Christmas illuminations 2022: the Champs-Élysées inaugurated this Sunday, November 20

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS. Among the most beautiful Christmas illuminations in Paris, we will not miss the inauguration of the illuminations of the most beautiful avenue in the world, the Champs-Élysées. At what time and by whom?

[Mis à jour le 20 novembre 2022 à 17h40] As Christmas approaches and New Year, cities around the world light up with a thousand lights to celebrate the holidays: streets, squares, boulevards and pedestrian crossings sparkle to the delight of passers-by. Starting with the illuminations of the Champs-Élysées in Paris that await you from this Sunday, November 20, 2022 and this until January 2, 2023, from 5 p.m. to 11:45 p.m., except December 24 and 31 all night long!

For the inauguration, the most beautiful avenue in the world has been pedestrianized and the Franco-Algerian actor Tahar Rahim will kick off this Sunday evening at at 7:01 p.m. precisely. This year 2022, the usual flamboyant red gives way to golden lights! “After four years surrounded by a halo of red, mysterious, magical and marvellous”, Blachère Illumination signs a new scenography “composed of millions of LEDs and golden flashes”, called “Sobrillance” and placed under the sign of economy of energy. A second ceremony will take place after the lighting of the illuminations at 11:45 p.m. with the singer Louane who will carry out the first extinction of the Champs.

HAS Christmas, each city wants to make itself exceptional, and each has the ambition to bear the unofficial title of “city of light”. Indeed, if the Christmas illuminations provide a contentment shared by young and old, they are also a great way to highlight the heritage of each city. Traditionally accompanied by Christmas markets, when they are maintained, Christmas illuminations also form an element of local prestige. From Paris to New York, via Moscow, a world tour of the most beautiful Christmas lights:

The illuminations, each year, shine, sparkle, and wrap the cities in a warm, illuminating coat. Here are the best Christmas illumination routes in the capital in winter:

• The Champs-Elysees : the most beautiful avenue in the world, from the Arc de Triomphe to the place de la Concorde, is traditionally adorned with purple lights, signifying the arrival of the end of year festivities.
• Bercy Village : Cour Saint-Émilion, from mid-November to mid-January.
• Place Vendôme : from November.
• Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré : during November.
• Montaigne avenue : from the Champs-Élysées to the Place de l’Alma, from mid-November to the end of December.
• Saint Germain des Pres : from November to January.
• Westfield Forum des Halles : at 101 Porte Berger, during November.
• Arts viaduct : at 1-129 avenue Daumesnil, in December.
• Forecourt of the Town Hall : from December to January.

Department stores such as Galeries Lafayette, Printemps Haussmann, BHV and Bon Marché dress up their Christmas decor with particular attention to children. Discover the best animations of the years spent in department stores in our report in animated gifs below, as if you were there: