What to do in Paris on December 25: what's closed, what's open, from the 7th

What's closed on Christmas Day

The major museums close on December 25, as they do every year: the Louvre, the Musée d'Orsay, the Arc de Triomphe, and the City of Paris museums. The Musée d'Orsay, our neighbor on the quays, also closes earlier the day before, on December 24, at 5pm (last entry at 4:15pm). If Orsay is on your list, schedule it before the 24th.

What to do from the 7th on December 25

Stay outdoors, and on foot. Here is the itinerary we give our guests for Christmas Day:

• The Eiffel Tower in the morning: it is among the monuments open on December 25. On Christmas morning, the city wakes up late, making it the perfect time to go up. Check the day's opening hours on the official website before you leave.
• The Champ de Mars next: the public garden between the tower and the École Militaire, open to all, just a few minutes from avenue Duquesne. Walk its full length for the views of the tower.
• The Seine quays in the afternoon: the left-bank stretch between the Pont de l'Alma and Orsay is part of the UNESCO site. A free walk, and nothing to book.
• The illuminations at nightfall: we detail the ones visible from the 7th on our dedicated page.

A practical tip

Many shops close or reduce their hours on December 25. Book your Christmas lunch or dinner in advance, and call the venue to confirm it is open that day. In the evening, our bar awaits you when you return.