Every year, Paris's 5 biggest and most famous department stores - the grands magasins - dazzle children and adults alike with imaginative Christmas window displays with fantastical animated scenes featuring sparkling lights, festive holiday music, and of course lots of jolly Santas, gorgeously decorated Christmas trees, teddy bears and other toys, and beautifully wrapped gifts. 

The stores - Galeries Lafayette, Printemps Haussmann, Bon Marché, BHV Marais, and La Samaritaine - typically reveal their spectacular windows starting in early November, just as the first holiday lights and other decorations begin to light up the city with seasonal cheer.  

Le Bon Marché introduced Christmas windows to Paris in 1909 (just one of the famous store's many innovations), and of course the city's other department stores soon joined the tradition.

By the 1950s, the holiday displays had become so successful at dazzling passers-by (and luring them inside the stores to shop) that a fierce competition developed among the retailers, which we continue to enjoy today. With an estimated 10 million spectators pausing in front of the windows each year, stores compete to get their attention.

Each store's windows typically embrace a particular theme that weaves together an intoxicating mix of fantasy, beauty, and inspiration (as well as a dose of commerce).

The imaginative Christmas window displays and animations enchant adults and children alike, and become more fantastic and creative with animations and music each year - and of course draw shoppers inside where even more dazzling decorations create holiday cheer.

Check out the schedule for 2024:

  • BHV Marais (52 Rue de Rivoli, Paris 4) -Starts November 6, 5pm
  • Printemps Haussmann (64 Boulevard Haussmann, Paris 9) - Get ready for a magical journey aboard the Printemps Express, complete with passengers wearing ecologically-aware clothing made from recycled fabrics in the dazzling Christmas windows:  starts November 7, 5pm to December 31.
  • Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche (24 Rue de Sèvres, Paris 7) - Colorful creatures and magical Parisian scenes will entertain you in this year's four special Christmas windows on Rue de Sèvres; also look for them inside the festively decorated Rive Gauche store - Starts November 8, 5pm
  • La Samaritaine (19 Rue de la Monnaie, Paris 1) - The store transforms into an enchanted winter garden where you can stroll among luminous creatures and gigantic plants - November 8, 6pm - January 5
  • Galeries Lafayette Haussmann (40 Boulevard Haussmann, Paris 9) - In addition to the fabulous Christmas windows, don't miss the store's signature decoration suspended from its dome: a gigantic and gorgeous Christmas tree sparkling with 20,000 sparkling, with a glass walkway for closeup views and selfies, a sound and light show, and a dazzling fireworks display at the top - November 14 - December 31

If you're visiting Paris during the holiday season, spend a few moments soaking up the magic - it's part of the pleasure of being in Paris at Christmas.

For more inspiration, the rest of this article gives you glimpses of what you'll find at each store, plus other things to do and where to stay nearby.

Quick links:  Galeries Lafayette  -  Printemps Haussmann  -  Bon Marché  -  BHV Marais  -  Map Showing Store Locations  - More Ways to See Christmas Decorations in Paris

Find more things to do & see for Christmas in Paris

Top photo:  Christmas window at Galeries Lafayette Haussmann, (c) Paris Discovery Guide

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Galeries Lafayette: Huge & Fabulous Holiday Windows

Galeries Lafayette Christmas window in the store's covered arcade facing Boulevard Haussmann
Galeries Lafayette Christmas window in the store's covered arcade facing Boulevard Haussmann

Galeries Lafayette's flagship store on Boulevard Haussmann, one of Paris's historic Grands Boulevards, boasts a large number of huge windows overlooking the famous street as well as around the corner on Rue de la Chaussée d'Antin. 

A Christmas Banquet (Banquet de Noel), complete with toys, candies, and magical creatures - part of a multi-window scene at Galeries Lafayette
A Christmas Banquet (Banquet de Noel), complete with toys, candies, and magical creatures - part of a multi-window scene at Galeries Lafayette

You'll see elaborate automated figures enacting fantastical scenes and favorite Christmas legends in non-stop shows that mesmerize you as you watch. 

Each year features a different theme.  Look closely, and you will see fantasy versions of everyday creatures such as bees and flowers plus magical fantasy creatures (and some designer bags and shoes).

White doves and a fashion-fairy godmother presides over luxury goods and a miniature model of Galeries Lafayette
White doves and a fashion-fairy godmother presides over luxury goods and a miniature model of Galeries Lafayette

Luxury goods such as designer bags and gorgeous jewelry provide an extra layer of interest in some windows, while others focus almost solely on irresistible fashion favorites or kids toys - all offered for sale inside.  

Be sure to stroll through the store to see the fabulous (and enormous!) Christmas tree suspended from Galeries Lafayette's famous 140+ foot Art Nouveau stained glass dome. 

Crowds of shoppers become particularly dense around noon and again in late afternoon and evening, so plan your visit during the morning or mid-afternoon to get the best views. 

For a more personalized experience, join this "Paris at Christmas" tour to see the famous window displays and Galeries Lafayette's famous Christmas tree and glass dome, plus holiday decorations in 19th century covered passages and French holiday food specialties.

A giant candy tree floats from Galeries Lafayette's domed ceiling
A giant candy tree floats from Galeries Lafayette's domed ceiling

Location:  40 Boulevard Haussmann, 9th arrondissement
Metros:  Chaussée d’Antin, La Fayette
Stay nearby: 

  -  Hotel Banke Opera - 4-minute walk from Galeries Lafayette; relax in the hamman after a day of shopping - More
  -  Hotel Saint Petersbourg Opera - 5-minute walk from Galeries Lafayette; great value for your money - More
More to enjoy nearby:  Paris Opera House; Christmas lights along nearby Faubourg Saint-Honoré


Did you know ...

The most elaborate windows take teams of artists, artisans, and decorators up to a year to design and create.  That means that plans for next year's windows are already underway right now.

Their efforts pay off as crowds of Parisians as well as visitors from other parts of France and countries around the world gather to view the enchanting holiday scenes, Christmas lights, and window decorations.


Printemps Haussmann:  Christmas Gifts & Fantasy Worlds

In this Printemps Haussmann window display, children take various types of transportation in their search for Christmas gifts
In this Printemps Haussmann window display, children take various types of transportation in their search for Christmas gifts - you can see two different trains zipping around the magical miniature village

Printemps Haussmann, also located on Boulevard Haussmann, creates unique and beautifully crafted Christmas windows that compete successfully with next door neighbor Galeries Lafayette's splendid displays. 

At Printemps, you can see an appealing new theme unfold across the windows each year, with high-end designer merchandise skillfully woven in among the appealing scenes.  

Look for lust-worthy bags from Fendi, exquisite perfume from Yves Rocher, and Burberrry trench coats and scarves. 

In this window, the children have landed in an airplane at the bottom of the sea amid coral reefs and a treasure chest filled with Fendi designer handbags
In this window, the children have landed in an airplane at the bottom of the sea amid coral reefs and a treasure chest filled with Fendi designer handbags

Printemps-Haussmann excels at getting even the tiniest details of the miniature worlds displayed in their windows just right. 

Take a look at the backgrounds - snowy villages, city architecture, beautifully decorated Christmas trees.  It's a fantasy world - but step inside the store and you'll see the real thing!

The children bring back all the wonderful gifts they found in fully-packed Citroens, as a large band of rabbits help them unload
The children bring back all the wonderful gifts they found in fully-packed Citroens, as a large band of rabbits help them unload

Location:  64 Boulevard Haussmann, 9th arrondissement
Metro: Chaussée d’Antin, La Fayette
Stay nearby: 
  -  Maison Albar Hotel Opera Diamond - Excellent hotel close to Galeries Lafayette and Saint Lazare station - More
  -  Best Western Plus Hotel Sydney Opera - Highly rated budget hotel close to Printemps-Haussmann - More
More to enjoy nearby:  Christmas lights along Boulevard Haussmann 

BHV Marais:  Christmas Windows with a Forest Theme 2024

Forests of sparkling evergreens and birch trees frame BHV's Christmas windows
Forests of sparkling evergreens and birch trees frame BHV's Christmas windows

BHV Marais, located across Rue de Rivoli from the magnificent 19th century Hôtel de Ville (Paris City Hall) in the 4th arrondissement, has decorated its Christmas windows to reflect different countries or regions of the world during recent years.

This year, BHV's theme takes a different approach by creating spectacular windows focused on the forest and nature. 

An animated bird flies back and forth forver the forest floor strewn with golden balls and jeweled mushrooms in this Christmas window at BHV Marais
An animated bird flies back and forth forver the forest floor strewn with golden balls and jeweled mushrooms in this Christmas window at BHV Marais

Woodland creatures including birds and animals frolic through the forests.  

Make sure you check out the window showing tree roots and even an underground fox den - a reminder that there's more to nature than what we see on the surface.

An above- and below-ground view of the forest in BHV Marais's Christmas window - and check out the tempting wooden candlesticks at the bottom right.
An above- and below-ground view of the forest in BHV Marais's Christmas window - and check out the tempting wooden candlesticks at the bottom right.

Along with animated birds, holiday motifs, lovely seasonal music, and mulit-colored light shows dancing across the window displays, you'll also see some wonderful merchandise featuring natural materials tastefully tucked into the corners.

Inside BHV Marais, beautiful Christmas greenery continues the window theme at this display of appealing gift items
Inside BHV Marais, beautiful Christmas greenery continues the window theme at this display of appealing gift items

Inside the store, the woodland theme continues with sparkling trees and enchanted forests framing displays of lovely gifts and season merchandise. 

Location:  52 rue de Rivoli, 4th arrondissement
Metro:  Hôtel de Ville
Stay nearby: 

  -  Hotel Victoria Chatelet - Charming boutique hotel with affordable rates - More
  -  Hotel des Deux Iles - Small elegant hotel in a 17th century building on nearby Ile Saint Louis - More
More to enjoy nearby:  Christmas Market across Rue de Rivoli at Hotel de Ville; shopping at boutiques in the Marais; jazz (every shopper needs a reward) at the clubs along Rue des Lombards

Need to Book a Paris Hotel for Your Christmas Visit?

Planning a trip to Paris during the holiday season?  Use this hotel map to find hotels near your favorite Christmas attractions: 

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Bon Marché:  Christmas Holiday Windows

A jolly Santa in Bon Marché's window
Santa sits in Bon Marché's window

As the oldest department store in Paris as well as the only one on the Left Bank, Bon Marché uses its expansive street-side windows along Rue de Sèvres in the ritzy 7th arrondissement to serve up Chrismas nostalgia for simplicity and elegance.

Look for jolly Santas, sparkling lights, piles of brightly wrapped gifts, and traditional Christmas carols wafting through the speakers to put you in the holiday mood. 

Elves pop in and out of gift boxes
Elves pop in and out of gift boxes

You'll see some animations, but instead of intricate story lines or products displayed across the windows, Bon Marché's message is simple:  Christmas is coming, traditions matter, and the holiday season promises warmth and good cheer.

Location: 24 Rue de Sèvres, 6th arrondissement
Nearest Métro: Sèvres Babylone
Stay nearby: 

  - Hôtel Lutecia - Grand 5-star hotel around the corner from Bon Marché; relax in the pool or at the Jazz Bar after a day of shopping - More
  -  Hotel Le Petit Chomel - Lovely and affordable boutique hotel within a 1-minute walk from the store - More
More to enjoy nearby:  Luxembourg Garden - beautiful even in the winter!

La Samaritaine:  Christmas Holiday Windows

Look for our photos of their 2024 windows soon!

Map & Addresses for Paris Department Stores with Christmas Window Displays

Store Addresses

  • Galeries Lafayette:  40 Boulevard Haussmann, 9th arrondissement, 75009
  • Au Printemps:  64 Boulevard Haussmann, 9th arrondissement, 75009
  • BHV:  52 rue de Rivoli, 4th arrondissement, 75004
  • Bon Marché:  24 Rue de Sèvres, 6th arrondissement, 75006
  • La Samaritaine: 19 Rue de la Monnaie, 1st arrondissement, 75001

Map Showing Paris Grands Magasins - Big Department Stores



Other Store Windows with Christmas Decorations

Toys and Christmas stockings in this holiday window display on Boulevard Saint-Germain
Toys and Christmas stockings in this holiday window display on Boulevard Saint-Germain

Virtually every store window features holiday decorations from simple to elaborate designed to lure in shoppers. 

Best neighborhoods and areas for walking around and window-gazing:  Saint Germain (Paris 6), Le Marais (Paris 4), Champs Elysées/Avenue Montaigne (Paris 8), Boulevard Haussmann/Avenue de l'Opera/Rue Saint-Honoré/Rue de la Paix (Paris 9/2/1), and Rue Saint-Louis en l'Île (Île Saint-Louis, Paris 4).

Paris Christmas Tours & Cruises

To see famous Paris lighted attractions, sparkling Christmas lights, and even the Eiffel Tower light show, take one of these popular Paris Illuminations tours and cruises:

  • Paris Christmas Lights Tour - For a spectacular tour of Paris Christmas lights, bundle up and hop on this open-top double-decker bus as it takes you on a Christmas-themed tour to see the city's most brilliantly lighted streets and attractions - Find out more
  • Seine River Dinner Cruise and Moulin Rouge Show with Champagne - Enjoy dazzling views of Paris from the Eiffel Tower, and then cruise along the Seine past lighted attractions.  Dine either at the tower or on a dinner cruise (you choose), and cap your spectacular evening by watching a performance at the famous Moulin Rouge while you sip Champagne - Find out more
  • Christmas Lunch or Dinner Cruises - Enjoy a special Christmas lunch or dinner cooked on board with Champagne and magical views of illuminated monuments and landmarks along the Seine River as you cruise by in a comfy glass-covered boat.    These holiday cruises always sell out - so book early to avoid disappointment!  Book now

More Ways to See Christmas Displays, Lights, & Decorations in Paris:

More about Paris in December

Pin Now, Read Again Later

Christmas tree display in store window at BHV department store in Le Marais neighborhood in Paris
Christmas tree display in store window at BHV department store in Le Marais neighborhood in Paris
Holiday window display at Galeries Lafayette with candy canes and toys
Holiday window display at Galeries Lafayette with candy canes and toys

More Articles about the Paris Holiday Season

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