The Christmas windows of department stores are now a must for every trip to Paris during the festive season. Every year, children, curious onlookers and photographers alike eagerly await the arrival of the Galeries Lafayette Christmas Tree, which stands proudly in the center of the historic store.
And like every year, of course, we compare and try to remember the trees of previous years. More decorated, more refined, simpler, more original, crazier, more childlike, everyone has a preference for the version of the tree they liked best. One thing's for sure: it leaves no one indifferent.
To celebrate its 130th Christmas, the Galeries tree embodies the link between the store's rich heritage and its modern 21st-century vision. Inspired by the iconic 1950s window displays and the restored Byzantine-style façade, it is illuminated by 20,000 programmable light points. At the top, a fiber-optic firework display, reminiscent of Kevin Germanier's sparkling dresses, offers an enchanting light show beneath the store's iconic dome.
Light and transparency are the order of the day for this edition, which sees Charles de Vilmorin's astonishing elves gravitating around the tree like a grand concerto. Every year, discovering Galeries Lafayette 's new tree is a real treat that never gets old.
Last year, Galeries Lafayette got back in touch with literature, 80 years after Colette's writings, by inviting novelist Claire Castillon to imagine an original tale: Planète Sapin. Set to pictures by Florent Chavouet, Planète Sapin tells the story of Nordmann, an inhabitant of Elato, the planet of the wild fir trees, who is sent to Earth to save Annie's Christmas. This year, a rather sober cardboard fir awaits us (in the image of energy sobriety).
Last year, a giant Rabbit sporting a retro game controller and an orbiting Santa dressed as a cosmonaut, in tribute to Thomas Pesquet, lit up this fun and playful Christmas tree.
That year, Galeries Lafayette paid tribute to aviator Jules Védrines, who landed on the roof of the Parisian store in 1919. Under the artistic direction of Belgian illustrator Tom Schamp, the tree comes to life in the image of Céleste, a little explorer on a quest to discover the world and its creatures.
In 2019, we discovered the Christmas Hive. Atop the Christmas tree, the queen bee admired her Christmas hive in lights. Every 30 minutes, the lights in the Cupola went out, giving way to the awakening of the hive and the flight of the bees.
E, 2018, Place au sapin de la Maison Piaget transported us into the imaginary world of children, with a display of the famous characters, made of wired structures, decorated and illuminated. A constellation of stars came to life every 30 minutes.
In 2017, Les Galeries played the spectacular funfair card. The tree was adorned with inflatable cakes and sweets. Cakes and sweets twirled around during the animation.
In 2016, we were surprised by a tree unlike any other. A most astonishing white paper Christmas tree. This gigantic tree, animated by a Ferris wheel and cable cars, welcomed polar bears who came to enjoy a magical experience in an immaculate world. Lorenzo Papace's magical work of art.
In 2015, we were offered a cosmic tree from another planet. A gilded tree that blended perfectly with the balconies of the famous store. Made of gold and silver meteorites, it took us to the Milky Way and its shower of stars.
In 2014, Les Galeries decided to surprise us with an upside-down 25-meter Christmas tree in the image of the famous cupola from which it was inspired. It was a real surprise.
In 2013, we discovered a childlike fir tree that welcomed a veritable festive village at its foot. Clock, mice, owls, Mr. and Mrs. Wolf, Lilly the doll and her bear Martin were all there.
In short, every year we're surprised by the famous Galeries tree, which never ceases to amaze us. Where does this tradition come from? We invite you to read our article tracing thehistory of the famous Galeries Lafayette fir tree and its highlights, as well as this year's program of animated window displays.
Christmas in Paris: discover the history of the legendary Galeries Lafayette Haussmann Christmas tree
Every year, Galeries Lafayette delights the holiday season with its iconic Christmas tree. A tradition that goes back a long way! We take a look back at the history of this essential part of Parisian Christmas! [Read more]
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]
Location
Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann
25 Rue de la Chaussée d'Antin
75009 Paris 9
Prices
Free
Recommended age
For all
Official website
haussmann.galerieslafayette.com
Christmas in Paris: discover the history of the legendary Galeries Lafayette Haussmann Christmas tree
