Celebrating The Paris Holidays In Paris – An Even Better Idea

"Paris is always a good idea," Audrey Hepburn famously said. That's still true, and we think it's an even better idea during the Paris holidays. Parisians genuinely know how to celebrate, and that's never more clear than at Christmas time, around New Years, on Bastille Day of course, and even on Valentine's Day.

The whole city seems to participate, and there's a sense of… well, celebration in the air. During the holidays — any holiday — is a great time to be in The City of Light. Let's explore some of those special times of year when Parisians celebrate life, even more than usual!

Christmas in Paris

Storefront in Paris decorated for the holidays

The biggest of the Paris holidays is Christmas and, in fact, all of December leading up to it. The shops are aglow with fantastic window displays. Food stores are bursting with stacks and stacks of seasonal specialities like oysters and foie gras and bouches noels.

In the streets, which are also lit up with colorful displays, people are rushing about, but with smiles on their faces. And there's a lot to do during Christmas in Paris. We share our favorite activities, point you to the traditional Christmas markets, and tell you how you can listen to Christmas concerts in historic churches.

Bring in the New Year in Paris

A massive crowd on Champs-Élysées view the fireworks on the Arc de Triomphe on New Years in Paris

New Year's Eve, or La Réveillon de Saint Sylvestre as it's known in France, is a fabulous night in the City of Light and we try to be in Paris for it every year. There are tons of special dinners at all the restaurants as well as celebration dinner cruises on the Seine.

It's a very good night to take in a stunning show at one of the cabarets the city is so famous for — like Paradis Latin, and of course Moulin Rouge. In addition, there are a surprising number of classical music concerts that evening as well. Check our guide to this holiday of Paris holidays and start your planning!

Easter in Paris

Stroll along the food shopping streets of Paris as Easter approaches and stop to marvel at the amazing displays in the chocolate shops. Parisians have turned Easter into another fabulous food holiday, and it's great to be a part of it. It's also a time when church bells will be ringing and children will be participating in Easter Egg hunts.

It's a big celebration of spring and faith and a great time to get out on the river for a cruise, or head out to Versailles for the day. We'll tell you all about the most fun things to do, Easter concerts, and church services.

Paris Holidays: Bastille Day Celebrations

Bastille Day fireworks at the Eiffel Tower, photo by Mark Craft

Bastille Day in Paris isn't a quiet affair — it's a full-tilt celebration of liberté with marching bands, fireworks over the Eiffel Tower, and champagne flowing in every arrondissement. But the best way to enjoy July 14? Let someone else do the planning. We've rounded up the most memorable Bastille Day celebrations, from elegant lunch cruises to fireworks-viewing picnics, Moulin Rouge soirées, and revolutionary walking tours.

Whether you prefer your history with a glass of Burgundy or your revolution in sequins, there's a way to mark the day that suits your style. It's all part of the most festive — and most French — day of the year. Vive la fête!

Plan a Romantic Valentines Day in Paris

The Eiffel Tower, a red umbrella, and a couple celebrating the day

It's the City of Romance, after all, and Paris is never more romantic than on February 14. Le ville is filled with flowers, chocolates, and champagne — and that's everyday, not just on Valentines Day!

To help you plan your romantic February visit, we've collected sixteen of the best things to do in Paris with that special someone.