Gradually, snow begins to fall on our hometowns – lightly in some places, heavily in others. And there’s a growing feeling that maybe, just maybe, this year we should spend Christmas in Paris. What a wonderful idea!
But how can you make sure your Christmas and New Year 2026 trip to Paris is a 110% success? Read our festive to-do list.
Some preparations start at home – buying plane tickets, booking a hotel, and planning in advance.
» READ MORE – New Year’s Eve in Paris: 10 tips
When should you come to celebrate New Year’s Eve 2026 in Paris?
The peak of the festive season in France is Christmas, 25 December. Everything builds up to this day, and the anticipation is part of the celebration itself. From late November, the whole city begins to sparkle.
The French treat New Year’s Eve more as a closing chapter to the holiday season. They celebrate, and by 2 January, everyone is back to work. If you plan to keep the festivities going after New Year’s Eve, you’ll need to create the fun yourself – don’t expect the locals to keep partying.
If you want to enjoy the festive atmosphere, bright lights, and special events, it’s best to arrive in December. Ideally, plan a weeklong trip that includes both 25 December and 1 January.
Early January in Paris is calm and quiet – until the winter sales begin.
Choose a hotel in Paris for New Year's EveWhere to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Paris?
Tickets for the best New Year’s Eve parties in Paris sell out as early as October. Book yours in advance!
At Disneyland
After a day filled with magic, Disneyland Paris hosts a special New Year’s Eve night party. The highlight is a spectacular light show — not on a historic monument, but on Sleeping Beauty’s Castle.
Check this link to buy your tickets.
» READ MORE – Christmas and New Year at Disneyland Paris
At the Moulin Rouge cabaret
Celebrate the night with dancing, champagne, and world-class performances at the legendary Moulin Rouge. This luxurious event is a favorite among celebrities. You never know who you might be ringing in the New Year with – a delightful surprise awaits!
Be sure to book your tickets earlyOn a cruise ship
Paris has many cruise boats on the Seine, and a night cruise is magical even in winter. In the cold season, the decks are enclosed, so you can admire the city lights in comfort.
Some companies also serve dinner or lunch on board. Tables for New Year’s Eve cruises must be booked well in advance.
At the Eiffel Tower
Many dream of seeing fireworks over the Eiffel Tower on New Year’s Eve. However, fireworks here happen only once a year – on Bastille Day.
Even so, the atmosphere is electric. At midnight, the tower will twinkle with its dazzling lights as crowds gather on the Champ de Mars to welcome the New Year together.
At the Arc de Triomphe
On 31 December at 11:20 p.m., the Arc de Triomphe becomes the backdrop for an incredible light show. While there won’t be a large fireworks display, it’s still a stunning sight.
The Champs-Élysées will be filled with people eager to join the celebration.
Public transport runs late and free on New Year’s Eve, so getting back to your hotel will be easy. Keep in mind, however, that the nearest metro stations to the Champs-Élysées will be closed, so expect a bit of walking.
How to get into the festive spirit?
Take a photo in the Christmas lights
Stroll down the Champs-Élysées, illuminated with thousands of sparkling garlands. Luxury brand stores compete to create the most dazzling Christmas windows and decorations.
In December, this is the perfect place to feel the magic of the season. Capturing these moments, however, can be tricky since most photos will be taken at night. Consider hiring a professional photographer to ensure you return home with beautiful memories of your Parisian holiday.
Admire the festive live shop windows
In December, Parisian department stores transform into wonderlands. Their windows come alive with dancing dolls, singing toys, fairy tales, and biblical scenes.
For the best displays, head to Boulevard Haussmann, where Galeries Lafayette and Printemps put on the most famous shows. Bon Marché and Samaritaine are also worth visiting.
Inside the stores, remember to ask for a tax-free form when buying souvenirs or gifts.
» READ MORE – Paris Christmas window displays: a fairy tale behind glass
Go ice skating
For many, ice skating is a winter sport, but in Paris, it’s also a holiday tradition.
The largest ice rink in Europe is set up inside the Grand Palais. There are also rinks at Paris City Hall, near the Eiffel Tower, on the roof of Galeries Lafayette, and at the Grande Arche de la Défense, where you can skate with an incredible view over the city.
Shop at Christmas markets
Christmas markets in Paris are full of charm and holiday cheer. Most close by 24 December, so plan accordingly.
Here, you’ll find adorable seasonal souvenirs – some practical, some purely whimsical. Locals buy gifts and gourmet treats for their Christmas tables.
After wandering through the stalls, warm up with mulled wine, hot soup, or fresh crêpes.
» READ MORE – Paris Christmas markets on the map!
Visit the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte
During the holidays, the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte turns into a true fairy-tale setting, with magical decorations and lights. The illuminated gardens are especially romantic – a perfect place for a winter walk.
The Christmas program runs from 15 November to 4 January. While there, you can also visit the carriage museum, where you’ll see royal carriages once used by nobility.
» READ MORE – 10 best palaces and castles in Paris and its suburbs
What to try for New Year’s Eve in Paris?
The Three Kings’ Cake
No French Christmas is complete without the Three Kings’ Cake (Galette des Rois).
These cakes come in many variations – from simple to elaborate, catering to different tastes and dietary needs. Traditionally, they are served on 4 January to celebrate Epiphany, though they are available throughout the holiday season.
An ancient tradition, dating back to Ancient Rome, hides a small surprise inside the cake – a coin, figurine, or charm. If you find it in your slice, it means good luck for the year ahead! Just be careful not to swallow it or hurt your teeth.
Christmas log
The Christmas log (Bûche de Noël) is another must-try dessert.
It can be a simple rolled cake or a lavish creation from a master chocolatier. The tradition comes from the days when families would burn a real wooden log at Christmas for good luck and protection. Today, the ritual has been sweetened – quite literally – into a delicious treat.
» READ MORE – Traditional Christmas dishes from 10 European countries
After the holiday
On 25 December and 1 January, many museums, attractions, cafés, and bakeries are closed as locals rest and spend time with family.
For those who still have energy to celebrate, a festive parade takes place along the Champs-Élysées.
So what can you do on these quieter days?
Go for a walk! Our Paris audio guide works year-round, with no breaks or closures. Download it from this link, and your smartphone will have four routes through the city’s top attractions. A personalized tour at your own pace for the price of a cup of coffee – yes, it’s possible. Celebrating New Year’s Eve 2026 in Paris is a fantastic idea.
Make it a holiday to remember – and Happy New Year!
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