Holidays come in all shapes and sizes. Even in Paris, one person might dream of spending the whole day snuggled up in a cosy cocoon of blankets, while another might want to party the night away in a club. A third might simply want to live a different life and wander aimlessly, sipping hot chocolate without hearing the words «Where shall we go next?»
Sometimes you don’t need to try to do everything in Paris – just come for a New Year’s holiday. One thing is certain – you need to book a good hotel in advance.
Choose a hotel in Paris» READ MORE – Paris in December 2025. Christmas and New Year
What can you do in Paris in winter?
It may seem like you’ve seen it all before. Still, let some things be for inspiration, and others for checking off a list. Here’s a standard but reliable starting point if you’re not sure how to begin your winter holiday in Paris.
- Christmas markets – a special atmosphere, of course, and a chance to bring home a charming souvenir
- Festive shop windows – if you’ve dreamed of visiting the toy shop from Home Alone since childhood, this is your moment
- Ice rinks, carousels, Ferris wheels – a touch of childhood magic for everyone, with just as much joy for adults
- New Year’s Masses – something we rarely attend in everyday life, but here’s the perfect occasion
- Disneyland – festive madness for children, though adults somehow enjoy it just as much :)
- Fireworks at the Arc de Triomphe – fireworks usually come at a price, but this spectacle is free in Paris on New Year’s Eve
- Cruises on the Seine and festive dinners – almost like dining in a dream restaurant, only with the glowing city as your backdrop
- Shopping at sales – if you’ve saved on fireworks, you might just afford something new
» READ MORE – Paris Christmas window displays: a fairy tale behind glass
Early January – the best time to hunt for discounts!
A morning without a destination
What does a true break from everything look like in Paris? Start your day as if you live here: coffee to go, a bakery around the corner, a slow glance at shop windows while Parisians rush past with purpose. Drop by the morning market or step inside a bookshop – no need to buy anything. Wander through a neighbourhood without museums on every corner.
A day of lazy tourism
Sometimes, the best plan for a holiday is not to have one at all – especially when Paris is outside your window. Allow yourself the luxury of staying in: curl up with a warm drink, wrap yourself in a blanket, and put on a film.
The choice is obvious:
- Amélie – for dreamers
- Paris, Je T’aime – for lovers of moody, atmospheric short stories
- Emily in Paris – if you want glamour and bright streets
If the film inspires you to venture outside, you can always take a walk around the filming locations of Emily in Paris.
But truly, staying in a cosy hotel with a view of Paris, a delicious pastry, and a TV series during the New Year – that’s also a proper holiday.
» READ MORE – Traditional Christmas dishes from 10 European countries
When travelling with children
Holidays with kids often mean family photos, bursts of joy, and exclamations of «Mum, look!» But sometimes, you just want thirty minutes of silence – or at least an activity your child loves, so you’re not left queuing with tired eyes.
Buy a ticket to Disneyland Paris- Start with the tried and true – Disneyland. It’s wonderful in winter: lights everywhere, parades, music, and Santa’s village, where everyone finds something to enjoy (even adults who claim they «don’t really like this stuff»)
- If you’re looking for something calmer and closer to the centre, try a pasta-making master class for kids. It’s almost like a cartoon – chef’s hats, cream, French accents. While the children cook, you can relax, or even join in. Who knows – maybe you’ll discover a hidden talent
- And of course – carousels. During the New Year holidays in Paris, vintage models appear throughout the city and rides are free. Areas near Hôtel de Ville, Saint-Sulpice, or Montmartre are perfect for those seeking both fun and great photo spots. Ice rinks are often nearby, so part of the family can skate while others enjoy mulled wine
New Year in castles
Every castle in and around Paris prepares for the festive season. Though many close during winter, they open for a month around the holidays. For example, Vaux-le-Vicomte is surrounded by towering Christmas trees wrapped in lights, and the interiors are dressed in full festive splendour. It feels like stepping into a fairy tale – this is what New Year’s castles are all about.
» READ MORE – Tour the Loire Valley castles in your car
In the evening, owls are just starting their day
When the day winds down but Paris remains wide awake, it’s time to seek out inspiration. It doesn’t have to be a club – maybe just a quiet bar where you’re understood without saying much.
- Cocktail bars – where vinyl spins softly instead of a DJ, and the bartender knows exactly what «simple but with character» means
- Jazz clubs and concerts in churches – evenings with taste, where the saxophone does the talking
- Michelin-starred restaurants – for those who want to celebrate in style
Sometimes, holidays mean music, lights, and fireworks. And Paris in late December embraces the joy of making a little noise.
- Cabaret — craving glitter, glamour, and dinner with live performances? Head to Moulin Rouge or Lido for spectacle and elegant kitsch
- Clubs and parties — for those who want to dance till dawn, with loud music and atmospheric venues
- 31 December at full power — where to be, where not to be, and what to expect — all in our article
» READ MORE – Paris 2025. How much does it cost?
You don’t have to stick to any plan. If you want, skip the route. If you feel tired, stay in with wine and a film. Holidays are for stepping away from expectations and simply resting – in Paris.
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