Do you want to spend a white movie-like holiday at the Eiffel Tower during the winter season?
The Eiffel Tower captivates visitors throughout the year, but in the winter, you can view the Tower in another dimension with shimmering Christmas lights and white snow.
It becomes a magical wonderland perfect for the holiday season and lights up the entire city of Paris on winter nights, a sight all visitors must see!
Visitors planning to visit the Tower in the winter months, from December to February, must know everything about the Tower during this season so they can prepare in advance.
Read further to discover exciting activities to do in the Tower during the winter season, the best tickets available, and some tips!
Why Visit the Eiffel Tower in Winter?
During the winter season, from December to February, the Eiffel Tower is covered in a layer of snow, making it the most picturesque scene to behold.
Most visitors travel to Paris to visit the Tower during the summer, making winter a perfect time to visit if you want to experience the monument when it is the least crowded.
The view of the snow-covered city of Paris, visible from the Summit and other levels of the Tower, can only be seen in these winter months.
You will easily get into the Christmas spirit if you plan to visit during December since the Tower will be covered with festive decorations and surrounded by many markets!
You can also enjoy the spectacular light shows in a calm white backdrop with snowfall, making the city look like it belongs inside a snow globe!
The Paris Eiffel Tower in snow enhances the romantic mood, making it a perfect destination for couples.
Whether it snows for the year or not, the scenery of the Eiffel Tower puts everyone in the celebration mood.
Winter Eiffel Tower timings
The Eiffel Tower admission time begins every day at 9.15 am and closes at 10.45 pm.
Visitors are allowed inside the Tower only at 9.30 am, as the staircase and elevators open at this time.
The staircase closes at 5.30 pm daily, and the elevator closes at 11 pm to ensure the Tower can be closed off completely at 11.45 pm.
From 22 December 2023 to 7 January 2024, the Eiffel Tower will close later in the night, at 12.45 pm.
The elevator will run till 12 am and the staircase till 11.45 pm to ensure everyone can visit the Tower during the festive week.
The Tower will close at 8 pm on 30 December.
Make sure to check the updated timings online before planning your trip.
Eiffel Tower Tickets in Winter
There are a variety of tickets to choose from when visiting the Eiffel Tower in winter.
We have selected the best tickets for the Eiffel Tower in the snow to make it easier for you to choose and ensure you have the best experience!
- Standard Entry Ticket with Elevator Access
This ticket allows visitors to access the first and second levels of the Eiffel Tower for 1.5 hours.
You can watch the stunning snow-covered streets and the glittering festive lights from these levels.
The second level provides an unobstructed view of many other attractions close to the Eiffel Tower, making it the perfect place to watch the city.
You can also add the option to visit the Summit of the Eiffel Tower while booking this ticket and watch the sunset over the white city as you sip champagne with your friends or family.
This ticket is highly recommended for tourists traveling on a budget!
Ticket Price:
Adult ticket up to 2nd level (4 to 99 years): €30
Adult ticket up to the Summit (4 to 99 years): €40
- Guided Tour by Elevator Ticket
With this ticket, visitors can explore the first and second levels of the Eiffel Tower by elevator, along with a professional guide. The tour lasts 1.5 to 2 hours.
This tour lets you learn more about the Eiffel Tower and the secrets behind its creation, which history buffs would greatly enjoy!
You can also add a visit to the Summit with a professional guide to watch the snow-clad city from the highest point in Paris.
A Seine River Cruise option can also be added while booking this ticket, which will allow you to explore the Eiffel Tower and the entire city from the cruise.
Ticket price:
(2nd level + Summit access)
Adult ticket (Up to 99 years): €89
Things To Do at the Eiffel Tower in Winter
As you have seen above, the Eiffel Tower offers many new experiences to visitors during winter.
Here are some exciting things you can enjoy inside the warm Tower on a cold winter day to have the experience of your lifetime!
- Discover a new perspective of Paris
The first level of the Eiffel Tower has clear glass flooring offering a great view of the snow-covered ground of Paris and makes you feel like you are walking on air!
It is 57 meters (187 feet) above ground level and is decorated with lights and other Christmas ornaments.
If you visit during the Christmas week, you can also meet Santa Claus on the first level of the Eiffel Tower, making this experience a memorable one for all those traveling with children.
The view from the first floor allows you to observe the other snow-covered attractions and streets of Paris from a decent height, giving you a great new perspective of many other famous tourist spots in the snow.
- Watch the Sunset from the Summit
Watching the sunset from the Eiffel Tower is a must, especially during winter, as you can see the beautiful white city backgrounded by a colorful sky.
It is a perfect opportunity to capture stunning photographs or simply to look over the Summit and watch a unique scene of Paris you will never forget.
The elevators leading to the Summit have glass windows, making it a perfect place to watch the lights of snow-covered Paris become smaller as you ascend to the top.
The Summit is also the most romantic location inside the Tower, as you can watch the beautiful scenery while having a glass of crisp champagne from the Champagne Bar with a loved one to celebrate any special occasion.
If you are planning to watch the sunset from the Summit, we recommend you book an afternoon time slot for your ticket, as the sun sets early in Paris during the winter season.
- A Warm Lunch or Dinner
Your trip to the Eiffel Tower cannot be complete without a warm lunch or dinner in one of the finest Eiffel Tower restaurants.
On the first level, Madame Brasserie is a two-star Michelin restaurant run by famous Chef Thierry Marx, who crafts the finest meals using organic and fresh local ingredients.
The restaurant has two menu options for lunch and dinner and a children’s menu at a cheaper rate. They serve a full 3-course traditional French meal with themed desserts!
Le Jules Verne serves the most delicious dishes. It is a famous one-star Michelin restaurant run by Chef Fredric Anton.
We highly recommend this experience for foodies and for those who want to create a unique experience of dining at the highest point in Paris, inside the Eiffel Tower!
Please note: You must book your tickets online in advance for these restaurants to avoid missing out on a great experience.
- Shop for a seasonal souvenir
The first level of the Eiffel Tower has many special boutiques open for visitors to explore during Christmas.
If you visit in December, you can buy an Eiffel Tower Christmas-themed souvenir from one of the boutiques or from the official Eiffel Tower store.
Don’t forget to check out the markets around the Tower during the Christmas season!
If you visit after the Christmas season ends, you can still get your hands on some great Eiffel Tower merchandise from the official store.
If you want a unique souvenir, you can hire a professional photographer to take a great picture of you with your friends or family from the Summit of the Tower.
- Eiffel Tower Light Show
The Eiffel Tower light show is one of the major highlights of the Tower, but during the winter season, backgrounded by the white city of Paris, the scene looks like it is from a movie!
The shows begin every day as soon as the sun sets, and the lights shine for the first five minutes of every hour till 11 pm.
It is highly recommended that first-time visitors should not miss the last show at 11 pm, which is different from other shows and has sparkling lights moving and dancing in an exciting pattern.
If you visit during the Christmas week, especially on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve, you will also get to see the special light show displaying themed designs with a spectrum of colors on the Tower.
All this is backgrounded by Christmas carols and other fun music and is a great way to end your day!
Things to do Around the Eiffel Tower in Winter Season
If you don’t want to go home directly after visiting the Eiffel Tower, here are some things you can add to your schedule for a fun-filled day.
- Play snowball fights and skate in the parks
Champ de Mars Garden, located directly at the base of the Eiffel Tower, is an excellent place to stroll after visiting the Tower.
You can also play snowball fights or build a snowman in the park while waiting for the light shows to begin.
There is also an ice rink set up at Champ de Mars every year, which adds to the excitement of a cold winter day and is highly recommended to all visitors.
If there is no snowfall in the year, the garden is full of greenery and makes for the most comfortable place to have a long conversation with your loved one after a long day spent exploring the Tower.
Being so close, the park is also a great point to photograph the architecture of the Eiffel Tower from up close.
- A scenic Seine River cruise or a bus tour
The Seine River cruise is the best way to have a comprehensive view of all the attractions in Paris from up close and far away, covered in snow.
You can also view a completely different perspective of the Tower and the light shows are reflected on the water’s surface, which is the most picturesque view with snowfall all around you.
Visitors can also have a festive lunch or dinner on the cruise during Christmas while being away from the crowd on the streets.
You can also ride a bus tour around the city, which will allow you to explore many winter markets and buy French goods while enjoying the views of nearby attractions.
- Hop into a museum or art exhibition
If you cannot explore the streets of Paris as it is too cold, the best way to make the most of your trip is to visit a museum or an art gallery close to the Eiffel Tower.
Some museums that are within walking distance from the Eiffel Tower are:
- The Louvre Museum
- The Center Pompidou
- Musee de l’Orangerie
- Musee de Quai Branly
- Rodin Museum and many more.
Most of these museums also have art exhibitions by famous artists.
This experience is highly recommended for history buffs and for all art aficionados!
- Explore Winter Markets
Several winter and festive markets are set up around the Eiffel Tower in December and January to celebrate Christmas and New Year and in February for Bastille Day.
You can find the best hot mulled wine, home-baked croissants, hot chocolate, and more at these markets for a lower price as compared to inside the Eiffel Tower.
Visitors can also find fresh local produce in the market.
It is highly recommended for visitors who want to purchase souvenirs to take back from their trip, as many handmade gifts such as pottery, jewelry, and home decor are sold at these markets.
Markets also attract live entertainers and singers and you can find many new artists in the streets of Paris itself.
Best View of Snow-clad Eiffel Tower
Watching the snow-covered Eiffel Tower from a distance is the best scenic view in Paris.
Some places offering the best view of the Eiffel Tower in winter are:
- Champ de Mars, for a closer look at the Tower
- Trocadero Gardens or Square
- Montparnasse Tower, for an unobstructed view of the Tower
- Bir-Hakeim Bridge, for a move-like setting
- Square Rapp, for a less crowded location
These locations are excellent and highly recommended for photographers trying to capture aesthetic images of the Tower.
You can also see the Eiffel Tower peeking out from behind trees and buildings from rooftop bars and restaurants all over the city.
Tips for Visiting the Eiffel Tower in Winter
Here are some tips to keep in mind when you visit the Tower in the winter season:
- Book your tickets online in advance, especially if you are planning a trip during the Christmas or New Year week, as the Tower is usually crowded.
- Check the weather forecast in advance so you can dress up warmer in case it snows or carry along an umbrella if rain is predicted.
- Visit early in the morning, before 10.30 am, or after 5 pm to find the least crowd in the Eiffel Tower during the winter season.
- If you want to watch the sunset from the Summit, it is advisable to arrive at the Tower in the afternoon as the sun sets early in the winter season.
- Wear comfortable shoes or boots that have a strong grip and keep your feet warm.
- We recommend you avoid taking the staircase up the Tower during the winter season as the steps will be extremely slippery if it snows or rains on your day of visit and can sometimes lead to injury.
- You should try the hot mulled wine or a warm croissant on a cold day from one of the stalls around the Eiffel Tower. These are great in France and will help keep you warm and energetic throughout the trip.
- Plan an alternate schedule in case your visit gets canceled, as the weather during winter can be unpredictable.
- It is recommended to travel by the Metro or RER when coming to the Tower during the winter months. Driving in the fog or snow-covered streets in extreme weather conditions is extremely dangerous.
FAQs for Eiffel Tower in Winter
Can you go up the Eiffel Tower in winter?
The Eiffel Tower in winter offers the most spectacular view of Paris, covered in snow and lit up with festive Christmas lights. You can go up the Eiffel Tower by elevator. We advise against using the staircase as it usually gets slippery due to snow and can cause injury while climbing the tower.
Is the Eiffel Tower taller in winter?
The Eiffel Tower is affected by a phenomenon known as thermal expansion, which causes it to grow in height in the heat slightly. The Eiffel Tower shrinks by 6 or 7 inches in the winter.
Is the Eiffel Tower busy in January?
The Eiffel Tower is crowded in December and the first week of January because of Christmas and New Year’s celebrations. The crowds decrease by a huge amount after the first week and in February, making it the best time to visit.
What time of the day to visit the Eiffel Tower in winter?
The Tower sees relatively less crowds in the winter, except for the two celebrations week during Christmas and New Year.
You should visit the Tower early in the morning, before 10.30 am or after 5 pm, for the least crowd.
If you want to watch the sunset from the Summit of the Tower, we recommend you visit in the afternoon as the sun sets early in the winter.
When is the Eiffel Tower closed?
The Eiffel Tower is closed only on 14 July every year, as it is Bastille Day, which is a French National holiday.
Is there an ice rink close to the Eiffel Tower?
An ice rink is set up in the Champ de Mars Garden, which is at the base of the Eiffel Tower every year and is a great place to enhance your Eiffel Tower visit.
Can you walk up the staircase of the Eiffel Tower in winter?
Yes, the staircase to the Eiffel Tower is open every day till 5.30 pm. We recommend you take the elevator in the winter season as the staircase could be slippery with snow or rain and can cause grave injury if you fall from it.
What to wear when visiting the Eiffel Tower in the snow?
Wear warm clothing and sturdy boots or shoes with a good grip to walk comfortably on wet ground.
The Tower inside is comparatively warmer than outside; hence, you can wear a jacket or cardigan, which can be taken off inside if you feel too warm.
What time does the Eiffel Tower sparkle in winter?
The Eiffel Tower lights up as soon as the sun sets and the light shows are conducted for the first five minutes of every hour. The last light show is at 11 pm which is unique and contains many flashing and dancing lights.