Paris hotels treat Christmas like a high art. In 2025, the city’s grand lobbies will again compete for the most spectacular sapins de Noel, turning marble halls into winter theater that anyone can walk in and enjoy. Displays usually light up from late November to early January, and yes, most lobbies are open to non-guests during the day.
Think sculptural firs under chandeliers, mirrored galleries wrapped in garlands, hot chocolate pop-ups, and florists who plan for months. The big names return – Ritz Paris on Place Vendome, Four Seasons Hotel George V with Jeff Leatham’s dramatic staging, Hotel de Crillon facing the obelisk, The Peninsula near the Arc de Triomphe, plus Plaza Athenee and Le Meurice. Visitors ask two things: where to go, and when to get the best photos without the crowds. Here is the straight, useful answer.
Paris hotel Christmas trees 2025: where and when
Displays traditionally run from the last week of November to the first days of January, peaking on the first two weekends of December. Weekday mornings are calm, late afternoons get busy with tea service. Security can limit entry during peak hours, so a quick smile and a clear purpose helps. No ticket needed for lobbies.
What trees will you see in 2025? Expect mostly Nordmann firs – they hold needles and look plush. In France, around 6 million natural Christmas trees are sold each year, with Nordmann representing close to 80 percent according to FranceAgriMer and the interprofessional body ValHor’s 2021 brief. That durable look is exactly what luxury properties want for multi-week staging under strong lights.
A note on timing if you plan a weekend hop: December Saturdays in Paris feel packed. The Paris Region Tourism Board reported around 50 million tourists in 2023 across Ile-de-France, with strong end-of-year recovery published in its February 2024 overview. 2025 should keep the momentum, so early starts matter.
How to visit the lobbies without stress
Seeing the trees is free, respectful, and easy if you plan your route and time windows. Simple moves change the experience from rushed to magical.
- Go early – doors open around breakfast, light is soft, staff is relaxed.
- Pair visits by neighborhood: Vendome-Tuileries for Ritz, Park Hyatt Paris-Vendome and Le Meurice; George V-Triangle d’Or for Four Seasons, Plaza Athenee, and The Peninsula.
- Dress smart-casual and keep gear compact. Tripods are often refused.
- Order a pastry or tea if you linger. It supports the team and extends your time.
- Check hotel Instagram the day before. Many announce unveiling dates and themes there first.
Iconic addresses: Ritz Paris, George V, Crillon, Peninsula
Ritz Paris, 15 Place Vendome – its Galerie and the Bar Vendome terrace usually glow with a central tree and refined gold-silver palettes. The property reopened in 2016 after a multi-year renovation, and the holiday staging feels as meticulous as the rooms.
Four Seasons Hotel George V, 31 Avenue George V – creative director Jeff Leatham is synonymous with spectacular seasonal decor since the late 1990s. Expect sculptural trees, mirrored plinths, and floral drama that photographs beautifully from the lobby staircase.
Hotel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel, 10 Place de la Concorde – monumental doors, Versailles-scale mirrors, and a tree that frames the obelisk just outside. The landmark reopened in 2017 after a thorough restoration, and its salons are a masterclass in Parisian grandeur.
The Peninsula Paris, 19 Avenue Kleber – a sweeping lobby with a tree that rises under a shimmering ceiling, and often a terrace kiosk for hot drinks. Service teams are used to visitors stepping in for five-minute photo stops. Quick, polite, and you are good.
Crowds, budgets and a quick calendar for 2025
Plan the circuit like a mini-festival. Lobbies usually unveil decorations in the last 10 days of November. The first full weekend of December often brings special afternoon teas, so crowds spike. Mid-December weekdays calm down until Christmas week, then traffic rises again through New Year’s Eve. New Year’s Day morning is surprisingly quiet – and the trees still shine.
Expect premium prices if you sit down: festive afternoon teas can run from 70 to 120 euros per person in Palace-level hotels, depending on the property and inclusions. That is the trade-off for extra time and empty frames between table turns. If budget is tight, order a single coffee at the bar and enjoy the lobby for 15 minutes – no one minds when you’re respectful.
Photography etiquette stays simple. Staff often guides where you can stand, especially near entrances. Avoid blocking passages, never touch ornaments, and keep voices low. Quick burst, step aside, review later – it makes everyone’s day easier. And if a line forms, rotate. A tiny bit of patience goes a long way in these celebrated adressses.