Christmas - Enchanting Christmas Window Displays at BHV Marais: Illuminating the Magic of a Time-Honored Fairytale Tradition

By Mulder, Paris, BHV, 20 december 2023

As the festive season approaches, Paris is transformed into a veritable enchanted kingdom, illuminated by twinkling lights, warm Christmas markets and festive decorations. Among the jewels of this winter celebration, the BHV Marais Christmas windows emerge as an unmissable tradition, captivating passers-by for generations.

The history of the BHV Marais Christmas windows goes back several generations, building a tradition that endures with dazzling vitality. Each year, these windows go beyond the simple presentation of products, transforming the Marais district into a veritable visual fairytale.

A dedicated team of designers, visual artists and passionate artisans work in harmony to bring these extraordinary window displays to life. Their mission is to capture the essence of Christmas and translate it into a visual spectacle that transcends the boundaries of imagination.

Each showcase tells a unique story, meticulously based on a carefully chosen theme. From classic tales to wintry landscapes, these themes vary from year to year, bringing a constant freshness to this immutable tradition. These scenes captivate audiences by evoking deep emotions, recalling the pure wonder and innocent joy associated with the festive season.

While BHV's window displays breathe tradition, they also incorporate innovation. The judicious use of modern technology, such as dynamic light displays, interactive animations and meticulously crafted details, adds a contemporary touch to this annual celebration.

This year, BHV Marais inaugurated the Il était une fois Noël en forêt operation with a bang. On November 8, the Rue de Rivoli was transformed into a parade stage, dazzling passers-by with a procession of fairy animals and a breathtaking sound and light show illuminating the department store's façade. The Canadian delegation added an international touch to the event, showcasing Canada's cultural richness through a dedicated window display and pop-up. The evening closed with a cocktail party at the observatory, plunging guests into an enchanted and immersive forest, offering a memorable experience in the heart of the City of Light.

Beyond visual aesthetics, BHV's window displays create a space for community celebration. Streets fill with families, friends and neighbors who gather to share in the wonder of the season. Nearby cafés see their terraces occupied by onlookers who take the time to appreciate every detail.

The BHV Marais Christmas windows are not simply a commercial showcase, but an artistic celebration of the magic of the holidays. They transcend the simple act of shopping to become a cultural and social experience that unites people in shared wonder. Every year, these magical windows reaffirm the tradition, bringing a touch of enchantment to those lucky enough to admire them. A visit to these emblematic windows thus becomes an unmissable ritual for all those seeking to capture the timeless spirit of Christmas in the City of Light.

You can see our photos on our Flickr page

Photos : Boris Colletier / Mulderville