Although New Year’s Eve is less significant and festive than Christmas in the French capital, there is still plenty to see, experience, and enjoy on this night. Read on to discover the best ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Paris.
» READ MORE – Paris Christmas window displays: a fairy tale behind glass
Keep in mind: the earlier you plan your itinerary and book your hotel, the more exciting and affordable your New Year’s Eve in Paris will be.
Where to stay for New Year’s Eve in Paris?
December and New Year’s Eve are definitely not low season in Paris. Quite the opposite. Hotels are often fully booked, and tickets to museums and the Eiffel Tower sell out quickly. Prepare for your trip in advance!
Follow this link to see the best hotel deals for that night.
Select a hotel on the Champs-ÉlyséesIt’s best to stay in the city center so that you don’t have to travel far back to your hotel in the middle of the night.
If you plan to attend the New Year’s show at the Arc de Triomphe, choose a hotel near the Champs-Élysées (see here), in the 16th or 17th arrondissement.
If you want to drink champagne near the Eiffel Tower, check out the hotels at this link.
» READ MORE – Paris in December 2025. Christmas and New Year
How to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Paris?
New Year’s Eve under the Eiffel Tower and on the Champs-Élysées
A dream come true – celebrating New Year’s Eve under the Eiffel Tower! It’s a wonderful experience, but the key is not to miss the moment itself.
There are no fireworks over the tower on New Year’s Eve and no chimes like Big Ben in London. But don’t be disappointed – you’ll be surrounded by a million tourists sharing the moment. People will congratulate you in dozens of languages, dance, sing, and toast with you. The feeling of joy at that moment will stay with you for a long time.
The main celebrations on New Year’s Eve take place on the Champs-Élysées. Head towards the Arc de Triomphe, where you can enjoy a laser show and the only fireworks display in the city.
Don’t forget to bring a bottle of champagne and some tangerines.
The celebrations usually end around three in the morning. Be careful and follow police recommendations. Public transport runs late and free of charge on New Year’s Eve, but note that stations on the Champs-Élysées may be closed for crowd control.
» READ MORE – Paris in January 2026: post-New Year syndrome
New Year’s Eve at the Moulin Rouge
One of the most impressive New Year’s Eve events takes place at the legendary Moulin Rouge cabaret. The night is filled with music, dancing until dawn, and endless champagne. Many celebrities and prominent figures choose to celebrate here – even members of European royal families.
You can join them too, but tickets sell out quickly, so book well in advance.
See tickets for the cabaret on December 31 at this link. For tickets on other holiday dates, check here. They are usually sold out by November.
» READ MORE – Moulin Rouge in Paris: tickets for the French cabaret show
New Year’s fairy tale at Disneyland
If you prefer cheerful cartoon characters to cabaret dancers and definitely want to see fireworks, Disneyland is the perfect choice.
» READ MORE – Christmas and New Year at Disneyland Paris
The Christmas program at Disneyland begins at the end of November and lasts throughout December.
The park normally closes at 11 p.m., but on New Year’s Eve, Disneyland hosts a special celebration that goes past midnight. The event is so magical it will send your endorphins soaring.
- Tickets must be purchased in advance and for a specific date
- Note: a regular park ticket for December 31 allows entry from 10:00 to 23:00. A separate ticket is required for the special New Year’s Eve party after 23:00
And, of course, there will be fireworks! Disneyland on any day feels like stepping into a fairy tale, but on New Year’s Eve, it becomes even more enchanting. Children, parents, and couples alike will be delighted.
New Year’s Eve dinner on a cruise ship
Another unique way to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Paris is on a river cruise. Several companies offer special night tours along the Seine. You’ll enjoy live music, a festive dinner, the Eiffel Tower glittering in the night, and a cozy, joyful atmosphere.
It’s best to buy tickets for this in advance. Book now.
And don’t forget to check out our original audio guides – they’ll keep you entertained throughout your holiday.
» READ MORE – Boat tours on the Seine in Paris
New Year’s Eve entertainment in Paris
Christmas markets
One of the highlights of December in Paris is its Christmas markets.
Previously, the main market was on the Champs-Élysées, but since 2017 it has been held in the Tuileries Garden. We strongly recommend visiting at least one market – there are more than 20 in Paris and its suburbs.
Excursion: fairs, sights, and holiday lightsVendors in small wooden stalls sell Christmas tree ornaments, puzzles, accessories, and unique souvenirs.
When it’s cold, warm up with hot soup or mulled wine. And don’t skip the sweets – pancakes, cakes, and chocolates are in abundance.
- At the Tuileries Garden, you can ride a Ferris wheel, while at the Hôtel de Ville you can enjoy a charming horse carousel
- The Christmas fair at Champ de Mars is particularly multicultural
- The largest market is in the La Défense district. You can easily spend an entire day there. Stroll among modern sculptures and visit the observation deck at the Grande Arche for a breathtaking view of the entire Champs-Élysées
» READ MORE – Paris Christmas markets on the map!
New Year’s illuminations
Staying in a hotel near the Champs-Élysées gives you the chance to experience one of Paris’s most spectacular sights – its festive lights.
During December, shops seem to compete to create the most original decorations and Christmas trees.
The Champs-Élysées itself is draped in twinkling lights. These illuminations, switched on in November and kept until mid-January, are the city’s longest-lasting symbol of the holiday season.
» READ MORE – How to celebrate New Year’s Eve 2026 in Paris?
Living shop windows
This Parisian tradition attracts millions of visitors every year.
The windows of department stores – Galeries Lafayette, Printemps, Samaritaine, and others – come alive with miniature animated shows during the holidays.
Brand designers work year-round to create these magical displays, often more captivating than what you’ll find inside.
Inside, you’ll still see beautifully decorated Christmas trees, while outside, the glowing windows and the aroma of roasted chestnuts create a festive atmosphere that’s hard to resist.
Christmas trees
The ultimate symbol of Christmas and New Year is the Christmas tree – and in Paris, there are thousands of them.
A whole forest appears on Place Vendôme alone.
The most important Christmas tree stands on the square in front of Notre Dame Cathedral. Many people come here for Christmas Mass.
This year, there is a special sense of anticipation – after a long restoration, Notre Dame will once again be at the heart of the city’s festive events!
Ice skating and attractions
You can admire the holiday lights from the streets or from above.
During the season, a glittering Ferris wheel is set up at the Tuileries Garden Christmas fair. Its enclosed cabins allow you to enjoy the view regardless of the weather. At the entrance, you can even grab a bottle of champagne to take with you!
- Ice skating is a favorite Parisian pastime. Even though the weather is often not cold enough for natural ice, artificial rinks are built all around the city
- Each year, ice rinks appear at the City Hall square, near the Eiffel Tower, and at the Montparnasse Tower. The largest rink in Europe is installed at the Grand Palais
- For spectacular views, head to the rooftop rinks at Galeries Lafayette or the Grande Arche de la Défense
Free horse carousels are part of Paris year-round, but during the holidays they are decorated with bright garlands and glowing lights, evoking scenes from old French films. Riding one feels like stepping into a winter fairy tale – a romantic touch to the city of love.
Weather for New Year’s Eve in Paris
Every beautiful Christmas city has its downsides, and for Paris, it’s the weather.
The average temperature at this time of year is around +5°C, and nights are colder. Snow may fall but usually melts quickly, and rain is common. The air is often damp and chilly.
However, every few years, Paris receives a blanket of fluffy snow, transforming it into a true winter wonderland.
When planning your trip, remember that this is not the season for visiting parks.
Avoid Versailles on New Year’s Eve – you’ll only be able to see the royal chambers indoors. Outside, you’ll find closed fountains, bare trees, puddles, and slushy snow. The famous fountain shows resume in April.
On the other hand, the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte offers a magical Christmas program every year. Its gardens feature beautifully decorated live fir trees, and the palace itself is filled with holiday displays.
» READ MORE – A guide for visiting the Loire castles in France
You can also visit the carriage museum and imagine Cinderella’s tale before watching fireworks in the evening.
Dress warmly – and Happy New Year!
Jean Baptiste D. / Unsplash 
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Sung Jin Cho / Unsplash
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