Christmas in Paris

For many, surely there's no better time of year than Christmas, that beautiful holiday season associated with magical lights and heartwarming symbols.

And Paris is no exception. In fact, to spend the holidays in Paris is to know one of the most magical times of year this beautiful city has to offer. You'll find this enchanting season brings out some of the best sights and sounds this city has to offer.

Each year, the city is dressed up in some of the prettiest Christmas lights imaginable. The Avenue des Champs-Elysées is perhaps one of the most obvious and beautiful places to see Christmas ligjts, beginning as early as November 26th and generally lasting until midway through January.

Those drawn to the mystical Montmartre area of Paris will want to see the splendid lights at top of la Butte Montmartre, beginning around December first and lasting until the end of January. Combining this with a trip to the enchanting Sacré Coeur Cathedral is highly recommended. No matter what your religious bent, the energy of this place, Paris' highest point, is sure to instill a sense of peace in travelers from every corner of the globe.

Lovers of fashion will no doubt want to see the lights along the Avenue Montaigne, center of so many fashion shops, or the Place Vendôme, with its famous jewelry stores such as Cartier.

Needless to say, lovers of art will not be disappointed at the lights the Louvre, and the trendy Marais/Les Halles area will also have its share of charms. After all, this is one of Paris' most chic areas.

The bigger stores will also have their own displays, often featuring animated dolls and puppets, so be sure to pass by the huge displays at Galleries Lafayette, Printemps, Au Bon Marché and BHV (Bazar de l'Hotel de Ville).

Of course, what trip to Paris would be complete without shopping? From big stores to small markets, you can be sure Paris will accommodate you well in that regard.

Christmas masses abound, from thoughtful masses at the beautiful American Cathedral to spectacular masses such as the Eglise de la Madeleine on Dec. 24th and 25th.

Lovers of music will want to check out the Festival d'Art Sacré de la Ville de Paris, an annual festival dedicated to sacred and religious music, held throughout Paris in various locations, from St. Eustache and St. Roch, to the Museum of Judaic History and Art.

The Christmas Tree Fashion show (Sapins de Noël Fashion) is a fun and novel thing to do for the holidays, with dozens of Christmas trees designed by the world's oldest fashion school, ESMOD.

Popular events among Parisians include the Giant Ferris Wheel (La Grande Roule) at the Place de la Concorde beginning until September and lasting until January. Spectacular views of the city can be had from here!

There's also a giant Christmas tree in front of the Notre Dame, a Russian Christmas Circus, and much more.

Of course, this just scratches the surface of the many wonderful things to see and do in Paris during one of the calendar's most fun and joyous times of year. No matter what's at the top of your "to do" list in Paris during the holidays, an apartment in Paris from www.mykeystoparis.com puts you in the center of fun.

"Joyeux Noël et Joyeuses Fêtes" (Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays) and we look forward to seeing you in Paris!