What to Pack for Paris in December
What to Pack for Paris in December
Paris in December is one of the most magical times to visit Paris. The city is filled with festive lights and decorations for the Christmas season. I highly recommend adding Paris during the holidays to your must-see list. If you are traveling to Paris in December or know someone who is, please share this post. Here is what to pack for Paris in December.
The Weather in Paris in December
Dress warmly and in layers! Paris can be extremely cold in December, with a chance of snow if you are lucky. The weather is damp and chilly. Check the weather in advance before you pack and plan accordingly. I always recommend packing a travel umbrella just in case, and hand warmers are not a bad idea. You can purchase them in Paris, but it’s also easy to throw them in your suitcase and have them ready to go as you walk out to explore.
What to Expect in Paris in December
Parisian Cafés and boulangeries often decorate their interiors and exteriors with holiday lights. You will see a beautiful display all over the city filled with Christmas cheer. In patisserie windows, Bouche de Noël in all shapes, sizes, and flavors. You can purchase a small one to taste, or bring home a large one to your Paris apartment to share with friends and family. Oysters are sold outside of grocery stores, from the fanciest of stores to the corner grocery. Champagne and chocolates are also available at a variety of price points to celebrate the season and make great gifts.
What to See in Paris in December
Don’t miss the Christmas holiday markets in December. There are a few different ones that run throughout the city. Outside Notre Dame, there is a small market with food and handmade items, and Saint-Germain-des-Prés also has a Christmas market that runs along the street outside the church.
The Department Stores such as Galeries Lafayette and Bon Marché decorate for the Christmas season. Inside, you will find beautiful displays in the center of the store. Don’t miss the holiday windows at Bon Marché, a favorite and must-see stop when I am in town over the Christmas season. Warm up at Le Grand Épiciere, browse the seasonal foods for purchase, and pick up take-home souvenirs. You can pick up your French butter here, too!
Coats For Paris in December
Long Wool coats are best for keeping warm in Paris during cold weather. This scarf coat, this navy coat, and this belted coat are all great options.
I highly recommend one of these Uniqlo layering jackets for additional warmth on really cold days. Trust me!
The Best Shoes to Pack for Paris in December
Comfortable walking shoes are a must. Due to the weather in December, I highly recommend a water-resistant or waterproof boot. These Chelsea boots from Margaux are my favorite and are comfortable. It is what I have been wearing the most in Chicago, even in the snow. Black ankle boots are trending among Parisian women right now and are a strong shoe option. For boots, thick warm socks are a must! Pack extra just in case they get wet, and you want to refresh a pair.
Knee-high black boots with dresses and skirts are also popular on the streets of Paris. I own these from Laroudé after seeing this as the hot trend last December. I knew it was something I wanted to invest in for my wardrobe. Margaux also offers a similar pair, the City Boot.
Dressing Up In Paris in December
If you are headed to Paris in December, don’t forget to pack a little black dress. Even if you are solo, I highly recommend taking yourself out to dinner, a cocktail, or a fancy tea for at least one day. If a little black dress isn’t your thing, I love a little sparkle like this top with a black velvet blazer and coated jeans. You could also try a silk skirt like this one, booties, and a sweater. For a pop of red, try this reader-favorite skirt.
Cold Weather Accessories for Paris in the Winter Months
Warm gloves are a must. If, for some reason, you forget to pack yours, you can pick up a good pair at Galeries Lafayette or Bon Marché. These make a great souvenir if you forgot yours, so don’t panic. I have been eyeing these from Me+Em lately; they are beautiful fashion accessories. You can also consider wool or cashmere gloves to keep your hands warm.
Boots and black tights are very much a thing in Paris. You will see this trend across the board. I love buying tights from Calzedonia or Sézane when I am in Paris. Both are reasonably priced, and Calzedonia has some fun options!
I love these Sarah Flint perfect zip booties for dressing up, but still being comfortable.
Sweaters for Paris in December
Cashmere sweaters and wool are ideal for the cold weather. Chunky knits are ideal. I always recommend packing a café sweater. Something extra warm and cozy for a cold or rainy day, to sit inside and soak up Paris from the window. I love this Alex Mill turtleneck sweater.
What to Pack for Paris: Bottoms
Wearing these wide-legged pants from Me+Em above.
Wide-legged denim is in. A few Frame favorites include these Palazzo pairs and these in black. Use code REBECCA15 for 15% off.
What Not to Pack for Paris in December
Leave the high heels at home; the cobblestone streets make walking difficult. You will be much more comfortable with flat boots or a block heel this time of year. You will want a warm coat; see the details and ideas above. A trench coat or leather coat will not be warm enough in Paris this time of year.
What to Pack for The Plane Ride to Paris
I love to be comfortable on a flight, but I don’t typically wear athleisure wear or pajamas. Yes, it is an overnight flight, and I want to be cozy, but you can still look and feel pulled together. My travel uniform includes these AYR pants, a white t-shirt, and a sweater. I love this one from La Ligne, which has been on multiple Paris flights. This sweater from Kilte is also a great option and is made of washable cashmere. For socks, I do the Bombas compression socks and boots. If you are checking a bag and have room, you can throw your boots in there and wear sneakers. I find that when moving around the airport and walking, you want to be comfortable.
For December, a travel cashmere scarf is ideal. This one from White and Warren or Me+Em is a favorite. You won’t regret this extra layer for warmth, and you can use it under your coat as you are out and about in Paris, too.
P.S. I also love this silk AYR button-down that makes a great layering piece.
You can see my long-haul travel uniform formula here. Everything I pack for an international flight.
My whole family loves Away suitcases, and my husband has a strict rule not to check a bag. I use the larger carry-on bag from Away, which fits in the overhead bin on my United flight. If you have questions about sizing, I recommend checking the website and your preferred airline’s requirements. These hold up well over time and feature thoughtful design, with extra pockets to keep items safe and organized. I love the Everywhere bag for my personal item on the flight. It holds my laptop, camera, travel adapters, and more.
You can use a small pouch or parcel to keep your melatonin, vitamins, hand sanitizer, tissues, and other essentials in one place. I always find this helps me, especially as the plane transitions into sleep mode and the lights turn off. I need a sleep mask like this one for the flight.
Tech Accessories for A Long Haul Flight
I recently discovered this adapter that connects to your seat screen so you can use Bluetooth on your headphones. If you have the budget, these Bose headphones are a worthwhile splurge. I have lost too many airpods on the flight over the years. This Cuyana leather bag keeps all my cords and tech accessories organized. I like being able to grab just what I need in the middle of the flight and have it handy.
If I Were Headed to Paris This December: These Are The Souvenirs I Would Bring Home
Don’t miss this Substack post about my favorite Christmas Souvenirs from Paris.
*This post includes affiliate links. I make a small commission on items purchased from my links. Merci
Bonjour, I’m Rebecca!
I’m a photographer, blogger, croissant-lover, and world traveler. I hope that Everyday Parisian inspires you by bringing a bit of France into your daily life and helps you plan the best trip to Paris with personalized recommendations for places to stay, explore, and eat.
Subscribe
Subscribe to get a taste of Paris delivered
straight to your inbox every week.
Shop
Currently Loving
Favorites
Rebecca, I’m new to your wonderful EDParisian. We are doing a family trip to Paris for 10 days, 3 generations, very end of March thru first week of April. Our granddaughter is 8 years old. Any thoughts about places she might enjoy. I have been to Paris several times but never with a child. We are thinking it would be best to rent a place as we will need 3 bedrooms so we would love any advice you can share on that topic. Merci,
Terry
Hi Rebecca,
I’m planning a visit to Paris in the first week of January. Since it’s a short visit I want to make the best of it. Any tips for budget friendly flea markets, local pharmacies and good jazz places?
Thank you,
Dee
Hi, I always enjoy these posts. Lots of ideas.
I noticed in one post recently you wearing a light blue cardigan with covered buttons. Gorgeous. Is that from Sezane? Tx
Hi! Thank you so much.
It is the Othello cardigan from Sézane. Good eye! Linking it here https://seza.ne/Q9jMuhR4St
Merci~
By far one of your greatest tips is a sleep mask~
Such a lovely heartwarming exchange with your UPS family, thanks for sharing!
Thank you, Rose!! Oh, I didn’t get to continue the story. Ray’s mom, Barb, asked for her own copy and my autograph. I will send you the photo. There were definitely tears in the whole place.