Tis the Seasons Cheers from Paris

Throughout December Paris becomes especially festive for the end of year holidays as streets, monuments and window shops are alighted for the pleasure of shoppers and leisurely strollers.  Here is what you can enjoy this holiday season while visiting Paris. 

Champs Elysees

The famous avenue of the Champs Elysees intensely sparkles as the trees along the famous thoroughfare are decorated in scintillating garlands and floating tree rings that change color throughout the day and night. 

At the Place de la Concorde you will admire the tallest Christmas tree in Europe which measures 35 meters, about as high as the Obelisk that adorned the grand square. 

Visit the window displays of the Grand Department stores like Printemps, Bon Marche and Galleries Lafayette. Their mechanical window scenes are sure to enchant children of all ages.  The Galleries Lafayette has had Louis Vuiton decorate its windows to honor the 100 year anniversary of the store's Art Nouveau glass dome.

While at the Galleries Lafayette come in and admire the Christmas tree that stands majestically under the century old rotunda.  It sparkles with hundred of thousand of leds light and is crowned by a star-like suspended chandelier decorated in brilliant Swarovski crystals.

Galleries Lafayette 2012

Explore the Christmas market along the Champs Elysees between Avenue George V to the Place de la Concorde where chalets built in the Vosges mountains are temporary installed for the season.  They sell regional delicacies and hand-made holiday ornaments and gifts .  To warm you up while shopping savor a cup of hot mulled cider, a warm crepe or some roasted chestnuts.

For fun, ride the giant Ferris wheel in the Tuileries Garden for a view from above of the sparkling city of light .

How about putting on skates to glide on the skating ring installed in front of the Hotel de Ville. As for the little ones, a ride on the merry-go-around will sure delight them.

Happy Holidays!