Best Things to Do in Paris December 2024 – Pure Holiday Magic

December in Paris is pure enchantment. The City of Light transforms into a winter wonderland, with dazzling holiday lights, festive markets, and cozy cafés perfect for warming up with a chocolat chaud. Explore the famous Christmas markets at the Hôtel de Ville and Notre-Dame, where you can sip mulled wine and shop for handcrafted gifts. Don't miss the spectacular holiday window displays at iconic department stores like Galeries Lafayette. From ice skating rinks to festive concerts, December offers countless ways to experience the magic of Paris during the holiday season.

Esprit de Paris – The Top Experiences

Things to Do in Paris December 2024

Elegant Bateaux Parisiens Dinner Cruise on the Seine

For an unforgettable night in Paris, indulge in a Bateaux Parisiens Dinner Cruise along the Seine. Dine on a gourmet French meal while gliding past the city's most iconic landmarks, all beautifully illuminated in the crisp December air. The Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Notre-Dame provide a stunning backdrop as you enjoy fine dining and live music. It's the perfect way to experience the magic of Paris during the holiday season.

Ballet – The Snow Queen

Experience The Snow Queen by the Ballet Company of the National Opera of Ukraine at the Théâtre des Champs‐élysées. Despite challenges in Kyiv, these talented artists bring this magical story to life. Performances run from December 22 to January 4, including Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. Don't miss this chance to support their artistry—tickets are selling quickly!

Xmas Day & Xmas Eve Gourmet Cruises

Choose between a Christmas Day or Christmas Eve gourmet meal along the magical river Seine. You can opt for a lunch cruise, an early dinner cruise, or a late cruise at 9:15 on either day. This is something you will remember forever, but these sailings WILL sell out, so book right now…

New Years Eve Dinner Cruise & Party

Celebrate New Year's Eve 2025 in style with a dinner cruise on the Bateaux Mouches. Glide along the Seine, taking in the sparkling lights of Paris’s iconic landmarks, from the Eiffel Tower to Notre-Dame, while enjoying a delicious 4-course gourmet dinner paired with fine wines. Live music adds a festive touch, creating the ideal atmosphere for a memorable night. Make your New Year’s Eve unforgettable with this perfect blend of dining, views, and Parisian magic.

Holiday Season Dinner Cruise

Reserve a table for one of the best holiday celebrations in Paris — a dinner cruise along the most magical river in the world. Set sail for a memorable multi-course dinner with all the French touches, starting with a glass of champagne. This special sailing will sell out soon, so book right now.

Masterpieces of the Louvre Guided Tour

The Louvre is very, very popular, and rightly so, but that means long lineups. Luckily, though, you can skip those line by booking this small-group guided tour, especially designed to feature the most famous works, the ones you must see when in Paris. Don't waste your time or get lost in the mammoth 5,600 sq.m. museum — see it like a Paris VIP.

A Magical Christmas Opera at Bastille

Make this Christmas Day truly unforgettable with an evening at the iconic Bastille Opera House for a mesmerizing performance of Paquita. Set in 19th-century Spain, this dazzling production bursts with vibrant costumes, stunning sets, and electrifying choreography. Inside the sleek, modern opera house, you’ll be swept away by the music and magic of the evening. It’s a holiday experience like no other. Book your tickets now before they sell out

Eiffel Tower Priority-Access

The Eiffel Tower is, of course, one of the most popular attractions in Paris. Hence, there is always a long line. The only sure way to avoid waiting out in the December cold is to book a skip-the-line tour. On these tours you meet up with your guide at the base of the tower and get escorted past the massive lineup to the priority entrance. After the tour, spend as much extra time as you want on top of Gustave Eiffel's Iron lady.

Bateaux Mouches Evening Dinner Cruise

Here's another way to indulge your inner romantic on a magical evening cruise along the Seine, viewing the City of Lights at its most magical. You dine on a decadent 4-course classic French dinner, accompanied by live music on-board, as you float past illuminated landmarks like the Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Eiffel Tower. Choose the Excellence option for premier seating and a few extras — like more champagne!

Paris Christmas Food Walking Tour

Here's an easy & fun way to enjoy all the seasonal goodness that Paris has to offer. Follow your guide to explore Christmas in Paris in its many forms — the decorations & displays at Galeries Lafayette, window displays in the city's Art Nouveau shops & boutiques, in and out of quaint food and tableware shops, and finishing up at a traditional Parisian wine bar for champagne and foie gras. Bonnes Fêtes !

An Evening at Paradis Latin

The oldest cabaret in the Paris doesn't have a red windmill, but is located on the other side of the river, in the Latin Quarter. Some of the best nighttime entertainment in Paris is to be found in a splendorous and slightly risqué revue. Combine the show with a dinner menu from Michelin-starred Guy Savoy and you'll delight all your senses during a memorable evening.

Musée d'Orsay Impressionism Tour

Explore the world-renowned Musée d'Orsay with an expert guide on an immersive tour. Skip the long lines and dive straight into the stunning collection of Impressionist masterpieces by artists like Monet, Van Gogh, and Degas. Set in a former Beaux-Arts railway station, the museum itself is a work of art. Perfect for art lovers looking to experience the magic of Paris in December, a guided tour offers an enriching journey through one of the city's most iconic cultural gems.

Start Your Visit To Paris in Style

Arriving in Paris feels even better when everything is pre-arranged. That's why we always book private transportation from the airport to central Paris. While shuttles and taxis are options, nothing compares to having a luxury vehicle and personal driver waiting to whisk you directly to your hotel. It's the perfect way to kick off your Parisian adventure with a touch of elegance and comfort, setting the tone for a memorable trip.

The Best Latin Quarter Hotels

The Left Bank is pretty much everyone's favorite part of Paris. It turns out that this historic and charming quartier is also home to some of our favorite hotels in the city. And it's right in the center of things, with so much in easy walking distance. Discover the very best hotels on the Left Bank, including our #1 top hotel pick in all of Paris.

The Wonders of Versailles

Things to Do in Paris December 2024

Best of Versailles + Marie Antoinette's Estate

Skip the lines and step into the wonder of the Palace of Versailles with this expert-guided tour from Paris. Explore the lavish palace rooms, including the iconic Hall of Mirrors, and wander through the stunning gardens. Your guide shares captivating stories of French royalty, bringing history to life. Opt for the extended tour to visit Marie-Antoinette's charming hamlet and farm, for a deeper dive into the royal lifestyle.

Half-Day Versailles with Priority Access

If you don't have a full day to devote to Versailles, we also recommend this half-day tour that includes priority access. You'll breeze by the long lines to experience the grandeur of Louis XIV, The Sun King. This small-group activity is led by an expert guide and includes transportation from central Paris. If you prefer (as we do) you can opt for a private tour, for just you and your group.

Delectable Food & Wine Experiences

Things to Do in Paris December 2024

Cheese & Wine Tasting in a Paris Cheese Cellar

Under the guidance of a master affineur (an expert in the art of cheese aging) you descend into the cheese cellar of a fromagerie in the Marais. Here you learn all about this culinary art while you sample seven classic French cheeses, along with wines — discovering how cheese became one of the most revered foods of France. The small group is limited to 10 to ensure there's more cheese for you.

Bateaux Parisiens Seine River Gourmet Lunch

It's an Insiders secret that the best place to see the dazzling landmarks of Paris is on a boat, cruising along the Seine, sipping champagne while enjoying a leisurely classic 3-course French meal. The menu is a la carte, with wine & champagne compris (included). We highly recommend the Premier Service option, if available, to guarantee you a private window seat and a better menu.

A Taste of Montmartre Food & Wine Tour

Montmartre, the Paris hilltop neighborhood that once was a village, retains some of that village feel. On this fun walking tour a food-expert guide takes you to the best of the quartier's food shops where you sample crusty baguettes, tender crepes, cured speciality sausages and a glass or two of wine at the many charming wine bars along the route. As you taste your way around the neighborhood you'll also learn about hidden & artistic landmarks of Montmartre.

Saint-Germain Chocolate & Pastry Walking Tour

In Paris, chocolate is a major food group. At least that how it seems, what with over 200 speciality (and amazing) chocolatiers. On this tour (our readers' fave food activity) you walk from chocolate shop to pastry shop to chocolate shop in an historic district of Paris and sample all along the route. On a small group tour like this you get hands-on attention at a relaxed pace.

Wine Tasting in the Heart of Paris

Discover the world of French wine right in the heart of Paris. From rich reds to crisp whites, a Paris wine tasting lets you savor, learn, and explore the flavors of France with expert sommeliers as your guides. Whether you're a wine lover or just curious, this tasting journey offers a deeper understanding of French terroir and winemaking traditions. Click here and start your adventure into the exquisite art of French wine!

Champagne Cruise Along the Seine

What could be better than a relaxed, champagne-fueled boat ride down the most beautiful river in the world? Well, what about having priority seating at the front of the boat? How about a French sommelier to guide you through a flight of three different types of champagne? Glide past the sights while sipping bubbly and discovering that the best way to see the City of Lights is on a bateau.

The Food & Wine of the Marais

Everyone loves this food tour through one of the oldest quartiers of Paris. Start at the oldest food market in the city, and then follow your food-expert guide through the historic Marais neighborhood to visit the top food & wine shops, tasting the best of French foods — cheese, charcuterie, baguettes, chocolate, and wine. Highly recommended.

Gourmet Holiday Food Tour

You start your culinary afternoon on the historic Left Bank, a gourmet haven. At a traditional fromagerie you learn about French cheeses while you sample, sample, sample. Next up are freshly baked baguettes followed by French wine. Don't forget the foie gras! And, don't worry, any calories you consume are going to be burned off by the walk! The Christmas version of this popular tour is not to be missed.

Learn to Make Croissants with a Pastry Chef

Flaky, crusty, tender croissants are an emblem of Paris boulangeries. In this small-group pastry class you'll learn from a trained French chef how to mix, roll, and prepare croissants and pains au chocolat from scratch. Imagine how impressed your friends back home will be when you whip up your batch of French pastries!

Go Deeper Into France On Day Trips

Things to Do in Paris December 2024

Spend a Day in the Champagne Region

A day spent in the Champagne region is certain to be a highlight of your holiday. Starting from your Paris address your driver/guide whisks you off through rolling hills and world-class vineyards to Reims, capital of the Champagne region. After touring this historic area the champagne houses beckon and your sampling of bubbly begins! A classic French 3-course lunch is included on this full-day trip.

Visit the D-Day Beaches of Normandy

Although it took the Allied Forces 70 days to get from the Atlantic shore to Paris, it will only take you a few hours to get from Paris to the historic D-Day beaches of Normandy. Perhaps the most important battle site of World War II, the landing beaches still evoke powerful memories and emotions. Visit the important sites on a small-group trip from Paris in a comfortable Eurovan.

Magnificent Loire Valley Chateaux + Wines

One of the things you don't want to miss when you visit France is the Loire Valley with its magnificent castles. It's an easy day trip from Paris and this particular tour is our favorite. Not only do you visit 3 or 4 of the most spectacular chateaux, you also taste the wines of the best producers in the Loire Valley. The semi-private activity includes transportation from central Paris in a luxurious Eurovan.

What's On At The Museums

Things to Do in Paris December 2024

Louvre & Orsay Museums Skip-the-Line Tour

Yes, you can! You'll cover a lot of art history in a few short hours — the only thing you have to do is relax and enjoy the masterpieces. No need to worry about buying tickets or standing in line. This combination museum tour takes you to the best at the Louvre and the d'Orsay museum with a knowledgeable guide. Group size is limited to 8.

Harriet Backer – The Music of Color

This is the first retrospective of Harriet Backer's(1845-1932) work in France. Although little is known about her outside her native Norway, Backer was the most renowned woman artist of the late 19th century. You will fall in love with her tender portraits of rural Norwegian life.
• Musée d'Orsay
• Ends January 12, 2025
• Information…

La Collection – Revoir Picasso

In 2014 Pablo Picasso's most important public collection was permanently installed in the lavish setting of the Hôtel Salé, a mansion in the Marais. A decade later, the museum pays homage with a three-year retrospective starting with a tribute to Françoise Gilot. Beyond her famous book — Living with Picasso, published in 1965 — Gilot's own artistic career spanned from Réalités Nouvelles to her large compositions of the "emblematic paintings" of the 1980s.

• Musée Picasso
• To March 12, 2027
• Information…

Figures of the Fool

This ambitious exhibition focuses on the medieval figure of the fool through 300 works of art — from ivories, boxes, small bronzes, medals, drawings, prints to paintings and tapestries.

• Louvre Museum
• Ends February 3, 2025

A New Look at Watteau's Pierrot

Formerly known as Gilles, Watteau's Pierrot is one of the most famous masterpieces in the Louvre's collection. Discovered by the Director of the Louvre during the time of Napoleon, it garnered praise from writers and art historians for its mischievous and melancholy mood. It will be seen for first time since undergoing extensive restoration.

• Louvre Museum
• Ends February 3, 2025

Surrealism

Retracing 40 years of the wacky world of Surrealism, this touring exhibition celebrating the global spread of this 20th-century art movement opens Paris before moving on to Madrid, Hamburg and Philadelphia.

• Centre Pompidou
• Ends January 13, 2025
• Information…

The Top Events In Paris

Things to Do in Paris December 2024

Christmas Markets

From the middle of November to early January bundle up warm and set out on the streets of Paris to learn how the French celebrate Christmas. Seasonal markets are set up up in many quartiers of the city. These temporary cabin villages are where tout les Parisiens shop for seasonal specialties, decorations, and Christmas crafts. During this festive time of year you will find Noël markets throughout the city.

Notre Dame Christmas Market 2024

It's a Christmas miracle! Paris' favorite Marché a Noël at Notre Dame Cathedral is back, but just across the river in Square Viviani. Marvel at oldest tree in Paris (at 400 years) and sample regional specialties like macarons, gingerbread, foie gras, hot pretzels, sausages, local cheese, roasted chestnuts, mulled wine and chocolat chaud.
• Square René Viviani, 5th Arrondissement
• Information…

Christmas Lights on Champs Elysées

Paris lights up for the holidays, but the most famous light show is on Champs Elysées. If you're lucky enough to be in Paris in mid November you can watch the Christmas lights be turned on by celebrities and French dignitaries. (We're still waiting to be invited to throw the switch!)
• Avenue des Champs Elysées
• November 15 to January 6
• Information…

Helene Segara Symphonique

You may have heard Helene Segara in duet with Andrea Bocelli or as Esméralda in the musical Notre-Dame de Paris but now it's your chance to see the star of the French television show, France Has Incredible Talent at this classic Parisian concert hall.
• Salle Pleyel
• December 21, 2024
• Information…