Ice skating at the Patinoire de L’Hôtel de Ville

Glide atop the massive open-air skating rink while taking in the beautiful 19th-century city hall as your backdrop. Plan ahead, though: Skating here — the most popular seasonal skating venue in town — might come with a wait. (Free access; skate rentals for a fee.)

Window-shopping at Galeries Lafayette

Not only does this luxury department store light up a full city block with lovely lace patterns along its walls, but its window displays also shine as whimsical works of art. Duck inside for a view of the store’s majestic Christmas tree, adorned differently each year but always towering elegantly under the building’s famed cupola.

Scouring the Christmas markets

Paris is bejeweled with holiday markets at year’s end, selling everything from gift trinkets to spiced wine and holiday wreaths. But for the foodie in you or around you, don’t miss the Marché de Noël de Lévis, a smaller market offering artisanal gastronomic goods from around the region.

Celebrating along the Champs-Elysées

Stroll along the iconic tree-lined avenue, dazzling with lights and holiday splendor. Though the Christmas market (the city’s largest) and Ferris wheel are a bit touristy, it’s nothing that a bit of mulled cider and the cheery ambience can’t fix.

The Nativity at Notre-Dame

Head to Notre-Dame Cathedral for some serenity away from the hustle and bustle. Gaze at the giant Christmas tree outside, then head indoors for a presentation of the nativity story as told through a music-and-light show. Free shows begin every half hour during the day and into the evening.