Joyeuses Fêtes: Celebrating the City of Light

The dancing rabbits are back at Le Bon Marché (in rabbit-like numbers), and the grand sapin at Galeries Lafayette has reached new creative (and literal) heights.

It’s snowing at the Hôtel de Ville Enchanted Forest (cinematically, that is). And New York City has arrived at Printemps Haussmann — the display windows alive with all things Big Apple (from hot dog vendors to iconic yellow taxis). 

As always, the Champs Elysées and Avenue Montaigne shimmer with sparkling holiday magic.

The holiday season in Paris is one of the most beautiful and artistic in the world. Whether you’re here in Paris or visiting in spirit, join us for a photographic journey through the City of Light.

‘Twas . . . (A pseudo poem by a pseudo poet)

‘Twas the week before Christmas
And all through the city
Lots of creatures were stirring
In windows so pretty.

Dancing rabbits and cats
Stylish dogs and plump bears
Worked hard then frolicked
Earning smiles, laughs, and stares

Rue Montaigne dazzled
Dior gleaming bright
Would Père Noël be so kind
To bring haute couture Christmas night

Santas appeared everywhere
Some normal, some weird
In dark glasses, wild clothing
At least always with beard

The markets and forests
Brought joy to all
The children were awestruck
The grownups enthralled

In the midst of these sparkles
Let’s have kindness for others
And, of course, peace on earth
For global sisters and brothers.

The Grands Magasins

Once again, the holiday window displays of the Grands Magasins on Boulevard Haussmann are attracting crowds of kids and kids-at-heart.

Printemps Haussmann windows continue their trend toward a focus for children. The designers have brought New York City to Paris (from hot dogs to honking taxis, frenetic sports teams (and fans), ice skaters at Rockefeller Center, Broadway theatres and Times Square, and enchanting snow in Central Park. 

The theme marks the opening this year of the first Printemps store in New York City.

The stylish characters in each scene are personable dogs (although I’m sure I saw a cat), all handcrafted by seamstress Valérie Cuter, a longtime collaborator on the Printemps visual displays.

The canines read newspapers, cheer for sports teams, sell hot dogs, enjoy Broadway shows, and generally just do what New Yorkers do (some might say in a friendlier way).

Listening to the French explain details of New York life to their children as they press close to the windows is priceless entertainment, as is watching the young folks’ delight in discovering hints of American culture.

The windows of Galeries Lafayette follow their recent trends of sophisticated design and effective product placement. The figures are not as animated as those at Printemps, but the scenes are rich in color, patterns, and design.

The same might be said for this year’s Christmas tree in the center of the store, rising 52 feet toward the Art Nouveau coupole. Designed by illustrator Jeanne Detaillante, the tree is like a wrapped gift, with decorative designer paper and gracefully flowing ribbon.

“Santa” appears every so often in the store windows, a cross between a German Nutcracker wood carving and a rich flashily dressed uncle, keeping his cool in colored glasses.

Le Bon Marché

The windows of the Bon Marché bring back one of the store’s frequent mascots — hard-working, but very cuddly, rabbits. (You will also notice the return of the sleepy, lovable bears.)

Each window is like a page from a children’s book, where the characters are engaged in a chapter of the story.

The rabbits are hard at work, making carrot juice and jams in one scene and creating chocolate delicacies in another.

Inside the store, an Alsatian theme is evident, with a giant wall of snow-covered wooden chalets and market stalls on a cobblestone-like floor offering artisanal products.

Hôtel de Ville

The new “urban forest” at the Place de Hôtel de Ville, developed this year as part of Mayor Hidalgo’s greening of Paris strategy, becomes a twinkling jungle maze during the holidays.

The “Enchanted Forest” includes lighted real and constructed wooden trees and manmade forest animals hidden throughout the grove.  The holiday village also offers food and drink, as well as artisan crafts (made in Paris).

Because of the renovation of the plaza, there is no longer room for the fun luge ride of the past, but the carousel has been moved to center stage. 

Avenue Montaigne and the Champs Elysées

Each year, there seem to be more and more sparkles on the Avenue Montaigne. The trees are healthy and growing. Thus, more branches equal more lights — tens of thousands to be (somewhat) exact. In many places the branches arch over the street creating an illuminated tunnel that emits a mystical glow against the night sky.

The star Montaigne holiday player is Dior, who approaches its displays with its trademark elegance. 

This year’s stunning be-jeweled façade wraps around the entrance and stops almost every passerby in the street, sending a siren’s call to grab a quick photo or selfie.

It’s fitting to end with Paris’ famous Champs Elysées. Joyeuses Fêtes to all.

And the Awards go to (in just one person’s opinion):

Best Animation: Le Bon Marché (The rabbits are back and dancing up a storm.)

Weirdest Santa:  Galeries Lafayette (the wooden Nutcracker/rich uncle approach to Santa, who definitely thinks he’s cool).
Cutest Elves: Galeries Lafayette (to make up for the weirdest Santa?)

Best Use of French Fascination with New York City: Printemps
Largest Window Crowds: Printemps 

Most Well-Developed Characters: The dogs of New York at Printemps

Most Stunning Moment on One Corner: Dior on Avenue Montaigne
Most Environmentally Friendly: Hôtel de Ville Enchanted Forest
Most Creative Sculptural Artistry:  Galeries Lafayette’s Tree
Best Place to “just be” in Sparkling Lights: Avenue Montaigne
The Please Try Harder Next Year Award: Bazar de Hôtel de Ville

Joyeuses Fêtes from all of us at Bonjour Paris!