EVENTS

Known as the 'City of Light', it is impossible not to fall in love with Paris. The city is always alive in every season; tourists and visitors discover that there are plenty to do for amusement, shopping sprees and entertainment. However, It is helpful to know the dates of French public holidays, especially when making plans for hotel and transportation reservations.

During these holidays, some (if not all) businesses and stores are either closed or will remain open for a few hours. Public transportation, especially in some areas may operate for limited hours and services.

January 1 New Year’s Day
April 21 (2003) Easter Monday
May 1 Labour Day
May 8 1945 Victory Day
May 29 (2003) Ascension
June 9 (2003) Whit Monday
July 14 Bastille Day
August 15 Assumption
November 1 All Saints’ Day
November 11 Remembrance Day
December 25 Christmas Day

Most businesses, museums and stores are closed on France's public holidays (jours fériés). When a holiday falls on a Tuesday or Thursday, expect to see closed establishments on that Monday or Friday (a practice known as faire le pont - to make a bridge) . Banks and public offices close at noon on the nearest working day before a public holiday.

France's national holiday on 14 July commemorates the 1789 storming of the Bastille prison, the event that kicked off the French Revolution. Across the country especially in Paris, the holiday is celebrated with merrily wherein the day ends with a massive fireworks display and many people celebrating in the streets.

Paris Events by Month

January
Comme A Vienne Opera Comique
Here's a musical tradition to welcome in the New Year. The Viennese New Year’s Day concert, aparody of Vienna’s Musikverein by Opera Comique each New Year’s Day at the Salle Favart in Paris. Call (33) 825 00 00 58 for more information.
Salon du Mariage
Anyone planning a wedding should not miss this exposition for future brides complete with fashion shows and consultants provided by the local merchants. Hosted by The Carrousel de Louvre in early January. Call (33) 4316 4747 for more information.
Colette Winter Sale
For the most fashionable clothing brands, at substantially reduced prices, make sure you visit Colette on the rue Saint Honore, in mid-January, when it holds its annual sale. The famous upscale department store is where you can pick up the finest in men’s and women’s fashion, cosmetics, sportswear, technology, art, music and home décor. Au Bon Marche, Printemps and many other famous shops also hold their annual sales events during January.
Salon du Meuble
The Porte de Versailles Convention Center hosts an international exposition of the best furniture makers and dealers from over 40 countries, most of which is open only to the international trade, but some times also have been reserved for the general public. Usually held in mid-January. Call (33) 43 95 10 10 for more information.
Fete des Rois
The patissieres of Paris bake special galette des rois pastries, some of which contain a china figurine, as part of the traditional Epiphany celebrations. Usually in early January. Call (33) 892 683 000 for more information.
Bocuse d’Or
The town of Lyon hosts this international competition between chefs, begun about 20 years ago as the Salon des Metiers de Bouche, to showcase the town of Lyon as the world’s culinary capital. Currently, it is held in conjunction with Eurexpo at Lyons’s Exhibition Center and partly sponsored by chef Bocuse’s restaurant L’Auberge du Pont de Collonges in Lyon. Held in late January. Call (33) 04 72 42 90 90 for more information.
Who’s Next
The Porte de Versailles Convention Center hosts an exposition of cutting edge European men’s and women’s clothing in one of largest fashion trade conventions in the world. Held in late January. Call (33) 43 95 10 10 for more information.
Maison et Objet
The latest in home décor is exhibited each year at the Paris-Nord Villepinte exhibition hall. Held in in late January. Call (33) 48 63 33 70 for more information.
French Holiday Fair
The Salon des Vacances is a one-stop way of learning about regional events and travel options throughout France, held at the Porte de Versailles Convention Center in late January and early February. Call (33) 43 95 10 10 for more information.
Chinese New Year
The Chinese community celebrates the new year with parades, food, live entertainment and other festivities throughout the Quartier Chinois, from Place d’Italie to the Porte de Choisy in the 13th arrondissement. Usually held towards the end of January. Call (33) 892 683 000 for more information.

February
Andros Trophy Finals
Tthe Stade de France hosts some of the world’s biggest names in car racing for this annual competition of skill and daring on an iced track. Held in early February. Call (33) 55 93 00 00 for more information.
Open Gaz de France
The Stade Pierre de Cubertin hosts the best female tennis players in the world at this annual competition for a prize of over a half-million dollars. Call (33) 4431 4431 for more information.
Gay and Lesbian Film Festival
The Forum des Images in Paris hosts an annual screening of new films produced by and about the gay community. Call (33) 892 683 000 for more information.
Bibliophile Fair
One of the biggest conventions for rare book dealers and collectors in Europe is held at the Carrousel du Louvre at the same time as the Great Wines Fair. Call (33) 4316 4747 for more information.
Great Wines Fair
Held at the same time as the Bibliophile Fair in the Carrousel du Louvre, this is a rare opportunity to see the finest grand vins of France, representing over 100 chateaux, collected in one place. Call (33) 4316 4747 for more information.
Retromobile
As part of the Paris Expo, the Porte de Versailles Convention Center hosts an annual exposition of classic, vintage and contemporary racing cars, boats, motorbikes, accessories and even toys in the middle of February. Call (33) 45 95 10 10 for more information.
Tournoi de Judo
The Bercy Palais Omnisports hosts an annual tournament for practioners of judo, in mid-February, with programs and workshops for everyone from beginners to masters. Call (33) 40 02 60 60 for more information.
International Circus Festival of Tomorrow
See top circus performers from all over the world in one place, in mid-February at the Cirque d’Hiver, when they hold exhibitions and workshops for newer performers. Call (33) 47 00 12 25 for more information.
Festival of St. Valentine
Here's your chance to be romantic. The city of Paris re-assigns its many illuminated, digitized message boards to display sentiments of love, and allows individuals from all over the world to post their messages on them as well via www.paris.fr. on Valentine’s Day. Call (33) 892 683 000 for more information.
International Agriculture Show
Le Salon d’Agriculture is held each year at the Porte de Versalles Convention Center, from late February to early March, where you can see exhibits on hunting and fishing, and sample some of the finest examples of regional French cooking. Call (33) 43 95 10 10 for more information.
Café Show
The Carrousel du Louvre hosts an exposition of the world’s finest coffee producers, towards the end of February, which includes free tastings of over 300 blends, and other informative programs. Call (33) 45 03 21 26 for more information.

March
Paris Fashion Week
The Carrousel de Louvre hosts the final leg of a world-wide tour of fashion designers and models, as they exhibit their latest creations in early March. Call (33) 4316 4747 for more information.
Festival of the Imagination
The music and art of the world’s cultures is celebrated throughout the month of March at the Maison des Cultures du Monde, as representative top artists and musicians come to lecture and exhibit their crafts. Call (33) 45 44 72 30 for more information.
Poets’ Springtime
Readings, competitions, performances and many other events occur in the streets, museums and a variety of other venues all over town, as Paris celebrates the art of poetry, starting on the second Monday in March. Call (33) 53 800 800 for more information.
Nemo Festival
Young filmmakers are featured and celebrated by the Ile-de-France Film and Theatre Association, in a number of screenings and other programs offered at the Forum des Images and other venues, in mid-March. Call (33) 44 76 62 00 for more information.
Stock Car Racing
The Bercy Palais Omnisports hosts stock car drivers from a number of European countries in this annual competition for the European championship in mid-March. Call (33) 40 02 60 60 for more information.
International Women’s Film Festival
The Maison des Artes, Cinema La Lucarne and Cinemas du Palais in Creteil, Ile-de-France host screenings of recent films produced by women, some of whom will be present to meet the participants and established directors and producers also attending. Usually held in mid-March. Call (33) 4313 1919 for more information.
Festival des Artes Martiaux
The Bercy Palais Omnisports hosts martial arts masters and enthusiasts from all over the world at this major exposition which examines and illustrates the differences between every school of martial arts currently in practice. Call (33) 40 02 60 60 for more information.
Paris Film Festival
The Cinema Gaumont Marignan serves as the center for screenings of recent locally produced works, as well as the works of promising young directors from all over Europe. usually held in late March and into early April. Call (33) 45 72 96 40 for more information.

April
Festival of Short Shorts
For two evenings in April, the Forum des Images screens entries in this semi-annual competition of the latest short films, videos and animations of under 3 minutes, for which a prize is awarded to the winner on the final night. Call (33) 44 76 62 00 for more information.
Paris Marathon
This foot race commences with a food festival featuring spaghetti bolognaise, then proceeds around the monuments flanking the Champs Elysees and extends out to the town of Auteuil. Held during the month of April. Call (33) 41 33 15 68 for more information.
Banlieues Bleues
The Paris Blues Festival is on the streets of Seine St. Denis, a northeast suburb of Paris, which attracts new as well as famous blues musicians from all over the world. Held during the first week in April. Call (33) 49 22 10 10 for more information.
Fitness and Well-Being Expo
The Porte de Versailles Convention Center hosts the Cote Bien-Etre, which features exhibits on fitness, dieting, exercise, nutrition and a variety of massage and other therapies. From the end of April through the beginning of May. Call (33) 49 09 60 98 for more information.
Foire de Paris
The Porte de Versailles Convention Center hosts the Paris annual fair from the last part of April into early May, which features exhibits on homes and gardens. Call (33) 44 95 10 10 for more information.

May
May Day
Everything is closed in Paris on May 1, except the Eiffel Tower, and the Bastille is the focus of an annual parade down the Champs Elysees, organized by the labor unions. Call (33) 323-6316 for more information.
Annual Jazz Festival
From the conclusion of the Foire de Paris in early May through the month of July, jazz musicians from all over the world come to play in the Parc Floral every weekend. Call (33) 55 94 20 20 for more information.
Printemps des Musees
For one day in May, you may be able to see a number of the important exhibits on your list, as many museums in the city will offer free admission. Call (33) 40 15 36 00 for more information.
Vintage Car Rally
During the month of May, vintage car owners compete in a race up the Montmartre hill, the steepest and tallest, with local café and bars providing a variety of food and other events. Call (33) 46 06 79 56 for more information.
Environment and Lifestyle Show
Exhibitions on the latest in recycling waste and renewable energy are featured at this annual exposition, a part of the Paris Expo, held at the Port of Versailles Convention Center during the month of May. Call (33) 43 95 10 10 for more information.
Flash Festival
Users of Shockwave Flash on French-language Web sites attend a convention at the Centre Pompidou to see the latest in computerized animation techniques, during the month of May. Call (33) 48 24 96 45 for more information.
The Great Paris Steeplechase
The Hippodrome Auteuil hosts this famous annual horse race patterned after the British Grand National, at the end of May. Call (33) 40 71 47 47 for more information.
Foire du Trone
For the entire month of May, the Pelouse de Reuilly hosts this famous traditional fair which dates back to the 1100s, where traditional pig-shaped bread is sold, and there is an abundance of rides, live entertainment, freak shows circus performers. Call (33) 46 27 52 29 for more information.
Directors’ Fortnight
La Quinzaine des Realisateurs features films shown at the preceding Cannes Film Festival, screened for Parisians at the Forum des Images. Held the last part of May through the beginning of June. Call (33) 44 76 62 00 for more information.
Bazart
If you are shopping for reasonably priced, high-quality original art, your best bet is to attend this traveling art show held from late May to late August at La Samaritaine in the 1st arrondissement, which features a rooftop café from which you can also get a panoramic view of the city. Call (33) 42 21 88 43 for more information.
Les Pestacles
Hour-long theatrical programs are presented each Wednesday for children between 3 and 10 years of age at the Parc Floral. From mid-May until mid-September. Call (33) 55 94 20 20 for more information.

June
French Open
Le Golf National course in the suburbs of Paris hosts this famous annual tournament towards the end of June. Call (33) 3043 3600 for more information.
Paris Pride Parade
The annual festival of the gay community, with live entertainment, refreshments and assorted festivities extends from Republique to Boubourg along the Champs Elysees in the Marais distict. Call (33) 892 683 000 for more information.
Le Carre Rive Gauche
The antique art dealers of Paris display selected objects on the rue de Bac along the Seine, an annual event which includes a cruise that stops at selected points of interest. Held in mid-June. Call (33) 42 60 70 10 for more information.
Paris Air Show
Le Bourget Airport in Le Bourget, Ile-de-France hosts an exposition for the aerospace industry that features the latest air and space travel technology. Held in mid-June. Call (33) 4450 1998 for more information.
Fete de la Musique
Paris hosts musicians from all over the world who perform in a variety of venues around town on June 21, the longest day of the year, in this annual celebration of music. Call (33) 892 683 000 for more information.
Midsummer Fireworks
A beautiful fireworks show is presented at the Ile Saint Louis, and watched from the Quai Saint Bernard on the evening of June 24, the shortest night of the year, in honor of St. John the Baptist. Call (33) 892 683 000 for more information.
European Health-Sports Games
Cyclists race through the streets of Paris from Bercy to Reuilly in Vaires-Sur-Marne in late June. Call (33) 40 02 60 60 for more information.
International Rose Competition
The Parc du Bagetelle is filled with the smell of roses entered in an internationally judged competition held through the beginning of July. Call (33) 40 67 97 00 for more information.
Chopin Festival
The music of Fryderyk Chopin is played and celebrated at the Orangerie de Bagatelle. Held from through mid-July. Call (33) 892 683 000 for more information.
Summer Clothing Sales
Last year’s men’s and women’s designer and casual fashions are on sale for at least half off at l’Habilleur in the district of Marais and at Galeries Lafayette on the boulevard Haussmann. Held from late June through early August. Call (33) 4887 7712 and (33) 42 82 34 56 for more information.
Choral Music Festival
The Eglise Saint-Germain-des-Pres and Eglise Saint-Louis-en-L’ile present choral music by artists from all over the world, including gospel and spiritual as well as traditional and classic church works. Held throughout the summer, from late June to early September. Call (33) 44 62 00 55 for more information.

July
Solidays
The Hippodrome de Longchamp hosts Solidarite SIDA’s annual fundraiser for HIV/AIDS research and treatment, which includes live music, circus performers, mime artists and other events during the first week in July. Call (33) 44 30 75 00 for more information.
Golden League Athletics
The Gaz de France is held at the Stade de France, where the world’s best athletes meet in a variety of competitions and athletic events during the first week in July. Call (33) 55 93 00 00 for more information.
Antiques Fair
Antiques dealers and collectors convene at the Stade Charlety in early July for this annual antiques exposition sponsored by the Haute Vallee de la Loire. Call (33) 2 37 24 51 60 for more information.
Mode et Mariage
The Porte de Versailles Convention Center hosts an exhibition in early July of the latest trends in wedding fashion, presented by international fashion designers. Call (33) 43 95 10 10 for more information.
International Cinema Meetings
The Rencontres Internationales de Cinema a Paris are held at the Forum des Images, where French independent film directors present their latest works which are voted on by the members in front of the viewing public. Held druing the first two weeks in July. Call (33) 44 76 62 00 for more information.
Paris Haute Couture
All of the famous fashion designers of Paris display their latest creations on the runways of various venues at this annual invitation-only event organized by the Federation Francaise de la Couture. Held in early to mid-July. Call (33) 14 266 6444 for more information.
Bastille Day
The most important holiday in France happens in mid-July, when the commencement of the French Revolution by storming the Bastille and the ideals of liberte, egalite and fraternite are celebrated all over the country. Dancing, military parades and ceremonies, and general festivities center around the place de la Bastille and all along the Champs Elysees. Call (33) 892 683 000 for more information.
Quartier d’Ete and Paris Plage
After Bastille Day, through mid-August, is an excellent time to visit Paris, when most of the town is on vacation, and a number of dance and music festivals are held around the city for those who remain for the hottest part of the year. Land along the Seine’s right bank, near the Hotel de Ville and Pont Neuf, is converted to a sunbathing beach. Call (33) 44 94 98 00 for more information.
Cinema Festival and Dancing
Classic films are screened at the Parc de la Villette most evenings as the sun is setting, where you can bring a picnic and enjoy perfect evenings, and you can dance to live orchestras and bands from all over the world on Sundays. Held during July and August. Call (33) 40 03 75 75 for more information.
Garden Tours
The Parc Andre-Citroen, Parc de Bercy and the famous Pere-Lachaise Cemetery created by Napoleon offer guided walking tours of their beautiful gardens in English and French, where you will learn a great deal about Paris history and culture. Held during July and August. Call (33) 40 71 75 60 for more information.

August
Arenes de Montmartre
Traveling theatre troupes perform in the tradition of the Italian commedia dell’arte at this outdoor playhouse through mid-September. Call (33) 48 40 27 71 for more information.
L’Etrange Festival
The off-beat is celebrated in this annual film festival at the Forum des Images. Held from late August to early September. Call (33) 44 76 62 00 for more information.
Classical Music Festival
The Parc Floral hosts the Festival Classique au Vert open-air concerts presented by orchestras from all over the world during August and September weekends. Call (33) 55 94 20 20 for more information.

September
Geste d’Arte
The Viaduc des Artes hosts jewelers, glass blowers, sculptors and other craftsmen in this annual exposition of the arts, beginning in September and extending throughout the Fall on a variety of dates. Call (33) 44 75 80 66 for more information.
Festival Ile-de-France
A number of cultural and ethnic venues of significance to French history and culture present a variety of live music and other programs as the end of summer is celebrated throughout the month of September, and into October. Call (33) 58 71 01 01 for more information.
Autumn Festival
A number of venues all over Paris host a four-month-long arts festival which includes dramatic performances, movies, live concerts, such as the month-long outdoor jazz festival in the Parc de la Villette, dance and opera, and is the largest festival of its kind in the world. Held the throughout the Fall. Call (33) 53 45 17 00 for more information.
Pret a Porter
The Porte de Versailles Convention Center hosts vendors of ready to wear women’s clothing in an exposition for international designers and buyers, preceding Paris Fashion Week held at the Carrousel du Louvre. Held in early September. Call (33) 43 95 10 10 for more information.
Numicarta
The Paris Bercy Palais Omnisports hosts this annual convention of old coin and post card dealers and collectors, in mid-September. Call (33) 40 02 60 60 for more information.
Fete de l’Humanite
The far left-wing newspaper hold its annual party in the Parc de la Corneuve, complete with food booths, family activities, outrageous speeches and serious political discussions. Call (33) 49 22 72 72 for more information.
Heritage Days
The French government holds open-house towards the end of September during the annual Journees des Patrimoine, where visitors and residents can tour the homes of politicians and their office buildings. Call (33) 40 15 37 37 for more information.
Garde Republicaine
The brass bands and horses in full ceremonial dress are paraded by the French Presidential Guard at the Casernes des Celestins on the last weekend in September. Call (33) 49 96 13 33 for more information.
Paris-Versailles Walk
Join this ambitious walking marathon that extends from the Eiffel Tower to the Chateau de Versailles at the end of September. Call (33) 30 21 10 25 for more information.
Antiques Biennal
The largest antiques fair in Paris is held during the last half of September only once every two years, the next one to be presented at the Carrousel de Louvre in 2004. Call (33) 43 24 44 63 for more information.
Art Paris
Every year, and concurrent with the Antiques Biennal every other year, the Carrousel de Louvre also hosts an exhibition of paintings, sculptures, videos and photographs by promising new artists from all over Europe, during the last two weeks in September. Call (33) 56 26 52 00 for more information.
Art in the World
The Pont Alexandre III along the Seine hosts an exhibition of newer artists from over 50 countries during September and October. Call (33) 42 76 47 42 for more information.

October
Grape Harvest Festival
The vineyards of Montmartre, the only wine-growing area in Paris, are showcased in this annual celebration of the grape with tastings, theatrical performances and other festivities, on the first weekend in October. Call (33) 46 06 00 32 for more information.
L’Existrans
The Association Syndrome de Benjamin sponsors a march to benefit the trans-gendered community, commencing at place Denfert-Rochereau at square J Antoine, during the first week in October. Call (33) 43 57 21 25 for more information.
Nuit Blanche
For one night in October, all of the museums, libraries, monuments and churches remain open, and district governments provide breakfast in the morning for all of the visitors who are still awake at dawn. Call (33) 4450 1998 for more information.
Lucien Barriere Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe
The most important annual horse race in France is hosted by the Hippodrome de Longchamp during the first week in October. Call (33) 44 30 75 00 for more information.
Lisbonne/Lisboa
The Parc de la Villette, the largest unobstructed green area in Paris, hosts an exposition of Portuguese artists, photographers and sculptors to introduce Parisians to the culture of Lisbon. Held October through January. Call (33) 892 683 000 for more information.
Paris-Deauville Rally
Pre-1940 vintage car owners race from the Jardin d’Acclimatation in Paris to Deauville’s Place de la Mairie in Normandy. Held during the first week in October. Call (33) 43 34 97 78 for more information.
World of Games
The Espace Auteuil hosts Monde de Jeu, where state of the art computer games, multi-media and board games, as well as toys are exhibited in this hands-on annual festival during the first week in October. Call (33) 49 91 75 12 for more information.
International Contemporary Art Fair
Galleries and collectors of contemporary art come to the Port de Versailles Convention Center to participate with artists in the annual Foire Internationale d’Art Contemporaine held in mid-October. Call (33) 41 90 47 80 for more information.
Paris Fashion Week
Following the Pret a Porter at the Porte de Versailles Convention Center, the Carrousel de Louvre hosts an exhibition of women’s ready to wear designers from all over the world in mid-October. Call (33) 4316 4747 for more information.
La Semaine de Gout
Each region in France celebrates its particular gastronomy in this nation-wide festival of food and wine tastings and cultural celebrations for a week in mid-October. Call (33) 14 296 7000 for more information.
Lire en Fete
Literature is celebrated with a variety of festivities in mid-October at this annual event which also includes live readings of important works at the Bibliotheque Nationale. Call (33) 49 54 68 64 for more information.
Marche au Chocolats
The Bourse de Commerce de Paris hosts an annual exposition of French chocolatiers, douceurs and confectioners, with lots of free samples, in mid-October. Call (33) 42 85 18 20 for more information.
JVC Jazz Festival
Jazz musicians from around the world come to play in a variety of venues throughout Paris. Call (33) 46 21 08 37 for more information.
Paris Capitale du Cinema Art et Essai
Le Republique, Le Latina, l’Harlequin and Le Balzac invite movie fans to watch an unlimited number of screenings at half price, in mid-October. Call (33) 42 76 63 29 for more information.
Le Salon du Chocolat
The Carrousel de Louvre hosts tastings and demonstrations by renowned chocolatiers and douceurs, including participants from the Cordon Bleu cooking school, at this annual exhibition, which features a Chocoland for children who can experiment with chocolate makeup. Held from the end of November to the beginning of December. Call (33) 4316 4747 for more information.
Tennis Masters Series
The Paris Bercy Palais Omnisports hosts the final round of the Masters Series, from the end of November to the beginning of December. Call (33) 474 38000 for more information.

November
Paris International Photo Fair
La Maison Europeenne de la Photographie and other venues throughout Paris dedicate the month of November to exhibiting works which inspire amateur photographers and encourage an interest in photography as an art form. The Paris International Photo Fair, the central event, is held in mid-November at the Carrousel de Louvre. Call (33) 44 78 75 08 for more information.
Festival des Inrockuptibles
Les Inrockuptibles, a popular French music magazine, sponsors live performances by selected popular groups at a number of venues throughout Paris during the first half of November. Call (33) 892 683 000 for more information.
Supercross Bercy
The Paris Bercy Palais Omnisports hosts an annual motorbike competition in mid-November. Call (33) 40 02 60 60 for more information.
Armistice Day
On November 11 every year, the President lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier under the Arc de Triomphe, in memory of those who gave their lives in both World Wars. Call (33) 55 37 73 77 for more information.
Salon du Cheval
The Porte de Versailles Convention Center in Paris hosts a variety of international competitions between champion horses, including an exhibition of the finest Arabian horses and award-winning showjumpers. Held in late November through early December. Call (33) 43 95 10 10 for more information.
Christmas Lights
The shops, lampposts and cafes and historic landmarks along the Champs-Elysees are lit up with Christmas decorations. Throughout the holiday season. Call (33) 892 683 000 for more information.
Lalique Ice-Skating Trophy
Champion ice skaters from all over the world put on a show and compete for this coveted prize, at the Paris Bercy Palais Omnisports in mid-November. Call (33) 40 02 60 60 for more information.
Gay and Lesbian Film Festival
The Forum des Images presents screening of films by and about the gay community during the last week in November. Call (33) 44 76 62 00 for more information.

December
World AIDS Day
December 1 is reserved for dramatic performances, live concerts, exhibitions and assorted events throughout Paris, coordinated by CRIPS, the Paris AIDS awareness association. Call (33) 56 80 33 33 for more information.
Prix Culinaire Pierre Taittinger
On December 2, the La Concorde Lafayette Hotel in Paris hosts an invitational competition among gourmet chefs from all over Europe to determine the premier representative of French gastronomy. Call (33) 40 68 50 68 for more information.
Le Bal Crillon des Debutantes
On the first Saturday in December, the Hotel Crillon hosts the annual debutante ball, at which the privileged youth of Paris and other European venues, dressed in the very best of formal taste provided by top Paris fashion designers, come to meet each other. Call (33) 44 71 15 00 for more information.
Ice Skating
Bring your family to the ice rink in front of the railroad station at Montparnasse, where you can skate for free, just down the street from the famous cafes, beginning December and lasting throughout the winter, as long as the ice is frozen. Call (33) 42 76 40 40 for more information.
Mystery of Christmas
The Nativity story is recreated on the steps of the ancient Cathedrale Notre Dame de Paris every half-hour during December and January. Call (33) 42 34 56 10 for more information.
Children’s World
The place de la Bastille becomes a playground for children with lots of activities, a giant trampoline, holiday make-up artists and many other holiday surprises during December and January. Call (33) 892 683 000 for more information.
International Boat Show
The Porte de Versailles Convention Center hosts an exposition of the latest in water craft and boating products with live entertainment and refreshments in mid-December. Call (33) 41 90 47 47 for more information.
Family Christmas Mass
The Eglise St.-Germain-des-Pres, built in the 6th century and the oldest church in Paris, presents a month of choral and other holiday programs. Call (33) 43 25 41 71 for more information.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Mass
Celebrate a full and traditional French catholic mass at the Eglise de la Madeleine, built in the 18th century, during the holiday season. Call (33) 44 51 69 00 for more information.
Basketball All-Star Game
The Bercy Palais Omnisports hosts this annual, final basketball champhionship event between the best team in France and the best non-French team in the world at the end of December. Call (33) 44 51 69 00 for more information.
Celebrate France
Beginning New Year’s Eve and extending into the new year, Paris and its surrounding communities celebrate their national heritage with a variety of events, including the Grande Parade de Chantilly in Chantilly, Ile-de-France on New Year’s Eve which features floats and live music, and a repeat performance on New Year’s Day at Disneyland Paris in Marne La Vallee, Ile-de-France. Call (33) 892 683 000 for more information.