The Magic of Christmas by Jeanne Detallante at Galeries Lafayette

Every year, Christmas in Paris truly begins when the Galeries Lafayette windows light up on Boulevard Haussmann. For the 2025 edition, the department store entrusts its artistic creation to Jeanne Detallante, an illustrator with a vibrant, surreal universe already noticed by major houses. From 12 November 2025 to 4 January 2026, her poetic, retro line turns the façades into animated tableaux—an abundant Christmas where art, imagination and childhood meet.

If you’re coming to experience this festive magic in Paris, the best option is to stay nearby: by choosing a boutique hotel in the 9th, you can enjoy the windows, the Dome, the rooftop… and slip back to calm once the crowds have passed.

Windows that tell a story: “The Most Beautiful of Gifts”

This year, the theme “The Most Beautiful of Gifts” revisits Santa’s workshops with elegance and ingenuity. Each window unfolds a scene: an aesthete’s office, a bustling print shop producing wrapping paper, a red banquet with moiré patterns… all populated by childlike creatures and finely crafted automata, bathed in soft light and a discreet musical backdrop. A perfect stroll for families—or for two—early evening, when Paris sparkles.

The 16-metre giant Christmas tree beneath the Art Nouveau Dome

Beneath the famous Art Nouveau Dome, the monumental 16-metre tree is the must-see of the festive season. Adorned with Jeanne Detallante’s original illustrations, it appears like a spectacular gift wrapped in ribbons and refined fabrics, brought to life by kilometres of LED garlands. Walking under this tree feels like stepping into a Parisian fairy tale, between wonder and Haussmannian art de vivre.

A magical rooftop ice rink with views over Paris

Another highlight: the temporary ice rink installed on the rooftop terrace. Overlooking the Haussmann rooftops of the 9th, it offers a striking panorama of Paris aglow—an ideal memory for a year-end stay. Between skating, relaxation and wide-open views, it’s the kind of pause that gives Christmas a true Parisian flavour.

Shopping and sweet treats, in a spirit of elegance

Inside, the floors reveal festive selections: luxury, collaborations, gift ideas, décor, toys… not forgetting the gourmet counters for a hot chocolate, pastry or seasonal treat. To make the most of the experience, choose quieter times (weekday mornings, or later in the evening) and plan a “windows + Dome + rooftop” route to avoid losing focus.

Why stay at the Hôtel R de Paris to enjoy Christmas on Boulevard Haussmann

  • A perfect location: a hotel near Saint-Lazare and just steps from Opéra, ideal for exploring the 9th on foot.
  • The comfort of a boutique hotel / charming hotel: the kind of address you’ll love returning to after the buzz of the department stores.
  • A real wellness break: the perfect way to turn a “shopping & window displays” day into a restorative stay.

A ten-minute walk from the Hôtel R de Paris

Ideally located in the heart of the 9th arrondissement, the Hôtel R de Paris is the perfect starting point for a full immersion in Haussmann Christmas magic. In around a ten-minute walk (via Rue de Liège), you reach Boulevard Haussmann and the enchanting world of Galeries Lafayette. The Saint-Lazare area also makes it very easy to get there by public transport if you prefer.

After the windows, the Dome and the rooftop, nothing beats returning to a quiet room, then unwinding in our wellness area with spa. And to start the next day gently, enjoy our gourmet breakfast. To plan your programme (quieter time slots, route, ideas for outings nearby), our digital concierge service is here to help.