My Christmas in Paris Bucket List

I am officially headed to Paris later today to experience and photograph Christmas in the city. It has been on my bucket list to visit, but the timing was never right until now. I carved out this time to make it happen, and The Print Shop has just completed holiday orders for 2024.

For the past few years, I have made trips to Paris in January and seen the tail end of the holiday season and the sprinkle of magic that fills the city. I am ready to experience it in December and have been building a running list of what I want to see, do, and eat.

Ice Skate at Grand Palais

Grand Palais just reopened after years of being closed for renovations. Ice skating happens here under the glass dome, and tickets must be purchased. I secured tickets and will be skating with my Paris family this weekend. You can buy tickets online, and the event is open from December 14 to January 8.

The goal is to skate, but I would love to get some photographs of the space. The space turns into a disco at night, so choose your ticket time wisely.

Tea at Plaza Athénée

A visit to Plaza Athénée has been on my list for years. I have only really enjoyed the exterior and beautiful balconies that line Avenue Montaigne. Christmas tea seemed like the perfect opportunity to get inside. There is also a little ice skating rink here in the courtyard. They also offer a special raclette dinner in the evening with champagne, but the main goal is to photograph the space during the day.

My friend Katie will join me for an end-of-year celebration here.

Avenue Montaigne Dior

The display outside of Dior on Avenue Montaigne is worth the visit. I have seen videos on Instagram and can’t wait to see them in person. On this trip, I am staying in two locations. One hotel I purposely chose due to the proximity of the Champs Élysées and a few Christmas displays in the area.

Place Vendome Christmas Shoot

To me, Place Vendome at Christmas is the most magical spot in Paris. I have dreamt of shooting here, and Katie Donnelly and I plan to shoot this red dress for Christmas. The lights on the trees are beautiful here, and the whole area is decorated well. Earlier this year, I had tea at The Ritz in January and was able to experience some of the Christmas lights.

Notre Dame Christmas Market

Notre Dame has just reopened after the fire in 2019. I cannot see the cathedral after watching the construction for the past few years. There is a Christmas market just across from Notre Dame with great views.

The big goal is to shoot as much Christmas as possible. This trip is solo, and I am excited to stroll, capture the city's magic, and photograph for The Print Shop, along with a special project I plan to share soon.

Leave Room for The Unexpected

This trip feels like I am seeing the city for the first time, and I have a lot to see, from Montmartre, all decked in lights, to Saint Germain. While I have a lot to do, there is always some free time to explore something new.

I hope to share with you here and write The Paris Diaries Christmas edition. Stay tuned for photographs, stories, and updates from the City of Light.

Thank you for all your support and for supporting this dream of mine. xo