The end-of-year festive season is one of the loveliest times of year in Paris. The shops put out their finest wares, the city streets are decked in lights and holiday markets pop up around the city. While the lights on the Champs Elysées and the window displays of les grands magasins are world famous, there are a lot of other ways in which we can suggest enjoying the festive season in Paris.

Alternative Holiday Markets

Paris has dozens of holiday markets, however, you can get some eco-friendly and sustainably minded gifts at these alternative markets. Two former stations on La Petite Ceinture railway in the 18th arrondissements (cool hangouts in their own right!) are hosting marchés de Noël éco-responsables.  La REcyclerie is hosting three on-going markets daily through December 18th and Le Hasard Ludique’s market is taking place on Sunday December 11th and 18th. Another great option is The Foundation GoodPlanet which is organising a Christmas “supermarket” with environmentally-friendly and “solidaire” gifts, plus they are also giving you the opportunity to make your own gifts during workshops held on the weekends of December 10th and 11th and 17th and 18th.

Marché de Noël de Provins

A highlight of the holiday season in the Ile-de-France region is the famed Medieval holiday fair of Provins. This year it’ll be taking place the weekend of December 10th and 11th. Over the course of the week the picturesque town east of the capital takes a journey back to Medieval times with costumed performances, music, artisans stands and food. If you have a Navigo pass, you can easily and freely get to Provins from Gare de l’Est station. ore information on the festivities (in French) here.

Le Festival du Merveilleux – Musée des Arts Forains 

The holiday season offers the perfect opportunity to visit one of the most unique museums of Paris. The Musée des Arts Forains is a private museum of vintage funfair rides and related objects. If you saw Woody Allen’s film Midnight in Paris, then you’ve already seen the venue, used for a party scene in the movie. The museum doesn’t hold regular opening hours, but instead is usually open over the holiday season when it holds a magical event: Le Festival du Merveilleux. From December 26th to January 2nd 2023, the museum (located near Bercy Village, another great place over the holidays!) will be open every day from 10am-6pm. It is beautifully decorated in festive flare, there are special performances food stands and the chance to try out some of the vintage rides.

Unique Illuminations

The light show put on during the holiday season doesn’t only take place on the streets of Paris, this year there are two alternative “light shows”. Parc de La Villette is hosting a light festival which involves an immersive path through this modern park, lit by the illuminated creations by artists. It is taking place evenings from December 15th to January 1st, 2023 and on December 10th, you can get involved yourself during the lanterne festival  (free event). The Jardin des Plantes is once again holding a special illuminated exhibition. On through January 15th, 2023, this historic park comes to life in the evening via giant illuminated animals. This year’s theme is mini-insects in extra large size. Learn more at this link.

Get involved!

If you’re in Paris over the holiday season and would like to get involved in a spirit of giving back to the community, there are various ways to do this. Les Restos du Coeur, an association which provides meals and other support to those in need, is looking for different types of volunteers, including gift-wrappers (for which people give a donation, sign-up here). Another association which provides meals, la Mie de Pain, is often looking for volunteers for their Christmas Eve dinner service, which could be a nice option if you’re alone for the day. You can send them an email to check at: benevoles@miedepain.asso.fr or here. The Salvation Army tends to need extra assistance over the holidays, see more on their website.

Wishing you all a joyeux and safe time over the holiday season!