Is the Eiffel Tower open on Christmas Day?

Yes, the Eiffel Tower is open on Christmas Day (December 25th) and operates 365 days a year, offering festive views, special holiday dining at its restaurants, and sometimes Christmas markets nearby, but be sure to book tickets in advance as it's a popular time, and expect extended hours during the holiday season.

Is the Eiffel Tower open over Christmas?

Christmas on the Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is the one Paris attraction that is open every day of year, including Christmas Day.

What is open on the 25th of December in Paris?

Several places stay open on December 25: the Eiffel Tower, the Montparnasse Tower, some churches for services (Notre-Dame, Sacré-Cœur), plus museums and attractions selected by the Tourist Office.

Is everything close in Paris during Christmas?

Teresa Garrett Yes, most shops and restaurants in Paris stay open between Christmas and New Year, though hours can be shorter, especially on December 25th and January 1st, when many places close or open late.

Are there any days the Eiffel Tower is closed?

No, the Eiffel Tower is open on Tuesdays, just as it is every other day of the week. The Eiffel Tower is open all year.

10 Things Nobody Tells You About Christmas in Paris

Is it worth going to Paris in December?

December brings Christmas markets and holiday cheer.

Paris may not be one of the biggest Christmas market destinations in the world, but the holiday season is still a popular time to visit! Paris may not have the traditional Christmas markets of Germany or Alsace, but you absolutely get the Christmasy vibe here.

What is allowed to open on Christmas Day?

On Christmas Day, small shops (under 280 sq meters), petrol stations, pharmacies, and businesses in airports/rail stations/motorway services, plus hospitality venues (restaurants, pubs, takeaways), are generally allowed to open in the UK, while large supermarkets and high-street stores (over 280 sq meters) must remain closed in England and Wales due to the Christmas Day (Trading) Act 2004. However, many smaller businesses and hospitality venues choose to close to give staff the holiday, so checking local times is always best. 

What do French people do on Christmas Day?

Public life on Christmas Day is generally quiet. Post offices, banks, stores, restaurants, cafés , and other businesses are closed. Many people in France put up a Christmas tree, visit a special church service, eat an elaborate meal, and open gifts on Christmas Eve.

Do trains run in Paris on Christmas Day?

Yes, the metro and RER trains run on Christmas Day in Paris, but they follow a holiday schedule with slightly fewer services. For tickets, kids under 4 travel for free, and those aged 4 to 9 get reduced fares.

Where to go in Paris on Christmas Day?

19. Visit a Museum on Christmas Day

• Eiffel Tower - Get your tickets in advance.
• Grevin Wax Museum - Lots of fun! ...
• Jacquemart-Andre Museum - A house museum with wonderful art.
• Paris Zoo & Aquarium - This is the biggest zoo in the city, located in Bois de Vincennes in the 12th arrondissement.

What is the most Christmassy town in France?

Strasbourg – Alsace

Dating back to 1570, the legendary market sweeps across the entire Old Town in a glow of lights and garlands with the majestic Christmas tree on Place Kléber standing as the city's seasonal centerpiece. For many, Strasbourg is more than just a market – it's a holiday pilgrimage.

How much does it cost to go up the Eiffel Tower?

Eiffel Tower ticket prices vary by access level (stairs/lift, 2nd floor/summit) and age, with adult prices ranging from around €14.50 (stairs to 2nd floor) to €36.10 (lift to summit), while youth (12-24) and children (4-11) pay less, and kids under 4 are free; booking online through the official website is recommended for best prices. Guided tours and special packages with champagne cost more, starting from about €40 to over €70.
 

What time does the Eiffel Tower start to sparkle in December?

The Tower sparkles every hour on the hour for 5 minutes, starting once it lights up after sunset 🌇 The timing changes throughout the year depending on when the sun sets. In winter it can start as early as 6pm, in spring and autumn around 8pm, and in summer sometimes not until 10pm!

Is the Louvre open on Christmas Day?

Musée du Louvre

Public holidays: the Louvre is closed on 1 January, 1 May and 25 December. It remains open on all other public holidays unless they fall on a Tuesday, the museum's day of closure. The Cour Napoléon is open from 7.30 a.m. to 9 p.m. The Cour Carrée is open from 7.30 a.m. to 7.45 p.m.

Is 26th December a holiday in France?

The French Christmas Season Timeline

Unlike British celebrations, there is no Boxing Day in France. The 26th December is a regular working day, though many families continue their celebrations with extended family gatherings.

Do you say "Merry Christmas" on the 24th or 25th?

Both greetings are acceptable across December and on Christmas Day. In casual contexts it is also common to extend the exchange into the days following 25 December by saying Hope you had a Merry Christmas as people reconnect after the holiday.

Is Christmas Eve or Christmas Day more important in France?

The French tend to celebrate with a family gathering on Christmas Eve which continues into the following day. Unlike in the UK, the big Christmas meal will mostly consist of delicious sea food delicacies, namely oysters and huge crevettes, as well as the traditional foie gras and boudin blanc!

What is normally open on Christmas Day?

Several national restaurant chains usually operate on Christmas Day, though hours vary by location. Commonly open options include Starbucks, McDonald's, IHOP, Waffle House, Dunkin', Denny's, Krispy Kreme and select fast-food chains. Many locations run shorter hours, so checking online before heading out is key.

Is 25 and 26 December a public holiday?

UK bank holidays between 2025 and 2026

There are two remaining bank holiday dates in 2025: 25 December (Thursday): Christmas Day. 26 December (Friday): Boxing Day.

What can I do on Christmas Day?

Christmas Day activities range from relaxing at home with movies, games, baking, and gift opening to getting out for winter walks, attending services, enjoying festive city tours (like London's lights), visiting historic homes decorated for the season, or catching a ballet like The Nutcracker. Volunteering, like helping at a community meal for the elderly, offers a meaningful alternative.
 

Why can't you film in Paris?

Filming Permit Scheme in Paris and the Provinces

TO WIT: Broadcasting or publishing images requires the prior consent of the people photographed or filmed as well as from the managers of any public institutions and monuments involved in photographing or filming.

Why can't you take a picture of the Sistine Chapel?

You can't take pictures in the Sistine Chapel primarily because of the crowds, the need to protect the art from flashes and human elements (dust, humidity), and historical exclusive photo rights sold to a Japanese network for restoration funding, though those rights expired, the ban remains to preserve the art and visitor experience. Guards enforce this with stern "No photo! No video!" shouts to maintain reverence and order in the crowded space, ensuring better viewing for all and preventing damage from flashes, which can harm frescoes over time.
 

What is not allowed in the Eiffel Tower?

Security measures at the Eiffel Tower include mandatory bag checks and metal detector screenings for all visitors. Large bags and luggage are not permitted inside the tower. Prohibited items include sharp objects, weapons, and flammable materials.