Okay, forget all the other holiday displays you’ve seen; you have to hear about what the Ritz Paris decided to do this year. It’s got that totally whimsical, but also very intentional, Ritz feel. I’m imagining the décor meeting where someone just threw out, “Hey, why not crown the teddy bear mascot the ruler of Christmas?” and everyone just went with it. It’s running until January 4, and honestly, that bear earned the title; he’s everywhere you look.
When you walk into the lobby, the tree hits you first. I know the Ritz is never subtle, but even I stopped short of seeing 400 tiny bears arranged among the branches. I mean, they’re all in miniature uniforms, perfectly pressed, and placed so precisely. I pictured a poor stylist up on a ladder for days, just nudging each little guy into position.
And then you step outside, and the theme gets even more dramatic. There's this massive, eight-foot-tall teddy bear, dressed like a groom, right at the entrance. He greets visitors with this great mix of charm and grandeur. That spot also marks the holiday pop-up, which is buzzing all day. The kids immediately go for that famously thick hot chocolate, which is more like a cup of molten dessert, honestly.
Meanwhile, parents check out the seasonal treats. The star treat? A chocolate-caramel marshmallow shaped, naturally, like a tiny bear. It's so cute you hesitate for a split second, but trust me, it disappears fast.
Beyond the pop-up, there's a temporary boutique selling the full "bear family," and this is where you can lose some time. They have a Chef Bear, a Spa Bear in a peach robe, and even a Valet Bear with absolutely perfect posture. With different sizes and little accessories, it's attracting families looking for a keepsake, but honestly, there were plenty of grown-ups who looked completely charmed, too.
Inside, things quiet down a little. The Christmas Tea-Time in Salon Proust and Salon Marie-Louise is a fantastic way to escape the winter bustle outside. Salon Proust has that lovely French, spiced vibe, while Salon Marie-Louise offers a very refined English service. The pastries and small bites look almost architectural. It's welcoming for children, but definitely keeps that firm Ritz style: gracious, polished, and they never rush you.
Later, the focus shifts to the evening. The holiday menus at Espadon and Bar Vendôme, served on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, are seriously rich. We’re talking Oscietra caviar, venison with a touch of blue vanilla, and sole prepared Talleyrand-style. These are clearly special dinners, perfect for travelers or for parents finally getting a night out without the kids.
The bars also settle in nicely. At the Ritz Bar, a seasonal drink called "Orange" shows up on the menu. The name is minimal, but the drink itself is vibrant, citrusy, and just incredibly fragrant. And a few steps away, the Hemingway Bar keeps its famous Side-Car Martini going strong—still the best choice if you prefer a classic cocktail that doesn't have a holiday twist.
What’s really noticeable this year is how well the teddy bear theme fits in with the hotel's usual elegance. There's plenty for kids, but adults can easily slip into the more refined spots without feeling like they’re stuck in a toy store. The whole place just feels festive and polished at the same time, only now, it’s shared with a few hundred very well-dressed, very comfortable bears.
