Temperatures are dropping, the pace is slowing... But in winter, Paris doesn't sleep. Between the big exhibitions at the museums, the end-of-year festivities and the must-see events, there's plenty to do! And if you're looking for activities that will put stars in your eyes, take you on a journey, warm you up or open up new horizons, all the better. Well, **that's on the programme too!
When winter arrives at the end of the year, Paris is decked out in its finest finery. The illuminations on major avenues such as the Champs-Élysées, the vitrines of department stores, the Christmas markets or the fête foraine des Tuileries... You'll be spoilt for choice to get you in the mood! Are the days getting shorter? Take comfort in a stroll through one of Paris's most beautiful parks. Come winter, they offer up some magical light festivals. Not to be missed? The Jardin des Plantes and the Jardin d'Acclimatation, the Parc Floral, the domaine de Saint-Cloud, the Wow Safari Thoiry and the parc de la Villette. Every year, these walks put stars in the eyes of visitors and have become one of the must-do events of the Paris winter season.
And don't forget that in Paris you can party all year round, even in winter! Clubbing, concerts, jazz evenings, LGBTQI+ venues... keep your body warm on the Parisian dancefloors all night long!
Take advantage of the calm of winter to discover Paris in a new light thanks to the unusual guided tours of My Urban Experience or l'Échappée Belle and many others... The best way to protect yourself from the cold and rain? Take a stroll through the passages couverts which, as well as providing shelter, offer a plunge into 19th-century Paris with their breathtaking architecture.
Too cold for outdoor activities? Not true! Ice skating is all the rage in winter. There are ice rinks all over Paris, including the Jardin des Tuileries, the parc André Citroën, the parc de la Villette, the Grand Palais des Glaces - the world's largest indoor ice rink in the Grand Palais - on the avenue de Breteuil in the 7th arrondissement, on the forecourt of the mairie du 15e arrondissement or the one at La Défense, not forgetting the patinoire de l'Accor Arena, open all year round! A must for winter in Paris!
In winter, Paris plays host to some of the world's biggest sporting events, including many rugby and football matches**. The lucky ones can attend French championship football matches at the Parc des Princes to see the players from the Paris Saint-Germain play at home, or one of the rugby matches in the Tournament of the VI Nations scheduled at the Stade de France (against Wales on 31 January 2025 and Scotland on 15 March 2025).
In winter, Paris's biggest museums generally renew their exhibitions. Between January and February, you have the choice between the last days of some exhibitions and the first days of others. Keep a close eye on the programmes at l'Atelier des Lumières, centre Georges Pompidou,, Musée d'Orsay, musée du Louvre, musée du quai Branly and others. And if you're into art, don't miss the Art Capital festival at the Grand Palais, where 2,000 artists come together every year to unveil their works to thousands of visitors.
In summer, the Foire de Paris is the big event, but in winter, the most popular show is undoubtedly the Salon de l'Agriculture. For 10 days in February, the parc des Expos de la porte de Versailles goes rural. With animals to discover and expertise to showcase, the show brings together a large part of the farming community and is not to be missed.
From January to March, car enthusiasts gather at the Retromobile Show at Porte Versailles to admire the most beautiful classic cars, at the Paris Randos Nature at the Parc Floral, at the Salon de Montrouge for contemporary art...
Is it raining? Is it cold? Now's the perfect time to explore some of Paris's greatest monuments, including the Basilique-Cathédrale de Saint-Denis, the Conciergerie, the Sainte-Chapelle and the Panthéon. Every year in winter, the latter organises Nuit du Panthéon, night-time games where you can learn more about French history in a fun way.
Every year, there are a number of key dates in the Paris winter calendar. This is particularly true of the winter sales, which generally start on the first Wednesday in January. Shopping and fashion are the order of the day. Especially during Fashion Week in January. In the space of a few weeks, men's Fashion Week and women's ready-to-wear follow one another. During these, fashionistas from all over the world gather in the capital. Between the (more or less exclusive) fashion shows, parties in trendy restaurants and clubs, and street fashion, Paris vibrates to the rhythm of this art form.
Another important date: the Chinese New Year. Entertainment, parades, decorations... For a few days, Paris goes Asian to celebrate this essential part of Asian culture. The festivities take place all over the capital, but are particularly important in the 19th (Belleville) and 13th (Parisian Chinatown) arrondissements**.
February 14 is the date for all lovers: Valentine's Day takes over Paris! Special offers in restaurants, combined tickets...
You don't have to go to the mountains to enjoy one of the typical winter dishes: fondue! Visit the Fondues de la Raclette or the Refuge des Fondues.
Still more places to enjoy a good raclette? Discover our selection:
Winter is also the perfect time to (re)discover the great bistro classics and the most famous Parisian addresses. Take the opportunity to dine at the Pied de Cochon, the bouillons Chartier (Grands boulevards, Montparnasse and Gare de l'Est) or the legendary cafés of Saint-Germain-des-Prés such as the Procope - the oldest in Paris - the Café de Flore or the Deux Magots.
Winter is also the perfect time to enjoy a good hot chocolate. Where can you find the best? At Angelina, the legendary tea room on rue de Rivoli, Jacques Genin, the Manufacture Alain Ducasse or Ladurée and at Carette.
Granted, parks can be a bit dreary in winter. For a good dose of nature, visit the Serres d'Auteuil, the aquariums of Paris or the garden museum Albert Kahn in Boulogne-Billancourt.
And what better way to pamper yourself than in winter? Why not treat yourself to a spa treatment? The Spa dans le Noir, spas in Parisian palaces, beauty salons or even those whose decor takes you on a journey, such as Charme d'Orient... There's a wide range on offer to suit all needs, desires and budgets! Warmth, softness and comfort guaranteed.
Découvrez et réservez le City Pass officiel de Paris, l’atout parfait pour profiter pleinement de la capitale cet hiver et créer des souvenirs inoubliables.
Composez votre programme sur mesure : visite d’un musée, de la tour Eiffel, croisière sur la Seine, balade à vélo ou à pied, ou encore une expérience shopping, tout en réalisant des économies ! À partir de 59€.
In France, winter officially begins with the winter solstice, generally on December 21, and ends with the spring equinox, around March 20. This period is marked by the shortest days of the year and often cold temperatures, ideal for enjoying winter sports, Christmas markets or simply warming up around a roaring fire.
For zone C (Paris, Versailles and Créteil), the 2025 winter school holidays start on Saturday 15 February 2025 after school and end on Monday 3 March 2025. It's the perfect opportunity to enjoy winter sports in the mountains or to discover the many activities on offer in Paris and the surrounding region during this period.
Even in the rain, Paris is full of exciting activities. Discover some ideas for making the most of the capital, even when it's raining.
When temperatures drop, Paris offers a multitude of activities to warm up while discovering the city. From iconic museums to cosy tearooms and charming covered passageways, explore the best ideas for enjoying the capital from the warmth.
From January to March, Paris has a unique atmosphere and a rich calendar of activities to suit all tastes. Whether you want to explore the capital in winter with its cultural events and illuminations, celebrate romance or the school holidays in February, or welcome spring with outdoor outings and exciting exhibitions.
