The Magic of Christmas Lights 2025 on the Champs-Élysées

Every year, Paris turns into a true fairytale as the festive season approaches. In 2025, the Champs-Élysées sparkle again with a sound & light display created by Thierry Reboul. The official switch-on is announced for Sunday 16 November 2025 at 18:30, and the avenue is particularly pleasant to stroll when traffic is reduced and walkers take over the pavements beneath the light garlands.

The experience is even more enjoyable as it follows a more responsible approach: the installations, designed by Blachère Illuminations, aim to reduce energy consumption while keeping the “wow” effect that made the avenue famous. The result: a magical, warm, and unmistakably Parisian stroll.

Place Vendôme: the luminous jewel box of Parisian luxury

Just a few stops from the Champs-Élysées, Place Vendôme also puts on its finest festive attire. With elegant façades, flagship boutiques and a hushed atmosphere, the square becomes the perfect setting for a romantic walk or a photo stop, away from the avenue’s bustle.

Champs-Élysées + Place Vendôme is the perfect duo to feel the Parisian art de vivre in December: a grand urban spectacle on one side, intimate refinement on the other.

Why stay at Hôtel R de Paris to enjoy the lights

  • Perfect location: by choosing a hotel near Saint-Lazare (Paris 9), you can easily reach the brightest neighbourhoods… then come back to peace and quiet.
  • Comfort of a boutique hotel / charming hotel: ideal after an evening out in Paris, when all you want is to unwind.
  • Wellness break: perfect for turning a “Christmas in Paris” outing into a truly restorative stay.

Getting there from Hôtel R de Paris

From Hôtel R de Paris (Paris 9, Saint-Lazare / Opéra area), the illuminations are very easy to reach by metro, with direct or almost-direct routes depending on where you want to arrive on the avenue (Concorde, Champs-Élysées – Clemenceau, Franklin D. Roosevelt). On foot, it’s a lovely walk if you enjoy strolling, but during the festive season the metro is often the most comfortable option to make the most of your time.

To choose the smoothest route depending on the time (and avoid the busiest stations), our digital concierge can advise you.

Times and tips for an enjoyable visit

The lights shine every evening from 17h until midnight, with an extension until 1h on Fridays and Saturdays. On the evenings of 24 and 31 December, the avenue stays illuminated all night long.

  • Best time: on weekdays, just after switch-on (17h–19h) or later in the evening for a calmer atmosphere.
  • Simple route: start on the Champs-Élysées, then finish at Place Vendôme for a more peaceful end to your walk.
  • Photo tip: choose the side streets for clearer angles than on the main axis.

A moment to share as a couple or with family

Whether you’re coming as a couple for a romantic getaway or with family to make memories, this walk is a seasonal must. After your stroll, treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in our spa area, then start the next day gently with a gourmet breakfast.

And if you’d like to extend the experience on-site, discover our rooms: ideal for enjoying Christmas in Paris without rushing, and returning easily to comfort after an evening under the lights.