It’s tiiiiiiiime! Christmas is a joyous time, but it’s also full of fun things to do: ice rinks, light trails, designer markets, shows… you’re bound to find an experience to suit you. Here’s our top list of must-do activities this winter!
Travel to the land of the Rising Sun without leaving Paris
2,000 lanterns illuminate the Jardin d’Acclimatation as part of a first-ever festival in Paris:“Le Japon en Lumières“. As well as being a feast for the eyes with its illuminations and sumo matches on the big screen, it’s also a treat for the taste buds. In fact, foodcourts celebrating Japanese gastronomy are on offer, without you having to leave the capital. Ramens, gyozas, yakitoris, mochis… A one-way ticket to Japan, and a magical escape guaranteed at the gateway to Paris.
📍Location: Jardin d’Acclimatation, Bois de Boulogne
📅 Dates: December 10 to March 8, 2025
💰 Price: From 12 euros
Spend the holidays in the sublime Domaine Reine Margot Paris Issy MGallery
This sublime estate at the gateway to Paris is decked out in its finest winter lights. The trees sparkle and the hotel almost looks like a Christmas village. It’s in this very warm atmosphere that we invite you to discover the festive menu. For the whole month of December, the Marguerite 1906 restaurant is offering a 5-course gourmet menu, featuring seasonal produce. The menu features the inevitable duck foie gras, lightly-snacked scallops, deliciously melt-in-your-mouth free-range chicken and much more… During this Magic Tales month, other surprises await you to immerse you in the magic of the festive season: Christmas brunch, New Year’s Eve parties… Don’t miss this enchanted interlude!
📍Location: 3 Cr de la Reine Margot, 92130 Issy-les-Moulineaux
💰 Price: 99 euros – reservation essential (option for vegetarians)
📅 Date: Magic Tales: December 1-30, 2025
Skate in Paris’ largest outdoor rink with Patins en Folie at Parc André Citroën
@patinoireandrécitroen
This winter, don’t miss the magnificent ice rink of Patins en folie! Come and glide over Paris’ largest outdoor skating rink in the Parc André Citroën: 600 square metres of real ice, nine chalets for sweet and savoury snacks and a crazy atmosphere await you until January 2026!
📍Location: Parc André Citroën, Paris 15e
💰 Price: between 9 and 12 euros
📅 Date: until January 2026
Stroll through the magnificent Villette market
For the first time, a huge Christmas market lands at La Villette. Discover a magnificent Swiss village with 100 chalets, an ice rink, a Ferris wheel and an enchanting carousel… Young and old alike can enjoy warm waffles and fondue on site . A market not to be missed!
📍Location: Fontaine aux Lions, Parc de la Villette, Paris, 75019 Paris
💰 Price: free admission
Let yourself be enchanted by the Lumière en Seine light trail
Light trails are a must in winter. This year, we invite you to discover or rediscover the Domaine National de Saint-Cloud and enjoy a magical show for one night… Lumières en Seine will plunge you into the magic of the Christmas season, with a thousand and one lighting effects. A magical 2 km sensory stroll perfect for the whole family!
📍 Location: Domaine national de Saint-Cloud (entrance via Grille Clémenceau)
💰 Price: between 16 euros and 20 euros
📅 Date: from November 14, 2025
Treat yourself to a symphony concert lit by thousands of candles…
If you’re looking for a magical musical experience this winter, we can’t recommend Candlelight enough. In magnificent settings, lit only by candlelight, you can listen to the great classics of music: Mozart, Chopin… but also contemporary artists such as Hans Zimmer or Taylor Swift. An unforgettable evening to experience at least once!
📍 Location: according to your experience
📅 Date: available now
The craziest immersive experience this winter: The Jury Experience
In this experience that combines theater, storytelling and moral dilemma, immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of a trial… where you’ll be a member of the jury. Every decision you make will influence the final verdict, and believe us, you won’t be surprised! Accompanied by five actors who will guide you through the show, this true-to-life experience will leave you breathless!
📍 Location: 101 Boulevard Raspail, 75006 Paris
📅 Dates: according to your choice
💰 Price: between 29 euros and 47 euros
Admire the most beautiful Christmas trees in department stores
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqsSSORJcHE
As you know, every year Paris department stores bring out their most beautiful Christmas decorations. And of course, the traditional Christmas tree is no exception! Discover the gigantic tree at Galeries Lafayette, which once again this year will put stars in the eyes of young and old alike. It’s a free, enchanting spectacle that never gets old.
📍 Location : Paris
💰 Price: free
Take a closer look at the Christmas window displays
BHV, Samaritaine, Galeries Lafayette… Every year , department stores transform their window displays to the delight of onlookers. This year, our favorite is Printemps Haussmann, which takes you to New York without leaving Paris. You’ll discover 125 characters, each cuter and more adorable than the next, strolling through the Big Apple’s landmarks: Time Square, Broadway, Central Park and more…
📍 Location: 64, bd Haussmann 75009 Paris
📅 Dates: November 6 to January 4
💰 Price: free
Devour raclette in this superb ephemeral chalet
From November 20, the chic Monsieur Aristide hotel invites you to experience the winter season to the full. In its charming Savoyard chalet, tucked away in the heart of Montmartre , you’ll almost feel like you’re in the heart of a ski resort… without leaving Paris! On its cosy, heated terrace, you’ll enjoy melted, runny cheese , Savoy wine and traditional, body-building recipes, all in a super-warm atmosphere. Savoy raclette, raw-milk Morbier, smoked cheese, truffle cheese… Admit it, you’re salivating in anticipation, aren’t you?
📍 Location: 3, rue Aristide Bruant, 75018 Paris
⏰ Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 6:00 pm to 10:30 pm, until February
💸 Price: 39 euros
Go ice-skating at this sublime estate just outside Paris
Hidden away in the magnificent Vaux-le-Vicomte estate, this ephemeral ice skating rink is likely to overshadow the finest in Paris. You’ll discover a magical estate, bathed in twinkling lights, that will plunge you into a veritable Christmas fairytale. A magnificent hidden ice rink not to be missed!
📍 Location: Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, 77950 Maincy
📅 Dates: November 15, 2025 – January 4, 2026
💶 Price: skating rink €5 (in addition to château ticket)
Book a Christmas tea time
To enjoy the Christmas spirit, what could be better than a winter tea time? We suggest a visit to the oldest tea salon in Paris: Mariage Frères. An absolutely sublime place, frozen in time, offering tea-infused pastries and savory creations. A cosy address for this winter!
📍 Location: 30 Rue du Bourg Tibourg 75004 Paris
💶 Price: approx. 65 euros
Visit Santa’s house 45 minutes from Paris
Looking for a magical family getaway this Christmas? Head for the Ile de Loisirs de Jablines-Annet, around 45 km from Paris, to discover “L’Extraordinaire Maison du Père Noël”. Here you’ll find Europe’s largest Santa Claus house! You’ll discover 15 themed rooms, from the Goblins’ Post Office to the Toy Factory and the Reindeer Barn. A fabulous place for young and old!
📍 Location: Île de Loisirs de Jablines-Annet, 77450 Jablines (Seine-et-Marne)
📅 Dates: November 8, 2025 to December 24, 2025.
Take part in the Festival of Wonder at the Musée des Arts Forains
Every year as the festive season approaches, this 11,400 m² illuminated museum plunges us into a world of wonder. With its Belle Époque-style funfair and authentic rides, you won’t know where to turn. Automatons, antique rides, illuminated decorations… For 10 days, Festival du merveilleux will take you on a poetic journey!
📍 Location: 53 avenue des Terroirs de France, 75012 Paris
📅 Dates: December 26, 2025 to January 4, 2026
💶 Prices: Adults €22, young people (12-17 years/students) €18, children 3-11 years €14, free under 3 years old
Enjoy delicious hot chocolate in Paris
Angelina, one of the 50 things to do in Paris
This time of year, we’re all in the mood for a comforting drink to warm us up and cheer us up! Some prefer pumpkin spice latte or matcha. But for us, nothing beats old-fashioned hot chocolate! We don’t need to introduce you to Angelina café’s hot chocolate, whose reputation has long since spread beyond our borders. Smooth, thick, sweet just right… it’s perfect!
📍Location: 226 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris