Don’t miss the unveilings of the 2026 Christmas shop windows in Paris!

Every year, as the festive season approaches, Paris is decked out in lights to delight young and old alike. A must-see event in November, the unveiling of the department stores’ animated window displays marks the official start of the festive season in the capital. From the Right Bank to the Left Bank, poetic worlds, artistic collaborations and monumental displays are set to take over Paris’s shop fronts. Here’s an overview of the unmissable events for Christmas 2026.

Printemps Haussmann: a celebration of craftsmanship 

Photo : Amandine Goetz

• Opening: Thursday 5 November 2026
• Theme: ‘A Knitted Christmas’

Printemps Haussmann kicks things off on 5 November with a brand-new immersive display that places handcrafted items and textile expertise at the heart of its shop windows. Through heart-warming scenes inspired by knitwear and craftsmanship, the mannequins come to life in a cosy and welcoming setting. To prolong the magic, the store’s traditional pop-up ice rink is also making a grand return on the rooftops.

Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche: the poetry of animals 

Photo : Amandine Goetz

• Opening: Friday 6 November 2026 (from 5.00 pm)
• Theme: Animal fantasy & loyal mascots

From late afternoon on Friday 6 November, the Left Bank will be lit up in a spirit of whimsy and poetry. Le Bon Marché unveils a quirky world where cheerful animal mascots – notably soft toys of pigs and sheep – come to life across four carefully staged themed displays. A playful and elegant interlude that will delight the whole family.

Galeries Lafayette Haussmann: Jean-Charles de Castelbajac given free rein

Photo : Amandine Goetz

• Opening: Thursday 12 November 2026 (from 6.00 pm)
• Theme: ‘At the heart of Christmas’

As the flagship event on Boulevard Haussmann, Galeries Lafayette will unveil its window displays on Thursday 12 November during a highly anticipated opening night. This year, the department store has entrusted its visual identity to the artist Jean-Charles de Castelbajac, who brings his palette of primary colours and poetic style to the festive displays. Beneath the majestic Art Nouveau dome will stand the unmissable monumental Christmas tree, whilst the roof terrace will host a panoramic ice rink from 24 November.

La Samaritaine: the elegance of the ribbon

Photo : Amandine Goetz

• Opening: Early November 2026
• Theme: ‘The Ribbon’

Near the Pont-Neuf, La Samaritaine is celebrating connection, couture and generosity, with the ribbon as its theme. The shop windows are draped with a sense of lightness and showcase the art of gift-giving with an architectural finesse unique to this listed building. Inside, a giant Advent calendar beneath the large glass roof will hold a surprise for every day in the run-up to Christmas Eve.

A handy tip for making the most of the magic:

To enjoy the spectacle of the illuminated shop windows away from the weekend crowds, it’s best to take a stroll during the week, either early in the morning or late in the evening, just before the lights go out at around 10 pm.

 

Featured photo: Amandine Goetz