What’s On in Paris – January 2022

Note that the Pass Sanitaire is still required in most monuments, concerts, and other entertainment venues, and masks are required everywhere indoors, and at markets and public events outdoors. Due to the rise of Covid cases again in France, it’s possible some events may be canceled at the last minute such as concerts or theatre productions.

January 8 – February 26
The one-woman show “Oh my God, she’s Parisian” starring Julie Collas is back at the Théâtre Bo St Martin (19 blvd St Martin, 3rd) every Saturday through February 26th. For more info and tickets: https://www.julie-collas.com/

Through January 9
Don’t miss the Lumières en Seine, a dazzling light show in the gardens of the Domaine de Saint Cloud (west side of Paris accessible via metro). “From the very entrance at the Clémenceau gates, this special light trail will take you on a magical journey through fire gardens and frosted forests, over fields of fairies and illuminated waterfalls. Along the way you’ll pass by a charming merry-go-round and Santa’s sleigh as well as a cozy rest spot, where you can enjoy mouth-wateringly good food, mulled wine and hot chocolate.” Tickets are €20 for adults (€22 Fri-Sun ), €18 for kids 5-14 (€20 Fri-Sun) and Family Tickets for two adults and two kids for €72 (€80 Fri-Sun and holidays). Purchase online in advance and dress warm!

January 12 – February 8
The twice-annual sales (soldes en français) kick off in shops all over France, with clothing and home goods up to 70% off. Even if “everything is cheaper online,” the sales are a great time to support small, independent shops, especially those which are usually a bit out of your price range.

Through January 17
A photo exposition of Afghan women, “Aux Côtes des Femmes Afghanes: Résister” (Standing with Afghan Women: To Resist), will be displayed free to the public on the Avenue des Champs-Elysées at the corner of Avenue de Matignon. The exposition comes from the cover story from the September 16, 2021 edition of ELLE France magazine, by journalist Ava Djamshidi and photos by Philippe de Poulpiquet.

January 20
Looking to volunteer in Paris (and can understand French)? It’s time for the 5th annual Nuit de la Solidarité, where volunteers are needed to help interview people living on the streets of Paris to better understand their profiles and needs in order to best adapt emergency and social mechanisms. This year, special attention will be paid to assessing the impact of the health crisis on precariousness and street situations in Paris. Learn more and register here: https://www.paris.fr/pages/nuit-de-la-solidarite-2022-19971

Through January 29
The Bibliothèque Forney (1 rue du Figuier, 4th, the Arts Library in the 15th century Hôtel de Sens) is hosting an exposition on powder boxes, powder puffs, and everything around these very girly objects, La Poudre de Beauté et Ses Ecrins. “From the end of the 19th century, cardboard became the material of choice for powder boxes which experienced their golden age from the Belle Epoque to the 1960s and the appearance in 1914 of the powder compact. This serial production of varied cases, both in their forms and in their materials, is a reflection of society at the turn of the twentieth century, both in the evolution of customs and in female emancipation.” Free entry, open Tues-Sat 1-7pm, no reservations needed.

Through January 30
The Jardin des Plantes (5th) is hosting another evening illuminations festival in their gardens over the holidays. This year’s theme is “The Enlightening Evolution” featuring more than a hundred light structures representing the many strange and wonderful species that have populated the Earth over the past 600 million years. “You will see “celebrities” from the past, such as dinosaurs, but also little-known species that will surprise you with their astonishing shapes and unique lifestyles.” You can see them for free in the daytime during regular garden opening hours, but will need tickets to see them lit up at night, from 6-11pm. Tickets €12-€15, AVAILABLE ONLY ONLINE here.

January 31 – February 14
The Chinese New Year of the Water Tiger is celebrated over two weeks in several locations throughout Paris, notably in the 13th arrondissement, home to the largest Chinatown in France, with the famous parade of dancing dragons and lions.

Every Weekend through March 6
The Cité Fertile, a “Third Space” in the Parisian suburb of Pantin, transforms into La Cité des Merveilles every weekend through March at their massive space dedicated to sustainable living. On the program of this fun fair are sweet and savory street-food stands, different eco-responsible Christmas markets every weekend in December (see the schedule here), live music, a labyrinth, games and attractions for young and old, and a magical atmosphere where tree-huggers have a good time! Free entry (tickets for the flying chairs ride sold separately), open Sat noon-1am and Sun until 8pm. Exceptionally open Friday Dec 10th 6pm-1am and open daily February 19th-March 6th.