For some retailers in Paris, the 2014 Christmas season kicked off this week. Galeries Lafayette, Printemps, Le Bon Marché, and BHV will be unveiling their festive displays between now and the 15th. If you’re in Paris over the next few days, join in with the Parisian excitement, and experience these magical displays for yourself. You won’t be disappointed.
Galeries Lafayette – November 5th
This year, supermodel, Jerry Hall opened the festivities, which include free entertainment throughout the season, an inverted 25m high bejewelled Christmas tree beneath the dome, and an abundance of giant friendly monsters who, in addition to mingling with shoppers in the store, will also be putting on circus shows to delight both adults and children alike.
Fluffy pink monster, Gustave, will be accompanied by his sidekick, Norbert the earthworm, plus Norma the acrobat, and Zoe the magician. Performances will run from November 6th to the 22nd. On Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, Gustav and his friends will be doing their own shopping around the store!
BHV – November 5th
The theme this year centers around retro videogaming, and features childhood heroes and characters coming to life in the windows of the rue de Rivoli store, while inside, the trees are decorated with joysticks.
Wednesdays and Saturdays (10.30 am / 6.30 pm), from November 29th until December 20th on the fifth floor, Santa will be around too.
Events leading up to Christmas are as follows:
- Now until November 21st – Operation Gift Toys; donate bag of toys for the Emmaus charity.
- November 26th – Christmas fair
- November 26th, December 6th, December 14th – Christmas kids’ choir
Printemps – November 6th
Last year it was Dior, this year it’s the turn of British fashion brand, Burberry, to provide the magic in the form of an interactive 3D display depicting the enchanting journey of a little boy and his 4m tall teddy bear as they travel from Burberry’s flagship store in London to Printemps in Paris in time for Christmas.
Le Bon Marché – November 15th
To celebrate its 162nd winter in Paris, Le Bon Marché is going behind the scenes of Christmas, giving us all a glimpse into what Santa, his helpers, and his reindeer get up to when they are not out delivering presents to us all. In the center of the store, the reindeer respond to emails they’ve received, so do make sure you send them yours!
Also in-store, the Imagination Gallery will become a Christmas market, and the magnificent Christmas tree, bedecked with thousands of lights, will be displayed on the second floor.