Paris transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. Its iconic landmarks, shimmering lights, and lively markets make it one of the most enchanting Christmas destinations in Europe. We especially love experiences like the Paris: Tootbus Open-Top Christmas Bus Tour for their panoramic views and lively commentary, and the Paris Christmas Illuminations and Local Festivities Private Tour for a personalized, behind-the-scenes look at the city’s festive neighborhoods. These tours capture the magic of Paris at its most sparkly, making your holiday visit truly memorable.
Whether you’re after a relaxed sightseeing cruise, a cozy walking tour, or a unique vintage car experience, Paris offers a variety of Christmas-themed options. From bustling markets to illuminated streets, each provides a different way to learn about the city’s holiday spirit. Below, we detail the top 15 Christmas Tours & Experiences that help you make the most of the season.
1. Paris: Tootbus Open-Top Christmas Bus Tour
At number 1, the Paris: Tootbus Open-Top Christmas Bus Tour offers a lively, 1.5-hour nighttime ride through the heart of Paris. This double-decker bus allows you to admire Paris’s most famous sights—like the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées, and Arc de Triomphe—draped in festive lights. The onboard commentary is available in 9 languages and is accompanied by traditional Christmas songs, creating a cheerful atmosphere. Plus, with onboard Wi-Fi, you can share your stunning photos and festive moments instantly. This tour is perfect for travelers who want a quick, lively overview of Paris illuminated for Christmas. The reviews are generally good, with a 3.9/5 rating from over 1,100 travelers, emphasizing the fun and the spectacular views.
Bottom Line: It’s a spirited, family-friendly way to see Paris’s Christmas lights from a comfortable, open-air bus—ideal if you’re short on time but want a memorable experience.
2. Paris Christmas Illuminations and Local Festivities Private Tour
Number 2 on our list is the exclusive private tour that takes you through Paris’s most festively decorated neighborhoods. For around $355 per person, this 3 to 4-hour experience is perfect if you want a personalized, in-depth exploration of the city’s holiday magic. Your guide will take you on foot and by private vehicle, visiting landmarks like the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, and the Champs-Élysées decorated for Christmas. Highlights include Galeries Lafayette’s legendary window displays and a ride on the festive Ferris wheel at a holiday market. Guests love the flexibility and the knowledgeable guide, with a perfect 5.0/5 review rating.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers seeking a tailored, in-depth experience with insider tips, this private tour offers luxury and personalization for creating cherished holiday memories.
3. Paris: Christmas Lights Tuk Tuk Tour
Number 3 is the tuk tuk tour, a fun and eco-friendly way to see Paris’s glittering Christmas lights in just 1–2 hours. The electric tuk tuk whisks you past major sights like the Champs-Élysées, Louvre, and department store windows animated with holiday displays. The tour is customizable in duration, making it flexible even for tight schedules. The ride offers a relaxed way to take in the sights without the fatigue of walking, especially in winter. The 4.5/5 reviews reflect how much travelers enjoy the novelty and comfort of this quiet, environmentally friendly experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for a quick, lively glide through Paris’s illuminated streets, especially if you want to combine sightseeing with a bit of fun.
4. Paris: Private Christmas Lights Tour by Citroën 2CV
Number 4 offers a cozy, vintage experience in a classic Citroën 2CV. For about $291 per group (up to three people), this 2-hour tour immerses you in Paris’s sparkling Christmas ambiance from a charming, retro convertible. Your guide’s commentary will deepen your understanding of the city’s holiday traditions, while blankets keep you warm in winter. The personalized nature of this tour makes it ideal for couples or small groups wanting a luxurious, intimate outing. Travelers have noted the friendly guide and the ability to customize the itinerary, making it feel like a private adventure.
Bottom Line: If you love vintage cars and personalized service, this tour offers a charming, comfortable way to see Paris’s festive lights in style.
5. Paris: Christmas Lights Night Tour by Open-Top Bus
Number 5 delivers another lively night bus experience, this time focusing on the city’s glittering holiday decor. This two-hour tour takes you past the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, and the Champs-Élysées—each illuminated spectacularly. The cruise includes a chocolate gift and the chance to see Paris’s Christmas windows and markets at night, which glow with festive charm. The reviews, holding a 3.8/5 from over 230 reviews, praise the “breathtaking views” and the “festive atmosphere,” making this a good pick for those who want a lively, comprehensive night tour.
Bottom Line: Ideal for lovers of illuminated cityscapes and lively atmospheres, this tour combines sightseeing with holiday treats.
6. Paris Christmas Tour with a Local Guide, Custom & Private
Number 6 is a flexible, personalized experience designed for those who want to explore Paris’s Christmas traditions with an insider. For $233 per person, this 3-hour private tour takes you through Le Marais, the Notre Dame area, and the BHV department store, with a local guide sharing stories and traditions. The tour’s highlight is the ability to customize your route based on your interests, whether that’s shopping, markets, or historic sites. Travelers appreciate the personalized attention and the opportunity to learn about Parisian holiday customs.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers who want a tailored, intimate experience combining sightseeing with local insights.
7. Paris: Christmas & New Year Lunch or Dinner Cruise
Number 7 offers a gourmet dining experience aboard a boat cruising the Seine. For $140, enjoy a festive meal while gazing at illuminated landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame. The cruise lasts from 1.5 to 4.5 hours, making it a flexible choice for a romantic dinner or a family celebration. The combination of delicious food and Parisian scenery makes this a popular way to celebrate Christmas or New Year in style.
Bottom Line: A perfect option for foodies and romantics seeking a memorable dining experience on the Seine with festive views.
8. Paris: Experience the magic of Christmas on a walk with a pro photographer
Number 8 blends photography and sightseeing in a 1.5-hour guided walk through Paris’s most beautifully lit spots. Your professional photographer guide will help you capture stunning, high-definition photos of the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées, and other landmarks. The tour is perfect for those wanting Instagram-worthy shots and to learn how to take great photos during the festive season. Reviewers praise the guide’s friendliness and expertise, and the focus on photo mastery makes this a standout.
Bottom Line: Best for photography enthusiasts or travelers wanting beautiful keepsakes of their holiday in Paris.
9. Paris: Moulin Rouge Christmas Dinner and Show
Number 9 combines holiday glamour with Paris’s legendary cabaret. During this 4-hour experience, you enjoy a special Christmas dinner and the iconic Moulin Rouge Féerie revue. The festive decor, lively performances, and delicious French cuisine make this a festive highlight for anyone wanting classic Parisian entertainment with a holiday twist.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those celebrating Christmas with a splash of glitz and iconic entertainment.
10. Paris Christmas Lights Walking Tour with a Local Guide
Number 10’s 2-hour evening walking tour takes you through the beautifully illuminated streets of Paris. Your local guide will point out the best light displays, from Galerie Vivienne to Place Vendôme, sharing stories and traditions along the way. It’s perfect if you prefer a relaxed, intimate experience on foot and want to learn about French Christmas customs.
Bottom Line: Great for those who enjoy walking and authentic local insights into Paris during its most magical season.
11. Paris Small Group French Christmas Cooking Class
Number 11 is a hands-on culinary experience. For about $272, you’ll learn to prepare a traditional French Christmas meal from a professional chef, including dishes like Bûche de Noël. The small group setting ensures personalized attention, and guests rave about the chef’s expertise. After cooking, you’ll sit down to enjoy your festive creations, feeling confident to recreate French holiday dishes at home.
Bottom Line: Perfect for food lovers eager to bring authentic French Christmas cuisine back home.
12. Paris VIP: Xmas Sightseeing Chauffeur Driven Tour 3hr
Number 12 offers a luxurious chauffeur-driven experience that covers major landmarks in a 3-hour private vehicle tour. You’ll see the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, Champs-Élysées, and more, with stops for photos and shopping. This personalized tour is ideal for travelers wanting comfort and flexibility, especially during a busy holiday season.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those seeking a relaxed, personalized, and comfortable way to see Paris’s holiday highlights.
13. Paris: Christmas Gourmet Food Small Group Walking Tour
Number 13 combines gourmet food tasting with Christmas shopping. For about $242, explore Saint Germain des Pres with a small group, sampling seasonal treats like gingerbread, Yule logs, and mulled wine. The guide shares insights into regional Christmas traditions, and the intimate atmosphere makes it ideal for foodies and culture enthusiasts alike.
Bottom Line: If you love festive food and a relaxed pace, this tour offers a delicious way to experience Paris during the holidays.
14. Paris: Christmas Lights Private Tour in a Modern Rickshaw
Number 14 is a private 2-hour tour in a sleek rickshaw that takes you past major illuminated landmarks, including Notre-Dame, Opéra, and the Eiffel Tower. This luxury, private ride offers photo stops and a panoramic view, perfect for couples or small groups wanting a personalized experience.
Bottom Line: For a stylish, private, and comfortable way to see Paris’s Christmas lights, this tour hits the mark.
15. Paris Christmas Food Tour with a Local Guide, and Seasonal Treats
Finally, number 15 combines culinary delights with sightseeing. For about $263, a local guide takes you through illuminated streets, markets, and traditional Parisian tearooms, sampling foie gras, pastries, and mulled wine. The 3-hour tour is tailored for food lovers eager to indulge in Paris’s holiday flavors while exploring iconic sights.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for those who want to combine sightseeing with a hearty taste of French Christmas cuisine.
How to Choose the Best Christmas Tour in Paris
When selecting the right experience, consider your budget, interests, and mobility. For panoramic views and lively atmospheres, the open-top bus tours and tuk tuk rides deliver fun, quick glimpses of Paris’s festive lights. If you prefer a more intimate or personalized experience, the private tours and private rickshaw offer tailored insights and comfort.
Food and culture enthusiasts may love the French Christmas cooking class or the gourmet food tour. For relaxing river views, the Seine dinner cruise is unbeatable. Book early—many experiences sell out fast during the holiday season, especially around Christmas and New Year.
Final Thoughts
Paris offers an outstanding variety of Christmas Tours & Experiences that cater to every taste—from lively bus rides and private illuminations tours to culinary adventures and festive cruises. If you’re after a quick overview, the open-top bus or tuk tuk tours are excellent starters. For a more personalized approach, consider the private Xmas illuminations tour or the VIP chauffeur experience.
Travelers who love food should not miss the French Christmas cooking class or the gourmet food tour. Whichever you choose, booking early will ensure you enjoy these festive highlights without stress. Paris at Christmas truly is magical—don’t miss the chance to experience it this season.
