  It’s a Parisian Christmas tradition that must be done.  The spirit of Christmas is easy to find when you pass by scenes like this every day on your walk home.

Chestnuts

I’m not sure if it’s because of the song, or the warmth of holding the paper cone full of deliciousness in my hand; but to me, nothing says Christmas in Paris like chestnuts roasting on an open fire.  This won’t be hard to find, you’ll see les marrons at every Marchés de Noël and on many street corners through out the city.  Enjoy!

Santacon

What happens when thousands of people dress up as Santa and hit the streets of Paris?  You have Santacon!  You’ll find Parisians creatively dressed in all types of Santa outfits, with a glass of wine in hand ready to march through the city in their own Santa parade.  The streets are filled with Santas for blocks; some playing Christmas music on saxophones, others generously sharing their wine with new-found friends.  As you’re singing carols through the streets of Paris you’ll be so happy that you decided to dress up and celebrate everyone’s favourite jolly old fellow.

Take in the Lights

As you hit the cobblestone, roaming the streets of Paris, you can’t miss how beautifully decorated the city is.  Store window have amazing displays and the city streets are lined with lights and festive decor.  If you’re strolling by Galleries Lafayette, be sure to pop in and take in the beauty of the massive tree they have beautifully decorated in the middle of the store.

Photo Credit http://www.goodfon.su/wallpaper/novyy-god-parizh-franciya.html

Corrida de Noël

For the runners among us, there’s a race that you’ll love!  Choose your distance and get your Santa suit ready, because wearing a costume my friends, is a must!

Jog your way through Parisian streets as you find yourself pushed along by the tide in a sea of Santas.  They’re all running towards the finish line, where each participant receives their metal and in true French style—a bottle of wine.  Now that’s worth running for!

Photo credit http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2013/12/santa-corrida-report.html

Skating

Skating rinks temporarily pop up all around Paris at Christmas time.  It’s not everyday you get to go ice skating under the shadow of the Eiffel Tower.  Head to Trocadéro, get yourself some skates and lace up, because as far as views go, it doesn’t get much better than that!

Photo Credit http://www.bonjourparis.com/story/paris-ice-skating-rinks-trocadero-eiffel-video/

Let Christmas Find You

One of the joys of living in an amazing city like Paris is that without even meaning to, you stumble across amazingness in your daily life.  Christmas will find you, even if you’re not looking for it.

Once on my way home I was road blocked by the world’s largest bûche de Noël.  The Guiness Book of World Records was there to make sure, and when they were done measuring, there was Christmas log for one and all!

Paris is a shining example that the spirit and excitement of Christmas can easily be found outside the department store.  Step out your front door, walk a few blocks, and you’re bound to find some Christmas cheer hidden amongst the streets of one of the world’s most amazing backdrops.