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 2024!

1. Christmas Shopping 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, their long-awaited window display will be themed around the Printemps Express, an enchanting Christmas train ride to the North Pole with elaborate moving paper decorations. 2024 marks the centenary of moving window displays at Printemps Haussmann: feel the history in this fairytale experience! 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. All aboard the Printemps Express! Next stop: an unforgettable Christmas.

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)

2. O Holy Night: a festive Church Christmas Concert

Nothing beats a traditional Christmas concert in the warm glow of a Parisian church… luckily for you, Theatre in Paris offers a bounty of beautiful concerts to make your festive season even more special. Euromusic Productions have prepared a truly magical programme for churches all over the city: Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Saint-Louis-en-l’Île, Sainte-Chapelle, Saint-Symphorien, Saint-Sévérin, Saint-Sulpice and La Madeleine just to name a few! With exclusive performances from talents such as David Braccini and Joachim Bresson, these stunning performances cover the repertoires of Bach, Handel, Strauss and Vivaldi, as well as all your favourite classical Christmas tunes.

If this wasn’t enough, Sainte-Chapelle offers exclusive Premium Options such as a glass of champagne at Brasserie de deux Palais or Wine and Tapas at La Chope des Compagnons.

If you truly want to embrace the City of Lights, head on down to Saint-Ephrem to experience the splendour of their Candlelight Concert Series, promising an evening of delicate piano or soaring strings in the glow of flickering candlelight. It doesn’t get more heavenly than this.

3. Walking in a Winter Wonderland: 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!

Are you fed up with Silent Nights and looking for something with a little more razzle-dazzle this Christmas? Perhaps it’s time for a festive cabaret show at one of Paris’ hottest venues!

You might remember Crazy Horse Cabaret from Emily in Paris as the location where Mindy gave her outrageous performance of “Oops I did it again!” Follow in Emily’s footsteps and get on down to the Crazy Horse, with shows playing all month except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. If that wasn’t crazy enough for you, why not upgrade your ticket with our exclusive Premium Options, including drinks packages or even a Backstage VIP pass with a guided tour in English… ooh la la!

If you’re looking for something with more of an artistic touch, check out Madame Ose Bashung, an eclectic cabaret at the Théâtre du Rond-Point paying homage to the legendary Alain Bashung. This musical rollercoaster of a cabaret will leave you feeling heart warmed and festive.

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.

Le Cabaret Burlesque on the river barge La Nouvelle Seine is also offering a festive programme every Friday and Saturday of December, with the Premium Option of a gourmet 2-course dinner! Shake things up this Christmas and come to the cabaret!

• Take your pick!
• • Crazy Horse Cabaret
• • Madame Ose Bashung
• • Paradis Latin
• • Le Cabaret Burlesque

5. The biggest concert of the holiday season: Radio Classique’s Christmas Concert!

Some traditions are just too good to miss… Radio Classique’s Christmas Concert at the Théâtre Champs-Elysées is no exception! In this stunning art deco theatre, prepare to be transported into a mystical winter wonderland with all your favourite carols. This revered classical show is the perfect way to jump into the festive season, and soak up the sounds of soaring classical music. Absolute bliss.

6. A Gallic Christmas at Park 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
Click here for more info.

7. A Merry Molière Christmas: Classic Shows 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 Misanthrope, the hilarious The Mariage of Figaro or the Crazy Day, the indulgent The Picture of Dorian Gray or the hilarious Scapin the Schemer! No French? No problem! Many 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!

8. Christmas lights in the City of Lights!

The City of Lights just got brighter… get ready for a truly dazzling display of Christmas illuminations happening all over the city! First stop: L’avenue Montaigne, which turns into a sparkling winter wonderland on the 20th November. Lights dripping from the trees like snowflakes, glowing window panes… this is truly a feast for the eyes! Next stop: Champs- Elysées, with an illumination spectacular on the 24th November, often attended by glamorous celebrities like Karl Lagerfeld and Lily-Rose Depp. It must be something pretty special… Finally, head over to Le Faubourg Saint-Honoré on the 26th November for a majestic illumination, complete with a DJ set! Sparkle and shine this Christmas with a superb Parisian lights display!

Practical Information:
Addresses: Avenue Montaigne, 75008 Paris 8; Les Champs Elysées, 75008 Paris 8; Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré,75008 Paris 8
Dates: 20th, 24th and 26th November
Times: 4:00 p.m. onwards

9. Musicals Galore!

If classical music isn’t really your thing, perhaps you’d prefer to be swept away by an incredible musical in one of Paris’ luxurious theatres! Hello Dolly!, playing until January 5th, is just the ticket for an uplifting and brassy musical at the decadent, newly refurbished Lido 2 Paris. For a royally good time, don’t miss The Lion King at the Théâtre Mogador for a world-renowned marvel of puppeteering, classic tunes and spectacular scenery. For an authentic French show, head over to the Théâtre Actuel La Bruyère for La Voix d’or, a 100% French musical inspired by the true story of Charles Gentes, the singer with a golden voice. These shows are so good you’ll be singing all the way home!

• Musicals galore!
• • The Lion King
• • Hello, Dolly!
• • La Voix d’or

10. 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 Riverboat Christmas lunch, which promises a gourmet menu with options for adults and children as you sail calmly along the Seine! This unforgettable opportunity is like a shining star on top of a Christmas tree… go and see for yourselves!

Practical Information:
Address: Embarking from Pont de l’Alma, 75008 Paris
Date: 25th December
Time: 12:30 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.
Price: €115 per adult, €39 per child
Dress Code: Formal attire appreciated
Click here for more info.

11. Unforgettable Christmas Operas

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? Musée Jacquemart André is on hand to give you a lavish performance of Verdi’s Rigoletto on the 21st December, a perfect advent gift for lovers of opera! For something a little more humorous, head down to the Opéra Palais Garnier for a hilarious performance of The Rake’s Progress, a contemporary reimagining of a classic opera playing for select dates throughout the festive period. If you’re looking for some real magic, why not book yourself a ticket to La Flûte enchantée at the Royal Opera of Versailles for a whimsical story surtitled in English? With so many incredible performances on offer, give yourself a Christmas miracle and book your tickets!

• Sing your way into Christmas!
• • Verdi’s Rigoletto
• • The Rake’s Progress
• • La Flûte enchantée

12. 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.

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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