What to do in Paris on the weekend of December 25-26-28, 2025?

394

What to do in Paris on the weekend of December 26 to 28, 2025? The period between Christmas and New Year in Paris is a magical time: markets and carousels still in place, animated shop windows, ice rinks, and concerts in historic venues. Here is a selection of events and exhibitions that will take place during the weekend of December 26–28, 2025, with practical information to make the most of your stay.

For December 26 , every shop and attraction is open.

Find our selection for New-year’s Eve in Paris

Choose the boat tour that suits you.

Best musicals and shows this weekend from Dec.25 to Dec. 28, 2025

Here are the musicals currently on stage in Paris, featuring popular shows and must-see productions

1. “Notre-Dame de Paris”
The famous musical by Victor Hugo returns for a limited run at the Palais des Congrès, with performances scheduled around late December and early January.

2. “Chicago” – The Musical
The original version of this iconic musical is currently playing at the Casino de Paris through 2026, featuring a recent French cast including well-known performers.

3. “The Young Girls of Rochefort” (Les Demoiselles de Rochefort)
A stage adaptation of Jacques Demy’s cult film, with music by Michel Legrand, performed at the Lido Theatre until early January 2026.

4. “La Cage aux Folles”
The legendary musical comedy is being staged at the Théâtre du Châtelet in a new French production, running until January 10, 2026.

5. “The Lion King”
A worldwide classic not to be missed, performed at the Théâtre Mogador. This spectacular production continues to attract families and musical lovers with its breathtaking costumes and immersive staging.

Selection of Weekend Events (December 26–28, 2025)

1) Festival of the Marvelous — Musée des Arts Forains
– Description: The museum transforms into a fairground kingdom with vintage rides, automaton shows, magic acts, and music hall costumes. Free roaming format, regular shows.
– Location: Pavillons de Bercy / Musée des Arts Forains (53 avenue des Terroirs de France, 12th).
– Start Date: December 26, 2025.
– End Date: January 4, 2026.

2) Christmas Market of the Tuileries (ice rink & funfair)
– Description: Large Christmas market in the Tuileries Garden: gourmet chalets, Ferris wheel, ice rink, and rides — a festive outing in the heart of Paris.
– Location: Jardin des Tuileries (1st).
– Start Date: November 15, 2025.
– End Date: January 4, 2026.

3) The Great Palace of Ice (giant ice rink under glass roof)
– Description: The spectacular covered ice rink returns under the glass dome of the Grand Palais for the winter season: daytime and evening sessions, DJs at night, and animations.
– Location: Grand Palais (Avenue Winston Churchill, 8th).
– Start Date: December 13, 2025.
– End Date: January 7, 2026.

4) The Christmas Arch — La Défense Market (last weekend)
– Description: The largest Christmas market in the region (chalets, activities, ice rink, and illuminations). Note: it’s the last chance to visit before it closes (end of the 2025 edition).
– Location: Esplanade de La Défense (Puteaux / La Défense).
– Start Date: November 13, 2025.
– End Date: December 28, 2025.

5) Christmas Concerts at Sainte-Chapelle
– Description: Small musical formats and sacred music concerts in the stunning Gothic stained glass setting of Sainte-Chapelle — a very striking atmosphere in the evening during the holiday season.
– Location: Sainte-Chapelle (Île de la Cité).
– Dates: Regular performances during the holiday period (particularly from December 21 to 28, 2025, according to the year-end schedule).
– Start Date (holiday period): December 21, 2025.
– End Date (holiday period): December 28, 2025 (variable program, check times).

6) Performance: “The Nutcracker or the Kingdom of Night” — Comédie-Française (Vieux-Colombier)
– Description: Theatrical adaptation around the world of The Nutcracker — a family show scheduled for the winter season.
– Location: Comédie-Française — Vieux-Colombier (6th / 1st depending on the hall).
– Start Date: November 26, 2025.
– End Date: January 4, 2026.

7) Christmas Windows & the Great Christmas Tree — Galeries Lafayette Haussmann
– Description: The animated windows and the large tree under the dome are a classic: regular sound and light show and decorations to see both by day and by night.
– Location: Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann (Boulevard Haussmann, 9th).
– Start Date: Mid-November 2025 (inauguration in November).
– End Date: Late December / early January according to the 2025 program.

8) Christmas La Villette — Christmas Village (Swiss village)
– Description: New Christmas village at Parc de la Villette inspired by Swiss traditions: chalets, gastronomy, workshops, and a small ice rink, perfect for families.
– Location: Parc de la Villette (Place Fontaine-aux-Lions, 19th).
– Start Date: November 20, 2025.
– End Date: December 28, 2025.

4 Exhibitions to See  this weekend

9) Paname — Petit Palais
– Description: Hyper-realistic portraits and contemporary urban scenes that redefine the Parisian landscape, presented at the Petit Palais.
– Location: Petit Palais (Champs-Élysées).
– Start Date: Temporary exhibition 2025.
– End Date: February 8, 2026.

10) Flops?! — Musée des Arts et Métiers
– Description: A playful and educational exhibition on failures and failed inventions, through objects and narratives spanning 250 years of attempts.
– Location: Musée des Arts et Métiers (3rd).
– Start Date: Temporary exhibition 2025.
– End Date: May 17, 2026.

11) The Traveling Thread — Musée du Quai Branly — Jacques Chirac
– Description: Small exhibition dedicated to textiles and the journey of materials, in the setting of the museum of primitive arts.
– Location: Musée du Quai Branly (7th).
– Start Date: Temporary exhibition 2025.
– End Date: March 8, 2026.

12) 1925–2025: One Hundred Years of Art Deco — Musée des Arts Décoratifs
– Description: Retrospective on a century of Art Deco, design, jewelry, and fashion — a must-see for lovers of design and the history of decorative arts.
– Location: Musée des Arts Décoratifs (Louvre — Pavillon) (1st).
– Start Date: Temporary exhibition 2025.
– End Date: April 26, 2026.

Practical Tips for Enjoying the Weekend

• Book in Advance: For ice rinks (Grand Palais), concerts, and the Festival of the Marvelous, buy your tickets online before your trip — some sessions are limited.
• Transport: The metro remains the fastest means of transport; during holiday periods, some lines may undergo temporary work — check schedules the day before. Be prepared for crowds at popular sites (Tuileries, Galeries Lafayette, La Défense).
• Holiday Hours: Many attractions have special hours during the holidays (early closures on New Year’s Eve, openings on the 25th or the 1st depending on the event) — check before you head out.
• Dress Warmly: December is cold and humid in Paris — warm layers, waterproof shoes, and gloves are recommended, especially for outdoor markets and ice rinks.
• Family & Accessibility: Most markets and the ice rink offer children’s areas; inquire about discounts and accessibility conditions for strollers and wheelchairs.
• Smart Itinerary: Combine a market + an ice rink + a window display in one outing (e.g., Tuileries + skating + Ferris wheel) to optimize your time and avoid unnecessary backtracking.

Have a great weekend in Paris! Enjoy the lights, seasonal flavors, and festive atmospheres — and remember to check the exact schedules and official ticketing for the events you’re interested in before you go.