From Paris’s sweeping avenues to Florence’s storybook lanes, Europe’s most beloved cities are preparing to welcome the holiday season with dazzling lights, lively Christmas markets, and a joyful sense of anticipation. In Montmartre, the intimate and atmospheric Maison Souquet, Hotel & Spa awaits guests with velvet-lined salons and candlelit corners—an elegant hideaway tucked inside one of Paris’s most charming neighbourhoods. Farther south, Florence’s Hotel Calimala sets the stage for a memorable Italian holiday, inviting visitors to sip festive cocktails on its rooftop as the Duomo glows beneath the winter sky.
In Paris, the seasonal transformation begins in mid-November, when the Champs-Élysées bursts into thousands of twinkling lights and the City of Light becomes even more romantic. The aroma of roasted chestnuts drifts through Montmartre’s streets, carousels whirl below the Sacré-Cœur, and the city’s iconic department stores unveil their elaborate holiday windows. This year’s illumination ceremony is set for 16 November 2025, with the lights glowing nightly from approximately 17:00 until midnight—extended even later on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Only steps from Pigalle, Maison Souquet offers a sumptuous escape within a former 19th-century maison close, reimagined by celebrated designer Jacques Garcia. Known for its rich textures, soft lighting, and flirtatious atmosphere, the hotel’s anniversary has also ushered in Les Plaisirs de la Maison, a new cocktail collection inspired by the famed courtesans of Paris and crafted with the same artistry and allure the property is known for.
Florence ushers in the holidays with unmistakable Renaissance character. By late November, strings of warm lights are suspended above the city’s streets, music drifts from the Christmas market in Piazza Santa Croce, and the scent of vin brulé and freshly baked panettone fills the air. The bridges over the Arno shimmer with festive reflections, while boutiques and artisan shops showcase handmade gifts and seasonal delights. The beloved Piazza Santa Croce Christmas Market—open from 15 November to 21 December 2025—brings a German-style celebration to the heart of the city, complete with wooden stalls offering handcrafted ornaments, festive décor, mulled wine, and traditional sweets. It’s a cheerful gathering place where locals and visitors mingle in the glow of the season.
At the centre of it all, Hotel Calimala offers a refined and contemporary retreat, blending modern design with subtle nods to Florence’s artistic heritage. After a day of exploring holiday markets and cultural landmarks, guests can unwind in its serene interiors before heading up to Angel Rooftop Bar & Restaurant. With sweeping views of Brunelleschi’s dome silhouetted against the winter sky, the rooftop is a spectacular setting for cocktails, small plates, and leisurely toasts to the festive season.
Across Europe, every city interprets the holidays in its own unique way—from Paris’s polished boulevards to Florence’s luminous piazzas—but the season’s true charm lies in the intimate moments found along the way. Whether enjoying a signature cocktail at Maison Souquet, wandering Florence’s glowing streets, or raising a glass overlooking the Duomo at Hotel Calimala, travellers are invited to slow down, savour the lights, and discover the elegance, warmth, and enchantment that define a European Christmas.
Paris Christmas Market Key Dates 2025
- La Défense Christmas Village (Esplanade de La Défense) – 13 November to 28 December: Paris’s largest Christmas market, featuring over 350 chalets with artisanal products, festive foods, and holiday décor.
- Tuileries Christmas Market (Jardin des Tuileries) – 15 November to 4 January: Iconic garden market combining gourmet food stalls, handcrafted gifts, amusement rides, and a festive carnival atmosphere.
- Notre‑Dame Christmas Market (Square René Viviani) – 28 November to 25 December: Intimate, atmospheric market with local crafts, Christmas ornaments, and artisanal treats nestled beside the cathedral.
- Saint‑Germain‑des‑Prés Christmas Market (Boulevard St‑Germain, 6th arr.) – 25 November to 1 January: Chic market showcasing artisanal gifts, gourmet food stalls, and seasonal decorations in the heart of historic Saint‑Germain.
Florence Christmas Market Key Dates:
- Piazza Santa Croce Christmas Market – 15 November 2025 to 21 December 2025: Traditional German-style market with handcrafted decorations, ornaments, festive treats, mulled wine, and regional Florentine delicacies.
- Fortezza da Basso Christmas Market (Florence Winter Market) – 22 November 2025 to 6 January 2026: Indoor and outdoor market featuring artisan gifts, festive foods, and family-friendly activities. (florenceforchristmas.com)
- Mercato di Natale in Piazza della Repubblica – 29 November 2025 to 24 December 2025: Smaller festive market focused on local crafts, seasonal treats, and holiday decorations.
In every glittering market, every rooftop toast, and every lantern-lit street, Paris and Florence reveal why Europe remains the world’s most enchanting holiday escape. These cities transform winter into a season of celebration—one where travellers can indulge in beauty, tradition, and unforgettable moments. Wherever your holiday journey leads, may it be filled with light, discovery, and a touch of European magic.
