- November 18, 2024
- All things Paris
- Aoife Murphy, Grace Gordon & Christophe Durastanti
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Blog last updated on 8 December 2025.
Translated by Angela Spidahl
12 Merry Ideas for the 12 Days of Christmas in Paris!
We all know that Christmas can be a hectic time of year: that’s why we have compiled you a list of the 12 best Christmas activities in Paris to get you in the festive mood without the stress of researching. Whether you’re here with family or friends, there’s a little something for everyone : come and watch the City of Lights sparkle even brighter with a Christmas glow and get stuck in to the best Christmas activities for 2025!
1. Christmas Excitement at Printemps Haussmann
So many gifts to buy, so little time… why not turn your gift shopping into a truly magical day out at Printemps Haussmann, the iconic department store known for their festive displays and incredible shops. This year, the windows have been reimagined under the theme “Christmas in New York”. Think miniature Manhattan streets, New-York-style holiday scenes, and a merry band of animated characters guiding you through a transatlantic winter. That’s not all: Theatre in Paris offers an exclusive guided tour experience of the Printemps Haussmann, pulling back the curtain to reveal the intriguing backstory behind this world-renowned venue.
Practical Information:
Address: 64 Boulevard Haussmann, 75009 Paris
Holiday Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday: 9:35 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Sunday: 11:00 a.m. — 7:00 p.m. (Closed Christmas Day)
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2. A Festive Christmas Concert in a Parisian Church
What could feel more festive and Christmassy than a traditional Christmas concert in the warm glow of a Parisian church? This year, discover the true spirit of Christmas with a Christmas concert at La Madeleine Church, a gorgeous neoclassical landmark in the heart of Paris. On Thursday, 18 December 2025 and Monday, 5 January 2026, La Madeleine will house the Royal Ensemble of Paris and three outstanding soloists, who will perform exquisite works by Bach, Handel, Vivaldi, and Mozart, alongside beloved seasonal classics.
A similar experience is also available throughout December in the slightly more intimate but equally as splendid Saint-Éphrem Church, where the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique de Paris will play the most beloved scores by Beethoven, Bach, Chopin, Liszt, or Rachmaninoff, amongst the magic of the candlelight.
Experience the enchantment of classical works and seasonal favourites, reverberating against the stone walls of a gorgeous church for a truly unique Christmas activity.
3. Ice Skating and Markets at Jardin de Tuileries
Dust off your skates… it’s time for festive fun at the Jardin de Tuileries ice rink! Whether you’re Bambi on ice or a seasoned professional, this light-hearted activity is the perfect way to let off steam after a day of discovering the city. La Magie de Noël is the famous market at the heart of the Jardin de Tuileries. The market promises a cluster of delightful boutiques, some extraordinary food and drinks, and, best of all, a gorgeous ice rink! Pirouette into Christmas in style!
Practical Information:
Address: Jardin des Tuileries, 75001 Paris 1
Dates: 16th November –1st January
Holiday Opening Hours: Open every day from 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. (Early closing at 7:30 p.m. on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve)
4. Santa Baby… Take Me to the Cabaret
If you’re after festive fun that’s slightly cheekier (and we mean that literally) check out Crazy Horse Paris. A show beloved by international celebrities and Parisian glitterati alike, Crazy Horse has certainly earned its legendary status… 90 minutes of bold, artistic dance, which can be paired with dinner at the chic restaurant Ginger, which offers elegant fusion cuisine. With shows playing all month except Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve, celebrate the season the crazy way!
If you’re in the market for a quintessential cabaret experience, the Paradis Latin Christmas programme is truly a sight to behold. This year they are offering an exclusive Christmas Dinner Premium package, letting you sit in the lap of luxury for a night while the dazzling performers blow you away with their talent.
5. A Gallic Christmas at Parc Astérix
If you’re on the hunt for some festive family fun, why not check out Noël Gaulois at Park Astérix, the ultimate kid-friendly Christmas day out! With a whole host of festive attractions, including Santa’s enchanting gardens and the new ride ‘La Glissade d’Obélix’, there is truly something for everyone.
Practical Information:
Address: Parc Astérix, 60128 Plailly
Dates: 21st December – 5th January
Holiday Opening Hours: 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Ticket Prices: From €54 per person
6. A Merry Molière Christmas: Classic Plays at Théâtre Le Ranelagh
Christmas is the time for treating yourself and those you love: why not take a trip to the theatre to see a classic French show! Théâtre Le Ranelagh is offering an exclusive series of classic plays, playing through December and early January.
For that extra dose of culture, why not book to see one of these incredible pieces, such as Molière’s famous The Miser, the farcical The Doctor in Spite of Himself, or the classic Cyrano de Bergerac!
No French? No problem! all of the shows offer English surtitles to help you unlock French theatre without struggling to understand. Check out our website for all the details. Timeless, accessible, entertaining: everything a festive trip to the theatre should be!
7. Christmas Riverboat Experience
I saw three ships come sailing in… with a bounty of Christmas goodies and remarkable experiences! If you want to have a truly Parisian Christmas dinner, check out the exclusive Seine River Jazz Dinner Concerts at Son de la Terre, which promises a gourmet menu and jazz music as you float on the Seine!
Le Son de la Terre is a chic river boat moored at the foot of Notre-Dame. An incredible and truly unique venue, the riverboat organises jazz and world music concerts throughout the year, inviting renowned musicians and rising stars of the scene. The warm, intimate atmosphere of the river boat creates an immersive experience that allows audiences to listen to exceptional concerts with a breathtaking view of Notre-Dame de Paris.
During the concert, enjoy the river boat's restaurant, which serves seasonal bistro cuisine with a world flavour along with a glass of champagne - all of which are included with your concert ticket! This unforgettable opportunity is like a shining star on top of a Christmas tree… go and see for yourselves!
8. Paris Bus Tour: Christmas Lights in Paris
Throughout December, Tootbus is offering 90-minute panoramic night tours aboard an open-top double-decker bus, fully powered by electricity or bio-gas. A truly Christmassy spectacle, see by night the magnificent Opéra Garnier, the lively Champs‑Élysées, the majestic Arc de Triomphe, the mysterious Louvre, The legendary Eiffel Tower and the awe-inspiring Notre-Dame Cathedral, all adorned with thousands of twinkling lights.
Don’t miss this entirely eco-friendly way to marvel at the city of lights in all its festive glory!
9. A Tour of Christmas Cuisine
Looking to try some of the best food in Paris, but not sure where to start? La Route des Gourmets is here to help! Offering exclusive tours of the best cafés and restaurants in Paris, this guided tour, available throughout December, will get your Christmas taste buds tingling! Choose from a variety of locations, or specific restaurant types such as the pâtisseries or chocolateries, and tuck into some incredible dishes while learning more about the city! A festive opportunity to sink your teeth into…
Practical Information:
Dates: Throughout December and January
Price: From €134, but prices vary depending on experience
Click here for more info
10. Christmas Market at the Parc de la Villette
If you’re looking for another classically Parisian way to enjoy the festive season, you must pay a visit to the Christmas Market at the Parc de la Villette. Full of wooden chalets, artisanal gifts, festive gourmet treats, and of course twinkly lights, this market provides a cosy and wintry experience to enjoy this season!
Practical Information:
Dates: Throughout December
Price: Free entry; prices vary by vendor
Click here for more info
11. A Starry Night at Palais Garnier
Seeing an opera in Paris is truly a rite of passage: is there any better time of the year to lose yourself in the magic of music than Christmastime? Opera de Paris is on hand to give you lavish performances, a perfect advent gift for lovers of opera, music and ballet!
Here are a few of our favourites for the season:
Contrasts, a ballet where four choreographers explore the richness of contemporary dance.
The Marriage of Figaro, an absolute classic opera with a humorous light and humorous plot with English and French surtitles.
Opera Garnier Concert Series where the talented musicians of the Orchestre de l'Opéra National de Paris do justice to the works of Dvořák, Poulenc, Mozart, Shostakovich.
12. Tis the season… for a musical!
If you’re more into show tunes than classical gems, perhaps you’d prefer to be swept away by an incredible musical this holiday season!
For a world-renowned marvel of puppeteering, classic tunes, and spectacular scenery, don’t miss The Lion King at the Théâtre Mogador playing with English surtitles.
For catchy tunes, vibrant colours and a zest for life, watch The Young Girls of Rochefort at the Theatre du Lido.
Last but not least, if you’re after a true Parisian classic 100% in French, try Notre Dame de Paris.
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A Gift They’ll Never Forget!
Everyone has that loved one who is impossible to buy presents for, so why not give them a day to remember instead? With our gift card, they can choose to see one of our amazing shows, concerts, cabarets and more! And you can be safe in the knowledge that you’ve given them the best present of all — an extra-special memory to last a lifetime.
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