Family / Culture

Cultural outings in Paris over the Christmas period

Shows, exhibitions, illuminations … There are plenty of great cultural outings in Paris during the Christmas 2024 holiday season.

The end-of-year festivities in 2024 will be marked by a host of cultural events: exhibitions, shows, circuses, etc. Not forgetting the Christmas animations in certain châteaux, the illuminations and the Christmas vitrines. Below is a selection of events to enjoy in Paris at the end of 2024.

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Exhibitions in Paris during the Christmas holidays

Affiche House of Dreamers | 630x405 | © House of Dreamers
Affiche Pop Forever
Affiche La saga des grands magasins

Immerse yourself in the work of great artists such as Gustave Caillebotte at the Musée d'Orsay, rediscover the classics of James Cameron at the Cinémathèque, marvel at the tales of skippeurs at the Musée de la Marine... Here's our selection of exhibitions to enjoy in Paris this Christmas.

Asterix, the Immersive Journey and the Egypt of the Pharaohs - Atelier des Lumières

The Atelier des Lumières is offering a double programme this winter. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, this immersive museum invites visitors to discover the fascinating worlds of the Asterix and Obelix comics. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, the setting changes and takes visitors back to the time of the Pharaohs of Egypt, from Cheops to Ramses II. One thing's for sure: these unique, poetic digital creations are a feast for the eyes, young and old alike.

Astérix, le voyage immersif / Egypt of the Pharaohs - Until 5 January 2025

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House of Dreamers - Carrousel du Louvre

With the festive season just around the corner, it's time to dream? House of Dreamers is the first immersive exhibition dedicated to dreamers. The Carrousel du Louvre is the setting for 18 magical artistic installations, from a huge candy-pink ‘ball pool’ to a light show featuring disco balls. There's something for kids, teens and adults alike!

  • House of Dreamers - 99 rue de Rivoli - 75001 Paris
  • Metro: Palais Royal - Musée du Louvre

Pop Forever, Tom Wesselmann & - fondation Louis Vuitton

A major Pop Art artist alongside Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein, Tom Wesselmann is in the limelight at the Fondation Louis Vuitton which is unveiling 150 works by the artist. An exhibition that echoes 35 other resolutely ‘Pop’ artists from Marcel Duchamp to Jeff Koons.

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The Saga of Department Stores - Cité de l'Architecture et du Patrimoine

For unforgettable gifts, the Grands Magasins attract crowds in the run-up to Christmas! To mark the occasion, the Cité de l'Architecture et du Patrimoine retraces the history and reveals the little secrets of these shops that have been the stuff of dreams for Parisians since the 19th century.

Cultural outings and activities for children over Christmas

Several museums are particularly suitable for people of all ages – they have managed to combine culture and fun. Examples include the Musée en Herbe, the Musée de l’Illusion, the Atelier des Lumières, the Musée Grévin, the Musée des Arts et Métiers, the Cité des Sciences, and the Paris Natural History Museum. A good idea for a cultural excursion to enjoy during the 2024 Christmas holidays: never will your children have enjoyed going to a museum so much!

So to get families interested, the capital’s major museums are putting together visits that are particularly fun and original. And don’t forget that the Pompidou Centre, the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay, the Carnavalet Museum, the Museum of Modern Art and the Quai Branly Museum are also all open during the holidays.

Water Fun at the Grand Rex

For the Christmas holidays, La Féérie des eaux will be returning to the legendary Grand Rex. The fairy show - giant waterfall, illuminations, music... - a 15-minute extravaganza that this year precedes the film Vaiana 2. A screening like no other!

From 27 November 2023 to 5 January 2025 - 3 screenings a day during the holidays - €13 to €18.

  • Grand Rex - 1 boulevard Poissonnière - 75009 Paris
  • Underground: Bonne Nouvelle

Christmas shows

Spectacle Arbre Cirque Bormann ensemble des artistes
Photo du spectacle le Roi Lion au théâtre Mogador
Les Misérables 2024 l 630 x 405 l Théâtre du Chatelet l  © DR l Comédie Musical

Marvel at the colourful and heart-warming spectacle of The Lion King at the Théâtre Mogador, discover the secrets of the Invalides in a breathtaking sound and light show... Here are a few ideas for emotion-packed experiences to enjoy in Paris this Christmas 2024.

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The Lion King

Simba, Scar, Nala, Timon and Pumba return to delight young and old alike in a colourful and entertaining show that promises to be one of the not-to-be-missed events in Paris.

  • Until 31 January 2025.

  • Théâtre de Mogador - 25 rue de Mogador - Paris 9e

  • Metro: Havre - Caumartin

How to become a Parisian in one hour’ by Olivier Giraud

After winning over more than 800,000 spectators since its creation, Olivier Giraud's show full of humour and tenderness** “How to become a Parisian in one hour*” is back at the théâtre des Nouveautés at the end of 2024. The one-man show is available in several budget categories. Laughter guaranteed.

Until 31 December 2024

Cirque Bormann: Arbre

The new show from cirque Bormann invites you to take a trip back in time under its impressive baroque and traditional big top in the heart of the 15th arrondissement. Juggling, acrobatics, horse training... This epic journey through history will delight young and old alike. A must-see family outing.

All year round

  • Cirque Bormann - 5 rue Lucien Bossoutrot - Paris 15e
  • Underground: Balard

Aura - Invalides

Once night falls, the Invalides invites you to enjoy an amazing immersive experience under its magnificent dome. Sound, light, video-mapping... This captivating show will take you into the history of this legendary monument. Perfect for winter evenings!

Les Misérables - Théâtre du Châtelet

The musical stage of the Théâtre du Châtelet welcomes the iconic musical comedy Les Misérables by Victor Hugo for the festive season in Paris. After presenting its show to nearly 130 million spectators worldwide, the hit musical is being revived by Alain Boublil.

Les Misérables

  • From 20 November 2024 to 02 January 2025

  • Théâtre du Châtelet - 1 place du Châtelet - Paris 1e

  • Underground: Châtelet

One of the must-do holiday outings? The circus! The cirque Bormann offers a trip back in time, while the Cirque d'Hiver puts on a varied show in its Arbre show! At the Carrefour des Cascades in the 16th arrondissement, the compagnie Alexis Gruss presents its new show ‘Les Folies Gruss’.

More ideas for shows in Paris

Tours of Paris during the festive season

© Paris Authentic

Paris is decked out in a thousand lights for the Christmas festivities: department stores' windows, illuminations, Christmas markets... The Christmas holidays are the perfect opportunity to take a tour full of magic and light. Here are a few ideas for original and themed visits of Paris not to be missed during the festive season, such as the tour of the Paris illuminations in an eco-responsible double-decker bus with Tootbus, in a 2 CV with Paris Authentic or 4 wheels under an umbrella. By bike with the Paris Bike Tour or an original tour of the Montmartre district with the Petit Train de Montmartre.

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Where to see the Christmas lights and windows in Paris?

From November onwards, the neighbourhoods of the City of Light are lit up. From the legendary decorations on the Avenue des Champs-Élysées to launch the festive season, to the sublime neighbourhood installations such as Montmartre or Bercy Village... All you have to do is stroll around to find the Christmas magic on every street corner.

Le Bon Marché, le BHV, la Samaritaine, le Printemps, les Galeries Lafayette... The department stores are decked out in their finest finery for the festive season. Whether it's the window displays or the interior decorations, they're well worth a visit!

Where can you see the festive light displays in Paris?

The Jardin des Plantes, the Parc Floral... Paris's parks and gardens are also getting in on the festive spirit this winter with some fascinating light displays. Discover the dinosaurs at the Jardin des Plantes and the Jardin d'Acclimatation or a poetic world at the Parc Floral: you'll be spoilt for choice!

What to do and where to go with the kids during the Christmas holidays in Paris? Activities and entertainment for the festive season. What to do and where to go with children during the Christmas holidays in Paris?

During the Christmas holidays, Paris is brimming with activities for children of all ages, from ice skating rinks to light trails, shows, cakes decorated for Christmas, department stores' windows, Christmas fairs... there's everything you need to enjoy the magic of Christmas with the whole family.

Find out more about Christmas activities and entertainment for the whole family in Paris

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