Submit feedbackComplete travel information for your December journey
December is a peak month for transatlantic travel from New York (All Airports) (NYCA) to Paris Orly Airport (ORY). Expect high passenger volumes between Dec 20–27 and again Dec 30–Jan 2; booking seats 6–12 weeks prior and traveling mid-week can lower fares. Security lines and ground transportation are often slower during the holidays, so arrive 3+ hours before international departures. For cheaper fares, search one-stop routings through Lisbon, Madrid, or Amsterdam and set fare alerts for price drops. Nearby major U.S. destinations commonly connected from NYCA include Boston, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., and Providence — consider flexible origins to save money.
NYCA refers to New York (All Airports) and typically includes John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), and LaGuardia Airport (LGA). Depending on schedules and carriers, flights to Paris Orly Airport (ORY) may originate from any of these airports or connect through them, so check itineraries for your preferred NYC airport when booking December travel.
During December holiday travel, arrive at least 3 hours before international departures to allow for check-in, security, and possible winter delays. Weekends and the peak period between Dec 20–27 and Dec 30–Jan 2 tend to be busiest; factor in extra time for traffic and public transit disruptions.
Options include airport shuttles, MTA subway + AirTrain to JFK, NJ Transit or PATH to Newark Liberty (EWR), taxis, ride-shares, and private car services. During December, allow extra time for snow or holiday traffic; plan transfers with built-in buffer and pre-book shared shuttles or rides to secure spot on peak travel dates.
Nonstop transatlantic flights to Paris typically land at Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) more often than Orly (ORY). In December, most itineraries to ORY from New York involve at least one stop in a European hub (Lisbon, Madrid, Amsterdam) or a Paris connection. Check airline schedules for seasonal or new nonstop services—book early for holiday dates.
Pack layered warm clothing, a waterproof coat, gloves, a hat, and sturdy footwear for Paris winter weather. Include travel essentials like travel adapters, important documents in your carry-on, and airline-compliant winter gear; check baggage allowances in advance because winter clothing and gifts can increase checked bag volumes.
To score cheaper December fares, be flexible with departure dates (midweek is often cheaper), set fare alerts, and compare one-stop routes via European hubs. Book 6–12 weeks in advance for holiday travel windows; consider flying slightly earlier in December or after New Year’s to lower prices.
Arriving at Paris Orly Airport (ORY) in December offers immediate access to festive lights, Christmas markets, and seasonal attractions across the Paris region. Expect cold, damp weather and possible localized delays on surface transport; plan for a 30–90 minute transfer to central Paris depending on your mode of transport and terminal. Popular nearby destinations reachable from ORY include Paris city center, Versailles, Disneyland Paris (about 45–75 minutes depending on route), and Chartres for day trips. If you land during peak holiday times, prioritize pre-booked transfers or validated tickets for Orlyval and Orlybus to save time.
In December, the fastest options are Orlyval + RER B, direct Orlybus to Denfert-Rochereau, taxis, or ride-shares. Expect slightly longer transfer times during holiday evenings; consider pre-booking airport transfers if traveling with heavy luggage or during late-night arrivals.
December in Paris is cold and often damp, with average daytime temperatures around 5–8°C (41–46°F) and short daylight hours. Bring a warm, waterproof coat and consider packed layers; rain and occasional frost or snow can affect surface transfers after landing.
Yes — popular holiday attractions like the Christmas markets at La Défense, Champs-Élysées lights, and Tuileries seasonal markets are accessible from Orly via public transit or a short taxi ride. Allow extra travel time during peak sightseeing hours and check opening dates as some markets close around Christmas Day.
Paris in December is vibrant with holiday markets, festive illuminations, and seasonal performances. From Orly, top events include the La Défense Christmas market, Champs-Élysées holiday lights, the Tuileries Garden winter market near the Louvre, and temporary ice rinks that pop up across the city. Versailles often hosts special holiday exhibits and concerts, and Disneyland Paris features extended seasonal programming ideal for families. Check event dates and opening hours as many venues modify schedules around Christmas Day and New Year’s.
For December travel from New York (All Airports) (NYCA) to Paris Orly Airport (ORY), the best balance of price and convenience is usually early December (first two weeks) or mid-week departures (Tuesdays and Wednesdays). Avoid peak windows (Dec 20–27 and Dec 30–Jan 2) when fares and crowds spike. If you must travel during the holiday peak, book refundable or flexible tickets and purchase travel insurance for winter weather disruptions.
Direct (nonstop) flights reduce travel time and the chance of missed connections, but transatlantic nonstops typically go to CDG rather than ORY; traveling to ORY may still require a short ground transfer. Connecting flights often offer lower fares into ORY by routing through European hubs like Lisbon, Madrid, or Amsterdam. In December, connections increase flexibility and price savings but raise exposure to missed connections from winter weather. Choose nonstop for reliability and convenience; pick connecting itineraries for cost savings and flexible routing.
Air France and Delta (SkyTeam partners) often provide coordinated transatlantic schedules—many flights into Paris arrive at CDG and require transfers to ORY. Iberia and British Airways offer one-stop options via Madrid or London with onward connections to Orly through regional carriers. TAP Air Portugal and Iberia are commonly competitively priced for December via Lisbon and Madrid, respectively. Compare total travel time, checked baggage allowances, seat pitch, and change fees when selecting carriers for holiday travel. Loyalty program benefits and bundled fares may justify paying slightly more for added flexibility during December.
December travel between New York (All Airports) (NYCA) and Paris Orly Airport (ORY) requires winter-ready planning. Pack warm layers, waterproof outerwear, and a compact umbrella; keep essential documents and medication in carry-on luggage. Winter storms in the Northeastern U.S. can cause last-minute cancellations—monitor forecasts and sign up for airline alerts. Consider travel insurance that covers weather-related delays and missed connections, and build buffers between flight arrival and important plans in Paris.
Typical nonstop flight time from New York to Paris is about 7–8 hours; however, many NYCA → ORY itineraries involve one stop and total door-to-door travel can range from 9–16+ hours depending on layovers. In December, expect a mix of overnight transatlantic flights (departing late evening from NYC) and daytime connections through European hubs. Flight frequency increases in the holiday peak periods; book well in advance and plan for potential delays due to Northeast U.S. winter storms or ground congestion in Paris.
To find cheap December flights from New York (All Airports) (NYCA) to Paris Orly Airport (ORY), start by searching 6–12 weeks before peak holiday dates. Use flexible date searches to compare early-December departures versus peak weeks. Consider one-stop itineraries through European hubs like Lisbon (TAP), Madrid (Iberia), or Amsterdam (KLM) which often cost less than last-minute premium transatlantic fares. Sign up for airline newsletters and fare alerts, and check low-cost European carriers for the connecting leg into ORY. Booking midweek flights, choosing red-eyes, or accepting longer layovers can lower costs significantly.
U.S. passport holders can enter France for short stays without a visa for tourism up to 90 days, but passports should be valid for at least three months beyond planned departure from the Schengen area. Have proof of onward travel and accommodation details on hand; immigration lines may be longer in December, so keep documents accessible for quick processing.
Transfers between CDG and ORY are possible via Roissybus + Orlybus, RER + Orlyval combinations, Le Bus Direct (when operating), shuttle services, or taxi. December weather and holiday traffic can increase transfer times, so allow at least 2–3 hours to make connections, and pre-book shuttles when possible.
Yes, Orly offers luggage storage services and left-luggage facilities near terminals; these are useful for short city visits to holiday markets. Services may have limited hours around public holidays, so verify opening times before arrival and consider booking baggage storage in advance when planning tight December itineraries.
