Paris's avenues, streets and historic squares are a Christmas wonderland through early January. High points include the illuminations of the Champs-Elysées, the nativity scene in front of Notre Dame and the huge ice-skating rink on the esplanade of the Paris City Hall. For added cheer, the Eiffel Tower explodes into light, sparkling with 20,000 electronic white bulbs for ten minutes every hour-on the hour, between sundown and 1:00 am (2:00 am during spring and summer).

For more information on all holiday events and activities, including Christmas markets, special rides for kids and illuminations, visit the Paris Tourist Office website.

Finally, cure those pesky post-holiday blues by coming for the great annual winter sale in stores throughout Paris and France, from Jan. 12 through mid-February. Sales in France are only allowed twice a year for a duration of 6 weeks, so be sure to take advantage of this opportunity!

This year, Galeries Lafayette will add luster to the City of Light by dressing its flagship store in an amazing gown of light, designed by Italian artist Valerio Festi. This "haute couture" gown, specially created for the famous department store, is inspired by the Italian tradition of baroque ornaments from the region of Napoli. Hundreds of thousands of multicolored light bulbs will lace the 170-meter facade of Galeries Lafayette.

The perfect place for everyone's Christmas shopping, this department store offers discounts to international shoppers, VAT tax refunds, weekly fashion shows, extended hours, plus a variety of services to maximize your shopping experience.

For other Christmas events, markets and traditions throughout France visit the French Government Tourist Office website us.franceguide.com.

Media contact: Louise O'Brien, (212) 745-0964 or louise.obrien@franceguide.com.