A Perfect Way to Holiday in Paris…
If you’re planning a Paris weekend getaway around the holidays and want it to feel chic without being overwhelming, this itinerary is for you. We focused on staying central, choosing a few standout experiences, and letting the rest unfold naturally. This trip was the perfect balance of elegance and ease while getting to experience the magic of the holiday season!
Getting There + Travel Planning
We booked our trip with Rachael Levy @rlttravels_ and it truly made everything so seamless. From hotel coordination to thoughtful restaurant planning, it took the stress out of traveling and allowed us flexibility to explore Paris for the remainder of our short time there. Highly recommend Rachael if you want your Paris trip to feel polished and effortless! Also I know some people think we are crazy for doing a European vacation in 48 hours but when it’s only a 8 hour flight from Chicago and you can take a redeye (aka sleep on the plane), it’s the best kind of weekend trip! Don’t let anyone else tell you otherwise.
What I Packed
This trip was all about versatile staples that mix and match effortlessly. Statement outerwear, cozy knits, comfortable shoes, and a few elevated pieces for nights out made packing simple. Everything earned its spot, proving you don’t need overpacking to feel chic in Paris.
What I Wore to Travel
Comfort is key, but I still want to feel put together. A cozy matching set, supportive sneakers, and a roomy tote make long travel days feel easy. Add headphones and a few in-flight essentials, and you’re set for a smooth, stylish journey from airport to hotel.
Day 1: Arrival Day
After a lengthy travel day, we checked in at the fabulous Château des Fleurs, a boutique hotel tucked just off the Champs-Élysées that felt equal parts Parisian elegance and cozy retreat with just 38 rooms. The location was ideal for walking, great shopping, and soaking up the city without feeling rushed. HIGHLY recommend!
As soon as we landed, we quickly changed out of our travel fits, and headed to an afternoon tea at Hôtel Plaza Athénée. Served in the elegant La Galerie (the hotel’s stylish all day dining room), this is tea time elevated to palace levels. Whether you go for the full goûter (complete with sandwiches and pastries) or just a sweet treat and tea, it’s a moment of Parisian luxury! This was walking distance from our hotel and also situated on Avenue Montaigne which is a sight to see with all of the twinkling Christmas lights and designer store decorations. Definitely walk around the area before or after and maybe save some time for shopping here too!
High tea is the perfect excuse for a polished daytime look. A tailored blazer layered over a cozy knit, sleek leggings, and classic loafers feels chic, comfortable, and timeless. It’s effortless Parisian style that works just as well for tea, café hopping, or a long afternoon of exploring.
We ended the evening with dinner at Lafayette’s, and it was the perfect blend of classic Parisian charm and buzzy bistro energy. The vibes were VIBING. Warm, intimate, and effortlessly stylish. It’s the kind of place that feels quintessentially Paris with candlelit tables, a lively dining room, and a menu that delivers approachable American French fusion favorites that you’re craving after a full day of exploring. I got the Lobster pasta and my husband did their beef filet. We had to end with the crepes for dessert which come out tableside and provide quite the show- definitely recommend this place if you can snag a reservation!!
To end the day, I highly recommend stopping at Hôtel de Crillon for drinks. Even if you’re not staying there, it’s worth it just to walk through. The exterior is decorated for the holidays and the interiors are classic, glamorous, and timeless, plus sipping a cocktail here feels like stepping into old-world Paris luxury! An absolute perfect, polished way to close out a very full Saturday. We walked over to here from dinner and then just grabbed a taxi from here back to our hotel once we were done!
For holiday dinners in Paris, I love leaning into rich tones and soft textures. An off-the-shoulder dress feels elegant and feminine, paired with a faux fur coat for that festive touch. Add a deep berry bag and heels, and it’s the perfect look for candlelit dinners and Christmas tree moments.
Day 2: Classic Paris + Christmas Magic
We started our Saturday with one of those pinch me Paris moments, a visit to the Eiffel Tower. Whether it’s your first time or your fifth, seeing her in person never gets old. The scale, the sparkle, the energy… it truly sets the tone for a Paris weekend. Even if you don’t go all the way up, simply walking around the base and soaking it all in feels iconic.
Right nearby, we wandered through the Eiffel Tower Christmas Market, which felt festive without being overwhelming. There are cozy wooden chalets, twinkling lights, mulled wine, crêpes, plenty of little gift stalls and SO MUCH FOOD. Skip breakfast and eat at one of the Christmas markets. It was the perfect place to warm up, grab a snack, and lean fully into the holiday spirit.
From there, we walked through the Champ de Mars which is the park that the Eiffel Tower sits in. We loved looking at all of the homes that overlooked the Eiffel and guessing how much they must have spent to live there!! We walked a little further in search of lunch and stumbled upon a the cutest spots. If you want something grab and go, I’d suggest Maison Bergeron for a baguette. If you are looking to sit down, try La Fontaine de Mars or Bistro Saint Dominique, both are oh so cute!
Next, we hopped in a taxi and headed toward the Louvre. While we didn’t go inside this time, we made a point to stop and admire it from the outside. If you have more time than we did, I highly recommend booking a guided tour; the Louvre deserves at least half a day on its own.
We then walked over to the Christmas Market at the Tuileries Garden, which is set between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde. Festive rides, charming food stalls, lights lining the garden paths, and views that somehow feel both lively and romantic at the same time. It’s a must during the holiday season!
Afterwards, we walked a little further to see the Chanel and Dior Christmas installations, which are truly a fashion girl’s dream. The storefronts and displays are elevated, elegant, and festive! Even if you’re just window shopping, it’s absolutely worth seeing (and snapping a pic!). But…. when in Pairs (hehe), I came home with my dream bag and had the most luxe shopping experience of my life. If you have it in you after this, stop by Bar Hemingway for a glass of champagne!
We wrapped up the afternoon at Galeries Lafayette, which is an experience all on its own. Between the breathtaking dome, the over the top Christmas décor, and the endless shopping, it’s the perfect place to spend a few hours. Don’t skip walking through just to admire the architecture, it’s stunning. We did have to take a quick taxi ride over here!
This is my go-to outfit formula for full days of wandering. Cozy layers, neutral tones, comfortable sneakers, and pieces that feel elevated but practical. The faux fur adds warmth, the scarf pulls it together, and the relaxed denim makes it easy to explore all day without sacrificing style.
After a quick change at the hotel, we walked along the banks of the Seine near the Eiffel Tower. This is one of my favorite ways to experience Paris. If your feet need a break, stop at a café near the Trocadéro for a glass of champagne and some people watching. It’s the perfect pause before the night’s main event.
We ended the trip with an unforgettable experience: Ducasse sur Seine, a 4 course meal dinner cruise. Dining on the river as Paris glows around you is pure magic. It’s an elegant, memorable way to close out a Paris weekend and one I’d highly recommend if you’re celebrating something special. I was afraid this experience might be too touristy but it wasn’t one bit!
An evening on the Seine calls for something a little extra. Think sequins that catch the city lights, sheer tights, sleek heels, and a dramatic faux fur layer to keep it Parisian and polished. It’s glamorous without feeling try-hard, the kind of look that feels right at home cruising past the Eiffel Tower at night.
If you get the chance to go to Paris, do it! The city really is so beautiful and worth the trip. Of course I am bias that it’s a must around the holidays as everywhere is decorated so festive but nonetheless, take the trip:)
