December is the biggest holiday month of the year in Paris, and there's truly a magical mix to experience. The city fills with festive lights — from the brilliant Noël displays along the Champs‑Elysées to sparkling shop windows and traditional Christmas markets. It's impossible to resist the warmth that defines Paris events in December 2025, a season brimming with yuletide cheer.
Paris transforms itself into a winter wonderland. Holiday concerts fill ornate churches and gourmet festivals spotlight seasonal specialities. For locals and travelers alike, Paris events in December 2025 offer unforgettable moments and celebrations that make this the city's coziest time of year.
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December 25 is a French National Holiday, and the city slows down to celebrate. Museums, department stores, and most shops will be closed, with only a few boulangeries and cafés keeping limited hours. While the streets feel quieter, Paris still has its festive sparkle — church bells ring, families gather, and lights glow across the neighborhoods.
If you're not planning to prepare a meal in your Paris apartment, it's essential to make your Christmas Day dinner reservations well in advance. Many restaurants close for the day, but a select few stay open and offer special holiday menus that book up quickly.
Each Christmas season, 400 trees on the iconic avenue — from Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe — are decorated with a bevy of colorful, energy-efficient lights. Each year a celebrity flips the switch to turn on the lights in a special star-studded ceremony. In past years Catherine Deneuve, Vanessa Paradis, Marion Cotillard, Laetitia Casta, and Charlotte Gainsbourg have been the lucky ones to switch on the lights. This year's special guest will be announced in early November. Stay tuned.
Christmas lights always set Paris twinkling. Extra-special care is put into decorating the lavish department stores and shopping districts that dot the Paris landscape. Here are few of our favorites streets and stores —
Paris Dinner Cruises on the Seine Dine in style as you glide past the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, and the Louvre on a magical Seine River cruise. Gourmet food, champagne, and Paris lit up at night – it’s unforgettable. |
Paris Dinner Cruises on the Seine Dine in style as you glide past the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, and the Louvre on a magical Seine River cruise. Gourmet food, champagne, and Paris lit up at night – it’s unforgettable. |
Celebrate the season by visiting some of the Christmas markets found throughout the city from late November to the end of the holiday season. There are over 100 Christmas markets in public squares, parks, avenues, and train stations and they are among the best Paris events in December. Here are few worth a detour —
Trade Paris bustle for royal grandeur on a guided Versailles tour. Skip the lines, wander the gardens, and peek inside Marie Antoinette’s private estate. History never looked this good. |
Trade Paris bustle for royal grandeur on a guided Versailles tour. Skip the lines, wander the gardens, and peek inside Marie Antoinette’s private estate. History never looked this good. |
The Salon du Cheval de Paris is a grand equestrian festival where more than 500 horses and 450 exhibitors converge in celebration. Visitors can attend elite competitions — from show jumping and dressage to vaulting, horse‑ball, and the prestigious World Arabian Horse Championship. These dynamic contests showcase athleticism and partnership between horses and riders.
Beyond sport, the expo offers a bustling trade show with state‑of‑the‑art equipment, wellness advice, and care products. Families flock to pony‑ride zones and interactive workshops, while the enchanting "Night of the Horse" performance adds theatrical flair. Whether you're drawn to competition, culture, or kid‑friendly charm, this Paris equine showcase delivers energy, elegance, and unforgettable moments.
Taste Your Way Through The Marais Stroll the cobbled streets of the Marais while tasting your way through cheese shops, bakeries, wine cellars, and hidden gems. A local expert leads the way — and keeps the wine flowing. |
Taste Your Way Through The Marais Stroll the cobbled streets of the Marais while tasting your way through cheese shops, bakeries, wine cellars, and hidden gems. A local expert leads the way — and keeps the wine flowing. |
The Paris Nautical Show brings France's maritime spirit indoors, hosting around 350 exhibitors and showcasing between 300 and 400 boats across two vast halls. Formerly known as the Paris Boat Show, this revived indoor edition offers a curated presentation of sailboats, motorboats, marine accessories, and cutting-edge boating technology. Visitors can discover the latest in marine innovation, meet industry experts, and explore displays focused on sustainability and connectivity.
This isn't just a display — it's a full boating experience. Engage with live demonstrations, attend expert-led tech talks, and explore thematic zones tailored to sailing, watersports, and eco-friendly marine solutions. From first-time boat buyers to seasoned sailors, it's a celebration of all things maritime — designed to inspire, educate, and connect a passionate community under one roof.
From Paris to Provence, Burgundy to Bordeaux, find hotel deals with current sale prices. Save up to 20% in cities, villages, beach towns, and storybook countryside escapes. |
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