The Christmas lights were switched on Sunday night on Paris' iconic Champs-Elysées.

Thousands of people gathered to watch the official launch of the festive season in the "City of Lights".

French actress Léa Seydoux, who helped switch on the lights, was assisted by two children from the Les Petits Princes association, as well as Mayor Anne Hidalgo.

Also on hand were the head of the Champs-Élysées committee, Marc-Antoine Jamet, and Swarovski boss Myriam Batoni.

The colourful event was closed by an energetic performance by Canadian singer Charlotte Cardin.

This year’s holiday installation features a new sound-and-light show, using programmable LED technology.

The illuminations will light up the famous avenue in central Paris until January 5.

AP Video: Boubkar Benzabat