Through January 19
Festival of lights
The ocean is the theme at this year’s edition Espèces en Voie d’Illumination, a unique nighttime light festival.
Jardin des Plantes, Paris
Throughout December
Festive activities
Magical châteaux, ice skating and family fun: a comprehensive list of Paris’s Christmas events.
Various locations, Paris
Throughout December
Christmas markets
Mulled wine and gifts galore: a full list of Christmas markets in Paris. Above: handmade gifts and treats for sale at the Marché de Noël #MADEIN18e in the 18th arrondissement.
Various locations, Paris
December 22-January 6
Fairytales for Christmas
Festive fun for all the family as classic children’s tales come to life at Noël aux Gobelins.
Mobilier National, Paris
December 15
Santa Dash
Thousands of people in Santa costumes take to the streets of Issy-les-Moulineaux for the 42nd edition of the Corrida de Noël, a 10K run.
Issy-les-Moulineaux, Île-de-France
December 21-January 5
Skating in the sky
An ice-skating rink on the roof of the Grande Arche de la Défense offers a 360-degree view of Paris and its suburbs.
Grande Arche de la Défense, Paris
Through December 20
Culture in the 12th arrondissement
Festival 12×12 showcases the best sculpture, photography, dance, music and theatre of the 12th arrondissement over 12 days.
Various locations, 12th arrondissement of Paris
Through January 5
Christmas equestrian show
Alice and the Enchanted Carousel: a Christmassy fairytale in the magical setting of the Domaine de Chantilly.
Domaine de Chantilly, Île-de-France
December 26-January 6
Holiday wonderland
The nineteenth-century photobooth takes center stage at this year’s edition of the Festival du Merveilleux.
Musée des Arts Forains, Paris
Through January 6
The art of cartography
Maps created by artists in the Middle Ages and Renaissance are the subject of the exhibition Quand les Artistes Dessinaient les Cartes.
Archives Nationales, Paris
Through March 8
World’s Fair architecture
An exhibition at the Musée Roybet Fould, Architectures Éphémères, looks at temporary buildings created for 19th-century World’s Fairs in France.
Courbevoie, Île-de-France
Through January 25
Alfred Hitchcock retrospective
The master of suspense is celebrated in a two-month-long retrospective at the Cinémathèque Française.
Cinémathèque Française, Paris
Through December 24
African music and film
The Africolor cultural festival puts African music in the spotlight.
Various locations in Paris suburbs
Through December 21
Experimental audiovisuals
Vidéobox welcomes Fresnoy, an internationally recognized incubator for emerging, innovative artists in the audiovisual field.
Carreau du Temple, Paris
Through December 31
Cultures of the world onstage
Music, dance, theater and ritual performances from around the world at the Festival de l’Imaginaire.
Various locations, Paris
Through February 9
Art of tomorrow, today
Performances and installations using new technology are on show at the Biennale Némo.
Various locations, Île-de-France
Through December 31
Contemporary arts festival
The Festival d’Automne presents leading talents in art, dance, film, theater and more from around the world.
Various venues, Paris & Île de France
December 12
French film with English subtitles
Lost In Frenchlation presents a newly restored version ofLa Piscine(1968), directed by Jacques Deray, to celebrate their fourth anniversary.