Christmas 2025 and New Year's Eve in Paris 2026 – Free and Paid Attractions

Paris during Christmas or New Year's Eve? Are you crazy to send me there during this cold and rainy period???

If I had a euro for every time I heard that sentence, I could buy myself a nice apartment inMarais District And to deal exclusively with French culture…

The truth is, if you don't mind a bit of cold and potential rain, this is the most magical time to visit the City of Lights. It's a combination of markets, festively decorated streets, and lots of joy on the streets. Add to that the fact that the sun sets early (around 17pm), and you get the monuments of Paris Illuminated with special lighting that makes them even more magical and beautiful than they are in daylight.

If you've gathered your courage and packed a coat and thermal clothing just in case, you're in for one of the most fun trips you've ever had. And to maximize your enjoyment, I've decided to present you with this guide, which contains quite a few ideas about what to do during Christmas 2025 and New Year's Eve (2026) in Paris.

I tried to give you ideas at a variety of prices – from free things to spectacular shows that include dinner and cost hundreds of euros per person.

Beyond all this, you are of course welcome to take a look atMy Attractions Page, which is relevant for the whole year, andExhibitions page I update it once a month, give or take.

So good luck with your planning and may you have a happy, fun, and unforgettable trip.

Christmas in Paris 2025 – Free Attractions

Paris Christmas Markets

The Christmas markets are one of the main attractions of Paris, starting from November, when the first markets open, until January, when the last markets close. These markets are also relevant for those who arrive in Paris shortly after Christmas and stay until New Year's Eve.

Those who come specifically to visit these markets are better off arriving before December 25th, in order to enjoy the smaller, slightly lesser-known markets, which open for a limited time a week or two before Christmas.

Which markets are recommended to see and which ones can you skip? What are the opening hours of each of the Paris Christmas markets? Fortunately, Gal Steiner has created a detailed article for you that deals with the subject and contains all this important information (including information on where to find the most beautiful shop windows and the most stunning street decorations).

Christmas mass

Yair Garbuz He once wrote in his book “Paris Tel Aviv-Tel Aviv Paris” about being asked by a friend if he didn’t mind going intoChurches in ParisTo this, Yair replied, “Don’t worry, I promise that under no circumstances will I exchange disbelief in one God for disbelief in another.”

If you don't mind (passively) attending Mass, on Christmas Eve there is a fascinating musical and theatrical performance in each of the churches in Paris. I recommend the Mass inChurch of Saint Eustache, which is also my favorite church thanks to its wonderful acoustics.

Information about all the masses that will be held in Paris on Christmas 2024.

If you are still undecided about which church you should attend Christmas Mass in, let me recommend that you read my article “10 must-see churches in Paris“, which you will find below. I am sure that no matter which church you choose – you will enjoy it 🙂

Watching Paris illuminated

It's true that Paris is lit up at night the rest of the year, but during Christmas the days are very short and there's no need to wait until late evening to see the lights. Add to that the fact that the streets are also filled with special Christmas lights, and you get a romantic celebration of light and darkness.

In my opinion, almost every street in Paris needs to be seen twice – once in daylight and once at night, in order to truly experience it, but if you were to ask me to choose one or two places that you must see at night, then I would recommend that you walk around the The Louvre And from there go out to the Pont des Arts. True, some of you will be disappointed because, thank God, there are no more locks there. However, in front of you will stand the Academy building, illuminated by precious lights, and this, ladies and gentlemen, is one of the most beautiful sights of Paris.

If you are already standing on the bridge, you are welcome to look east and see the illuminated Fontainebleau, or west – to see the Eiffel Tower twinkling in the darkness. At that moment, even if it is a little cold and a little rainy, you will thank me for taking my advice and coming to Paris during the Christmas season.

Christmas in Paris 2025 – Paid Attractions and Shows

For the benefit of those looking for special activities and lavish events that take place before Christmas, and are willing to pay for them accordingly, I have collected a number of interesting suggestions.

Guided Tour: Christmas Food

A guided tour of the streets of Paris, with lots of delicious and festive food for Christmas. During the tour you will also be able to see the city's illuminated shop windows, have a glass of wine or hot chocolate, and learn about the different traditions in Paris. The guide is a local and will give you recommendations on where to eat, drink, and celebrate Christmas in Paris.

There are several types of tours of this type, some on foot and some by car, so it is recommended to click the button below and choose what suits you best.

Bus tour following the Christmas decorations

An open-top bus tour that travels through the streets of Paris among some of its greatest monuments (Place Vendome, Opera Garnier, etc.) and allows you to experience the special lighting and Christmas decorations, while listening to the driver's explanation. There is also free Wi-Fi on the bus, so you can upload stories live.

This is a perfect option for people with limited mobility or those who have arrived for a short time (for example, those making a connection in Paris) and want to experience as much of pre-Christmas Paris as possible in as little time as possible.

Festive show at CRAZY HORSE

The Crazy Horse Club is one of the most famous nightclubs in Paris. While the Moulin Rouge and the Lido are considered touristy, the Crazy Horse is also frequented by ordinary French people.

During Christmas, the club offers a special festive show with caviar and vodka (or half a bottle of champagne). You can get an idea of ​​what to expect by watching the short video of one of their parties from previous years. It is recommended to hurry and book, as this is a very popular show and tickets are selling out quickly.

Festive cruise on the Seine

A cruise on the Seine is undoubtedly one of the most romantic and fun ways to see Paris – even at Christmas. There is no better time to see Paris than in the evening, when all the monuments are illuminated with special lighting, the Eiffel Tower sparkles and Paris is illuminated by the light of fireworks.

If you would like to do this while eating a dinner or lunch specially prepared for this event, you are welcome to click the button below and reserve a seat.

A bike tour in Paris for Christmas

For the active among you, we recommend trying a bike tour in Paris. It's a three-hour tour that allows you to pedal at your leisure, see all the Christmas attractions in Paris, and take lots of pictures.

During the tour, you will hear fascinating stories about the history of Paris and life in the city.

Christmas at the MOULIN ROUGE Club

There is no doubt that when talking about cabaretThe first name that comes to mind is the Moulin Rouge. This cabaret, which opened in 1889 (the same year the Eiffel Tower opened to visitors), has been providing spectacular shows of dance and singing ever since. It ranks high on the list of things to do at least once in your life.

During Christmas, the Moulin Rouge offers a special dinner that also includes a Christmas dessert. After dinner, you will get to see the Feerie show, which includes 15 minutes of the famous can-can dance.

The Artishow Cabaret

A drag-style cabaret, near the Place de la Nation, for those who want a cheerful and colorful Christmas. Santa Claus dressed in women's clothes, and a host of other entertaining surprises. The show also includes a meal.

Looking for more activities for Christmas?

These were the most interesting options, in my opinion, and those are the ones I chose to present in this article.

However, these are not the only options, and there are other similar activities that take place during this period (additional shows, additional companies that cruise on the Seine, etc.).

To discover all the activities that will take place in the days leading up to Christmas, all you have to do is click the button below.

New Year's Eve in Paris 2026 – Free Options

If you wanted to celebrate New Year's Eve in Paris without spending a euro, then here are some places you should be during the celebrations:

Champs-Elysées apartments

We will start, of course, from the place where the main celebrations will be held: theChamps Elysees And to be precise, then an area Arc de Triomphe.

Christmas events on the Champs-Élysées in Paris include a spectacular display of unique holiday lights that illuminate the entire avenue. The famous street is filled with holiday atmosphere with decorated Christmas trees, small stalls selling festive food and gift items, and live street performers. The place hosts festive performances, such as carol concerts, and family activities such as ice skating.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9eVQKXcqBHM&pp=ygUZQ2hhbXBzLUVseXPDqWVzIGNocmlzdG1hcw%3D%3D

Celebrations at the foot of the Eiffel Tower on the Champs de Mars

The second best place to be in Paris on New Year's Eve is the Eiffel Tower area.

Plan to grab a good spot somewhere on the Champs de Mars between the École Militaire and the Eiffel Tower itself, so you can enjoy a spectacular fireworks display and festive atmosphere (just watch your wallets, because there's definitely a good chance that thieves will be celebrating with you).

Street party at Sacre Coeur Square

If you are looking for a much less crowded place than the Eiffel Tower square or the Champs-Elysees to celebrate the New Year in Paris, we recommend going to the square of the Sacré-Cer church.

Here you can enjoy not only an amazing panorama of Paris and see the fireworks from afar, but also a free street party.

What's open during Christmas 2025 in Paris?

As you've already seen, there are plenty of attractions in the city during Christmas, but it's always a good idea to check what's open and what's closed on Christmas Day. If you're planning to visit the city on December 25th, Christmas Day, here's a list to help you figure out what's open:

• Eiffel Tower And a tower Montparnasse Will be open.
• The big rainbow inLa Défense And the Statue Square – a great place for observation.
• A cruise on the Seine.
• Museum of the Arab World.
• Disneyland Paris – Open and sparkling as ever.
• Museums open on Christmas: Wax Museum, Natural History Museum in the Botanical Garden in the 5th arrondissement, Museum of Jewish History and Art in the Marais, Montmartre Museum, Museum of Illusion, Atelier of Lights (highly recommended), Museum at the Stock Exchange, Jacquemart-André Museum My particular favorite, and the Mayol Museum.
• The Paris Aquarium near the Eiffel Tower is also open.
• The Botanical Garden inFifth District.
• The Zoological Park in the Forest of Vincennes.

What's open on January 1, 2026 in Paris?

The day after New Year's Eve celebrations is a bit reminiscent of Christmas in terms of open and closed places in Paris.

• trade (Small stores, chain stores, malls, department stores): Everything is closed.
• supermarkets: Most are closed, some will be open for a few hours; small grocery stores – some open, some closed.
• Restaurants and cafes: Most are closed, but you can find open places here and there.
• Public Transport: Metro, buses and trains as usual, although less frequently – like on weekends.

Monuments and attractions open on January 1 in Paris:

• Eiffel Tower
• tower Montparnasse
• The Great Rainbow ObservationLa Défense
• Orsay Museum
• The Orangery Museum
• a museum Montmartre
• Center Pompidou
• Atelier of Lights – Video Art in the 11th Arrondissement
• Dali Gallery in Montmartre
• Stock Exchange Museum – Pinault Collection
• Jacquemart Museum – Andre
• Luxembourg Museum
• Mayol Museum
• The wax museum
• The concierge
• The two aquariums in the city
• Zoo and Museum at the Botanical Garden in the 5th Arrondissement
• Zoo and Natural History Museum in Vansan Park
• Arab World Institute
• Museum of Optical Illusions

Outside Paris: Chantilly Castle

New Year's Eve in Paris 2026 – Recommendations for Paid Attractions and Events

Dance party on the Seine

A party on a restaurant ship on the Seine, for those who want to celebrate the start of the year in a not-too-crowded atmosphere. There's a cruise, a meal, and a DJ, and after you return to the dock, the dance party continues until the wee hours of the night.

New Year's Eve Celebration at the DUPLEX Club

The Duplex Club is one of the most luxurious discos and is located, as befits such discos, very close to the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs Elysees on Avenue Foche.

On New Year's Eve, the club will offer a meal French Including foie gras, cookies Saint Jacques and more (the meal will be accompanied by a strange combination of violinists and belly dancers). After the meal, the party will begin and you can dance on the club's various dance floors until you fall off your feet.

LA CREMAILLERE 1900

La Cremaillère 1900 restaurant is located on the top of Montmartre near the famous Place de la Tarter. The restaurant is famous for its Art Deco interior design and for offering live performances by singers during the meal.

On New Year's Eve, the restaurant will offer a special menu that includes a surprise dessert from the chef, a performance Cannes-Cannes and of course a dance party into the night.

ARTISHOW on New Year's Eve in Paris

Artishow is a colorful and musical drag show that takes place in the 11th arrondissement of Paris and contains quite a bit of humor alongside nostalgic music.

If you want to celebrate the New Year in a drag atmosphere, you are invited to a dinner that includes, among other things, cod fillet and seafood. At the end of the meal, after the New Year has already arrived, a particularly festive show awaits you.

Paradis Latin

A gourmet dinner by Guy Savoy, a warm-up performance, and then the main show – L'Oiseau Paradis – that will have you dancing until dawn, on an unforgettable night to start the New Year in Paris.

Festive cruise on the Seine

A festive cruise on the Seine to celebrate the New Year in Paris is a magical way to start the year in a romantic atmosphere. During the cruise, you will enjoy a view of the city’s most famous sites, such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and the Louvre Museum, illuminated in New Year’s lights. The festive atmosphere usually includes a gourmet meal, live music and, of course, champagne. This is a unique experience that allows you to enjoy Paris at its best, in a luxurious and quiet atmosphere on the water, away from the hustle and bustle of the streets.

New Year's Eve show at the MOULIN ROUGE club

There’s no doubt that when you think of cabaret, the first name that comes to mind is the Moulin Rouge. This cabaret, which opened in 1889, has been providing spectacular shows of dance and singing ever since. There’s no doubt that the place is high on the list of things to do at least once in your life.

During the New Year's Eve celebrations at the Moulin Rouge, enjoy the "Féerie" show, and at the end you can enjoy a dance party accompanied by a DJ until dawn.

Looking for more activities on New Year's Eve?

These were the most interesting options, in my opinion, for celebrating the New Year in Paris, and I chose to present them in this article.

However, these are not the only options, and there are other similar activities that take place during this period (additional shows, additional companies that cruise on the Seine, etc.).

To discover all the activities that will take place during New Year's Eve, all you have to do is click the button below.