Scrooge’s Guide to Christmas in Paris: Part II

You’ve been waiting for it. Here’s the second half of Scrooge’s Christmas goodies! In case you missed the first half, check it out here.
(8) Pick out a Christmas tree
In France most people prefer fake trees or those miniature ones. Personally, I like the real deal. You can usually find real trees at flower shops like Monceau Fleurs and sometimes at the larger markets. Be prepared to dish out a wad of cash for your Tannenbaum, which I’ve seen range from 55 to 75 euros.
(9) Hit the museums
Though they’re not holiday exhibitions, I highly recommend grabbing tickets in advance at FNAC for the Louis Vuitton show at the Carnavalet or the Basquiat show at the Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris.
(10) Go see a ballet
If your budget permits, head out to some of the great spectacles happening around the holidays, like the Lac des cygnes (Swan Lake) ballet at the Opéra Garnier. The second half of the performance is amazing. Reserve seats in advance, as tickets at this beautiful opera house go fast.
(11) Go to a show
I love the Théatre Edouard VII—so beautiful and a lovely place to spend the evening having apéros at the café before heading off to a show. Peter and the Wolf is a great Christmas classic, but, FYI, it’s in French. Get tickets here.

(12) Check out Sleeping Beauty’s Christmas château
Chateau Vaux le Vicomte is transforming itself into the Sleeping Beauty château for Christmas. More info here.
(13) Pick up some homesickness snacks
Feeling homesick? Maybe a box of mac and cheese will help ease the pain? Here are a few stores that can help quench your cravings.
The Real McCoy
194, rue de Grenelle, in the 7th. 01 45 56 98 82.

Thanksgiving
20, rue St.-Paul, in the 4th. 01 42 77 68 29.
Epicerie Anglaise
5, cité du Wauxhall, in the 10th. 01 42 00 36 20.
(14) Get some homegrown grub
Don’t feel like cooking? These places can do it for you.
Breakfast in America
17, rue des Ecoles, in the 5th. 01 43 54 50 28.
4, rue Malher, in the 4th. 01 42 72 40 21.
Classic greasy-spoon American café.
Joe Allen
30, rue Pierre Lescot, in the 1st. 01 42 36 70 13.
NYC feel for dinner.
Merce and the Muse
1, rue Charles-François Dupuis, in the 3rd. 06 42 39 04 31.
Coffee shop dream, a-ma-zing munchies.

(15) Ferris wheel rides
I’m deathly afraid of heights, so this one is not for me, but I hear the views are enchanting from the top. The Ferris wheel is located at the place de la Concorde; the cost is 5 euros for kids under 10, and 10 euros for the rest of us geezers. Read more here. Enjoy, brave souls!
So tell me readers, what would you do? What’s your perfect Christmas in Paris? Send your thoughts in the comment box below.
Editor’s note: Sick of looking like a tripist while lugging around a heavy guide book? Download our e-trips of Paris instead and discover the secrets of the city in style.
Shannon has lived and worked in Paris since 2005. Somehow she finds time in her crazy Parisian schedule to write her own sassy blog, Je Ne Sais Quoi.