You’re staying in Paris for the Christmas school vacations. But there’s no question of hibernating: Paris Secret has put together a program full of activities perfect for getting the whole family into the festive spirit of the end-of-year vacations. Just follow the guide!
Try out the Paradox Museum Paris activities during the school vacations
Paradox Museum Paris, temple of illusion, offers you a moment of pure entertainment. Gravity room, upside-down room, Paradox Tunnel, hall of mirrors… You simply won’t believe your eyes – and that’s the whole point! With its many optical illusions, this crazy activity will change your perception of reality. A fun experience for the whole family! Bonus: Midnight Paradox, special evenings with hypnotists, magicians and treasure hunts!
Visit an abbey and its hidden rose garden
Nestled 45 minutes from Paris,Chaalis Abbey is a feast for the eyes. From April to June, take advantage of its 3,500 m² of flower gardens and old roses!
📍 Location: Dom. de Chaalis, 60300 Fontaine-Chaalis
🗓️ Date: Open every day from April1 to September 30, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Travel on the back of mammoths, dodos and other extinct species!
On weekends or during the week, enjoy a ride on the Jardin d’Acclimatation’s atypical carousel. The Dodo merry-go-round lets you ride on… extinct species. A mammoth, a dodo, a saber-toothed tiger… A unique ride in Paris!
📍 Location: 57 rue Cuvier 75005 Paris
💶 Price: two euros
Take part in exotic activities at Parrot World animal park during school vacations
No hibernation among Parrot World’s wildlife! More than ever, the park’s animals are in a festive mood. During the Christmas vacations, treat yourself to a soothing outing in the heart of nature at Parrot World: the ideal outing for animal lovers and lovers of the great outdoors who want to enjoy the festive season in a different way, away from the crowds and hustle and bustle. And to kick off the new year in style, the park is offering a New Year’s brunch. What better way to get off the beaten track!
📍Location: Parrot World – Le parc animalier immersif (Route de Guérard, Crécy-la-Chapelle, 77580)
Go back 66 million years at Atelier des Lumières
Dinosaurs have invaded Paris! In the heart of the 11th arrondissement, the Atelier de Lumières presents a titanic immersive Jurassic exhibition. Inspired by the Apple TV series of the same name, Planète Préhistorique : Dinosaures offers a 360-degree plunge into the world of these fascinating creatures. Walk in the giant footsteps of brachiosaurs and tyranosaurs, presented here in life-size versions, through incredible landscapes projected onto the floor and walls of this former foundry converted into a temple of digital art. Carried by Gérard Lanvin ‘s haunting voice and the original soundtrack by Hans Zimmer, Anže Rozman and Kara Talve, created ah-hoc for the experience, let yourself be catapulted 66 million years back in time.
📍Location: Atelier des Lumières, 38 rue Saint-Maur, 75011
📅 Date: multiple dates
Live LEGO Mania to the full with an unusual exhibition
Looking for something fun and original to do with the family this December? Look no further than this one. Jurassic World by Brickman Jurassic World by Brickman is 6 million LEGO® pieces assembled to create 50 creations inspired by the Jurassic World universe, each more impressive than the last, including 15 life-size dinosaurs. What’s more, you can create your own sculptures with 2 million bricks available to the public and creative workshops!
📍 Location: Paris Montreuil Expo
📅 Date: from December 20
Travel to Japan without leaving Paris
Who says you have to break your PEL to travel to the Land of the Rising Sun? Japan en Lumières at the Jardin d’Acclimatation lets you immerse yourself in Japanese culture without leaving the capital. As night falls, the park is transformed into an illuminated kingdom, where red temples, giant koi carp, floating lanterns and cherry blossom create an anime-like journey through the heart of Paris. We move forward in small steps of wonder, as if the Parisian winter had opened on a secret passage to Tokyo, with 2,000 twinkling lanterns as our only compass. After the stroll, the magic continues with Japanese specialties – gooey mochi, crispy gyozas, steaming ramen – before you hop on the Ferris wheel to admire Paris in the colors of the Land of the Rising Sun. A poetic, gourmet show, perfect for a truly exotic Christmas 2025.
📍 Location: Jardin d’Acclimatation
📅 Dates : Until March 8, 2026
🎟️ Price: From 12 euros
Enjoy a weekend at the fabulous 4* Château de Villiers le Mahieu
@Château de Villiers le Mahieu 4* – Les Maisons de Campagne
Located in the Yvelines region, just 45 minutes from Paris, the 4* Château de Villiers-le-Mahieu is a true haven of peace to discover for a weekend. Here, everything is designed to help you unwind! In its magnificent 12-hectare estate, take advantage of self-service bicycle hire, play soccer or table tennis in the garden… For dinner or brunch, savor a generously-stocked all-you-can-eat buffet, where delicious dishes await you. A place to relax!
📍Location: Rue du Ctre, 78770 Villiers-le-Mahieu
School vacations: take the opportunity to go to the movies
As a family, alone or with friends, take advantage of the vacations to go to the movies. The films on offer at the Grand Rex, Pathé Gaumont or CGR cinemas are suitable for all audiences and tastes. Action, adventure, suspense… there’s a film for everyone!
📍Location : Paris
Laugh out loud with the best comedy clubs
What better way to break the metro-bus-dodo routine than to treat yourself to an evening of comedy with the best of the French stand-up scene ? Between the Golden Comedy Club, The Joke, the Don-K, the Scène Barbès, the Marco Polo, the Théâtre BO Martin, La New York Comedy Night… In Paris, if you want to treat yourself to a good slice of laughter, you’re spoilt for choice!
📍Location : Paris
Bring your science with Science Expériences for the school vacations
Science Expériences is 850m² of science activities. Located in Bercy Village, this playful village offers a unique educational journey. It’s part activity park, part exhibition, but all in the name of fun. Virtual reality, video mapping, multi-sensory presentations… something to amaze, entertain and educate from age 5 upwards.
📍Location: 16 Cr Saint-Emilion, 75012 Paris