December 7-8
Open Studios in the 20th arrondissement
Artists open their studios to the public for Les Portes Ouvertes des Ateliers du Père Lachaise Associés.
Various locations in the 20th arrondissement, Paris
Through January 19
Festival of lights
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.
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 26-January 6
Holiday wonderland
The nineteenth-century photobooth takes centre stage at this year’s edition of the Festival du Merveilleux.
Musée des Arts Forains, Paris
December 4-8
Horse show
Horse-lovers unite for a weekend celebrating all things equestrian at Paris Horse Show.
Paris Nord Villepinte, Paris
December 6
Star chefs at home
The best chefs in the field leave their kitchens for one night to cook for eight in your home – Paris reservations for Grand Fooding open November 25.
Various locations
Through December 6
Feminism on film
Women’s rights meet cinema at the Festival Droits des Femmes & Cinéma.
Various locations, 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. Above: Afriquators, an orchestra celebrating the golden age of African music, will perform at the festival (© Peter Lippmann).
Various locations in Paris suburbs
Through December 8
Engraving festival
Engravers from around the world gather for the nineteenth Biennale Internationale de la Gravure.
Sarcelles, France
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 6
French film with English subtitles
Lost In Frenchlation presents Hors Normes (The Specials), directed by Eric Toledano & Olivier Nakache.