All you need to know about the Christmas lights in Paris

During the festive season, Paris, the City of Light, lives up to its name. The avenues of the French capital sparkle to the rhythm of luminous arches, incandescent flames, multicoloured bulbs and more. Many visitors come from all over the world to admire this unique spectacle. If you're one of them, Class'Park has all the information you need about the not-to-be-missed Christmas illuminations in Paris.

The illuminations on the Avenue des Champs-Élysées

Inaugurated by actor Tahar Rahim on an avenue made pedestrianised for the occasion, the Christmas illuminations on the Champs-Élysées will be open from 20 November 2022 to 2 January 2023. They will feature flamboyant red, golden lights and 400 trees covered with garlands forming a balloon glass.

This year, with the exception of 24 November and 31 December when the celebrations will last all night, the trees and glitter of the Champs-Élysées will shine from 5 pm to 11.45 pm. So if you want to take your photos on the most beautiful avenue in the world, you'll need to get there during this time. If you don't know where to park, we advise you to parking at the Villepinte exhibition centreYou can then take the RER to the centre of Paris.

Christmas decorations at Printemps Haussmann

This year, Printemps Haussmann is the first department stores' to unveil to the public its Christmas window displays. Available until 1 January 2023, from 4pm to 11.30pm, these circus-themed illuminations promise to delight young and old alike.

Among the 11 showcases, here are four paintings not to be missed:

• the Spring Tour,
• the trapeze artists' ballet,
• the Clown Show,
• the Grand Bal.

The Spring Tour features aerial circus balloons and Father Christmas orchestrating the arrival of his troupe. The troupe includes magicians, tightrope walkers, tightrope walkers and more.

As for the Clown Show, it showcases the skills of the acrobats who perform facetious tricks and gags around a whirling wheel. There are also clowns parading alongside the Cannon Man on a starry dance floor.

As for the Grand Ball, it illustrates Father Christmas gathering his troop for a big party around the spectacular Ferrero Rocher pyramid. Note that all these Christmas lights are open to the public free of charge and are located at 64, BD Haussmann in Paris.

Christmas lights at Bercy Village

In the courtyard of Saint-Émilion, Bercy Village lights up to the delight of tourists and families alike. Located in the heart of Paris, the illuminations in this shopping centre will remain as they are until 10 January 2023. They were created by the company responsible for illuminating the Champs-Élysées.

They take us on an enchanted ride under a starry sky besieged by hot-air balloons. There are also trees that sparkle as night falls and an XXL selfie spot with a photo competition to win a hot-air balloon ride for two.

Avenue Montaigne and Faubourg Saint-Honoré at Christmas

On avenue Montaigne and rue François 1er, the Christmas lights are also making a comeback until 2 January 2023. Glittering Christmas trees, garlands, illuminated railings and gardens - everything is in place to make this festive season unforgettable. The committee has put together a programme called Christmas Montaigne. Find out more every Sunday in December from 11am to 7pm at 39, avenue Montaigne.

To complete your discovery of the Christmas illuminations in Paris, head for the rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. The city committee is planning to illuminate this special street, and this chic district of Paris until 15 January 2023. You'll discover pavements covered in a mini-forest of green fir trees, a fairytale setting and an atmosphere that's just as bright. Parking is hard to come by in these areas, so park in a secure car park and take the RER to the city centre.

Illuminations in Paris: energy restrictions

With energy prices soaring, most municipalities have adopted energy austerity measures. Visit Christmas illuminations have undergone a major change. On the Champs-Élysées, for example, the illuminations will end two hours earlier than in previous years. The illuminations will last six weeks instead of seven.

According to the lighting committee, over this period, this decision will result in energy savings of 44 %. Visit Paris illuminations signs and shopkeepers are also invited to turn off their windows between 10pm and 7am. As part of an environmentally-friendly approach, most of the lighting used will be LED. For more informationMore about the Christmas illuminations in ParisIf you want to find out more about the city, check out other sites that provide details of the latest news.