A very Parisian New Year's Eve

So you’ve found yourself in Paris for New Year’s Eve. Not a bad place to be, but you may find yourself a bit stuck as to how to celebrate. Worry not as Theatre in Paris has got your back, with this list of the best shows, food and celebrations to welcome in the New Year with style...

Where to see a show in Paris

Chicago: Théâtre Mogador

A Broadway classic playing at an iconic Parisian venue. The musical Chicago encapsulates the atmosphere of prohibition era America while undoubtedly owing much to Parisian cabaret. Showing at Théâtre Mogador, a venue known for its brilliant Broadway-style productions, both the musical and the setting are sure to impress. We’ve all seen a New Year’s Eve firework display, but a night at the theatre can be an equally exciting, so don’t give this a miss, and remember that tickets will be selling out fast!

Chicago The Musical is performed in French with English subtitles. Grab your tickets here.

Cyrano de Bergerac: Théâtre Ranelagh

While in Paris why not take in some French culture? If you head over to the Théâtre Ranelagh (a beautiful historical theatre that was formerly part of a chateau) then you can experience some classical French theatre without having to worry about the language barrier. On New Years Eve, Cyrano de Bergerac will be playing in French with English subtitles. Cyrano is a famous period comedy about a love triangle, whose main character has been played by the likes of Gérard Depardieu in an Oscar-nominated adaptation. Théâtre Ranelagh is putting on an equally impressive version of the play which even includes a violinist on-stage providing the soundtrack.

Cyrano de Bergerac is performed in French with English subtitles. Grab your tickets here.

Where to watch the fireworks in Paris

Champ de Mars

It may be cliché, but what better place to be when the clocks chime midnight than right underneath the Eiffel tower? Every year plenty of Parisians and internationals gather on the Champ de Mars, the promenade leading up to this iconic monument. The atmosphere is sure to be festive, and if you don’t mind a crowd then this is a wonderful opportunity to countdown the New Year alongside hundreds of others.

Copyright AP Photo/Christophe Ena

Arc de Triomphe light show

If you’re looking for the biggest firework show in the city then you’ll have to head to the Champs-Élysées, where you can watch the display which is set off all around the Arc de Triomphe. On top of fireworks, each year there is a light display with images and animations projected onto the Arc. Just be aware that it is likely to be extremely crowded!

Copyright Bruno Morandi

Sacré-Coeur Street Party

Another great idea is to see in the New Year with one of the best views of Paris. The Sacré-Coeur is another gathering place for the French on the 31st of December, where you can watch over the city beneath the facade of this emblematic Parisian church. While there is no official show or firework display, you are perfectly placed (on top of the tallest hill in Paris) to catch fireworks set off by people across the city. Bring a bottle of wine and some snacks to complete the evening.

Where to eat for New Year's Eve in Paris

Bouillon Chartier

While French haute cuisine can be pretentious, inaccessible and expensive for most, there are still ways to taste good, inexpensive French food in Paris, even on New Year’s Eve. Spacious restaurants known as ‘bouillons’ (referring to a broth they often serve) started appearing in Paris in the late 19th century, with the intention of serving high quality food at affordable prices. Bouillon Chartier still continues to do so today, with main courses of around €10 and starters and desserts for even less. They will be serving their regular menu on December 31st alongside a slightly more expensive special menu, still at an extremely reasonable price.

New Year's Eve Seine Dinner Cruise

Food, dancing, views of Paris, all of this is on offer in a variety of cruises along the river Seine for New Years Eve. A wonderful opportunity to take in some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, while enjoying a meal, this is a great way to celebrate the end of 2018. Types of cruises vary, with some offering three course meals or snacks, and many including a dancefloor and DJ. Find out more here.

Where to go out for New Year's Eve in Paris

Should you wish to continue bringing in the new year until the small hours of the morning, there are a selection of clubs and venues in Paris hosting special nights for New Year’s Eve. Most have formulated ticket packages that include entry and a selection of included beverages starting at around 50€ per person. These special events tend to fill up quickly, so make sure you reserve your New Year’s party in paris well in advance! Here’s a list of venues hosting special events in Paris this year to get you started, and you can explore more here:

• Bus Palladium, 75009 - 80s party special event
• Globo, 75010 - 80s/90s party special event
• New Morning, 75010
• Wanderlust, 75013 - Groove / R&B special event
• Palais de Tokyo, 75016
• Faust, 75007
• Trocadero Aquarium, 75016

Whatever New Year’s activity in Paris you choose, we here at Theatre in Paris wish you and your family all the best for the year to come, Happy New Year!