What to do in Paris this December 

Ah, December in Paris! This time of the year gets both charming and chilly, in equal measure. Crisp mornings cloaked in gentle sunlight can give way to afternoons when the sun may or may not shine. Or worse, lead to rainy days. But considering it is also holiday season, the lights and decorations all over the city of light make up for all the gloom.

There is distinct festive energy coursing through the city, making it one of the best times to visit Paris. This is especially true if you love the Christmas season, or want to get your holiday shopping done. Check HiP’s French-inspired book guide and Francophile gift guide for more.

PARIS WEATHER IN DECEMBER

From late December, Paris experiences damp and cold weather with average temperatures ranging from 3 to 8 degrees Celsius. Expect overcast skies and occasional rain. Carrying an umbrella and waterproof layers is a must. Dress warmly with coats, scarves, hats, and gloves to stay comfortable while exploring the city.

The city gets festive with holiday decorations, bustling Christmas markets, and crowded shopping areas, especially closer to Christmas. Tourist attractions might be less crowded early in the month, but as the holidays approach, expect increased visitor numbers. 

On cold or rainy days, you can always cosy up with hot chocolate in a Parisian cafe, or visit one of the elaborately decorated department stores. While the evenings can be spent attending a Christmas concert or doing some Christmas shopping. Moreover, the elaborate Christmas windows displays of Galeries Lafayette and Printemps gives the term ‘window shopping,’ a whole new spin.

Here’s all that’s happening in Paris this month, and all the best places to visit to fully enjoy the holiday lights and Christmas decorations in Paris.

EVENTS IN PARIS IN DECEMBER

Lost in Frenchlation December Program

Lost in Frenchlation brings the best of French cinema to the international community of Paris. They screen the latest French films with English subtitles, which are often followed by discussions with film crews. There are also drinks before each screening building community between the international crowd and native Parisians.

Highlights of the December program includes “La Petite Dernière” with the choice of a movie-themed walking tour on December 4th, “Des Preuves d’Amour” on December 14th with a director Q&A, and “L’Inconnu de la Grande Arche” on December 18th with both a Q&A and the option for a walking tour.

Salon du Cheval – Paris Horse Fair, Porte de Versailles, December 12-14, 2025

This renowned equestrian event includes 500 horses and 160 exhibitors. Gain insights into horse care, breeds, and behavior. The Salon du Cheval includes competitions and demonstrations, plus the Salon du Cheval Parade and the after party add to the fun. A children’s village also allows young visitors to enjoy their first pony ride.

Fireworks on New Year’s Eve, Champs-Elysées

Every year, Paris celebrates the coming New Year in grand style, with gorgeous fireworks at Champs-Elysées at midnight. It’s truly an unforgettable experience. The best part is that the event is free, but expect huge crowds.

Ice Skating – Le Grand Palais des Glaces, December 13, 2025 – January 7, 2026

It’s time for ice skating again! Take your kids to discover this 2,700 meters squared ice rink for Christmas magic they will never forget.

EXHIBITIONS IN PARIS IN DECEMBER

Soulages, Une Autre Lumière, Musée du Luxembourg, until January 11, 2026

Pierre Soulages at Musée du Luxembourg explores 130 works by the artist created between the 1940s and early 2000s.

Paul Poiret, La mode est une fête, Musée des Arts Décoratifs, until January 11, 2026

Paul Poiret was a renowned haute couture designer celebrated for freeing women from the corset in his collections. Active from the Belle Époque through the Roaring Twenties, Poiret’s creative work spanned fashion, decorative arts, fragrance, and culinary arts. The Musée des Arts Décoratifs is showcasing 550 pieces from his body of work.

Sargent Dazzling Paris, Musée d’Orsay, until January 11, 2026

John Singer Sargent, among the most celebrated American artists of his era, remains surprisingly obscure in France despite having trained there as a painter. The Musée d’Orsay celebrates the artist with an exhibition featuring 90 of his pieces, including the iconic portrait Madame X.

Georges de la Tour, Musée Jacquemart André, until January 25, 2026

Georges de la Tour is the subject of his first exhibition since 1997 at Musée Jacquemart-André. The show explores the artist’s body of work and highlights his signature themes: penitent saints and artificial light effects. Given the exhibition’s popularity, advance ticket reservations may be necessary!

Jacques-Louis David, The Louvre, until January 26, 2026

Jacques-Louis David is renowned for his depictions of pivotal moments during the French Revolution and Napoleonic Empire. The Louvre’s exhibition focuses on these historic works alongside his portraits capturing the era’s society.

Amazônia, Musée du Quai Branly Jacques Chirac, until January 18, 2026

Step into the extraordinary and dynamic world of the Amazon, where spirits, ancestors, and nature converge in intricate ways. Amazônia at Musée du Quai Branly offers insight into the rainforest from the perspective of its indigenous communities.

George Condo, Musée d’Art Moderne, until February 8, 2025

Painter, drawer, and sculptor George Condo presents his largest exhibition to date at the Musée d’Art Moderne. Drawing from Western art traditions, his work reflects the influence of both classical masters and contemporary artists.

L’Empire du Sommeil, Musée Marmottan Monet, until March 1, 2026

This exhibition at Musée Marmottan Monet, co-curated by a science historian and neurologist, delves into the nature of sleep. The show examines both its symbolic significance and the influence of sleep research on artistic creation, with a focus on transformations of ideas related to sleep of the 19th and 20th centuries.

1925-2025 – Cent Ans d’Art Déco, Musée des Arts Décoratifs, until April 26, 2026

1925-2025: One Hundred Years of Art Deco at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs marks a century since the 1925 International Exhibition that launched Art Deco onto the world stage. Nearly 1,000 pieces—from furniture to fashion to drawings and more—reveal the richness of this style. Plus, you won’t want to miss this legendary piece, the Orient Express: a restored cabin from the Étoile du Nord train and three models of the future Orient Express.

Philippe Guston – L’ironie de l’histoire, Musée Picasso, until March 1, 2026

Philip Guston takes center stage at Musée Picasso in an exhibition exploring the artist’s satirical edge and political resistance. The exhibition presents how his grotesque, darkly humorous work—inspired by Picasso’s anti-Franco illustrations and George Harriman’s cartoons that he admired in the paper—infused his paintings with rebellious energy.

Gerhard Richter – Fondation Louis Vuitton, until March 2, 2026

Gerhard Richter is an internationally celebrated German artist and one of the most influential contemporary artists in the world. 275 of his works are currently being exhibited at Fondation Louis Vuitton, including oil paintings, glass and steel sculptures, pencil and ink drawings, watercolors, and overpainted photographs.

École de Paris, Collection Marek Roefler – Musée de Montmartre, until February 15, 2026

The ‘School of Paris’ refers to the extraordinary artistic momentum in early 20th-century Paris when artists from around the world settled in Montmartre and Montparnasse. This exhibition at the Musée de Montmartre presents the Marek Roefler collection for the first time outside its home, highlighting Polish and Jewish artists’ essential contributions to the avant-garde through works by celebrated names like Zadkine and Kisling as well as lesser-known masters.

SPORTS IN PARIS IN DECEMBER

Paris vs Limoges Handball, Stade Pierre de Coubertin, December 14, 2025

The Paris Saint-Germain handball team faces Limoges in the last game of the year. Plus, there will be a post-match party on the court where you can meet the players!

Saucony 10km de la Tour Eiffel, December 7, 2025

The ultimate end of year Saucony 10km de la Tour Eiffel will pass by legendary monuments! This race is sure to help you end your year on a high note, and get out for some great exercise before settling in for the holidays.

All Star Game 2025, Accor Arena, December 28, 2025

The All Star Game returns to Accor Arena on December 28, 2025, for its 23rd edition for a showdown between the French League’s All Stars France against All Stars World. Fans can also experience the 3-point challenge, skills competition, dunk contest, as well as surprise performances!

MUSIC AND DANCE IN PARIS IN DECEMBER

Notre Dame de Paris, Opéra Bastille, December 6-31, 2025

This two hour ballet is a lovely idea for an evening out during the holidays. At his 1965 Paris Opera debut, Roland Petit transformed Victor Hugo’s Notre-Dame de Paris into a ballet, telling the story of the doomed love between Esmeralda and Captain Phoebus, and the hunchback Quasimodo.

Saint-Louis-En-l’Île Church Concert Series, Saint-Louis-en-l’Île Church, December 19, 25, and 28, and January 1, 2025

Come experience the grand Christmas and New Years concerts at this magnificent church on Île-Saint-Louis for an evening of holiday wonder.

Eiffel Tower Musical Concert, Eiffel Tower Salle Gustave Eiffel, December 24 and 25, 2025

Don’t miss this unique opportunity of a concert on the Eiffel Tower itself! You’ll hear some classic masterpieces performed by the Orchestre Paris Classik and their amazing soloists. What’s more romantic than a Christmas concert on the Eiffel Tower?

Piaf! Le Spectacle, L’Olympia, December 21, 2025

Piaf! Le Spectacle has sold over one million tickets across more than 1,000 performances in 50 countries. Starring internationally acclaimed Nathalie Lermitte, this 90-minute tribute chronicles Edith Piaf’s career through her unforgettable songs, original scenography, and never before published archival footage.

EVENTS FOR CHILDREN IN PARIS IN DECEMBER

Dinosaures – L’expérience immersive, Atelier des Lumières, opening December 10, 2026

In this upcoming exhibition at Atelier des Lumières, you’ll travel back in time 66 million years to the age of dinosaurs. Both kids and adults will be immersed by the immersion in landscapes and fauna of prehistoric Earth as you discover dinosaurs and prehistoric creatures – and even the Tyrannosaurus rex!

En voie d’illumination : Lumières de la nature – Jardin des Plantes, until January 18, 2026

It’s the 7th edition of En voie d’illumination at the Jardin des Plantes, a magical nighttime walk through the gardens. This year, take a journey around the world to uncover the secrets of natural light phenomena through impressive lighting effects and projections.

Disney Enchanted Christmas – Disneyland Paris, until January 6, 2026

Families can experience a winter wonderland at Disneyland Paris, where you’ll enjoy festivities such as Mickey’s Christmas Parade, magical character encounters, and musical shows. There’s also a big New Year’s Eve celebration!

CHRISTMAS MARKETS

Of course, this being the month of Christmas, exploring different Christmas markets is imperative. While there are many markets being set up in different neighbourhoods, and by different collectives, here are some of the bigger and more popular markets in Paris:

• Tuileries Christmas Market
• St Germain des Prés Christmas Market 
• La Défense Christmas Village 
• Eiffel Tower Christmas Village in Quai Branly 
• Alsatian Christmas Market at Gare de l’Est 
• Christmas Market at Hôtel de Ville 
• Bastille Christmas Market at Place de la Bastille
• Christmas Market at the Feeries d’Anteuil 
• Notre Dame Christmas Market 
• Abbesses Christmas Market in Montmartre near Sacre Coeur 
• Apprentis d’Auteuil Christmas Market
• 15th Arrondissement Christmas Market 
• Christmas Market at La Défense

Most of these markets open between the last week of November and the first week of December. Needless to say, expect long lines if you go at peak hour.

CHRISTMAS DECOR

Paris is a twinkling wonderland during the holidays! Many of the holiday lights and displays are put in place between the end of November and early December, and can be viewed until early January. 

Here are some spots where you can soak in the magic of Parisian holiday decorations:

Champs-Élysées

The iconic avenue is lit up gorgeously in December. Take a stroll and revel in the breathtaking illuminations.

Department stores

Many big stores in Paris set up elaborate displays during this time of year, some featuring some giant, not to mention, stunning Christmas trees. 

Some stores not to miss are Galeries Lafayette. Its grand Christmas tree and dazzling lights draw in crowds every year. Head to their rooftop terrace for a stunning view of the city. 

Just across from Galeries Lafayette, Printemps’ holiday window displays are a visual feast. Also head to BHV or Le Bon Marché for some chic and sophisticated decorations. 

Avenue Montaigne and Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré

Both streets are known for high-end shopping. The luxury stores here set up some truly unmissable decorations.

Le Village Royal

The cobblestoned passage of this luxurious space is also filled up with glamorous Christmas decorations, including, two years ago, a giant crystal encrusted teddy bear!

Bercy Village

This area transforms into a magical wonderland with lights and decorations every holiday season.

Hôtel de Ville

The square in front of Paris’s town hall is converted into a winter wonderland in December, complete with a Christmas market featuring gourmet treats and artisan creators.

Apart from these specific locations, entire neighborhoods also go out of their way to deck themselves up. Some recommended walks would be in Montmartre and Le Marais. While the former comes through with all its bucolic charm, Le Marais embodies the spirit of Christmas in a more modern and hipper avatar.

RELATED LINKS

• Looking for a place to call home during your visits to the City of Light? Check out this St Germain Fractional for sale.
• Searching for the perfect gift for the Francophile in your life? There’s plenty to choose from in The Ultimate Francophile Gift Guide.
• Books also make great gifts, so check out this list of 40 Books to Transport You To France!
• It’s getting colder outside – perfect weather for exploring a museum! Try one of these hidden museums for your next Parisian outing.

Written by Pronti Baglary and updated by Zoe Calla Adams for HIP Paris. Looking to travel? Dreaming of buying property in France but don’t know where to start? Looking for off market-deals? Intimidated by searching in a foreign language? Found an apartment you’re dying to view? We’re excited to announce our new property search service. Our expert team helps you secure the perfect home. We connect you with top professionals for every step of the process—from search to purchase. Contact us at info@hipparis.com to get started.