Prime Video’s hit series The Summer I Turned Pretty concluded its third and final season in September 2025, delivering an extended 11-episode run that took viewers from the familiar shores of Cousins Beach to the romantic streets of Paris. The season, which premiered on July 16, 2025, followed Isabel “Belly” Conklin as she navigated adulthood, heartbreak, and self-discovery, culminating in a resolution to her long-standing love triangle with brothers Conrad and Jeremiah Fisher.

One of the standout sequences that has captured widespread attention comes in the series finale, where a heartfelt photo montage depicts Belly and Conrad sharing a cozy Christmas celebration in Paris. Set to the classic tune “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” by Darlene Love, the images show the couple in matching pajamas—echoing a pivotal holiday from earlier in their story—surrounded by festive lights and the charm of the City of Light. This tender portrayal of their holiday together provided a warm, hopeful close to the season, highlighting Belly’s growth and the rekindling of her connection with Conrad.

Creator Jenny Han, who adapted the series from her bestselling young adult trilogy, made significant changes from the books, including relocating Belly’s post-heartbreak journey from Spain to France. Han has shared that sending Belly to Paris allowed for deeper exploration of her independence and maturity. “I always loved the idea of a girl going to find herself in Paris and fall in love—it’s just so much more romantic,” Han explained in interviews during production. The shift not only aligned with Belly’s interest in French from the novels but also enabled filming in iconic locations, adding visual splendor to her story.

The season begins four years after the events of Season 2, with Belly in her senior year of college, engaged to Jeremiah after choosing him previously. However, lingering feelings resurface, leading to dramatic turns. A shocking revelation about Jeremiah’s past actions strains their relationship, prompting Belly to reconsider her path. She initially plans a future with him but ultimately calls off their wedding and heads to Paris alone, embracing the study abroad opportunity she had once set aside.

In Paris, Belly—now often going by Isabelle—builds a new life. She secures an apartment near Sacré-Cœur in Montmartre, makes friends, and experiences personal growth. Early episodes show her navigating homesickness, exploring markets, and finding joy in simple moments like enjoying a pain au chocolat on a bridge over Canal Saint-Martin. The city becomes a backdrop for her transformation, with montages capturing her strolling past Christmas markets, admiring dual trees in Place Vendôme, and embracing the festive atmosphere.

Conrad, pursuing medical school on the West Coast, remains haunted by his feelings for Belly. He sends her letters and a care package filled with American snacks like Junior Mints and Sour Patch Kids, along with heartfelt notes wishing her well during the holidays. One letter reads in part: “I bet Paris is beautiful during the holidays… I like picturing that. Well, merry Christmas, Belly. I hope Paris is everything you dreamed it would be.”

The turning point arrives when Conrad surprises Belly in Paris ahead of her birthday, under the pretext of a conference nearby. Their reunion is tentative at first, with Belly hesitant to disrupt the independence she’s cultivated. They tour the city, revisit old memories, and share vulnerable conversations. A spontaneous slow dance by the Seine to “I Only Have Eyes for You” by The Flamingos marks a pivotal reconnection, leading to renewed commitment.

As the credits roll in the finale, the Christmas montage serves as a joyful epilogue to their Parisian chapter. Photos show Belly and Conrad decorating a small tree in her apartment, exchanging gifts, and laughing together in the winter glow. The sequence nods to their complicated history—referencing pajamas from a previous fraught holiday—while signaling a fresh start. Fans have praised it as one of the most uplifting moments, blending nostalgia with optimism.

Han directed several episodes, including one from Conrad’s perspective, and emphasized the importance of showing Belly’s time in Paris extensively. “It’s not just an epilogue,” she noted, highlighting the need to depict Belly honoring herself outside the love triangle. The extended focus on her solo journey, friendships, and even a brief romance with a local named Benito, underscored themes of self-reliance before reuniting with Conrad.

The ensemble cast delivered strong performances throughout. Lola Tung as Belly portrayed her evolution from uncertainty to confidence with nuance. Christopher Briney brought depth to Conrad’s brooding yet devoted nature, while Gavin Casalegno navigated Jeremiah’s complexities, including reconciliation efforts with his brother. Supporting players like Rain Spencer as Taylor and Sean Kaufman as Steven added levity and familial warmth.

Music remained a hallmark, with Taylor Swift tracks punctuating key scenes, alongside classics that enhanced emotional beats. The finale’s back-to-back Swift songs during intimate moments amplified the romance, drawing rave reviews.

Production faced challenges, including delays from industry strikes, but filming wrapped successfully, including on-location shoots in Paris. Leaked set photos and trailers built anticipation, though Han incorporated misdirects—like filming unused scenes with Jeremiah in Paris—to keep the ending under wraps.

Critics and audiences lauded the season for its mature handling of young adulthood themes: commitment, forgiveness, and personal identity. Viewership soared, with the premiere drawing millions in its first week, cementing the show’s status as a cultural phenomenon.

While the series ends with Belly and Conrad returning to Cousins Beach hand-in-hand, gazing at the ocean, the Paris Christmas montage offers a glimpse of their future happiness. Han teased further adventures in a post-finale announcement of a feature film continuation, promising one last major milestone for Belly.

The montage’s beauty lies in its simplicity and symbolism. Amid twinkling lights and snow-dusted streets, Belly appears truly content, her smile radiant as she celebrates with Conrad. It’s a moment of pure joy after years of turmoil, affirming that timing and growth can lead to enduring love.

Fans dissected every frame: the cozy apartment adorned with strings of lights, shared hot chocolates, and playful poses echoing their youth. The choice of song evoked longing turned to fulfillment, resonating deeply.

Han reflected on the sequence as a reward for viewers: a visual promise that Belly’s story, full of summers and heartaches, leads to warmth and connection. “We wanted to end on hope,” she said.

As discussions continue online, the Paris Christmas has emerged as a fan-favorite, inspiring edits, fan art, and calls for holiday specials. It encapsulates the series’ blend of romance and realism.

With the movie on the horizon—written and directed by Han—the door remains open for more. For now, the montage stands as a cherished highlight, reminding viewers of love’s ability to bridge distances and heal old wounds.

The Summer I Turned Pretty leaves a legacy of emotional storytelling, stylish visuals, and unforgettable characters. Belly’s Parisian holiday celebration, shared with Conrad, ranks among its most poignant and visually stunning achievements.

Social media buzzed post-finale, with hashtags trending as fans shared screenshots and theories. The sequence’s warmth contrasted earlier tensions, providing catharsis.

Han credits the cast’s chemistry and the Parisian backdrop for elevating the moment. Filming in authentic locations added authenticity, from bustling markets to quiet apartment scenes.

Ultimately, the montage affirms Belly’s journey: from a girl defined by summers and choices to a young woman embracing life on her terms, with love as a bonus rather than a necessity.

As winter approaches, many revisit the scene for its feel-good vibe, a perfect antidote to holiday blues.

The series may conclude, but moments like Belly’s Paris Christmas ensure its enduring appeal.

Prime Video reported record engagement, attributing much to the finale’s satisfying yet open-ended close.

Han expressed gratitude to fans, noting their passion fueled expansions like the Paris arc.

Looking ahead, the upcoming film will explore remaining milestones, potentially revisiting festive themes given fan love for the Christmas elements.

For now, the montage remains a beacon of romance, proving some stories shine brightest in the glow of holiday lights.