When the lights and markets are on
The Champs-Élysées lights go on at a launch event that starts at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 22, 2026. The avenue is pedestrianized for it, with a light show, a Feu! Chatterton concert and Cate Blanchett hosting.
The lights stay on through the first week of January. They burn until midnight, except on Dec. 24 and 31, when they stay lit all night.
Two other dates to know: the Tuileries Christmas Market runs Nov. 14, 2026 to Jan. 3, 2027, and the Galeries Lafayette Haussmann window and tree are unveiled on Nov. 12.
The markets worth an evening
The Champs-Élysées market is back after about ten years away, with around 200 chalets from Nov. 22 to Jan. 4, 2027. It sits in the avenue's gardens, so pair it with the lights and you have one evening sorted. On Dec. 24 the chalets close at 8 p.m., and on Dec. 31 the market is closed.
The Tuileries market is the better choice for a late afternoon. It has raclette, churros, vin chaud and a Ferris wheel, and it sits near Place de la Concorde, at the foot of the Champs-Élysées. Other well-known markets are at Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Notre-Dame, La Défense and Gare de l'Est (Alsatian).
- Tuileries GardenLargest central market; raclette, vin chaud and a Ferris wheel.
- Champs-ÉlyséesLights and the returning market in one evening stroll.
- Place de la ConcordeLook up the avenue as the lights come on at dusk.
Lights beyond the Champs-Élysées
Place Vendôme, Avenue Montaigne, Bercy Village and the Montmartre hill are also lit for the season.
For the classic Eiffel Tower view, the tower sparkles for five minutes every hour after dark. The Trocadéro terrace is windy, so bring gloves.
- Place VendômeJewelers' square with a seasonal tree, on the way from Opéra.
- Place du TrocaderoClassic Eiffel Tower view for the hourly sparkle.
Department store windows
The Boulevard Haussmann stores are the easiest to see together: Printemps Haussmann and Galeries Lafayette are a few minutes apart. The windows are best after dark, and Printemps draws queues, so go in early evening.
Inside Galeries Lafayette, a giant tree hangs under the stained-glass dome, free to admire. Other stores known for their windows include Le Bon Marché, BHV Marais and La Samaritaine.
- Printemps HaussmannAnimated windows; go early evening to beat the queue.
- Galeries LafayetteSuspended tree under the Art Nouveau dome, free to see.
What's open and closed around Dec. 25
The Louvre is closed on Dec. 25 and every Tuesday, plus Jan. 1 and May 1. In 2026 Christmas falls on a Friday, so plan for the museum to be shut that day.
The Eiffel Tower's official calendar had published hours only through early November when we checked, so confirm December hours on its site before you go. For restaurants, reserve ahead for Dec. 24 and 25 and for lights evenings; many popular bistros fill up.
The lights themselves are not affected: they stay on all night on Dec. 24.
A simple way to order your evenings
Put the Champs-Élysées on a night when you can arrive by dusk. Start at Concorde, walk up the avenue and finish with dinner nearby. Save Haussmann for another evening, and keep Tuileries for a late afternoon.
Our day-by-day plan strings these together over four days in December, with the Louvre early and the lights at dusk.
Frequently asked questions
When do the Paris Christmas lights turn on in 2026?
The Champs-Élysées lights launch on Nov. 22, 2026, with the event starting at 7:30 p.m. They stay on through the first week of January.
Is the Champs-Élysées Christmas market open in 2026?
Yes. It returns Nov. 22, 2026 to Jan. 4, 2027 with about 200 chalets. On Dec. 24 it closes at 8 p.m., and on Dec. 31 it is closed.
Is the Louvre open on Christmas Day?
No. The Louvre is closed on Dec. 25, and also on Jan. 1, May 1 and every Tuesday.
When is the Tuileries Christmas market on?
From Nov. 14, 2026 to Jan. 3, 2027, in the Jardin des Tuileries.
