What’s on in Paris this December

1 December 2015

Get in the Christmas Spirit with Unique Shopping Experiences & Atmospheric Music Performances Minutes From Amarante Beau Manoir

Situated in the heart of the 8th arrondissement, Hotel Amarante Beau Manoir can boast easy access to a dazzling array of Paris’ leading attractions. December is the perfect month to take advantage of this, with renowned festive events and outstanding shopping experiences on offer mere minutes away from our boutique hotel. Take a look at our guide to some of the season’s most popular destinations and dates…and start planning the perfect Christmas countdown in Paris now.

Champ-Élysées Christmas Market

As the City of Light and capital of romance, Paris can boast a whole host of enchanting experiences this December, however none evoke the festive spirit quite as much as it’s many beautiful Christmas markets. One of the city’s most popular offerings is the Champ-Élysées Christmas Market, which attracts in the vicinity of 15 million visitors per year to browse its array of artisan products. Over 200 wooden chalets are lining the stretch between the Rond-Point and Place de la Concorde until the 4th of January 2016; offering delicious delicacies, beautiful decorations and handcrafted gifts.

At least 20 stalls are serving regional French foods such as pretzels from Alsace, sausages from Corsica and traditional fare such as crepes, foie gras and Champagne. Meanwhile, more seasonal selections include gingerbread, mulled wine and succulent Norwegian salmon. Those in search of gifts will be spoilt for choice with a selection of toys, clothing and much more courtesy of over 40 craftsman from all over France, while daily entertainment includes a range of fairground rides including slides and miniature trains.

Little ones will be captivated by the sight of Santa on his sleigh, which will be elevated 20 metres off the ground, and if all of that wasn’t enough, there is also an impressive 4,000m² skating rink towards the Place de la Concorde, which is located less than 10 minutes’ walk from our four-star hotel. The 21 acre square is home to a large ferris wheel that’s offering unrivalled views over the world-famous Champ-Élysées Avenue and its 400 trees, which are sparkling with festive lights inspired by a theme of shooting stars. With such a wide range of attractions, this free-entry market will provide an ideal day or evening out this Christmas.

Performances at the Church of Madeleine

Located just a two minute stroll from Amarante Beau Manoir, the Church of Madeleine will be offering a more traditional experience on the run up to Christmas. Step inside its prestigious bronze doors and you’ll not only be met with a grand, domed interior, but also the atmospheric sound of festive and classical music. Its December programme can boast a variety of performances, many of which are free entry and will offer the chance to enjoy the spine-tingling sounds of many renowned choirs and orchestras.

Head there on the 6th December for a Christmas concert performed by the ‘A Tre Voci’ choir, which includes award-winning soprano singer Bérangère Mauduit who trained at the English National Opera and Centre National d’Artistes Lyriques. As part of ‘Musical Sundays at le Madeleine’, a weekly event that attracts choirs and organists from around the world, attendees can look forward to excerpts from Bach’s Christmas Oratorio and Vivaldi’s Gloria RV 589. There will also be the opportunity to catch the City of Bratislava choir performing works by Dvorak and Cikker on the 12th, and Australia’s Artes Christi choir and orchestra on the 21st. While, those who opt to enjoy a luxury Christmas stay at our four-star hotel can head to a Christmas organ recital by François-Henri Houbart on the 25th; who has performed at over 1,300 concerts worldwide and can boast 70 recordings.

Alongside an exclusive Christmas programme, there’ll also be an array of additional concerts on offer this December, including two for charity; 600 singers from across Europe will be performing The Messiah by Handel to raise money for a cause dedicated to helping those with autism on the 5th, while musicians including saxophonist Jean Pierre Magnet will be playing at a benefit concert for AMAL on the 11th. Boasting 52 Corinthian columns, a grand 19th century organ that features the first ever Voix Céleste organ stop and nearly 700,000 annual visitors, the Church of Madeleine is already an unmissable attraction with the additional charm of mesmerising Christmas concerts this December.

Shopping at Printemps

A luxury shopping experience in Paris isn’t complete without a stroll around Printemps, and equally, it doesn’t feel quite like Christmas in the capital until you’ve made a point of visiting its festive window displays. Located an eight minute stroll from our Paris hotel, one of the world’s oldest department stores is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year and there’s never been a better time to plan a visit.

Founded in 1865, Printemps has become an institution in the world of luxury retail due to its sought-after product selection and how it has always strived to go above and beyond customer expectation; from driving forward innovation in store, such as the installation of elevators in 1874, to annually celebrating its namesake and the first day of spring by handing out bouquets of violets to every customer. It should come as no surprise then that its spring-themed birthday celebrations have been attracting a lot of attention since their launch on 20th March. Floral displays have adorned its façade, it’s boasted its very own birthday mascot designed by Japanese artist Hiroshi Yoshii, and nearly 400 designers have joined in by creating 1,000 exclusive products; 250 of which make up a truly decadent Christmas gift selection around the theme of gold that includes a delicious Paolo Lazzaroni panettone in a gold coloured tin, a House of Francis Kurkdjian perfume bottle adorned in a gold flower motifs and a stylish Lampe Gras lamp with a gold coloured shade.

Beyond its product range, the second biggest attraction at Printemps Haussmann this December is its Christmas windows. Designed in partnership with Philippe Découflé, director of Cirque du Soleil show Iris, the 11 captivating displays are based around a 1911 fairytale that was written especially for the store. It follows the story of the spring fairy who awakens nature from an icy winter and inspires spring to blossom. Each animated window has been designed with assistance from renowned brands such as Lancôme, which has a display boasting blooming pink hued roses with delicate featured faces, flower fairies flying through the air and the shape of the iconic Lancôme rose lit up as if it’s made from stars in the night sky. With an unbelievable selection of seasonal events such as parades, workshops and music performances, a visit to Printemps Hausmann is a must during a December stay in Paris.

Whether you’re searching for the perfect gift or simply want to take in the many awe-inspiring sights and sounds the capital has to offer, an unforgettable escape awaits in Paris this December.