Christmas and the New Year are fast approaching and Paris is getting ready for the holidays. Christmas markets, illuminated streets, window displays at the department stores, concerts and shows … where to go in Paris as the year draws to a close?
While the Avenue des Champs-Elysées is the must-see when it comes to illuminations, other squares, neighbourhoods and streets in Paris also set up dazzling displays, such as Place Vendôme, Avenue Montaigne, Bercy Village and Montmartre Hill.
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.
Christmas is synonymous with markets filled with little wooden chalets. There are dozens of markets, some very large, some small, some selling a bit of everything while others are specialist. The best known markets are the ones at Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the Notre Dame Cathedral and La Défense, and the Alsace Christmas market at the Gare de l’Est. Just ask around and you’ll find something to suit your taste. A market featuring designers, an African or Japanese market, one devoted to French creations and crafts, a vegan market, an ethical goods market – the capital has a wide array of events.
December gets off to a flying start** with the Nautic Paddle! The biggest paddle race in the world brings together hundreds of participants on the Seine in a sporty and festive atmosphere. This unique event offers an impressive spectacle in the heart of Paris, with iconic views of the capital.
See you in 2025!
Would you like to see out the year 2025 at a concert? Here are the artistes performing in the capital in December.
Marseille singer Soprano will be taking to the stage at Accor Arena for 4 exceptional dates, from 11 to 14 December 2025.
Louane, France's next Eurovision representative, will be taking to the stage at the Zenith for a one-off date on 10 December 2025. In a different vein, Belgian rapper Hamza** will be taking to the stage at the Paris La Défense Arena.
See the full Paris concert calendar
For kids and Disney fans can look forward to the last day of the year, 31 December 2025, when Disney on Ice: Let's Dream Together makes a stopover at adidas arena until 11 January 2026.
At the Dôme de Paris - Palais des Sports, from 4 December 2025 to 18 January 2026, you can discover the new version of the iconic show directed by Kamel Ouali, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary: The Sun King.
In late December, 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.
Horse fans should head to Paris Expo Porte de Versailles from 12 to 14 December 2025 for a new edition (the first since 2019) of the Paris Horse Fair.
For art and exhibition lovers, December is full of exhibitions on view at least until the end of the school holidays... now's the time to go and discover them!
Browse our selection of exhibitions to discover in December 2025 :
The French capital comes alive from mid-November with a succession of festive events. The Christmas school holidays start on Saturday 20 December 2025. The new school year starts on Monday 5 January 2026. These dates are the same throughout France.
During the festive season, Paris is bursting with cultural and family activities: must-see exhibitions, magical shows for young and old... Discover fun activities and enriching outings that combine Christmas magic and cultural discovery in the capital.
Celebrate Christmas and New Year in Paris in exceptional restaurants offering festive and refined menus. From gourmet meals to enchanting settings, these establishments offer a unique culinary experience to mark the festive season.
Explore Paris while staying warm with indoor activities such as museums, art galleries and iconic cafés. Take advantage of warm and friendly places to discover the capital even in cold weather.
