Paris Events for December 2025

Paris events in December focus on the holidays as lavish Christmas and New Year's decorations transform the city into a real City of Light.

Paris in December brings festive Christmas Markets overflowing with unique gifts and regional specialties, sparkling lights and decorations throughout the city's neighborhoods, and plenty of good cheer.

Sip a cup of vin chaud - hot mulled wine - as you do your holiday shopping, gaze at the magical holiday windows at the famous Paris department stores, and relax at special Christmas concerts in the city's magnificent churches.

And if you're lucky enough to be here for New Year's Eve, get ready for a spectacular celebration you'll always remember.

However, the biggest event this year - yes, even bigger than the New Year's Eve celebration - is the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral to the public on December 8.  You can find out when and how to visit below, plus details on how to see the opening ceremony and concert on December 7.

Top photo: Holiday lights along Champs Elysées leading up to the Arc de Triomphe, (c) Paris Discovery Guide®

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December Concerts in Paris 2025

Christmas concerts take center stage in Paris during December 2025, although you'll also find plenty of classical concerts in the city's most beautiful old churches as well as opera and ballet at Palais Garnier and rock, indie, jazz, pop, and "spectacles" at AccorHotels Arena, the Olympia, Palais des Congres, and other concert venues.

Don't miss candlelight concerts, New Year's Eve concerts, and the special Eiffel Tower concert on Christmas Day!  Tickets for all of these concerts sell fast this month and some will be sold out by mid-month - so don't wait to get yours.

Check the lineup to find classical, rock, and Christmas concerts, opera, ballet, and other music shows happening throughout December, and get your tickets now:

Paris concerts, opera, and ballet during December offer a sensational seasonal mix of Christmas concerts, opera, ballet, and contemporary rock, pop, rap, R&B, and more, including Paul McCartney and Justice.

Tickets to the holiday concerts at Sainte-Chapelle and the Eiffel Tower always sell out in advance - so if you want to attend one of these special events, don't wait to book!

Looking for non-holiday music?  Skip down to the regular December Concerts section

Christmas & Christmas Eve Concerts in Paris

• Christmas Concert - Saint-Germain-des-Pres Church - Dec 20, 23, 26, 27

New Year's Eve Shows in Paris

More December Concerts, Operas, & Ballets

• Vivaldi's Four Seasons, Ave Maria, & Celebrated Concertos - La Madeleine Church - Dec 5
• Concert: Vivaldi, Schubert, & more - Saint-Germain-des-Pres Church - Dec 6, 13, 29, 30, 31
• Mozart's Requiem & Ravel's Bolero - La Madeleine Church - Dec 12
• Gospel Concert - La Madeleine Church - Dec 19
• Opera a Palazzo: La Traviata - Jacquemart-Andre Museum - Dec 20, 27
• Mozart's Requiem & Ravel's Bolero - Saint Sulpice Church - Dec 26
• Beethoven's Seventh Symphony & Fauré's Requiem - La Madeleine Church - Dec 27
• Ravel & Beethoven - La Madeleine Church - Dec 29
• Candlelight Concerts: Classical, Rock, Pop - Various Paris venues - Throughout the month

More Paris classical concerts, opera, & dance performances during December

More Paris rock, pop, jazz, rap, & other performances during December 

Find Paris concerts for other months

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Enjoy the Best Christmas Markets in Paris - Opening Dates for 2025

Sparkling lights and decorations, the smell of roasting chestnuts, cups of hot wine infused with cinnamon, and Swiss-style chalets overflowing with special holiday foods, hand-crafted gifts, and decorations signal the arrival of Paris's Christmas Markets, a tradition since Medieval times. 

You can find them all over Paris starting in late November. 

Paris Christmas Market Schedule

Please note:  As you'll see below, dates for a number of Christmas markets have been confirmed but other dates are still estimates based on last year.  Although some confirmations start to be available during early October, others aren't made public until well into November. 

Please keep in mind that even after dates have been announced, last minute "changes" - in other words, delays - can still happen because safety inspections must be conducted after set-up is complete, which usually happens right before the opening date.   All of the following dates are still to be confirmed:

• La Défense Christmas Village (along the Esplanade at the Arche de La Défense - November 13 - December 29; take the Metro Line 1 to La Defense station - about 10 minutes from Etoile/CDG)
• Tuileries Christmas Market: La Magie de Noël (The Magic of Christmas) - Located along the north side of the Jardin des Tuileries, near the Louvre Museum, 1st arr - November 15 - January 4, 2026
• Notre Dame Christmas Market at Square Viviani (directly across the Seine River from Notre Dame), 5th arr - November 28 - December 25, 2026; 10am-8pm (9pm on Friday, Saturday, Sunday
• Abbesses Christmas Market in Montmartre near Sacre Coeur - November 22 - December 28, 18th arr 
• Saint Germain des Prés Christmas Market next to the Saint-Germain-des-Prés Abby Church across from Les Deux Magots - November 25 - January 1; 6th arr
• Christmas Market at Hôtel de Ville - Mid-November to the end of December. 
• Alsatian Christmas Market at Gare de l'Est - November 28 - December 14, 10th arr
• Christmas Market at the Feeries d'Anteuil (Rue Jean de la Fontaine, Paris 16) - December 1 - 9
• Eiffel Tower Christmas Market (across from Eiffel Tower on Quai Jacques Chirac) -  December 6 - January 4, 7th arr

Find details about what each market offers, which ones are best, lots of photos, and addresses

Selected Pop-Up & Short-Term Christmas Markets

All of the following dates are still to be confirmed:

•  Japanese Christmas Market - Espace Cinko, 12-18 Passage Choiseul, Paris 2 - 11am-7pm, November 19-22
• English Christmas - St George's Anglican Church (7 Rue Auguste Vacquerie, 16th arr) - November 29
• Christmas Markets at the Pavillon des Canaux ("Les Canaux") (39 Quai de la Loire, on Canal d'Ourcq (close to Parc de la Villette), Paris 19) - Look for themed markets on these weekends: Nov 22- 23; Dec 1-2;  Dec 7-8; and Dec 13-14 (to be confirmed)
• Christmas Eco-Villages on three weekends at La REcyclerie (83 Blvd Ornano, Paris 18):  Nov 22-23, Nov 29-30, and Dec 6-8 (to be confirmed)
• Marché de Noel at Hotel Maison Mère (7 Rue Mayran, near Rue des Martyrs , 9th arr) - Small Christmas market featuring candy, cosmetics, and art by local creators, plus hot drinks - Nov 23, starts at 1pm - more
• Swedish Christmas Market - The Swedish Church (9 Rue Médéric, 17th arr, Metro: Courcelles) - Swedish specialites such as glasswear, candles, cakes, lingonberry jam, chocolates, and Swedish herring and salmon - Nov 28-29
• Specialty Christmas Markets on 3 Sundays with 3 themes and numerous creators in front of Le Hasard Ludique ("Playful Hazard"), the former Saint-Ouen rail station on the Petit Ceinture and now a cultural venue (128 Avenue de Saint-Ouen, 18th arr; nearest Metro: Porte de St Ouen / Guy Moquet) - Latino Christmas Market on Nov 29-30; Grrrande: Christmas Market on Dec 6 and 7; Ecovillage de Notel X Tunis sur Seine Market on Dec 13 and 14 - plus Christmas treats, mulled wine, specialty beers, and hot drinks all day.  Free admission.   More about Le Hasard Ludique:  https://www.lehasardludique.information
• Klin d'Oeil d'Hiver Christmas Market featuring 70 designers of fashion and home decor; also look for DIY workshops and a coffee shop serving hot chocolate, chai lattes, mulled wine, and winter soups - Carreau du Temple (4 Eugene Spuller - 3rd arr) - December 13-14; free admission (to be confirmed)

If we find these markets this year, we'll update the following information:

• Les Apprentis d'Auteuil (40 Rue Jean de la Fontaine, Paris 16)
• Marché de Noël de Rock My Bergamote - Young French Designers at Le Pavillion des Canaux coffeeshop/restaurant (39 Quai de la Loire), Bassin de la Villette, 19th arr - 11am-8pm, early December 
• Saint Laz' Christmas Market in front of the Saint-Lazare train station, 9th arr - TBD
• Marché de Noël Paris Beaubourg - Christmas Market at Pompidou Center, 4th arr - November - January - TBD
• Bir Hakeim Christmas Market (not far from the Eiffel Tower) - TBD
• Christmas Market at Invalides - TBD
• Sacre Coeur Christmas Market in front of Sacre Coeur - Mid-Dec - TBD

More about Paris Christmas Markets:  Dates, details, locations, and directions

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Christmas Lights & Holiday Decorations

Christmas lights ("Illuminations") and decorations start to appear in Paris starting in early November and continue through early January (until just before the January sales begin).

In addition to masses of sparkling lights along major streets, don't miss the dazzling holiday scenes and decorations displayed in the large windows of Paris's grand magasins (big department stores).  

This year, BHV Marais on Rue Rivoli will again be the first to reveal their windows at 5pm on November 6. The event takes the form of a street party in front of the store featuring French celebrities, music, and special performances. 

Here's the complete store window schedule for 2025: (to be confirmed)

• BHV Marais (52 Rue de Rivoli, Paris 4) -Starts November 6, 5pm - Experience a fantasy immersion, complete with music and animations, in an enchanting mansion inhabited by mischevious elves who transform their home with colorful Christmas decorations while you watch. 
• Printemps Haussmann (64 Boulevard Haussmann, Paris 9) - Get ready for a magical journey aboard the Printemps Express, complete with passengers wearing ecologically-aware clothing made from recycled fabrics in the dazzling Christmas windows:  starts November 7, 5pm to December 31.
• Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche (24 Rue de Sèvres, Paris 7) - Colorful creatures and magical Parisian scenes will entertain you in this year's four special Christmas windows on Rue de Sèvres; also look for them inside the festively decorated Rive Gauche store - Starts November 8, 5pm
• La Samaritaine (19 Rue de la Monnaie, Paris 1) - The store transforms into an enchanted winter garden where you can stroll among luminous creatures and gigantic plants - November 8, 6pm - January 5
• Galeries Lafayette Haussmann (40 Boulevard Haussmann, Paris 9) - In addition to the fabulous Christmas windows, don't miss the store's signature decoration: a gigantic and gorgeous Christmas tree sparkling with 20,000 sparkling suspended from its dome, with a glass walkway for closeup views and selfies, a sound and light show, and a dazzling fireworks display at the top - November 14 - December 31

By December, you can see festive lights, decorations, and Christmas trees in all the city's key shopping districts. 

Find the best places to see Christmas lights in Paris

Go on a Paris Christmas Lights Tour

Find out more about holiday window displays in Paris department stores

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Christmas at Disneyland Paris in December

Enchanted Christmas celebrations start at Disneyland Paris in early November and continue into January with plenty of entertainment and holiday spirit for everyone.

You'll find a spectacular giant tree, entertaining shows, festive Christmas parades, and sparkling holiday decorations everywhere, plus special events such as the nightly "magical" Christmas tree lighting.  

Each year brings new holiday features, lights, and shows at both Disney Parks, an immersive nighttime extravaganza, and singing carols with Santa, Mickey, and Minnie for a magical experience you won't forget.  You can even expect snowflakes to fall a few times each day!

When: November 8 - January 5, 2026 - to be confirmed

Disneyland Paris and Transportation

Take the RER A to the Marne-la-Valée station across a small plaza from Disneyland Paris, and buy your tickets at the gate - or check out these options to make your trip faster and easier:

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Seasonal Ice Skating Rinks in Paris

Ice skating rinks (les patinoires, in French) pop up in several iconic Paris locations just in time for the Christmas and New Year holidays. 

This year, you can participate in this fun holiday activity at six Paris rinks, including one that's the biggest temporary indoor ice skating rink in the world:

• Grand Palais Ice Rink (3 Avenue General Eisenhower, 8th arr; metro: Champs-Elysees Clemenceau) -  Dates:  December 12 - January 7, 2026 - The Grand Palais des Glaces ("Great Hall of Ice"), the Grand Palais's seasonal ice skating rink is reportedly the largest indoor pop-up ice rink in the world, with a huge silver disco ball, onsite cafe offering casual French cuisine, and a separate children's area.  During the evening hours (8pm-2am), the skating rink becomes even more festive with light shows, mirror balls, and a DJ. 
  Find out more
• Tuileries Garden Christmas Market Ice Skating Rink (1st arr; metro: Line 1: Tuileries; check our December Events guide for opening dates)
  Despite its relatively small size, the Tuileries Marche de Noel ice skating rink packs in a lot of fun and gives you a wonderful opportunity spend some quality time on the ice while enjoying all the other festivities, food, and entertainment at this huge holiday market across from the Louvre Museum. And as a bonus, like most other activities at this Christmas market/amusement park, your ice time and rental skates will cost you just a few euros. 
  More about the Tuileries Christmas Market and ice rink
• La Defense Ice Rink at the Grande Arche -  The biggest news about the La Defense Christmas Market for this year is that its large ice skating rink returns at the foot of the Grande Arche from November 20 through January 4, 2026 - reason enough to hop on the Metro's Line 1 and make the quick ride (usually less than 10 minutes from the Etoile/Charles de Gaulle station at Arc de Triomph) out to La Defense, Paris's glitzy business district.
• Parc Andre Citroen Outdoor Ice Skating Rink - With natural ice, this skating rink in the 15th arrondissement will be the largest outdoor rink in Paris (although the one just outside the city at La Defense is slightly larger), and will be open from December 13 - March 1, 2026.  Look for it near the weather balloon.  Rates are reasonable (€11 adults, €8 for children under 8, and free for children under 3), and include skate rental.  You must wear gloves, so either bring a pair or you can buy them onsite for €3.  Getting tickets in advance is highly recommended.  You can reserve tickets, check hours, and closest metros on the event website.

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New Year's Eve Celebration & Show on Champs Elysées

Paris starts its gala New Year's Eve celebration at the Arc de Triomphe on Champs Elysees at 7pm on December 31 with live music by singer Slimane, DJ sets by three female artists, and entertainment including a giant karaoke, aerial performances, and (from 11:40 to 11:59) video projections on the Arc.

At midnight appoaches, a 10-minute laser show lights up the sky to welcome the New Year.

If you're planning to attend for the first time, please be aware that as many as one million people pack into the famous avenue for this gigantic street party.  It is lots of fun and truly spectacular but if you're at all claustrophobic, you may want to celebrate elsewhere. 

Security will be tight, with intersecting streets blocked off.  All metro stations in the immediate area will be closed, but the metro and RER will be running in other locations so public transportation will be possible if you don't mind a bit of a walk.

Other Fun Things to Do in Paris on New Year's Eve

• Visit Spectacular Loire Valley Castles & Chateaux - This popular day trip from Paris lets you visit 3 of the Loire Valley's most beautiful chateaux:  Chambord, Cenonceau, and Cheverny - Book Now
• Electric Bike Tour of Paris's Hidden Gems - See special lesser-known places known mostly to Paris locals while hearing fascinating stories about them from your expert guide - Book Now

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Hanukkah Celebrations & Menorah Lightings in Paris 2025

Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, begins at sundown on December 14 this year, and lasts for eight days until sundown on December 22. 

All over the City of Light, giant menorahs in public spaces (as well as normal size menorahs in private homes) will be lit in honor of the occasion, starting with just one candle on the first night plus one additional candle on each following night until all are glowing.

This year, Paris begins its public menorah lighting ceremony for Hanukkah at the Place de la Republique at 7:30pm (to be confirmed - in fact, the location usually changes every year so look for updates closer to the event). 

Find locations for the menorah lighting ceremony each night, plus more ways to celebrate Hanukkah in Paris

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Things to Do in Paris in December

Visiting Paris in December?  Here's a mix of fun indoor and outdoor activities to enjoy this month:

• Paris Christmas Lights Bus Tour - See all the fantastic holiday lights around the city from the top of a double-decker sightseeing bus. Dress warmly, and get ready for a fun city tour where you'll see the best holiday light displays in the city.  Book now
• Moulin Rouge Cabaret Show with Champagne - Enjoy Champagne and fantastic performance of the Féerie show at the legendary Moulin Rouge for a quintessential Paris night on the town!  Book now
• Christmas Lunch or Dinner Cruises - Enjoy a special Christmas lunch or dinner cooked on board with Champagne and magical views of illuminated monuments and landmarks along the Seine River as you cruise by in a comfy glass-covered boat.  These holiday cruises always sell out - so book early to avoid disappointment!  Book now
• Paris Wine & Cheese Lunch - Love wine and cheese?  In this small group experience in a beautiful tasting wine bar in a 17th century "hotel particulier" (private mansion) near the Louvre, you'll try 5 wines from different French regions and savor them with perfectly paired French cheese and charcuterie as you learn about their unique flavors and origins.  Book now
• Pinault Collection at Bourse de Commerce - Enjoy free admission and an evening stroll through the Pinault Collection featuring contemporary art, much of it from the private collection of its billionaire founder, François Pinault, from 5pm - 9pm on Saturday, December 7 (and on the first Saturday evening each month).  Lines to get in are always long, so arrive early.

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Paris Exhibits - Shows to See during December 2025

• Picasso Museum: Revoir Picasso -  A look at Picasso's most emblematic works
  Dates:  through March 12, 2027
  Tickets:  Book your Picasso Museum ticket or enter free of charge with a Paris Museum Pass.  For a VIP experience, book a private small-group tour.
  Location: 5 Rue de Thorigny, Paris 3;  Metro: Saint-Paul or Filles du Calvaire
• Musee d'Orsay: Sargent: The Paris Years - With over 90 major works, this exhibition brings together some of this famous American painter's most seminal works.
  Dates:  September 23 - January 11, 2026
  Book a reserved access ticket for skip-the-line access, or use your Paris Museum Pass for free entry
  Location: 1 Rue de la Légion d'Honneur, Paris 7;  Metro: Pont de l'Alma; Invalides
• Maison Européenne de la Photographie: Shows include Edward Weston: Becoming Modern, Tyler Mitchell: Wish This Was Real, and recent works by Felipe Beltran and Sarah Van
  Dates:  October 15 - January 25, 2026
  Tickets:  14€ adults - sometimes a short line, but usually moves fast; you can also book online for an extra euro; museum website; closed on Mondays
  Location: 5 Rue de Fourcy, Paris 4;  Metro:  Saint Paul

More about what to see at the Orsay Museum

More about what to see at Fondation Louis Vuitton

Find more Paris museum exhibitions for December & future months

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Paris Museum and Attractions Passes

Get free admission and skip-the-line access to 60+ museums in and near Paris when you have a Paris Museum Pass for 2, 4, or 6 days.  More info

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More Top Paris Things to Do & See in December

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Festival of Lights at Paris's Jardin des Plantes

The annual winter Festival of Lights returns to the Jardin des Plantes (Botanical Garden) in Paris's 5th arrondissement, with giant illuminated statues of animals creating a magical experience during the evening. 

The topic this year is the Jurrasic Age.   You'll encounter monumental brilliantly lighted prehistoric creatures from land and sea as you stroll through the immersive exhibits while holiday lights sparkle around you.

Although the exhibition attracts almost 400,000 visitors each year, the garden never feels crowded.

You can see the creatures unilluminated during daytime hours without a ticket (in other words, for free), but the ticketed event which begins after dark is even more spectacular.

Dates:  November 20 - January 19, except for Dec. 24 & 31, 6pm - 9:30pm, with last entry at 8:30pm, and until 11pm (last entry at 10) on Friday, Saturday, & school holidays

Location:  Jardin des Plantes, 57 Rue Cuvier, 5th arr
Tickets for evening strolls: 16€-18€, with reduced prices for children and families; tickets must be bought online (and get yours early, as they will sell out on many nights, especially during the holidays)

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Open Studios: Pere Lachaise Neighborhoods

Numerous artists live and work in the leafy 20th arrondissement neighborhoods around Pere Lachaise Cemetery, Menilmontant, and Belleville.  This year, the emerging and established painters, sculptors, photographers, and print-makers in these areas are banding together to hold Open Studios on four weekends throughout the year (March 25, June 3 in conjunction with Nuit Blanche), September 30, and November 30 - December 1). 

Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to browse original art, chat with the artists, and perhaps purchase a favorite piece!  Visiting the Open Studios also gives you also a great opportunity to explore these lesser-known authentic Parisian neighborhoods as well as nearby Pere Lachaise cemetery. 

Admission:  Free
More information:  Artists of the APLA website  (APLA = painting, sculpture, engraving, photography, and mixed media)

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More Outdoor Exhibitions & Strolls during December

Over 100 dinosaurs and 2,000 glowing lanterns will light up Jardin d'Acclimatation (next to Fondation Louis Vuitton) as this year's Lanterns Festival transforms this popular garden and amusement park into an evening fantasy land filled with giant illuminations. 

You'll see 40 species of tyrannosaurs, velociraptors, allosaurus, triceratops, and more.  This family-friendly event takes place from November 29 through March 2 from 6pm-9:30pm on Wednesdays through Sundays, excluding regular holidays, plus additional days on school holidays.  Find more information and a link to get the special tickets (not the regular entrance tickets) here.

Of course, you can also visit Jardin d'Acclimatation (check out ticket options here) during the day as you stroll along the trails in this popular children's amusement park on the edge of Bois de Boulogne in Paris's 16 arrondissement, and explore the exquisite Korean Garden, Norman "hamlet" complete with farm animals, aviary, beautiful peacocks roaming the grounds, and wooded slopes.  

Admission is 7€ at the gate (5-minute walk from Les Sablons Metro station) - or you can get free entrance to the park (but not the Lantern Festival) when you have a ticket to Fondation Louis Vuitton, where you can see the Pop Forever Tom Wesselmann & ... show on Pop Art  from October 17 - February 14.

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Festival d'Automne (Autumn Festival) Paris 2025

The Paris Autumn Festival (which extends until the end of January) showcases the latest creations and artists (international as well as French) in contemporary dance, theater, music, cinema, and visual arts at a variety of venues around Paris, including Galeries Lafayette in the 9th, the Grand Hall at Parc de la Villette in the 19th arrondissement, the Pinault Collection at Bourse de Commerce and Louvre in the 1st, and Pompidou Center in the 4th, just to name a few.

This is a hugely popular festival, with over 50 events (many of which extend over several or more days) at over 70 venues in and near Paris.

Most events are ticketed, and many sell out quickly, so don't wait to book, which you can do through the event's website.  (Tip:  To see both the venues and the schedule, click the "Venues" tab on the nav bar.)

Dates:  Early September 2025 through January 2026

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Need to Book a Paris Hotel or Apartment for Your December Visit?

Planning a trip to Paris during the holiday season?  Use this hotel map to find hotels and apartments near your favorite events and Paris attractions: 

Booking.com

Check out the newest Paris hotels

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