Joyeux Noël from Paris!

18 December 2024

December is here, and the pace of life in Paris has gone full holiday frenzy! It’s the last week of school, which means I'm deep into the whirlwind of Christmas school events, packing for our trip to the hopefully sunny Lanzarote, squeezing in festive activities, last minute present buying and trying not to lose my mind in the process.

On an exciting note, after months of typing away (often with coffee in hand and chaos in the background), I’m thrilled to share that The Ultimate Guide to Paris with Kids is officially live on my website! It’s been such a labour of love, packed with everything families visiting Paris need—what to do, where to eat, where to play, and even tips for different age groups: toddlers, school-age kids, and teenagers. But it’s not just for visitors—there are plenty of hidden gems that even local families might not know about. I can’t wait to hear what you think, so please share your thoughts if you grab a copy!

The festive season in Paris is in full swing. After our first snowfall on November 21, which had everyone (kids and adults alike) buzzing for a few magical days, the city has settled back into its usual winter weather—around 10°C and gray skies. But what we lack in sunshine, we more than make up for in festive cheer. I’ve been soaking it all in, starting with the holiday window displays. This year, Printemps Haussmann takes the crown for me—so whimsical and funny, it had me giggling like a kid. The Christmas markets are scattered all over the city, though sadly, the one at Hôtel de Ville is missing this year due to construction (they’re transforming the plaza into an urban forest—only in Paris, right?). One surprise highlight has been the Carrousel Louis Vuitton at Place Vendôme. It’s free, there are hardly any lines, and the kids absolutely loved it. Plus, the high-end jewelry stores nearby (think Boucheron, Van Cleef & Arpels) have adorable little stalls outside offering hot chocolate, crepes, and sweets to their customers. Pro tip: even if you’re not shopping for diamonds, bring along cute kids, and you might just score some free treats—worked like a charm for us!

Of course, the biggest buzz this month has been the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral. After five years of painstaking restoration following the 2019 fire, the iconic landmark is back, and it’s breathtaking. President Macron called it a symbol of resilience and national unity, and the reopening ceremony on December 7th was nothing short of star-studded (think world leaders, minus the Pope, who skipped the invite). For a few hours, it was easy to forget about the political turmoil in French politics, with the fall of Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s government (we have another Prime Minister now - François Bayrou).

I couldn’t resist booking a ticket to see Notre Dame Cathedral for myself. Walking inside, I was struck by how massive it feels—and how everything gleams after centuries of soot were cleaned away. The iconic spire, the revamped organ, and even the “Crown of Thorns” relic have returned, making the experience both awe-inspiring and deeply moving. I’ve written more about my visit and how to get tickets here.

Another reopening I’m thrilled about, though it hasn’t made as many headlines, is the Grand Palais. Closed for renovations over the past five years in preparation for the Paris 2024 Olympics, it’s back and has been transformed into a massive indoor ice rink for the winter season. With 3,000 square meters of skating space under its stunning glass dome, it’s a perfect spot for some family fun. I’ve booked a session with the kids this weekend, but if I could, I’d be all over the nighttime disco skate—with a live DJ, pumping music, and colourful lights, it sounds like such a blast.

Wishing you and your family a joyful, cozy, and magical holiday season. Thank you for following along with me this year, and I can’t wait to share more adventures and new creative projects in 2025. Until then, enjoy the season and make the most of this special time! I’ll leave you with a short poem by Donna Ashworth to remind me and you that it's always more than enough 😊