It's one of the most eagerly awaited Christmas attractions every year: the inauguration of the Galeries Lafayette Christmas tree and window displays. This huge tree, suspended under the dome of the Parisian department stores and decorated with thousands of lights and objects, is a real eye-catcher for young and old alike.
Where does this iconic tradition come from, and what's the story behind the large, decorated tree that adorns Galeries Lafayette at Christmas? We tell you.
Galeries Lafayette 2024 window displays and Christmas tree
In Paris, the magic of Christmas returns to Galeries Lafayette for Christmas 2024. From November 14 to December 31, 2024, we're off to discover the animated window displays and giant Christmas tree enthroned in the heart of the department store. A special edition awaits us this year as the house celebrates its 130ᵉ Christmas. At the helm is Kevin Germanier, creator of the Golden Voyageur des JO, who promises us enchantment and light. Check out the images from the inauguration, which takes place this Thursday, November 14, with guest Vianney. [Read more]
The first Christmas celebrations at Galeries Lafayette began with the illumination of the store front in 1912, quickly followed by festive decorations in the famous windows. It was only a few years later that the first Christmas tree was installed inside the store. As the tree grew, so did the lavish decorations that embellished it, until they gained the notoriety they enjoy today.
On its website, the department store chain tells the story of this tree. " Christmas celebrations began in 1920 with the annual in-house Christmas party. Employees were invited, with their children, to come and enjoy a stage show and admire the Christmas tree, both placed just in front of the majestic staircase, under the beautiful cupola ", we learn.
The moment must have been so appreciated that Galeries Lafayette decided to repeat the experience in subsequent years, transforming this discreet internal celebration into a major event that attracts crowds of visitors from all over the world.
Since 1945, Christmas decorations have systematically followed a precise theme: designers and creators are tasked with inventing new decorations to dazzle customers. These artists include Raymond Peynet, Albert Dubout, Jean Effel, Pierre Pothier...
Galeries Lafayette has a few special trees that have marked its history:
What was your favorite theme? By the way, do you know why we decorate a tree at Christmas?
Why decorate a tree at Christmas? Where does this tradition come from? We'll try to answer that question here! [Read more]
Discovering the huge Christmas tree at Galeries Lafayette has become a real tradition in Paris. Every year since 1976, it has adorned the center of the dome of the famous Parisian department store. Like every year, everyone has their say on whether it was better or worse than last year. So we thought a little falsh back of the photos from the last 12 years would give you a better opportunity to compare. [Read more]
Galeries Lafayette 2024 window displays and Christmas tree
Why decorate a Christmas tree? History and tradition of this seasonal tree
The last 12 Galeries Lafayette Christmas trees from 2024 to 2013
