Christmas is only a few days away, and Paris is ready to embrace the festivities with her customary joie de vivre. Already the City of Light is illuminated with a thousand colours. Shop windows are filled with gifts and seasonal decorations. Some shops, however, particularly the department stores, take their window displays to a whole new level of eye-catching, jaw-dropping, heart-warming splendour. Even if you are only passing through Paris, you need to see at least one of these stunning scenes! Follow the Daunou Opera Hotel guide
Galeries Lafayette
The display windows of Galeries Lafayette are generally regarded as attracting more visitors than any others in the capital, appealing equally to the many tourists who come to Paris and to the Parisians themselves. Due to their spectacular originality, richness of concept and skilful execution they enchant both young and old. For 2016 these windows will tell the story of a family of Bears who leave the North Pole to reach the Galeries Lafayette. And, for the very first time, the Galeries Lafayette will unveil a Christmas tree dressed in paper accompanied by a music and light show. The entire wonderful scene was unveiled on November 8th.
Bon Marché
As every year, the windows of the Bon Marché department store will distinguish themselves from the others competing for public attention due to the contemporary design aspect that is brought to their decoration. The Bon Marché Christmas display windows are perhaps the most modern, while still embracing traditional themes, such as this year’s snow covered village. The store cleverly uses video visuals and the play of light. Boasting a multitude of colours they will represent characters known by everyone. There will also be a special programme for gourmets to enjoy. For men, women and children alike, a world of enchantment can be found within these windows. These special events will take place on the 3rd, 4th, 10th, 11th, 17th, 18th and 24th of December.
The Champs-Élysées
Every year, this great and world-famous avenue is one of the most spectacularly illuminated places in all of France. No wonder, then, that this magnificent thoroughfare is one of the most popular places for a stroll during the Christmas period. This year there will be innovation and evolution, as in previous years. For 2016 the illuminations will be based around environmentally friendly technology. The Champs-Élysées Christmas lights were inaugurated on November 21st and will continue to scintillate and sparkle gorgeously until January 8th, 2017. Come and take a stroll amidst a thousand lights.
The Jardin d’Acclimatation
This large children’s amusement park is bursting with illuminations and decorations brimming with Yuletide cheer. Your kids will thoroughly enjoy puppet shows such as ‘The Forest of Father Christmas’ at the Théâtre des Guignols. This show begins on December 19th and will be repeated each day until December 27th. The same venue will also present ‘The King Cake’, a show that takes place on December 28th, 29th and 30th. Each of these shows is filled with the magic of Christmas.
~oOo~
Hotel Daunou Opera, an elegant 3-star hotel in Paris, opera district
