NOTE: Heather will be in the US for the Naughty Paris Book Tour January 25th-February 15th, check out the tour schedule of the fun events in five cities here!
Through January 3
A small “Village du Père Noël” with 30 chalets is set up outside Eglise St-Germain des Prés, open daily 11am-9pm.
Through January 4
The annual Christmas Village on the Champs-Elysées includes over 200 chalets selling holiday gifts, local specialties, mulled wine, warm hats and gloves, toys, jewelry and every kind of sweet imaginable. There is also a fun Olympic-sized ice skating rink, amusement park rides for kids and Santa visits. There’s a hand-made 11-meter tall Eiffel Tower and a “Village des Artisans” dedicated to handcrafted items made in France. A great place to wander with an appetite and a Christmas shopping list! I made a Christmas Village video three years ago, but this year’s is much better in terms of quality and variety. Open daily 11am-11pm (until midnight Friday and Saturday).
Through January 4
The Grand Palais is hosting the largest indoor skating rink in France Le Grand Palais des Glaces beneath their glass and steel dome. Open daily from 10am until 8pm (earlier on the first two days and Christmas and New Year’s Eve, check the schedule) and then in the evening from 9pm-2am with DJ and sound/light show. There is also hot drink and snack stands (sponsored by Ferro Rocher, whose name is all over the place). Kids 3-12 are €10, adults €15, and night entrance is €25 (price is with or without skates). Bag/coat check is €2/item. Tickets can be purchased online in advance.
Through January 4
All of the Manèges, aka Carrousels de Paris, in the 3rd through 20th arrondissements of Paris are free for children for the holidays (my favorite is in the Jardins du Trocadéro, but the lines are longest). See the full list here. Open daily 11am-9pm.
Through January 4
If you saw Midnight in Paris you’ll recognize the Musée des Arts Forains, a private museum of antique carnival and fair rides and decor in a stunning setting, open to the public for the holidays, La Festival du Merveilleux. Expect crowds, get there early and dress warmly! Open 10am-6pm, €12 entrance, €5 for kids under 12.
Through January 5
The family-owned Château Vaux-le-Vicomte (the 17th-century palace that inspired Versailles) becomes a Christmas wonderland in December, decorated from top to bottom, each room in a different holiday theme, fireplaces ablaze, and holiday music playing. And at night the château facade and the gardens are lit with festive lights. It’s a magical experience, not to be missed! And this year there’s a special Snow White show for the whole family. Open the weekends of November 29-30, December 6-7, December 13-14, and every day from December 20-January 4th (closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day) from 10:30am-6pm. Entry €17.50; entry plus Snow White show from €22.
January 7 – February 17
The annual Winter Sales, aka Les Soldes, take place beginning midnight in shops throughout France, particularly on clothing.
January 8, 14, or 20
SOS Help, the confidential English listening line in Paris, needs volunteers for the coming season. If you’re interested, you only need to attend one of the information sessions in January, 7pm at the American Church of Paris (65 Quai d’Orsay, 7th). All volunteers will need to be available for the initial training session on February 7.
January 11
There will be a Silent March today at 3pm from Place de la République to Nation in rememberance of the victims of the Charlie Hebdo terrorist attacks.
Through January 11
The Kama-Sutra: Spirituality and Eroticism in Indian Art explores one of the major texts of medieval Hinduism. Not recommended for anyone under 18 years, this exhibit at the excellent Pinacothèque de Paris (at the Place de la Madeleine) explores the erotic aesthetics specific to Indian cultural life and Hinduism through over 350 artworks including sculptures, paintings, miniatures, objects of daily life, and “pillow books”, illustrated “erotic education” works that were offered to the newlyweds until the 19th century.
Through January 11
Nostalgic for the soulful songs of the legendary Parisian chanteuse Edith Piaf? Book a tabe now at sexy cabaret singer Caroline Nin’s “Hymne à Piaf”, a show using English storytelling and songs en français to remember one of the greatest French singers of all time. Shows are Thursday Dec 11, 18 and Jan 8 at 7:30pm; Sundays Dec 21, 28, and Jan 4, 11 at 6pm and 8pm; and a special New Year’s Eve show with Champagne on Dec 31st at 8:45pm. Shows take place at the intimate Essaïon Theatre (6 rue Pierre au Lard, in the Marais, 4th). Tickets are €20-€80.
January 20
The private cocktail club The Chamber is hosting ne new event, “Booze & Sex: An Erotic Book Club for Women Only” tonight from 7-9pm. The first book will be Anaïs Nin’s classic Delta of Venus, moderated by the author Shannon Cain. The club meets in a private home in the 15th; cocktails and munchies are supplied; tickets €25 (members) to €45 (non-members). Heather will be there with a few copies of Naughty Paris available at a special rate for members.
January 31
The Chamber is hosting another private afternoon event, Tea & Tipples, where from 3:30-5:30pm you get free-flowing sparkly cocktails and sweet and savory treats from Gateaux Mama. At a private residence, price €34 for members, €54 for non-members.
Through January 31
Thierry Mugler, who dressed all of the supermodels in the 1990s, has created a sexy, contemporary stage show Mugler Follies à la Cirque du Soleil with a talented troupe of dancers, acrobats, singers and performers paying homage to the human body in all its beauty. Expect pop music and over-the-top glamour as only this legendary French couturier can do. There are evening and daytime shows, with a full meal (catered by Fouquet’s), Champagne, or just a seat. Tickets €39-€156.
Through February 14
The Art of Love in the Time of Geishas In tandem with the exhibition Kama-Sutra, the Pinacothèque de Paris is also hosting an exhibition exploring the singular approach to erotic life and culture in Japan during the Edo period (1603-1867). You can get a special discount by visiting both Pinacothèque exhibitions within the same day, available only directly at their ticket window.
Through February 15
Skate on the Eiffel Tower! There is an ice skating rink on the first level of the Eiffel Tower, free for those who already have a ticket for the Tower, open daily 10:30am-10:30pm. Skip the line by taking the stairs, it will help you warm up, too! Skates size 25-47 (EU), gloves are required.
Through February 15
At the Place de la Concorde is the Grande Roue Ferris Wheel. Each enclosed “car” holds six people. €10 for adult, €5 for kids under 10, open daily 11am-midnight (Fri-Sat until 1am).
Through March 1
The Patinoire de Paris is a large ice skating rink in front of Hôtel de Ville. Free entry, €5 skate rental, gloves or mittens obligatory.
Other Paris Calendar Links
- For general events around Paris: Que Faire à Paris?
- For literary events, readings, and classes: Monthly Paris Listing.
- For indie/alternative music concerts see Gigs in Paris
- For art exhibitions, museum news and openings see Paris Muse.
- For mainstream events visit the Paris Office of Tourism.
- For naughty events, see the Naughty Paris Guide.
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