Paris during Christmas is a practical traveler’s dream, with efficient tour options that maximize both time and experience. The 90-minute Tootbus night tour stands out as a smart choice, covering major illuminated sites while staying warm in winter. For those who prefer a deeper cultural connection, the 3-hour private walking tours are worth every minute – especially with the added bonus of hot mulled wine and access to local quarters travelers rarely see.
Skip the commercial tourist traps and consider specialty experiences: the virtual Christmas market game works surprisingly well for families, while the rickshaw tours offer a fun compromise between walking and bus travel. The gourmet food tours are particularly memorable, connecting visitors with authentic holiday treats in local neighborhoods.
Let’s look at our favorite Christmas tours in Paris, each tested and approved for value and authentic experience.
Key Points
- Explore Paris’s iconic landmarks and festive lights on a 90-minute Tootbus Christmas Tour, offering multilingual audio commentary.
- Enjoy a personalized 3-hour private tour with a local guide, including mulled wine or hot chocolate and customized to your interests.
- Learn traditional French culinary skills and prepare a gourmet holiday feast in a 3.5-hour cooking class.
- Enjoy the festive atmosphere of Parisian Christmas markets on a private walking tour with food tastings.
- Discover the history and holiday traditions of Fontainebleau and Vaux-le-Vicomte castles on a 10.5-hour guided tour.
Paris Tootbus Festive Christmas Tour
The Paris Tootbus Festive Christmas Tour offers visitors a magical glimpse into the city’s holiday spirit. This 90-minute tour takes riders on a journey to witness Paris illuminated by enchanting Christmas lights.
Travelers can enjoy the tour’s audio commentary featuring traditional carols while taking in the stunning views from the bus.
While the experience is generally positive, with guests praising the beautiful scenery, some issues have been reported, such as cold temperatures onboard and inconsistent holiday light displays.
To ensure the best experience, it’s recommended to dress warmly, arrive early, and try to visit in December when the festive atmosphere is at its peak.
Read our full review: Paris Tootbus Festive Christmas Tour Review
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Paris: Open-Top Christmas Bus Tour
This open-top bus tour offers visitors a unique way to experience the enchanting Christmas atmosphere of Paris.
For 1.5 hours, travelers can admire the city’s iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées, and Arc de Triomphe, all illuminated by festive lights.
The tour includes audio commentary in 9 languages and traditional Christmas songs. Travelers can also download the Tootbus app for self-guided walking tours.
At Kč 705 per person, the tour provides good value, though some customers felt there could have been more Christmas decorations.
Read our full review: Paris: Open-Top Christmas Bus Tour Review
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Paris Christmas Tour With a Local Guide, Custom & Private
Experiencing Paris during the Christmas season takes on a whole new level of magic with this private and personalized tour.
Led by a local host, the 3-hour experience focuses on the city’s captivating Christmas lights, enchanting decorations, and cherished festive traditions.
Enjoy a warming cup of mulled wine, hot chocolate, or a soft drink as you stroll through the romantic Parisian streets.
The flexible itinerary is customized based on your group’s interests, whether it’s discovering the best Christmas markets or uncovering hidden gems.
With a 5-star rating and positive reviews, this tour promises an insider’s perspective on the most dazzling holiday displays Paris has to offer.
Read our full review: Paris Christmas Tour With a Local Guide, Custom & Private Review
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Paris : Christmas Markets Festive Digital Game
Enjoy the captivating spirit of Parisian Christmas markets with this festive digital game.
Explore virtual renderings of the city’s iconic yuletide venues, including the markets at Champs-Élysées and Montparnasse.
Wander through the stalls, browse handcrafted gifts, and savor the scents of mulled wine and freshly baked treats.
The game offers a 360-degree panoramic experience, allowing you to fully learn about the festive atmosphere.
Discover unique local products, engage in interactive activities, and even create your own virtual Christmas ornament.
Whether you’re planning a trip or seeking a glimpse of Parisian holiday traditions, this digital game brings the magic of Paris’ Christmas markets right to your fingertips.
Read our full review: Paris : Christmas Markets Festive Digital Game Review
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Paris: Christmas Lights Private Tour in a Modern Rickshaw
Explore the enchanting Parisian streets on a private Christmas lights tour via a modern rickshaw.
This 2-hour experience showcases the city’s iconic landmarks, including Notre-Dame, the Opéra, and the Eiffel Tower, all decked out in their holiday finery.
Enjoy panoramic views and photo stops as you’re chauffeured through the festive atmosphere.
The tour features an English-speaking guide and is pet-friendly with free Wi-Fi.
While alcohol and smoking are prohibited, you can opt for hotel pickup and drop-off for an additional fee.
With a 4/5 rating based on 6 reviews, this is a memorable way to experience the magic of Parisian Christmas lights.
Read our full review: Paris: Christmas Lights Private Tour in a Modern Rickshaw Review
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Paris Christmas Lights Walking Tour With Local Guide
This 2-hour Paris Christmas Lights Walking Tour with a local guide offers an enchanting way to discover the city’s festive illuminations.
Starting at 36 Rue Étienne Marcel, the tour takes you through iconic sites like the Galerie Vivienne, Palais-Royal, and Tuileries Garden, showcasing the city’s stunning holiday lights.
Along the way, you’ll learn about French Christmas traditions and enjoy a warming cup of hot chocolate or mulled wine.
With a maximum group size of 6, this private or small-group experience provides an intimate and personalized exploration of Paris’ yuletide charm.
The tour operates rain or shine and is wheelchair accessible with the private option, ensuring a comfortable journey through the city’s enchanting winter wonderland.
Read our full review: Paris Christmas Lights Walking Tour With Local Guide Review
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Paris: Private Christmas Lights Tour in Citroën 2CV 2h
A private Christmas lights tour in a classic Citroën 2CV allows visitors to discover the enchanting city of Paris under its festive illuminations.
The 2-hour tour, priced from Kč 3,133 to Kč 2,976 per person, offers a personalized experience with a knowledgeable driver providing detailed commentary.
Guests can enjoy the comfort of the vintage car, complete with blankets, and make photo stops at famous monuments and squares.
The tour is available in English and French, and includes a convenient hotel pickup and drop-off service.
With an overall rating of 4.8/5 and positive reviews, this experience is a must for those seeking a unique and memorable way to enjoy Paris’ Christmas charm.
Read our full review: Paris: Private Christmas Lights Tour in Citroën 2CV 2h Review
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Paris: Christmas Lunch or Dinner Cruise
For those seeking a festive and memorable way to experience the Christmas spirit in Paris, the Christmas Lunch or Dinner Cruise on the River Seine offers a delightful opportunity.
Priced from $136.62 per person, this 1.5-2 hour cruise allows guests to marvel at the illuminated city while enjoying a 3-course holiday meal, champagne, wine, and coffee.
The menu features French delicacies like duck foie gras, veal steak, and chocolate dessert.
Cruising past iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, guests can enjoy the festive atmosphere with holiday music.
With free cancellation up to 3 days in advance, this experience is an excellent choice for those looking to celebrate the season in style.
Read our full review: Paris: Christmas Lunch or Dinner Cruise Review
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The Perfect Christmas Dinner: 3.5-Hour Cooking Class
Foodies seeking an immersive Christmas experience in Paris can indulge in a 3.5-hour cooking class to prepare a gourmet holiday feast.
Hosted by Chef Dominique Dury in his Parisian apartment, the class is limited to just 8 participants and covers a full three-course menu.
Guests will learn to make a cream of red kuri squash appetizer, a supreme of guinea fowl with Jura yellow wine and morels for the main, and a decadent chocolate and chestnut Yule log for dessert.
The class, priced at $230.16 per person, includes all ingredients, utensils, and a copy of the recipes.
With an overall 5/5 rating, this hands-on culinary experience promises a delicious and memorable Christmas in the City of Light.
Read our full review: The Perfect Christmas Dinner: 3.5-Hour Cooking Class Review
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From Paris: the Grand Christmas Vaux Le Vicomte & Fontainebleau
Travelers seeking a grand Christmas experience in Paris can embark on a 10.5-hour tour that showcases the stunning châteaux of Fontainebleau and Vaux-le-Vicomte. Priced from $241.72 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, entry tickets, and a live guide.
At Fontainebleau, visitors can explore the former residence of French kings and see Napoleon’s throne. The tour then moves to the magnificent Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, the inspiration for Versailles, where Christmas activities like a treasure hunt and grilled marshmallows await.
With the option for free cancellation and reserve now & pay later, this tour provides a seamless and memorable way to experience French holiday traditions.
Read our full review: From Paris: the Grand Christmas Vaux Le Vicomte & Fontainebleau Review
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Paris: Private Christmas Food Tour With Local Guide
A Paris Christmas food tour with a local guide offers a delightful way to take in the city’s festive flavors.
Priced from $236 to $263 per person, this 3-hour private group experience showcases the best of Parisian Christmas cuisine, from foie gras to pastries and mulled wine.
Participants can explore the city’s iconic landmarks like Notre Dame and the Luxembourg Gardens while learning about Parisian Christmas traditions.
The tour includes six food tastings, a choice of mulled wine or hot chocolate, and tips for navigating the city.
It’s wheelchair accessible but not suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
With small group sizes, it’s a personalized way to discover Paris’s Christmas delights.
Read our full review: Paris: Private Christmas Food Tour With Local Guide Review
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Paris: Christmas Market Walking Tour
For those seeking to experience the enchantment of Parisian Christmas markets, the Christmas Market Walking Tour offers an immersive exploration of these festive destinations.
Priced at $289.01 per group (up to 15 participants), the 1.5-hour private tour allows visitors to discover the history and ambiance of these iconic markets. Theres some good warm mulled wine, local delicacies, and unique gifts while learning about the Alsatian and German roots of these traditions.
The tour covers markets spanning from the Tuileries to La Défense, showcasing the festive lights and vibrant atmosphere. With a local guide, the experience can be customized to suit individual interests, making it a must-do for anyone celebrating the holiday season in Paris.
Read our full review: Paris: Christmas Market Walking Tour Review
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Paris: Christmas Gourmet Tour of St-Germain-des-Prés
Amid the enchanting Christmas atmosphere of St-Germain-des-Prés, the Paris: Christmas Gourmet Tour offers a delightful exploration of the neighborhood’s renowned culinary offerings.
Priced from ₹17,533 per person, this 3-hour tour limited to 8 participants provides a chance to savor regional specialties at the Montparnasse Christmas market and visit gourmet shops for tastings of chocolate, bûche de Noël, gingerbread, and candied fruits.
Guests will also enjoy a hot drink and spiced wine while learning about traditional French Christmas celebrations.
Though some found the focus on Christmas lacking, the tour’s highlights include the chocolate and pastry tastings, as well as the warm ambiance of a Parisian tearoom.
Read our full review: Paris: Christmas Gourmet Tour of St-Germain-des-Prés Review
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Christmas Exploration of Paris Walking Tour
Set out on a captivating Christmas exploration of Paris with the “Parisian Christmas Magic: From Notre-Dame to Vendôme” walking tour.
Priced at $641.08 for up to 4 participants, this 2-hour private group experience takes you on a journey through the city’s most iconic holiday destinations.
Admire the festive decor at Notre-Dame Cathedral, soak in the cheerful atmosphere at Hôtel de Ville, wander through the serene Palais-Royal gardens, and marvel at the luxury charm of Place Vendôme.
With a professional local guide, you’ll learn about the essence of a Parisian Christmas.
Note that attraction availability may vary based on time and crowd conditions.
This tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later.
Read our full review: Christmas Exploration of Paris Walking Tour Review
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The Sum Up
Paris offers a variety of Christmas experiences to suit different interests and budgets. From festive bus tours and guided walks to indulgent food tours, visitors can enjoy the city’s charming holiday atmosphere. Whether you’re interested in exploring Christmas markets, admiring dazzling light displays, or savoring local delicacies, Paris has something to make your yuletide celebrations truly memorable.