What’s On in Paris – December 2025

Looking specifically for Christmas markets, holiday events, and what’s open on Christmas and New Year’s Day? Check out the 35-page 2025 Paris Holiday Guide, available exclusively to Secrets of Paris Community Members.

VACANCES SCOLAIRES (French School Holidays): December 20th, 2025 – January 5th, 2026

December 2
Hôtel Drouot auction house (9 rue Drouot, 9th) hosts the second edition of Vente SIGNATURES II, a multi-specialty sale featuring branded watches, couture fashion accessories, modern paintings, and design objects. Highlights include a Rolex Deepsea “James Cameron,” a limited-edition Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox Polaris, a red Niloticus crocodile Hermès Kelly bag, two canvases by Emilio Boggio, and Yonel Lebovici’s sculptural lamp “Code à barres.” More than 350 lots will be offered. Sale at 1:30pm in Salle 15.

December 2–7
The final edition of macparis takes place at 74 boulevard Richard-Lenoir (11th arrondissement), offering one last opportunity to discover the contemporary artists selected by this long-running, non-profit salon. From 11am to 8pm daily (to 7pm on Sunday), visitors can explore new work by emerging and established plastic artists; the opening is on December 2 from 5pm. After more than forty years supporting independent creation, this will be the event’s closing chapter. Free entry with online registration.

December 2, 9, 16, and 30
Abricot Bar’s “Cozy Movie Night” events every Tuesday feature holiday Rom-Coms for December, including “While You Were Sleeping” (Dec 2nd), “The Holiday” (Dec 9th), “The Family Stone” (Dec 16th) and “New Year’s Eve” (Dec 30). From 7pm, 189 rue Saint Maur, 10th. Free entry, enjoy the fabulous holiday cocktails, mocktails, and vegan bar treats.

December 3
Les Crayons Solidaires at Ground Control (81, rue du Charolais, 12th), has more than 30 illustrators gather at Ground Control for an evening of live portrait drawing, signings, and sales of original artworks and limited-edition prints — all in support of the Restos du Cœur. Guests can sit for quick portraits or browse works by well-known artists including Boulet, Pénélope Bagieu, Marielle Durand, Camille de Cussac, Jacques de Loustal, Marc Boutavant, and many others. All proceeds go to the charity. Open 6-10pm. 

December 4
Tickets for the 2026 Grand Bal Masqué at the Château de Versailles go on sale December 4th at 2pm Paris time, and they typically sell out within hours. This baroque-costumed, masked all-night ball — held in the Orangerie after the Grandes Eaux Nocturnes and fireworks — is one of the château’s most coveted events. If you’re planning to go, set a reminder, be online at the sale time, and be prepared to choose your ticket category quickly. You can create your account in advance so when you’re ready to purchase you won’t get redirected.

December 4, 6 & 14
The Paris Choral Society brings its Baroque Christmas concerts to the American Cathedral (8th) on December 4 at 8pm and December 6 at 6pm, featuring brass and organ works by Scheidt, Gabrieli, Schütz, Bach, and others, culminating in carols sung with the audience (tickets €22). The season continues with the annual Messiah Sing-Along on December 14 at 3pm at Église Saint-Pierre-de-Chaillot (16th), where soloists lead Handel’s Messiah (Part I) and everyone is invited to join the choruses, including the “Hallelujah.” (Tickets €15) An open rehearsal for the Sing-Along takes place December 8 from 7:30–8:30pm at the American Cathedral, free to attend.

December 4-7
The 47th annual Salon des Vins des Vignerons Indépendants celebrates independent wine makers at the Palais des Expositions – Porte de Versailles in Paris, Pavillion 3, open 10am-8pm (until 7pm the last night). Entry €6 (includes your souvenir tasting glass). In addition to hundred of winemakers, there are also a few food stands, cart rental, and wine tasting workshops.

December 4–7
The Carrousel des Métiers d’Art et de Création returns to the Carreau du Temple (4 rue Eugène Spuller, 3rd arrondissement) with four days dedicated to contemporary craftsmanship. Organised by the CMA Île-de-France, the fair brings together around 140 artisans working in jewellery, ceramics, textiles, wood, glass, leather and more — showcasing unique pieces and small-series creations ahead of the holidays. This edition also marks the 100th anniversary of the Chambres de Métiers et de l’Artisanat. Open Thu 2–7pm (evening by invitation), Fri–Sat 10am–8pm, Sun 10am–6pm. Free entry.

December 4-7
It’s time for the 31st annual Grande Braderie de la Mode AIDS, a huge sale of 150 top brands to benefit HIV/AIDS charities at the Magasins Generaux (1 rue de l’Ancien Canal, Pantin, metro Eglise de Pantin). New clothing and accessories (shoes!) are for sale at 70% off their regular price. Open Thurs-Fri 11am-7pm, Sat-Sun 11am-6pm. Get there as early as possible in the day for the best selection. Entry is €2, RESERVATIONS REQUIRED: https://www.aides.org/braderie

December 5-8
Salon Saveurs des Plaisirs Gourmands gathers 250 exhibitors at Espace Champerret, 6 rue Jean Oestreicher, 17th arrondissement, offering gourmet delights like charcuterie, cheeses, chocolates, seafood, wines, and artisanal spirits. Perfect for holiday preparations, enjoy direct sales from producers, tastings of innovative creations, and a festive Friday evening from 7-9pm. Open Friday 10am-9pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am-7pm, and Monday 10am-6pm (last entry 30 minutes before closing). Tickets are €7 online, €10 on-site, and free for children under 14.

December 7 (and every 1st Sunday)
Many museums and monuments in Paris are open for free the first Sunday of the month. In December, that includes the Orsay, Picasso, Cluny, Arts-et-Métiers, Musée Rodin, Orangerie, Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature, Musée Delacroix, Musée Gustave Moreau, Cité de l’Architecture, Musée des Arts Asiatiques Guimet, Cité de la Céramique de Sèvres, Musée Jean-Jacques Henner, Musée départemental Albert-Kahn, Quai Branly, Musée de l’histoire de l’Immigration, and the Château Fontainebleau. Monuments include the Arc de Triomphe, Pantheon, Conciergerie, Sainte-Chapelle, Versailles, Château de Vincennes, and Saint-Denis Basilica. Be sure to check each museum’s website, as some still require you to have a timed ticket; even if the entrance is free. See the full list here.

December 8-14
A week-long Crafted pop-up in the Marais (89 boulevard Beaumarchais, 3rd) features luxury handmade textiles from Lehvallée — fine cashmere pashminas from Ladakh — alongside Storie’s selection of global artisanal pieces, including new hand-knitted lambswool beanies and scarves and blankets made by women crafters in the Indian Himalayas, at very reasonable prices for the quality. Open for one week only, from 11am-7pm, English spoken (Fiona is originally from the UK). A great opportunity to browse unique, ethically made, high quality gifts!

December 9–14
Alchemy Theatre presents Three Sisters, a new reimagining of Chekhov’s classic by Irish actor-playwright Hannah Coyle, at Théâtre de l’Opprimé (78 rue du Charolais, 12th). Following a sold-out staged reading, this fully staged production returns with a new atmospheric score and an international cast, blending Chekhov’s emotional depth with contemporary clarity and dark humor. Alchemy Theatre is a Paris-based, female-led company, working with artists from across Europe, North America, Australasia and Africa and delivering fresh, accessible versions, bringing a distinctly international perspective to Chekhov’s world. In English with French subtitles. Tickets €25 (€20 for under 18).

December 11
Lost in Frenchlation celebrates their 10th anniversary tonight with a screening of the French film “Mommy” with English subtitles at Luminor Hôtel de Ville (20 Rue du Temple, 4th). Screening at 6:30pm, free drinks by La Parisienne, and snacks from 9pm. Tickets €12. There are many other screenings throughout December, check out the full schedule here.

December 11–31
La Villette is hosting Slam!, a high-energy circus-theater production from that reimagines pro wrestling as a comic-book world of acrobatics, clowning, and staged “matches” performed by jugglers, contortionists, tightrope walkers, and aerialists. With larger-than-life characters, live video, and a playful ringside atmosphere, the show blends spectacle and humor in a family-friendly format for ages 7 and up. In the Espace Chapiteaux, 211 av. Jean-Jaurès, 19th arrondissement, metro Porte de Pantin. Tickets €10–€35.

December 13
The Musée de Cluny hosts a Musique et Légendes concert tonight at 7pm, featuring a trio for soprano, cello, and harp performing Danse macabre et Airs d’amour. The program blends French Romantic works inspired by medieval legends, including Saint-Saëns’s “Danse Macabre” and pieces by Gounod, Lalo, and Massenet. Set within the medieval galleries, this one-hour performance offers an atmospheric way to experience the museum after hours. Tickets €17 (€7 reduced).

December 12-14
The annual Expo4Art art fair at the Halle des Blancs Manteaux (48 rue Vieille du Temple, 4th) features 90 painters, sculptors, photographers and designers who want to promote their work and their talent. Free entrance, open Friday from 3-9pm and Saturday to Monday from 11am- 8pm.

Through December 13
De Paris à Belém: 10 ans d’actions mondiales pour le climat is a new free exhibition at the l’Hôtel de Ville (5 rue Lobau, 4th arrondissement) marking the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement (COP21) and looking ahead to COP30 in Belém. It features powerful visuals like a monumental work by Shepard Fairey (Obey) on the façade and striking photographs by Sebastião Salgado, alongside interactive installations for all ages. The exhibit also highlights the role of cities in global climate action (read this interview with the Canadian Cities Guru Brent Toderian about the exhibit). A child-friendly visitor path includes a booklet and works created by Paris youth. Open Tuesday through Saturday. Free admission, but online reservation required.

Through December 14
Fluctuart presents a Carte Blanche retrospective of JonOne (John Andrew Perello), retracing the career of the groundbreaking urban artist from his early graffiti works in Harlem to his large-scale abstract canvases in Paris. The exhibition brings together historic and new pieces, highlighting his constant experimentation with form and color. Open Wednesday to Sunday from noon, with guided tours available Friday through Sunday. Free entry.

December 15
Hôtel Drouot auction house (9 rue Drouot, 9th) is hosting another sale of high-end fashion accessories, jewelry and watches today for their Joaillerie – Horlogerie – Mode et Objets de Vitrine sale. You’ll find Chanel bags, Hermès scarves, in addition to jewelry and watches in all price ranges. As usual, the lots will be on display in advance (Friday and Saturday 11am-6pm; Monday 11am-noon, sale at 2pm, salle 12.

December 17
The women’s soccer team Paris FC play Barcelona in a decisive match of the European Champions League, the top club competition in European soccer, a rare chance to see two elite teams play in Paris! At the Stade Jean-Bouin, 26 avenue du Général Sarrail, 16th arrondissement. From 9pm–11pm. Tickets from €5; advance ticket purchase required.

December 18–22
Book your tickets for Les Créateurs ont du Cœur – Arcat Solidarity Sale, a hugely popular charity sale bringing together thousands of donated items from major fashion and lifestyle brands, all discounted 50–90% off retail, including clothing, shoes, accessories, jewelry, cosmetics, and home décor. The event supports Arcat’s work providing social, medical, psychological, legal, and employment assistance to more than 2,000 people each year affected by chronic illness or poverty. The €2 entry tickets go on sale here and sell out fast.

December 20
La Nuit Américaine series returns to the Cinéma Escurial (11 boulevard de Port-Royal, 13th) with a matinée cine-club screening hosted by Olivier Minne, devoted this time to Frank Capra’s classic L’Extravagant Mr Deeds (1936, in English with French subtitles). A passionate cinephile, Minne introduces and discusses the film (en français), offering context and insight before the screening. Capra’s comedy follows the unlikely rise of Longfellow Deeds, a small-town idealist who inherits a vast fortune and is suddenly thrust into New York high society—where opportunists circle and a sharp reporter has her own plans. Film at 11am, tickets €8.40 (buy online here).

December 20
The annual Christmas Cup Cold-Water Swim (La Coupe de Noël) returns to the Bassin de la Villette (19th arrondissement) on Saturday afternoon, reviving a historic Paris tradition in a playful, contemporary form. From 1pm, swimmers gather for a festive plunge in 10°C water, with a 100-meter swim, costumes encouraged, and a jury awarding prizes for the most creative outfits. This is not a race but an experience: no diving, no minors under 18, and a full safety setup including lifeguards, medical staff, heated changing rooms, and hot showers. Open to experienced cold-water swimmers and curious first-timers alike (registration required, limited to 200 participants, €15/person, purchase here). Spectators are welcome to cheer on the bravest Parisians!

December 22 – January 3
The Louvre museum is usually open late nights Wednesday and Fridays until 9pm, but for the holiday season they’re open until 9pm on December 22^nd; 26^th-29^th, and January 2^nd-3^rd. Closed at 5pm on the 24th and 31st; closed completely on the 25^th and 1^st. Reserve your timeslot online in advance (up until 7:30pm, rooms start closing at 8:30pm).

December 28
Lost in Frenchlation marks the 130th anniversary of cinema with a French New Wave afternoon at the Jeu de Paume (1 place de la Concorde, 8th). The program begins with a Nouvelle Vague–themed walking tour at 1:30pm (€12), followed by drinks at Rose Bakery from 3:30pm, a screening of À Bout de Souffle (Breathless) at 4:30pm, more drinks at 5:30pm, and a 6:30pm screening of Nouvelle Vague. Film tickets €11 each. There are many other screenings throughout December, check out the full schedule here.

December 31st
The City of Paris always throws a free party on the Avenue des Champs-Elysées to ring in the New Year (aka Réveillon de la Saint-Sylvestre), with a midnight countdown light show and fireworks on the Arc de Triomphe (the Eiffel Tower fireworks are only on Bastille Day). The street opens to pedestrians starting at 7pm (through police checkpoints at Place de la Concorde or Place Franklin D. Roosevelt)n but the laser-mapping show projected onto the Arc de Triomphe doesn’t begin until 11:40pm, with fireworks after the midnight countdown, so don’t get there too early. No glass bottles or alcohol allowed through checkpoints. Most metro stations will be closed for security (see full public transport info here, with closures listed at the bottom); I recommend going to metro station Madeleine or Assemblée Nationale around 10pm and walking to Concorde checkpoint to get there in time for the show. And dress warm!!

Through January 10, 2026 (closed Dec 20th – Jan 1st)
Mathgoth Gallery opens HOMMAGE, a group exhibition exploring memory, influence, and artistic lineage through new works by a dozen major urban artists, including Jef Aérosol, Jace, Bordalo II, Hera, Philippe Hérard, KogaOne, Lady M, Speedy Graphito, and Mademoiselle Maurice. Each artist interprets the theme freely, from personal tributes to creative inheritance, in the gallery’s temporary space at 1 rue Alphonse Boudard, 13th (Metro/RER Bibliothèque or Chevaleret). Open Wednesday–Saturday, 2–7pm. Free entry.

Through January 11, 2026
Paul Poiret, Fashion is a Party expo is on at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs (107 rue de Rivoli, 1st arrondissement), open Tuesday to Sunday, 11am–6pm (late opening Thursday until 9pm). Closed Mondays. Admission €15 (€11 reduced). This major retrospective traces the creative universe of Paul Poiret, the early 20th-century designer known for liberating women from corsets and revolutionizing fashion. Featuring 550 works—from garments and accessories to decorative arts and archival images—the show highlights his influence across fashion, interiors, fragrance, and high society festivities, from the Belle Époque to the Roaring Twenties.

Through January 25th
LV DREAM (26 Quai de la Mégisserie, 1st) is hosting “Louis Vuitton Art Deco Exhibition,” a free, reservation-only exhibition tracing the house’s role in the 1925 International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts. Spread across eight rooms and featuring over 300 archival pieces, it explores the brand’s connection to the Art Deco movement through rare objects and immersive displays. Extend your visit with pastries or cocktails at Le Café Maxime Frédéric, and stop by the Gift Store for limited-edition items. Open Wednesday-Sunday from 11am-7pm.