Noël à Paris

Something special happens during the Christmas season in Paris.  It is dark by 5:30, but instead of being depressing, it is exciting - that is when the lights turn on!  There is a classiness and sophistication about the decorations that twinkle throughout this City of Lights.  Take Notre Dame for example - one simple, gorgeous tree outside an already stunning cathedral.

And then there are the grands magasins - the department stores!  Here is a picture of Galeries Lafayette:

Not only was it beautiful from afar, but all of the windows had amazing displays in them as well.  This year, there was a Broadway theme.  Each window had a different show (with mannequins or dolls playing the parts) and the music from the show was piped through speakers.  I felt like a little kid looking (and listening!) to all the window displays...it was so much fun!

Hairspray!



The Rockettes

Mamma Mia!

Singin' in the Rain

Another grand magasin, Printemps, also had some great lights and window displays!

And then there's the stunning Avenue des Champs-Élysées, with a temporary Ferris Wheel at one end, and the Arc de Triomphe at the other.

Our neighborhood is not quite as grand as the grands magasins and the Champs-Élysées, but it's still quite charming. 

 May all your days be merry and bright!

  Joyeux Noël!