Christmas in Paris, London or Rome is a magical season with so many wonderful things to celebrate. Glittering decorations light up the cities, mulled wine and roasted chestnuts keep you warm as you wander the Christmas markets, and Christmas cakes, Christmas puddings or panettone fill the windows of every pastry shop you pass.
But whenever Christmas is around the corner, two questions always come to mind:
– What can I do for my child?
– Are there any guided tours or activities we can do together at that particular time of year?
The good news is that there are plenty of things to do with kids in these 3 cities during Christmas. Read on to find out how to have the best Christmas with kids in Paris, London or Rome.
Our favorite experiences in and around Paris during Christmas
Christmas in Paris and its surroundings is truly magical. Starting in mid-November, the City of Lights transforms into a winter wonderland: dazzling lights, whimsical decorations in department store windows, a dozen Christmas markets, ice skating rinks and more. You don’t know what to choose, so we’ve prepared a wish list for you.
Cirque d’Hiver performance
In December 1852, the newly crowned Napoleon III inaugurated the Winter Circus. Its construction was entrusted to Jacques Hittorf, the architect of the Gare du Nord and the Place de la Concorde, by its patron Louis Dejean. In November 1859, Jules Léotard made history by performing the world’s first trapeze act, and the Winter Circus became a world-famous temple of aerial art. Every winter, the Winter Circus devises a new show. It is an event not to be missed for all ages.
Paris Location: Cirque d’Hiver is located at 110 rue Amelot, 75011 Paris. Experience Type: Live Performance.
Wandering the corridors of Paris
Walking through the corridors of Paris, you will suddenly feel like you have returned to the 19th century. In fact, these corridors were built during that period, when the streets of Paris were dirty and dimly lit. In addition to their main commercial role, the corridors of Paris became the favorite place for strolling of the bourgeoisie, where people gathered and socialized, with countless cafes, traditional bistros or small theaters. Today, these corridors are typical Parisian architectural wonders. Most of them are located in the Boulevards district, from Passage Verdeau to Colbert Gallery. They are like a journey back in time to the “Belle Epoque”. These places are beautifully decorated during festivals. Our first choice is to visit the Vivienne Gallery, which is a must-see attraction.
Location in Paris: We recommend starting at Galerie Vivienne, 4 rue des Petits Champs, 75002 Paris. The walk lasts 2 hours.
The castle of Vaux-le-Vicomte is decorated with magnificent Christmas decorations
André Le Nôtre, the king’s gardener, created the French Gardenthe French garden aesthetic that swept Europe in the 17th century. The strong and noble lines of the garden design, the changing scenery and hidden charms, and the symphony of fountains… all this combined with dramatic solemnity makes Vaux-le-Vicomte a masterpiece of French formal gardens. Nicolas Fouquet commissioned the most important artists of the time: architect Louis Le Vau, painter Charles Le Brun and landscape gardener André Le Notre to work together on the entire project. The result of this fraternal alliance was a work of incomparable harmony and beauty. Louis XIV subsequently hired the same team to build the Palace of Versailles.
Every Christmas, the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte celebrates the French art de vivre with an elaborate and luxurious stage set, beautifully decorated. There you will be welcomed by the palace staff and your personal professional guide will take you on a private 2-hour tour to admire the magnificence of the palace.
Location: The estate is located 50 km southeast of Paris and is easily accessible by car.
We almost forgot to tell you! Family Twist Treasure Hunt at the Louvre and Musee d’Orsay highlights Tour services are also available.
Our must-try activities in London during Christmas
Following in the footsteps of Sherlock Holmes
On this private tour, your guide will tell you stories about Sherlock Holmes that will give you chills, but it’s also a great way to learn about London and its hidden treasures, and the Christmas lights will fascinate you. Your family will have the opportunity to see the exterior of St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral, which was built in the 12th century. To keep the children engaged and entertained throughout the tour, they will receive a game booklet designed more or less like a game of Cluedo. They will have to keep their eyes and ears open to find out who the murderer is!
Location: Meeting point at St. Paul’s Cathedral. Experience type: Private 2-hour guided tour.
Borough Market Food Tour
At Christmas, Borough Market is one of the most famous markets in London, decorated with extra care. It is a place where many passionate and excellent producers come together to sell their special products to London connoisseurs and curious tourists. After meeting your private food guide, follow her into the heart of Borough Market, one of the few carefully selected experts allowed to lead tours. You will learn how the British prepare Christmas dinner in the purest traditional way, such as Christmas turkey with red currant jelly, mince pies, Christmas pudding and of course, the must-have Christmas cookies. Many stops along the way will allow you and your children to taste these local products while taking you to all the culinary specialties of the world. From fresh vegetables and fruits to delicious British cheeses to Indian delicacies, Borough Market has it all.
Location: The meeting point is Rabot 1745, a chocolate restaurant in Borough Market. 2-hour private guided tour.
Explore the Tower of London
Meet your private Blue Badge guide in front of the Tower of London and get ready for a fun-filled tour as they take you through the highlights of this iconic monument in London. The Tower of London has dominated the city’s skyline for over 900 years. Over the centuries it has served as a fortress, a royal palace, a prison, a jewel house and even a zoo! Other highlights include the monument on Tower Green, the beautiful Chapel Royal of St Peter, the famous Ravens and Raven Master, Traitor’s Gate and the ‘Bloody Tower’. To ensure your children have a great time, our guides will hand out a fun-filled game booklet to each child. From there you can also enjoy views of the beautifully decorated riverbank and Tower Bridge.
Location: Meeting point at the entrance to the Tower of London. Experience type: 2-hour private guided tour.
Don’t forget! Family Turnaround The British Museum Mystery and Westminster and Buckingham Palace Tours are also available during the Christmas season.
Our favorite restaurants in Rome during Christmas
Rome is transformed into a wonderland during Christmas. The streets and squares are festooned with Christmas lights and decorations, shops are decked out with elaborate window decorations, and churches prepare for the biggest celebration of the year.
Christmas Food Walking Tour
Enjoy a traditional Italian Christmas dinner on a food walking tour while admiring Rome’s spectacular light installations. Enjoy charcuterie, rich and comforting pasta dishes, and handmade panettone (an Italian sweet bread and fruit cake) paired with fine Italian wines at three selected venues. Experience this joyous time of year with a local guide who will share with you the taste of a traditional family-style Italian Christmas dinner.
Where in Rome: Trastevere, Piazza Farnese, Campo de’ Fiori, Piazza Navona. Type of experience: 3-hour private walking food tour.
Design your mosaic masterpiece
Let your family experience this wonderful Italian craft in a real professional mosaic workshop in the heart of Rome. It all starts with choosing the design or pattern you like. When you are ready, just follow the clear instructions of your private teacher, a professional in restoring ancient Roman mosaics who opens her workshop especially for your family to learn everything about the ancient art of mosaic making.
After cutting the tiles, carefully place them on the frame. Watch as the pattern begins to emerge. Once everything is in place, add the finishing touches and walk out with your own beautiful mosaic!
Location in Rome: Meeting point for this private workshop in Rome. Experience type: Private, 2-hour hands-on session.
Escape from Castel Sant’Angelo
Castel Sant’Angelo (or Castel Sant’Angelo if we want to translate the name of this monument into English) is one of the most representative monuments in Rome. Originally built nearly 2000 years ago as a mausoleum for Hadrian, one of the five most revered emperors of Ancient Rome, the fortress was used by the Popes, then converted into a prison before becoming the monument it is today.
Meet your private fully-certified guide who will take you to this fascinating fortress. Discover the Ponte Sant’Angelo and the small inner courtyard. You will also get to know the Passetto di Borgo, a small elevated passage connecting the Castle to the Vatican, which played a key role in Dan Brown’s Angels and Demons (not open to the public). When you reach the top of the fortress, you will enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of Rome and all its Christmas decorations.
Rome Location: Meeting point at the entrance of Castel Sant’Angelo. Experience type: Private 2-hour guided tour with skip-the-line tickets.
The splendor of Villa d’Este
Villa d’Este is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the mountain town of Tivoli on the outskirts of Rome. It is ideally located to visit Rome during Christmas, with breathtaking views overlooking the city.
Meet your private fully-certified guide and let them introduce you to this beautiful 16th-century villa, once the summer residence of Cardinal d’Este. Follow your guide inside the villa and hear fascinating stories about its history, architecture, decoration, and furniture. Then, head outside to discover the true beauty of Villa d’Este: the gardens and countless fountains of all shapes and sizes. There’s even a musical fountain!
Rome Location: Meeting point at the entrance of Villa d’Este. Experience type: Private 2-hour guided tour with skip-the-line tickets.
