Paris during Christmas is like stepping into a fairy tale. The city’s iconic monuments glow with twinkling lights, shop windows burst into animated displays, and the festive spirit is everywhere. What makes Paris especially great during the holiday season is its combination of stunning visuals and authentic local traditions. We love the Paris Christmas Lights Small Group Walking Tour because it offers an intimate, insider’s look at Paris’s most beautiful holiday spots, blending history with festivity. The Tuk Tuk Christmas Lights Tour adds a fun, breezy way to see the city’s bright displays, while the Private Citroen 2CV Lights Tour delivers a cozy, personalized experience in a classic car—perfect for those wanting a private, stylish ride. Whether you prefer walking, riding in a vintage car, or an electric tuk tuk, this list helps you find the right way to celebrate.
Quick Overview
This guide highlights three top Christmas tours in Paris, each offering a unique way to enjoy the holiday lights and decorations. The Paris Christmas Lights Small Group Walking Tour is ideal for those who love exploring on foot and discovering hidden gems. The Paris: Christmas Lights Tuk Tuk Tour offers a quick, lively ride along the main illuminated sights. Last but not least, the Private Tour Paris Christmas Lights Tour in Citroën 2CV provides a cozy, private experience in a vintage car, perfect for couples or small groups. Now, let’s explore each option in detail.
1. Paris Christmas Lights Small Group Walking Tour with Local Guide
At number one, this small group walking tour is a fantastic way to see Paris’s holiday lights up close and personal. The tour lasts about two hours and is led by a knowledgeable local guide. What sets it apart is the focus on hidden passageways, stunning churches, and lesser-known corners of the city, all beautifully decorated for Christmas. As you stroll through Rue Montorgueil, you’ll discover local holiday traditions and taste the festive atmosphere of food and pastry shops. The tour continues through the Galerie Vivienne, the most beautiful covered passage in Paris, and the peaceful gardens of Palais-Royal. The highlight for many is the Jardin des Tuileries, where you can soak in the atmosphere of the Christmas market, trying French winter specialties like mulled wine and crêpes. The final stop, Place Vendôme, dazzles with luxury window displays and festive decorations.
Reviews praise the tour for its warmth and informative storytelling. One reviewer noted, “Juliette has a wonderful way of showing you the special beauty of Christmas in Paris,” emphasizing the personalized attention. For around $99, it offers a relaxed, immersive experience perfect for those who love history, culture, and authentic holiday sights. Its small size makes it intimate and flexible, ideal for travelers who want a deeper connection to Paris’s festive charm.
Bottom Line: A cozy, informative walk that reveals both iconic sights and secret spots, perfect for those wanting an authentic, local Christmas experience.
2. Paris: Christmas Lights Tuk Tuk Tour
Next on our list is the Tuk Tuk Christmas Lights Tour, which offers a lively way to see Paris’s festive illumination. For about $199 per group—up to six people—you can hop into an environmentally friendly electric tuk tuk, ensuring a quiet, smooth ride through the city’s most illuminated streets. The tour typically lasts between one to two hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the sights without feeling rushed. You’ll pass along the Champs-Elysées, marvel at the animated department store windows, and see glittering displays around the Louvre. The driver narrates stories about Paris’s holiday traditions and points out the best spots for photos.
The reviews highlight the fun atmosphere and the convenience of covering a lot of ground quickly. Travelers love how the tuk tuk makes it easy to see the lights without walking, especially during the cold winter evenings. It’s a fantastic choice for families or groups who want a relaxed, social experience and don’t mind a bit of motorized fun. The flexibility of choosing different durations allows you to tailor the experience to your schedule.
Bottom Line: An energetic, fun way to see Paris’s holiday lights with a bit of speed and comfort—ideal for those wanting a quick, lively tour.
3. Private Tour Paris Christmas Lights Tour in Citroën 2CV
For a truly personalized experience, the Private Citroën 2CV Christmas Lights Tour is hard to beat. This two-hour tour takes you in a classic, chauffeur-driven convertible, wrapped in blankets for warmth, as you cruise past Place Vendôme, Moulin Rouge, and the Eiffel Tower—all aglow with holiday lighting. The private setting means your guide can customize the route to suit your interests, making it perfect for couples or small groups seeking an intimate, festive adventure.
What makes this tour special is the vintage car experience, which adds a touch of nostalgia and style to your holiday trip. The driver shares insights about the sights and Parisian holiday traditions. Each participant also receives a French-made Saint James scarf as a gift, adding a memorable souvenir to the experience. The reviews are glowing, with one saying: “It was such a highlight to ride around Paris in one of these iconic cars,” and many appreciate the relaxed, private vibe.
Bottom Line: This tour offers maximum comfort, privacy, and a sense of occasion, perfect for those seeking a chic and exclusive way to celebrate Christmas in Paris.
How to Choose
Selecting the right Christmas tour in Paris depends on your style, budget, and how much walking or driving you prefer. If you love discovering hidden corners and local traditions, the small group walking tour is a great pick. For a quick, lively overview with plenty of photo opportunities, the Tuk Tuk tour is ideal. Those who want a more luxurious, personalized experience should consider the Private Citroën 2CV ride. Think about how much time you want to dedicate, your interest in walking versus riding, and whether you prefer a private or group experience.
Booking early is advisable, especially during the busy Christmas season. Many tours fill up quickly, and securing your spot ensures you won’t miss out on the holiday magic.
In Summary
From walking through festively lit streets and hidden passages to cozy rides in vintage cars, Paris offers a variety of ways to enjoy Christmas. The small group walking tour provides an intimate, detailed experience, perfect for history lovers. The Tuk Tuk tour adds a lively, quick-paced option for seeing the major sights illuminated at night. For those who prefer privacy and comfort, the Citroën 2CV ride combines style with personal attention. No matter which you choose, each offers a memorable way to experience Paris during its most festive season. Be sure to book early and enjoy the holiday lights, delicious treats, and warm Parisian atmosphere.
Enjoy your Christmas in Paris—each of these tours offers a special way to see the city’s holiday sparkle and create memories that last a lifetime.