Christmas in Paris - 5 things to do for under 10€

1. Christmas lights

Take a walk to see all the beautiful Christmas lights on Avenue Montaigne, the Champs Élysées and throughout Paris and in front of the "mairie" of each arrondissement.

(FREE)

Champs Elysées

Outside the mairie of the 13th arrondissement

2. The Christmas Markets 

Sure, it might feel a bit touristy and kitschy but who cares. Close your eyes and smell the mulled wine in the air, along with the freshly dusted cinnamon on the "chi chi"s (churros) wafting towards you before defrosting in the Samsung tent. 

(Mulled wine 4€, giant serving of "chi chi" 5€)

3. The Ferris Wheel

Capture views of Paris from up above.
(Ticket 10€)

   

Hazy view from above

4. Window displays

Take a walk around Galeries Lafayette, Printemps, BHV, Le Bon Marché and other department stores to look at all the beautiful window displays. Defrost inside and take a walk around to see the equally beautiful in-store displays. 

(FREE)

BHV

Inside Galeries Lafayette (main building)

5. Ice skating 

Now, I did break my collarbone this time last year ice skating for the very first time in my life, but I still remain fond of this Wintertime activity. Maybe it's because I'm from Australia and outdoor ice skating just doesn't exist where I'm from. It's a fantastic deal (unlimited ice skating for a flat fee) and a truly magical experience at the same time (for a Southern Hemispherian like me!). If you aren't able to put on the skates, it's worth coming to visit just to watch ice skaters glide effortlessly over the ice and amateurs precariously hold onto the railings. Entertaining, gripping and action packed in more ways than you can imagine. 

There are a few places you can ice skate this year, here are the top three recommendations.

Hotel de Ville - 21st December 2013 to 2nd March 2014 (5€ skate hire fee)

Trocadéro - 12th December 2013 to 5th January 2014 (5€ skate hire fee)

Champs Élysées Christmas Markets - 15th November 2013 to 5th January 2014 (10€ adults 8€ children under 12 skate hire fee)

Skating in the winter sunshine