Going to Paris for the Holidays?

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Paris

in December

From Courtney Traub

When the City of

Light

Truly Dazzles

A Magical Month of Light and Cheer

In December,

Paris

bursts out of its sleepy autumn quiet and lights up-- literally and figuratively. Trees up and down the Champs-Elysées are strung with garlands of shimmering light, and many other places around the city are decorated in the same festive spirit, including Rue Montorgeuil, Rue Saint Honore , the Galeries Lafayette department store, or Place Vendome. An ice-skating rink  is set up on the plaza outside of Hôtel de Ville (

Paris

City Hall

).

Christmas markets spring up all around the city, with their warm wood-roofed booths, vin chaud (hot wine), enchanting decorations and gifts, and gourmet treats. Chanukah celebrations like menorah lightings add to

Paris

' holiday-season charm.

With all the good cheer,

Paris

in December is nonetheless fairly relaxed, making the month an ideal time to take advantage of the city's many sights and attractions. Take your time exploring museums, sipping cinnamon-infused hot wine, or attending as special holiday concert. Have a real retreat from the holiday madness back home and try taking Paris in frame by frame, like a painter would.

The December Thermometer

• Minimum temperature: 3 degrees C (37.4 degrees F)
• Maximum temperature: 7 degrees C (44.6 degrees F)
• Average temperature: 4 degrees C (39.2 degrees F)
• Average rainfall: 49 millimeters (1.9 inches)

How to Pack

December in

Paris

is generally cold, and often rainy or icy. Temperatures approach or descend below zero. Snow is rare and when it does come it usually melts on hitting the ground, sometimes often turning into a sludgy slush that can be a real nuisance. Wind chill can make the city seem even frostier than what the mercury reads.

• Make sure to stock your suitcase with warm cotton or wool sweaters, scarves, coats, and socks. Bring at least one or two warm turtlenecks, and line your bags with clothes that are easy to layer.
• A sturdy umbrella is a must, as flimsier ones often won't withstand sudden downpours or gusts of wind.
• Bring at least two pairs of shoes, both waterproof. Heels should be reserved for indoor events as the streets can be slick or icy. If your feet get cold easily, bring a pair of comfortable waterproof boots.
• A pair of light waterproof gloves and a hat can make walking around more comfortable, but you won't need anything approaching snow or ski gear. Places like

  New York

  and

  Chicago

  get much colder in the winter than

  Paris

  does.
• Toting around a small thermos for hot drinks can be a good way to keep motivated in the

  Paris

  winter wonderland.
• One more word of advice on packing: since this is shopping season, you may want to think about packing as lightly as you can to reserve space in your suitcase for holiday delicacies or gifts you plan to bring back home.

Read More about Paris in December in Paris: Events Calendar