Christmas - Noël Féérique at Paris City Hall 2023: A Magical Odyssey in the Heart of the Capital

By Mulder, Paris, Hotel de ville, 20 december 2023

Every year, the Hôtel de Ville de Paris is transformed into an enchanted kingdom in the run-up to the festive season. The 2023 edition of the Christmas Village, part of the Paris 2023 Christmas Market Festival, promises an exceptional experience, combining winter tradition with the anticipated celebration of the Olympic Games.

From November 28 to December 31, the Parvis de l'Hôtel de Ville will be the stage for a magical ephemeral experience. The opening ceremony on November 28 unveiled a façade dressed in the bright colors of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, marking the start of a unique celebration.

The village is open every day, offering a wide range of activities for all ages. Wooden chalets, automatons, a forest of glittering fir trees and free rides for children all contribute to creating a fairytale atmosphere on the forecourt.

This year, the Hôtel de Ville is decked out in a special outfit in honor of the Olympic Games. The façade is illuminated in the vibrant hues of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The unveiling ceremony, attended by personalities such as Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo and representatives of the International Olympic Committee, marked the launch of a month of magical festivities.

In keeping with the City of Paris' commitment to the environment, the village lights are switched off every evening at 11:45pm. These illuminations are made using low-energy LED technologies, underlining the importance of sustainability in this magical event.

Younger visitors are particularly spoilt for choice, with a range of activities planned especially for them. From Wednesday to Sunday, from 3 pm to 9 pm (and every day during school vacations), Santa Claus is available for magical encounters. Children can also enjoy sledging, climbing and a carousel open daily between 11am and 9pm.

For the grown-ups, a craft market awaits gourmet lovers. Craftsmen and restaurateurs offer an array of delicious dishes, inviting visitors to take a gourmet break in the heart of the enchantment.

Visitors have several options for getting to the Christmas Village at Paris City Hall. Public transport is highly recommended, with metro stations such as Hôtel de Ville, Pont Marie and Châtelet served by lines 1, 4, 7, 11 and 14. Bus lines 69, 76, 96, n11, n16, 75, 67, 72 also offer convenient access, with nearby stops such as Mairie du 4e, La Verriere, and Pont Louis Philippe.

For those who prefer to drive, several parking lots are available nearby, including Rivoli-Sébastopol, Hôtel de Ville, Lobau, Baudoyer-Marais, and Pont Marie.

The Hôtel de Ville Christmas Market offers much more than illuminations and family activities. The chalets dotting the forecourt offer a variety of products, from delicacies to handcrafted creations. Six chalets feature products bearing the "Made in Paris" label, creating the perfect opportunity to find unique, local Christmas gifts.

The trees decorating the forecourt are carefully selected with the environment in mind. Sourced from the City of Paris horticultural production center or the sustainable forests of Morvan, some are potted for reuse, while others will be used as mulch in the City's green spaces.

The Hôtel de Ville de Paris Christmas Village strives to make its enchantments accessible to all. Extended opening hours, a variety of activities and easy access by public transport bear witness to the event's commitment to welcoming a wide public.

The Paris 2023 City Hall Christmas Market is set to be an unforgettable experience, combining the timeless magic of Christmas with the anticipated excitement of the Olympic Games. From dazzling illuminations to family activities and gastronomic discoveries, this event offers total immersion in the festive spirit of the holiday season. Whether you're a Parisian or a visitor, don't miss this magical odyssey through the heart of the French capital. Merry Christmas, and may the magic of the Olympic Games light up your festive season!

You can see our photos on our official Flickr page

Photos : Boris Colletier / Mulderville