Christmas concerts are taking place in some of Paris’s most stunning venues: Candlelight will light up your holiday season at the Maison de l’Océan, the INJA, and the Eiffel Tower

In December, Paris has its rituals. We line up in front of the animated store windows on Boulevard Haussmann, stroll up the illuminated Champs-Élysées, and always end up asking ourselves the same question: what on earth can you give someone who already has everything? This year, the answer might just be a Candlelight Christmas concert in Paris. No wrapping paper needed.

The concept behind these concerts: a string quartet or a piano, thousands of candles, and about an hour of music that everyone is already humming. And the Christmas editions are taking place at three exceptional venues:

the Maison de l’Océan, the former Paris Oceanographic Institute, right in the heart of the Latin Quarter; the INJA, the first French institution dedicated to the education of blind youth; and the Salon Gustave Eiffel, on the first floor of a rather famous 324-meter tower built in 1889 (you know which one).

Christmas Music: The Great Classics Take Center Stage

La Maison de l’Océan, while the Institut National des Jeunes Aveugles is hosting a concert sure to delight classical music lovers. The program features Corelli’s Christmas Concerto, Vivaldi’s “Winter,” as well as traditional carols like “Joy to the World,” “Adeste Fideles,” and “O Holy Night.” The latter, incidentally, has French origins: composed in 1847 by Adolphe Adam under the title *Minuit, chrétiens*, it will ring out here amid thousands of candles. It’s the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit in a setting that’s a welcome change from the usual concert halls.

📍 Where? Maison de l’Océan, 195 Rue Saint-Jacques, Paris 5th, and Institut National des Jeunes Aveugles, 56 Boulevard des Invalides, Paris, 75007

Christmas Music Special at the Salon Gustave Eiffel: From Tchaikovsky to Wham!

Listening to your favorite Christmas songs on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower—you have to admit, it’s a bit of a change from the usual playlist. In the Salon Gustave Eiffel, a string quartet reimagines everything from Tchaikovsky’s “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” to “Carol of the Bells,” “Feliz Navidad,” and Wham!’s “Last Christmas.” Even “Let It Go,” the famous Oscar-winning song from *Frozen*, is part of the lineup. All of this takes place by the light of thousands of candles, with arrangements that give a fresh twist to these tunes we know by heart.

📍 Where? Eiffel Tower, Gustave Eiffel Lounge, 1st floor

Christmas Movie Soundtracks: Cinema Comes to the Eiffel Tower

Are you one of those people who watches *Home Alone* every December? This concert is sure to bring back some fond memories. Still at the Salon Gustave Eiffel, Candlelight performs iconic melodies from Christmas movies, from Carol of the Bells to Believe from *The Polar Express*, including You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch and “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” associated with *Love Actually*. Not to mention “White Christmas,” whose version by Bing Crosby remains the best-selling single of all time according to Guinness World Records. No screen this time—just string instruments and these songs, which are enough to bring the images back to life.

📍 Where? Eiffel Tower, Gustave Eiffel Lounge, 1st floor

Let them choose their own Christmas gift

We all know someone who’s almost impossible to buy a gift for. The person who already has everything, the one who always says, “Oh, you know, I don’t need anything,” or the one whose musical tastes change every week.

To avoid making a mistake, the Candlelight gift card is a great alternative. The concept is simple: you receive a code via email, along with a printable version for those who want to slip something under the tree. Valid for one year from the date of purchase, it allows the lucky recipient to choose from among the Candlelight concerts offered throughout France.

Discover the Candlelight gift card

FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Candlelight’s Christmas Concerts in Paris

Where do the Candlelight Christmas concerts take place in Paris?

The concerts take place at three venues across the capital. The Christmas Music program is presented at the Maison de l’Océan in the 5th arrondissement and at the INJA in the 7th arrondissement. The Special Christmas Music and Christmas Movie Soundtracks concerts are held at the Salon Gustave Eiffel, on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower.

How long does a Candlelight concert last?

Expect about 60 minutes of music. Doors generally open 30 minutes before the concert starts, and latecomers won’t be allowed in once the performance has begun. For concerts at the Eiffel Tower, plan to arrive at least an hour early to go through security checks.

What should you wear to a Candlelight concert?

Good news—there’s no dress code! Casual-chic attire works perfectly, but the most important thing is to feel comfortable.

Are Candlelight concerts suitable for children?

Yes, children as young as 8 can attend the concerts. However, those under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

How does the Candlelight gift card work?

The gift card is sent by email as a code, along with a printable version. To use it, simply add it to the Fever app under Profile → Coupons → Add Coupon. It’s valid for one year from the date of purchase for Candlelight concerts in France.

Between the illuminated store windows, end-of-year reunions, and Christmas Eve preparations, December always goes by a little too fast in Paris. So taking an hour to listen to music in a place you don’t necessarily get to experience every day feels good. And if you can share that moment with someone you love, it’s even better.