In the City of Light, there’s a museum-show of unparalleled splendor: the Musée des Arts Forains. A museum illuminated 11,400 m2, literally immerses visitors in a Belle Époque-style funfair, making it one of the most beautiful museums in the world. Here, young and old alike can discover century-old attractions and an authentic 1897 velocipede merry-go-round, still in working order. And one of the must-see annual events at the Musée des Arts Forains – Les Pavillons de Bercy is, of course, the Festival du Merveilleux, ready to enchant our little ones in the run-up to the festive season. But what does this new edition have in store for us?
Festival du Merveilleux: 10 days of enchantment in the heart of Paris
The Festival du Merveilleux is the event that transforms the Musée des Arts Forains into a veritable theater of wonders for Christmas. Since 2009, this magical festival has been attracting crowds, from lovers of the unusual to fans of live shows. Automatons, antique merry-go-rounds, luminous decorations… Everything has been thought out for an extraordinary interlude, from the poetic garden to the theater, to the Venetian Salons.
What can you expect this year?
The Musée des Art Forains is already an extraordinary museum in its own right. And for the Festival du Merveilleux, all the museum’s rooms will be open to the public for ten days without a guided tour. Young and old alike will be able to wander freely through the rooms, let themselves be surprised in every nook and cranny, and experience the enchantment of Christmas at their own pace. Once again this year, the festival will feature a wide range of performances, from storytellers and aerial dancers to acrobats, musicians and puppeteers.
The Museum garden will also be decked out in its splendid Christmas decorations and lights, to extend the magic outdoors. A veritable illuminated Garden of Eden, where you can dine on heart-warming delights… and even indulge in a candy-pink cotton candy for a return to childhood. The best part? Visitors will also be able to climb aboard vintage rides, opened especially for the occasion. Wooden horses, gondola rides, horse racing… The hardest part will undoubtedly be making your choice.
In short: a gentle blend of Christmas magic, nostalgia and wonder, spread over 11,400 m2. An ideal family outing in the run-up to the festive season.
Practical information
- 📅 Dates: December 26, 2025 to January 4, 2026
- 🕙 Times: 10:00 to 18:00 (last entry 17:30) Allow at least 1:30 on site.
- 📍 Address: 53 avenue des Terroirs de France, 75012 Paris
- 💶 Prices: Adults €22, young people (12-17 years/students) €18, children aged 3-11 €14, free under 3s
- 🎟️ Tickets: Online booking