Take A Holiday Stroll Down a Great Boulevard....

The Champs Elysées is hardly off the beaten path in Paris. But, at Christmas time, this bustling boulevard is picture perfect for sparkling, romantic Christmas lights, a Marché du Noel, Christmas trees and more pretty, festive, seasonal delights.   The Arc de Triomphe and the Grande Roue are both lit and serve as 'anchors' to one of the world's most impressive streetscapes.

Start from the top and meander downhill. At Rond Point, bright blue and white 
lights at all the corners are impressive indeed. From that point, the annual Christmas Market begins, running along both sides and the entire length of the Champs-Elysées, all the way down to the Place de la Concorde, which is home to a huge Christmas tree.The Christmas market features artisans selling a large variety of intriguing gifts.
Paris being Paris, of course there are food and drink vendors selling everything from sausages to chocolates to hot spiced wine.
There are tables and outdoor heaters set up for comfort. Don't want to shop or eat? Have kids in tow?
There's a skating rink and a giant slide.  There's a giant mailbox for letters to Santa and kids will surely love the Petit Train du Pére Noel.
The market is open daily until January 6th.  Hours are 10 a.m. to 11p.m.  Weekends, the market is open until midnight.  

And if the Champs Elysées isn't enough, head over to see the dramatic lights and decorations at the Galleries Lafayette and Printemps along Haussmann.