Parisian Christmas at Galeries Lafayette

Christmas in Paris is always magical, and no place embodies the holiday spirit quite like Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann. This year, the iconic department store celebrates its 130th Christmas, transforming Boulevard Haussmann into a sparkling winter wonderland with unparalleled decorations and unique experiences. Step into this feast for the senses and embark on an unforgettable holiday journey!

1

The Christmas Tree: A Spectacle of Light and Creativity

The Christmas tree at Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann is a cherished holiday tradition dating back to 1976. Every year, a magnificent tree is installed under the store’s iconic glass dome, captivating visitors with its grand scale and stunning decorations. Each tree is uniquely designed, often featuring creative themes and cutting-edge technology, such as programmable lights and interactive displays.

This year’s giant Christmas tree, located under the iconic glass dome, is a true masterpiece of artistry and technology. Inspired by 1950s window displays and the recently restored Byzantine façade, the tree symbolizes the harmonious dialogue between tradition and modernity. Adorned with 20,000 programmable LED lights, it hosts a spectacular sound and light show every 30 minutes, creating a magical ambiance throughout the store. Its crowning glory: a fibre-optic firework effectuates direct inspiration from the signature designs of Kevin Germanier.

Visitors can also explore the tree from a fresh perspective via the Glasswalk, an aerial walkway that offers a unique vantage point for capturing dazzling holiday memories.

2

The Christmas window: A Fairytale of Sustainability

The Christmas window displays at Galeries Lafayette Haussmann have a rich history dating back over a century. Since the early 20th century, the department store has enchanted visitors during the holiday season with imaginative and beautifully designed displays. These windows were initially created to showcase the store’s luxurious products, but over time, they evolved into an art form that celebrates the magic of Christmas. Each year, the windows tell a unique story, blending creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation. From animated characters to stunning lights and intricate decorations, they captivate millions of visitors from around the world. The displays have become a cherished Parisian tradition, embodying the festive spirit and delighting both children and adults alike.

On Boulevard Haussmann, this year’s Christmas window displays turn storytelling into art. Designed by Kevin Germanier, each window features characters dressed in 84 stunning outfits made entirely of up-cycled materials, blending dreamlike holiday aesthetics with a strong eco-conscious message.

The windows narrate a captivating story: a mischievous fox embarks on an enchanted journey through the forest in search of Christmas light. The dynamic characters, twinkling lights, and interactive features delight visitors of all ages, especially children, whose laughter fills the air. 

3

Galeries Lafayette Gourmet: A Paradise for Chocolate and Sweet Lovers

For food enthusiasts, Lafayette Gourmet is a must-visit destination this holiday season. The gourmet section offers a wide selection of premium chocolates and festive desserts, including exclusive creations from renowned brands like Jean-Paul Hévin and Pierre Hermé.

Here, you can select from a wide array of premium creations crafted by some of the most iconic chocolate ateliers in France and Europe. From rich milk chocolate to filled pralines and fruity delights, a dazzling variety of handcrafted masterpieces awaits, each more exquisite than the last.

A delightful array of pastries awaits to satisfy every sweet tooth’s imagination. If this is your first trip to France and you’re eager to embark on a journey into the world of French desserts,  Galeries Lafayette Gourmet is the perfect starting point. From classic French treats like Opera cakes, lemon tarts, and mousse cakes, to each patisserie proudly showcasing its unique creations, there’s something here to enchant every dessert lover.

Don’t miss the chance to join the “Les Secrets du Pâtissier” workshop, hosted by Ferrandi Paris. From November 16 to December 21, participants can learn the art of crafting their very own bûche de Noël, adding a personal touch to their holiday celebrations.

 4

Advent Calendars: A Daily Dose of Joy

Advent calendars are the perfect prelude to Christmas, and this year’s selection is more diverse than ever. With beautifully designed packaging, these calendars offer surprises for every taste. An advent calendar is a special calendar used to count down the days to Christmas, starting from December 1st. Traditionally, each day, there is a small door or window to open, revealing a treat or surprise inside, such as chocolates, candies, or small gifts. Originally rooted in Christian traditions to mark the days leading up to Christmas, modern advent calendars have expanded to include a variety of themes, from beauty products and toys to gourmet foods, making them a fun and festive way to celebrate the holiday season.

Many brands have launched their own advent calendars, ranging from the widely popular Jo Malone perfume collection among Asian tourists to macaron and dessert brands, and even jam and preserve producers.

Of course, the most sought-after here are the chocolate advent calendars, perfectly matching the festive spirit. Whether as a holiday treat for yourself or a delightful gift for someone special, they are sure to bring a sweet surprise.

5

Christmas decorations: Bringing the Magic of the Holidays Home

On the sixth floor, the Christmas decoration section transforms into a winter wonderland. From hand-blown glass ornaments to vintage-inspired light strings, every piece embodies Parisian elegance. This year, the collection emphasizes eco-friendly options, featuring decorations made from recyclable materials.

7

Gifts for Children: A Wonderland of Dreams

On the fifth floor, Galeries Lafayette welcomes the legendary New York toy brand FAO Schwarz, creating a magical paradise for children. The section features an array of delightful toys, from classic plush animals to innovative tech gadgets, catering to kids of all ages.

Adding to the enchantment, Santa’s Studio opens on December 7. Children can meet Santa Claus himself, with professional photographers on hand to capture these precious moments. Kids can also drop their wish lists into Santa’s mailbox, making the anticipation of Christmas even more magical. This interactive experience not only spreads festive cheer but also creates cherished memories for families.

8

Gifts for Everyone

Galeries Lafayette remains the ultimate destination for holiday shopping, offering a one-stop experience for finding the perfect gift.

From luxury fashion and beauty to cutting-edge tech and home décor, there’s something for everyone. Personalization services, such as engraving and custom gift wrapping, add a unique touch to every present.

 
6

Galeries Lafayette: An Unforgettable Shopping Experience

To celebrate this special season, Galeries Lafayette has launched the Green Santa initiative, encouraging customers to donate to charitable causes and ensuring the holiday spirit reaches everyone. Additionally, the Wicked Pop-up section offers creative, holiday-themed merchandise, from scented candles to exclusive collectables, catering to every festive enthusiast.

This Christmas, let Galeries Lafayette light up your holidays with stories, flavours, and unforgettable moments. The magic of a Parisian Christmas begins here!

O'bon Paris' special offer and Tax refund

With the O’bon Paris’ coupon, you can get exclusive offers when you purchase a total over a certain amount. To get the offers, you need to present both your receipts and the O'bon Paris’ coupon to the Concierge on the 1st floor of the main building. You can combine receipts from Galeries Lafayette except for any purchases for services, restaurants, and cafes. Click here to get your special coupons.

When you spend over 100 euros, you can receive a tax refund at Concierge. If you spend over 650 euros and use an O’bon Paris coupon, you can receive a tax refund in the luxurious lounge of the Concierge, which provides immediate assistance.

In the lounge as you see in the photo above, you can rest with a free drink like coffee, champagne, juice, or water, and snacks like chocolate, madeleines, and more.

There is also a tax refund machine available in multiple languages that can be done by card or cash. The concierge and a tax refund machine are located on the 1st floor between Louis Vuitton and Dolce & Gabbana, and their multilingual staff is ready to assist you. Get more information about tax refunds from here.