Spend a Day in Paris Without Your Wallet
It’s possible to enjoy Paris without spending a dime. There are plenty of suggestions, but finding the best ones takes time. We’ve compiled a list of our top finds for the holidays at the end of the year that might interest you.
Christmas Markets
Paris hosts around ten Christmas markets in December. Our favorite is the market in Montmartre with its 70 cottages in a meticulously arranged village setting on Azaïs Street, Cardinal Guibert Street, and the square of the Sacred Heart.
- Children’s activities: The Christmas Market Square of the Abbesses offers numerous shows for children.
- Notre Dame Market: From December 12 to 23, visit the market near Notre Dame Cathedral, dedicated to arts and crafts, featuring thirty artisans.
On the Ice, It’s Free
In December, the traditional ice rink returns to the forecourt of City Hall. There are two ice rinks, totaling 1350m², with one reserved for children under 6 years. Qualified instructors are available to supervise the public.
Opening hours:
- Monday: 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm
- Tuesday to Sunday: 9:30 am to 10:00 pm
- Free access: Access to the ice rink is free for those with their own skates; otherwise, skate rental is €6.
Additional rinks: Other ice rinks and various entertainments are offered at the Trocadéro, Square Saint Sulpice, and the Eiffel Tower.
Christmas Masses at the Sacred Heart Basilica and Notre Dame Cathedral
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart offers two Christmas Masses on December 24 at 6:00 pm and 10:00 pm, and three Masses on December 25 at 11:00 am, 6:00 pm, and 10:00 pm.
- Recommendation: For a more ritualistic experience, opt for the evening Mass on the 24th.
At Notre Dame Cathedral, Christmas Eve service starts at 11:00 pm on December 24, featuring Christmas songs by the choir and organs.
- Midnight Mass: The traditional midnight Mass will be presided over by the Archbishop of Paris, accompanied by choirs and organs.
The Christmas Window Displays
Paris is famous for its animated Christmas window displays. Four stores, including Galeries Lafayette and Printemps at the beginning of Boulevard Haussmann, feature around twenty beautiful animated window displays.
- Le Bon Marché: Offers a more artistic version worth seeing at 24 Sèvres Street.
- Grande Epicerie of Paris: A true wonder for fine dining lovers.
- BHV near the Town Hall: Can be coupled with a stop at the ice rink at City Hall Square and a walk in the Marais, guaranteed to delight young and old alike.
Christmas Animation on the Champs Elysées, Rue Saint Honoré, and Bercy Village
Start your walk at Place de la Concorde, where the largest mobile Ferris wheel in the world will be installed. Continue up the Champs Elysées, where 200 sycamores line the avenue adorned with over 4,000 Christmas lights.
Christmas market: Featuring 200 cottages and a 4000m² ice rink with a giant slide (Price, skate rental included: €10 for adults and €7 for children under 12).
Additional spots:
- Saint-Honoré Street (Louvre Rivoli Subway station)
- Bercy Village (Cour Saint-Émilion subway station)
The Clignancourt Flea Market
This is the largest antiques market in the world, akin to an Aladdin’s cave spanning 7 hectares. It’s a great place to hunt for unique Christmas gifts, with numerous stalls offering clothing, jewelry, and handcrafts. Enjoy the unique atmosphere of this Parisian treasure.
Opening hours:
- Saturday, Sunday: 10:00 am to 5:30 pm
- Monday: 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
Location: Porte de Clignancourt station.
