'Tis the season, and Paris is decked out in her holiday finery. In 2011, I had the awesome opportunity to be in Paris at the start of the holiday season. The Marché de Noël opened that weekend, and the lights along the Champs Elysées were illuminated. I was actually quite surprised that much of the ornamentation was quite avant-garde or at least a twist on traditional Christmas decorations.

In the fashionable 1st arrondissement, the dress code was elegant.

The trees were dripping in white lights and red baubles.

A very chic chandelier hung outside the Dior flagship store.

Modern snow flakes illuminated the Place Vendôme. (PS: I'm eager to see the renovated Ritz when it reopens in 2015!)

The eastern end of the Champs-Elysées was adorned in futuristic blue and white orbs...

...while the majestic trees along the Avenue were ringed with fluorescent halos...

The bands' transformed from one unexpected hue to another.

The façades of grands magasins along the Boulevard Haussmann are always beautiful.

Each year, Printemps features a fashion design house. In 2011, it was Chanel - love the mini Karls! Photo via Pinterest (via Harper's Bazaar). This year features Burberry and Louis Vuitton.

The animated windows are fun and dynamic. In 2011, the theme was Noël Rock 'N' Mode.