Founded by Jules Jaluzot in 1865, Printemps is one of the most popular department stores in Paris and also a fancy historical monument. While this Boulevard Haussmann landmark is an absolute marvel all throughout the year, Christmas adds more to its charm. During the holiday season, Printemps partners with luxury brands such as Burberry, Longines, Lancome, Christian Louboutin and Sonia Rykiel to create a dozen window displays filled with the most magical lights, objects and flowers. These, collectively, take you through some of the most beautiful and intriguing stories you will have ever witnessed.

With elaborate choreography by eminent dancers and directors like Philippe Decoufle, this interactive experience will transport you into a parallel universe. One such display from the previous years was focused the life of the rather mischievous Printemps Fairy, who had the power to turn a harsh winter into pleasant spring! The spectacle of this metamorphosis was thus replete with an exquisite fairy puppet waving her magic wand and bringing colour into the world with time travellers, genies and ethereal dancers. Yet another exhibit was centred round the fascinating journey of a young boy from London to Paris. There’s some inexplicable sorcery that makes them turn out so wonderfully.

The façade of the store almost morphs into a theatre as soon as Christmas greets the City of Lights and you will be mesmerized in ways like no other. Do keep in mind that you will have to brave the crowds, which will mostly be composed of children, in order to get a glimpse and pictures of these impressive windows.

When to go: November-January. Evenings are the best.