The Famous Christmas Lights of the Champs-Elysées Return!

The holiday season is almost here, and as anyone who lives in Paris knows, with Christmas comes the famous Christmas lights of the Champs-Elysées. Every year, the most famous avenue in the world becomes the brightest and most magical place in all of Paris. To kick off the "illuminations," as it is known in French, the city will hold a major lighting ceremony full of fun and cheer.

The ceremony takes place on November 21, 2013 and will feature French celebrities who will participate in the inauguration. Notably, movie star and model Laetita Casta will warm up the scene as she presides over the official lighting ceremony. She will be joined by Bertrand Delanoë, who has been mayor of Paris since 2001 — a veritable political institution in the City of Light.

In this way, Laetita Casta will join the ranks of French ingenues who came before her to preside over the inaugural lighting of the Champs-Elysées. Last year, it was international star Diane Kruger and before that, Audrey Tautou lent her charming presence to the scene.

Guests staying at one of the Sister Hotels Champs-Elysées can easily take part in the festivities, which are happening just steps away from their rooms. The ceremony on the 21st begins at 6:00 p.m. (address: 53 Avenue des Champs-Elysées), but the lights will stay put until January 8, 2014, which means that even those who cannot see the inauguration can enjoy the Christmas feeling for months to come. The lights on the Champs-Elysées will be illuminated every day from 6 p.m. until 2 a.m.

Anyone who witnesses the 200 trees all along the grand avenue shining brightly in the crisp night air will have no doubt that Paris is indeed one of the most beautiful cities in the world.