A Dazzling Christmas Glow at Galeries Lafayette, Paris

Every winter, Paris feels as if it inhales deeply and exhales a thousand tiny lights. Among all the festive displays across the city, one tradition stands above the rest quite literally. The Galeries Lafayette Christmas tree, rising beneath the iconic glass dome of the Haussmann flagship, remains one of the season’s most breathtaking sights.

A Tradition Beneath the Dome

Since 1976, Galeries Lafayette has placed its towering Grand Sapin beneath La Coupole, the store’s soaring stained-glass dome. Every year the tree carries a new theme, and in 2023, the story centers around Elato. According to the narrative, Nordmann the Christmas tree collects earthly objects as souvenirs to bring back to its planet. The concept blends whimsy and futurism, creating a tree filled with joyful ornaments, imaginative color palettes, and soft shimmering accents that glow during the light show.

The video captures the entire performance from a wide-angle perspective, allowing viewers to take in the full architecture of the dome. The ironwork, stained glass, and balconies frame the tree like a theatrical backdrop. With each phase of the light show, the tree seems to shift personality sparkling gold one moment, deep blue the next—guided by gentle musical cues and the soft murmur of holiday shoppers.

Watch the full 4K Galeries Lafayette 2023 Christmas Tree light show here:

Moments of Stillness Amid Holiday Excitement

Even amid the bustle of Christmas shopping, there is an unexpected sense of calm as the lights dim and the show begins. Visitors naturally pause, lifting their eyes toward the dome while the store transforms into a glowing cathedral of color. The video reflects this atmosphere perfectly: the quiet awe of the crowd, the wonder on faces young and old, and the cascading light patterns dancing across the glass canopy.

The light show runs every thirty minutes—on the hour and half hour making it easy to catch whether you're browsing gifts, enjoying window displays, or simply soaking in the holiday spirit. It’s one of those experiences that is both fleeting and timeless, leaving you with a warm sense of joy long after it ends.

Holiday Happenings Throughout the Store

Galeries Lafayette goes beyond the tree in celebrating the season. Starting December 3, Santa Claus welcomes visitors on the 5th floor of the Coupole store at the Skatepark. Families gather to take photos, meet Père Noël, and explore the playful winter-themed decor throughout the level.

The store’s multiple buildings are bustling this time of year, and their generous opening hours make holiday browsing even easier:

• Coupole, L’Homme & Maison stores:

  • Monday to Saturday: 10 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.

  • Sundays & holidays: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.

• Gourmet store (La Maison Gourmet):

  • Monday to Saturday: 9:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.

  • Sundays & holidays: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Whether you're seeking artisan chocolates, luxury fragrances, fashion pieces, or festive decorations, the store becomes a one-stop holiday destination.

A Parisian Christmas Essential

Watching the tree illuminate La Coupole feels like stepping into the heart of Parisian holiday tradition. It’s a reminder of the city’s enduring charm, how it blends old-world elegance with constant reinvention. If you're planning a winter visit to Paris, witnessing the Galeries Lafayette Christmas tree light show is a moment you shouldn’t miss.