The Galeries Lafayette Christmas ice rink for 2026 takes on the colours of Jean-Charles de Castelbajac. It is official: set up on the store's terrace, it opens from Tuesday 24 November 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027. The store has also confirmed this year's Christmas theme, “Au cœur de Noël”. For the windows and the installation under the Coupole, the store's central dome, the press reports an unveiling on Thursday 12 November, a date still to be confirmed on the store's website.
With the festive season approaching, here is what is confirmed and what is not yet: on one side, what the department store has published (ice rink, Christmas guided tours, opening hours, access); on the other, what is for now only announced. Enough to plan a Christmas outing in Paris, whether you live in the capital or are spending a few nights in the 9th arrondissement.
“Au cœur de Noël” (At the Heart of Christmas): the theme confirmed, the windows announced
It is now official on the Galeries Lafayette website: the 2026 edition is called “Au cœur de Noël”, with Jean-Charles de Castelbajac as guest of honour. According to several media outlets, this colourful, pop-style fairy tale will carry on into animated windows along the boulevard, with a guide character named Armand. The unveiling would be set for Thursday 12 November from 6pm, with free access to the windows as well as the Coupole; Fugace indicates that the event ends on 3 January 2027. At the time of writing, the store has published neither the unveiling date nor the details of the windows: treat them as announced, not as settled.
Under the Coupole, the press describes a monumental installation rather than a traditional Christmas tree: a sculptural tree with colourful branches, topped by an angel. The details of its design remain to be confirmed. In store, Galeries Lafayette announces exclusive Castelbajac collections and collaborations, with no dates or precise content so far: a possible gift idea.
On the roof, an ice rink in Castelbajac colours
The surest part of the programme is on the 8th floor. The Galeries Lafayette ice rink is set up on the store's terrace, dressed in the designer's colours, with the Eiffel Tower on the horizon. It is put together in partnership with Courchevel, to mark the resort's 80th anniversary; this is the second edition of the collaboration.
Skate and helmet hire is included in the ticket, and booking is online, through the Billetweb ticket office named by the store. Opening times vary by day of the week and school holidays: they are set out below.
