Not everything closes everywhere. I don't know what Paris is like at that time of year, but things operated normally in Amsterdam except Christmas Day and Boxing Day (26 Dec.).

Restaurant reservations are *HIGHLY* recommended, far in advance for Christmas Day (for all meals you plan to eat in a restaurant, breakfast, lunch, dinner). You may need them for the 24th and 26th as well.

Double check with museums and other places if they have special holiday hours. I imagine shopping areas will be very similar to the US--crowded.

It sounds like great fun! Enjoy!

Erina in Amsterdam, The Netherlands http://www.time-travellers.org/Historian