New Years Eve in Paris
PARIS! The city of light. What could be more wonderful than greeting the New Year in this magical city, saying “Bonne Année!” and exchanging kisses with loved ones and strangers at the stroke of midnight? Paris is even more magical in the winter, especially during Christmas and New Years. The cold wintry weather does nothing to dampen the spirit as the city bursts to life with joyous celebrations for new beginnings. Snow adds to the beauty of this timeless city.
The Champs Elysées and Arc de Triomphe
The Champs-Elysées is one of the best places to start celebrating on New Years Eve. Walking down this promenade, one is treated to the sight of a grandly lit Arc de Triomphe on one side and the Place de la Concorde on the other. Between these two famous landmarks, endless rows of trees are decorated with festive lights. Crowds of happy people, both locals and tourists, walk around, looking at everything with delight and awe.
Eating roasted chestnuts is a tradition in Paris for New Years Eve!
The unmissable aroma of roasting chestnuts is definitely a treat to indulge in. There are plenty of quaint Christmas markets on the Champs-Elysées offering everything from freshly made crepes to vin chaud (hot mulled wine), warm apple cider, and jus d’orange au miel (hot orange juice with honey). These delicious drinks and snacks are a great way to keep your hands toasty!
Freshly made crepes at Christmas Markets along the Champs Elysées
After having your fill of food and drink, it is time to explore more of the festive lights on Champs-Elysées before finding a vantage point to view the glittering Eiffel Tower. The Trocadero is one of the best spots to see an unobstructed view of the Eiffel Tower, especially for the light shows at night.
Christmas lights on the Champs Elysées
Across the Seine from the Eiffel Tower, a wide esplanade leaves open magnificent views of the tower and is one of the best places to capture that iconic photo with one of the most famous eternal sights of Paris. The light shows at night are superb, especially during Christmas and New Years. Bright multi-colored lights dance off of the tower, as though bringing it to life. Glowing brightly like the jewel of Paris, the Eiffel Tower on New Years Eve should definitely be on your list of sights to see!
Eiffel Tower light show, as seen from Trocadero
Walking all along the Champs-Elysées to the other end of the promenade, you come to two iconic landmarks at Place de la Concorde. The Obelisk of Luxor stands stately and magnificent while the Roue de Paris (Giant Wheel) beckons kids and kids at heart. There are always long lines to ride this giant wheel, but it affords a birds eye view of the Champs-Elysées promenade and is a fun thing to do for New Years Eve.
Place de la Concorde
Surrounded by beautiful lights, joyous people, festive celebrations and new possibilities in the coming year, the Champs-Elysées is a fantastic place to welcome the New Year in Paris. Where are you going to be celebrating New Years Eve this year? Have you been to Paris during Christmas and New Years? Let us know in the comments!
Eiffel Tower at night
Happy Travels!
~ Trupti