Paris city officials and German actress Diane Kruger (best known across the Atlantic for her role as Bridget von Hammersmark in Quentin Tarantino's 2009 film Inglourious Basterds) flipped the switch Wednesday evening to illuminate the Champs-Elysées with holiday lights and decorations. Some 200 trees situated alongside the iconic avenue, and stretching from the Arc de Triomphe to the Place de la Concorde, will be lined with shimmering LED lights through January 11th, boosted by 400 projectors and set off with with garlands, making the scene especially bright and cheerful. As in past years, the famed avenue will also have a full-blown Christmas market, so expect large crowds if you venture there.
Meanwhile, Christmas lights and holiday decorations in other areas of Paris will start showing up around the city in coming weeks-- read the complete guide for details on where to head for seasonal cheer.
In Paris for the holiday season? Make sure to consult my newly updated guide to December Events in Paris, highlighting all the major seasonal happenings around town, as well as major exhibits on Edward Hopper and Vincent Van Gogh. Finally, don't procrastinate any longer on making holiday dinner reservations: consult my guide to Paris restaurants open for Christmas to secure your table.
Related Articles:
- Christmas Markets in Paris - 2012/2013 guide
- Holiday Window Displays at Paris Department Stores
- December in Paris: Weather Outlook and Packing Guide
- Paris in the Winter
- Guide to the Champs-Elysées Neighborhood
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