Throughout December and into January
Festive activities
Magical châteaux, ice skating and family fun: a comprehensive list of Paris’s Christmas events. The big hit of the season is the ice-skating rink at the Grand Palais (through Jan. 8), but beware of long lines and hig prices.
Various locations, Paris
Through early January
The lights go on
The golden holiday lights on the Champs-Élysées. will be lit on Nov. 17, an event closed to traffic and open to the public.
Champs-Élysées, Paris
January 4
French movies with English subtitles
Lost in Frenchlation presents Les Femmes au Balcon (The Balconettes), directed by Noémie Merlant.
L’Entrepôt, Paris
December 27-January 5
Holiday wonderland
The Festival du Merveilleux returns with a fabulous celebration of antique fairground rides.
Musée des Arts Forains, Paris
Through January 6
Holiday markets
Mulled wine and gifts galore: a full list of holiday markets in Paris.
Various locations, Paris
January 7
French movies with English subtitles
Lost in Frenchlation presents Les Visiteurs (The Visitors), directed by Jean-Marie Poiré.
L’Epée de Bois, Paris
Through January 18, 2025
Emerging artists
The Île-de-France department presents “FoRTE #6,” an exhibition of creative projects by emerging artists who received regional funding.
Frac. Romainville
Through January 19
Illuminated Jurassic
This year’s festive illuminations in the Jardin de Plantes take nighttime visitors back to the Jurassic Era.
Jardin de Plantes, Paris
January 23-26, 2025
Literature live
The theme of this year’s Nuits de la Lecture, with readings set to music and other events, is patrimoines (heritages).
Various venues, Paris & online around the world
Through January 26, 2025
Contemporary arts festival
The Festival d’Automne presents leading international talents in art, dance, film, theater and more.
Various venues, Paris & Île de France
Through January 31, 2025
Dance festival
The Fondation EDFs Dans(e) la Lumière festival presents dance performances and art exhibitions inspired by light.
Fondation EDF, Paris & Île de France
January 8-February 4
Bargain hunting
The official government-sanctioned winter retail sales period.
Paris & most of France
January 20-February 15
Dance festival
Performances by dancers of all ages, professional and amateur, all over Paris and its suburbs for Faits d’Hiver.
Various venues, Paris & suburbs
Through April 6, 2025
10 women directors
The festival Elles Sont Là pour Rester spotlights the films of 10 French women directors of the same generation.