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What to do in Paris in December? This is the time of year when the capital is transformed into a magical wonderland of lights. December in Paris pulsates to the rhythm of illuminations adorning the avenues, cosy Christmas markets and enchanting department store window displays. Get ready to experience the magic of the festive season with exceptional concerts, unmissable exhibitions and enchanting shows that bring every neighbourhood in the city to life.
From mid-November onwards, Paris is decked out in lights to welcome the magic of the festive season. Once again this year, the French capital promises a fairytale spectacle with its dazzling illuminations, traditional Christmas markets and winter entertainment that will delight young and old alike.
The famous Champs-Élysées will be lit up from from mid-November 2026 to early January 2027, offering a dazzling spectacle every evening from 5pm to midnight (and until 1am on Fridays and Saturdays). But Paris is not limited to this iconic thoroughfare! The Place Vendôme, Avenue Montaigne, Bercy Village and Montmartre hill are also sure to impress. Don't miss the traditional Grand Palais ice rink, which is back in the nave of this iconic monument, much to the delight of Parisians and visitors who want to skate in an exceptional historical setting.
Parks and gardens are also festooned with lights and you can admire them during walks at nightfall. To enjoy these magical illuminated walks, head to the Jardin des Plantes, the Parc Floral, the Jardin d’Acclimatation or Parc de La Villette, which has a new theme every year.
Department stores and shops also contribute to the festive atmosphere with their lavishly decorated windows. The most enchanting and magical displays – especially for children – are the ones at the Bon Marché, BHV Marais, Printemps Haussmann, La Samaritaine and Galeries Lafayette.
What a pleasure it is to stroll among the wooden chalets of Paris' Christmas markets, a steaming cup of hot chocolate in hand! From late November to late December, these temporary villages pop up all over the capital. The most famous are those in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Notre-Dame de Paris, La Défense and the Alsatian Christmas market at Gare de l'Est. To satisfy all tastes, Paris offers a wide variety of markets: designer, African or Japanese markets, sales dedicated to French and artisanal creations, vegan or ethical markets. A veritable mosaic of events that transforms the capital into a winter wonderland!
Head to the front of the 3rd arrondissement town hall for a festive, free afternoon featuring creative workshops, children's entertainment, food stalls and more. A friendly, family-friendly celebration in the heart of Paris.
Recharge your batteries in the heart of the Latin Quarter, in one of the oldest churches in Paris - Saint-Julien-le-Pauvre Church - with the Ensemble Royal de Paris.
On the programme: the greatest classical composers performed by prodigious singers and musicians. An intimate and spiritual experience from €19.
Fancy ending 2026 with a bang? Paris is coming alive with an exceptional programme that will delight all music lovers. The Accor Arena is hosting several renowned artists, while other iconic venues in the capital are also offering unmissable concerts. To avoid queuing on the day, book online via the official websites of the venues or partner ticket offices. Prices vary depending on the artists and the categories of seats chosen.
In a completely different atmosphere, French-speaking Caribbean dancehall star Krys will set the stage alight at the Zenith Paris - La Villette on 18 December 2026
Don't delay in booking your tickets for these events, which often sell out several weeks in advance, especially for concerts at the Accor Arena, which attract large audiences!
From *3September until 31 December 2026, the Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche department store is once again hosting the hit show Babel, created by iconic choreographer Mourad Merzouki. This poetic creation, combining dance and circus, is performed every evening after the department store closes, offering an artistic and magical interlude that is ideal for the festive season.
At the Casino de Paris, from 8 to 13 December 2026, come and discover the stage debut of star television presenter Camille Combal, alongside comedian Maxime Gasteuil, among others. This play, entitled La Lettre, reveals the secrets of a group of five friends after the death of one of them. A sensitive comedy about friendship that is not to be missed.
The hit musical Les Misérables returns to the Théâtre du Châtelet until 10 January 2027. The work by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg is one of the greatest successes of its kind, with more than 150,000 performances in nearly 500 cities around the world, 130 million spectators, more than 150 international awards, and translations into 27 languages. An unmissable show to end the year on a high note!
For kids and Disney, head to the Zenith Paris - La Villette to discover the Disney concert show - Follow Your Dreams, on 12 and 13 December 2026. This is an opportunity for young and old alike to immerse themselves in the most beautiful Disney music thanks to a symphony orchestra, accompanied by singers and dancers.
At the Palais des Congrès, on 4 December 2026, discover the Dragon 2 film concert, with more than 100 musicians and choristers on stage!
Every year, the Cirque Arlette Gruss invites the public to its big top set up on the Pelouse de Reuilly to discover a show combining acrobatic feats, poetry and circus tradition.
It is always at the end of December that the Musée des Arts Forains puts on its eagerly awaited Festival du Merveilleux, which provides an opportunity to visit the Pavillons de Bercy. Over more than 10 days, the museum thrills children and adults alike with a variety of enchanting events and shows.
At the very end of the year, the Sacrée Musique Festival transforms several Parisian churches into magical candle-lit settings, with immersive concerts of sacred music in heritage venues, for an unforgettable musical and spiritual interlude.
Horse fans should head to Paris Expo Porte de Versailles from 4 to 6 December 2025 for a new edition of the Paris Horse Fair.
For art and exhibition enthusiasts, December is the perfect time to take refuge in the capital's heated museums when the cold weather sets in. Take advantage of the school holidays to discover the temporary exhibitions that will be enlivening Paris until the beginning of 2027!
Browse our selection of exhibitions to discover in December 2026 :
During your cultural tour, treat yourself to a breather in the Tuileries Garden, a veritable green lung between the Louvre Museum and the Place de la Concorde. Even in winter, this historic French garden retains all its charm with its majestic paths and statues. After visiting an exhibition, there's nothing like a refreshing stroll before warming up in one of the garden's cafés, which are open all year round. An exceptional moment to contemplate Paris under its winter lights!
New Year's Eve is a key moment in December in Paris, when the city lights up to celebrate the arrival of 2027. Iconic locations offer unforgettable experiences for this exceptional evening.
The most beautiful avenue in the world is transformed into a veritable open-air theatre for New Year's Eve in Paris. From 3pm, traffic is closed to make way for the festivities, which begin at 7pm. A grand sound and light show illuminates the Arc de Triomphe from 9pm, followed by a giant countdown and fireworks at midnight. To fully enjoy the event, arrive early and use public transport, as the nearby stations will be very busy.
Contrary to popular belief, there is no large fireworks display from the Eiffel Tower on the evening of 31 December. Nevertheless, the Iron Lady remains beautifully illuminated and provides a magical setting for the celebrations. The fireworks displays are mainly concentrated on the Champs-Élysées, but the iconic silhouette of the Eiffel Tower, sparkling in the Parisian night, remains the ultimate symbol of New Year's Eve in the capital.
For a more intimate and equally magical experience, opt for a dinner cruise on the Seine. These special New Year's Eve cruises offer 3-hour packages including a gourmet meal and breathtaking views of the illuminated monuments. The highlight: passing the Eiffel Tower at midnight, champagne glass in hand. These festive cruises, which are very popular for New Year's Eve in Paris, often continue with a dance party until 2 a.m. Reservations are essential and must be made several weeks in advance.
December in Paris is a particularly magical time of year, despite average temperatures ranging between 4°C and 8°C. Make sure you bring appropriate clothing to cope with the Parisian cold:
December sees increasing tourist crowds in Paris, particularly during the last two weeks. Activity prices can vary considerably, while some Christmas events are free. It is best to book in advance for restaurants and shows, especially around 24 December when hotel occupancy rates are very high.
When the cold becomes too biting, the Cité des Sciences offers an ideal cultural and recreational refuge. For December 2026, the programme promises to be rich with interactive activities, themed workshops and special exhibitions for the whole family. Easily accessible from the Town Hall via metro line 7, this unmissable venue combines scientific discovery with welcome warmth.
