Paris is magical year-round but The City of Lights shines even brighter in December. The cold weather might deter many visitors, but keep reading because you may find yourself wanting to book your next trip to Paris!

If you are wondering what to pack for your winter vacation in Paris, don’t worry, I got you. Check out my What To Pack For Winter in Europe. I also explain how to pack your winter clothes in a carry-on luggage only!

1. BETTER PHOTOGRAPHY

You will no longer need to wait until the golden hour to shoot Paris’ most romantic sceneries. The entire day feels like the golden hour. Although daylight ends around 5 pm, you will find plenty of Christmas’ décors to keep you busy after sunset.

2. LOW SEASON MEANS LESS CROWD

This is the season where less is more! Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world but visit during the first two weeks of December and you will find smaller crowd in the most touristy areas. Less time queuing and more time enjoying!

3. CHRISTMAS DÉCOR

One of the biggest treats of visiting Paris in December is strolling down the glowing Champs Elysees and watching the beautifully adorned displays that grace the streets.

4. CHRISTMAS MARKET

Make sure you work up an appetite before heading to the Christmas market! There are countless of stands selling tasty food that will be just too impossible to resist. To learn more about the Christmas markets in Paris check out Paris tourism page.

5. SEASONAL FOOD AND PASTRIES

If you have never visited France before during the holidays, chances are you are missing out big time. So head to Paris and indulge in this delectable cake: Galette des Rois aka King cake. This deliciousness is a flaky, yet not-overly-sweet cake. It's only available during the holiday season to celebrate the festival of Epiphany.

6. GREAT EXCUSE TO DRINK HOT BEVERAGES

Baby, it’s cold outside! Duck into a cozy brasserie and nurse yourself back with some vin chaud (hot wine) or some hot chocolate. Don’t forget to accompany your hot beverage with a piece of Galette des Rois ;)

7. EVERY DAY IS CHEAT-DAY!

What better time than wintertime to enjoy an extra éclair or two? Head to a boulangerie - French for bakery - and indulge to your heart’s content! warning: it's highly addictive!

Bonus:

If you have an extra day, go on a day trip from Paris and visit the charming town Strasbourg, The Capital of Christmas! You will fall in love with the colorful timber houses and Christmas markets.