The Christmas vacations are always a magical time for the whole family. But it's also a great opportunity to continue your education by discovering some of the many exhibitions and events on offer in the city of Paris and the Île-de-France region during the festive season.
During the Christmas vacations, many museums and monuments are launching programs aimed at young audiences, including cultural visits. And since the kids are on vacation, we're taking advantage of the opportunity to organize some great outings that are out of the ordinary. Here we present the program of exhibitions and monuments open from December 23, 2023 to January 7, 2024.
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Christmas 2023: equestrian show, magical decorations and creative activities at Château de Blandy-les-Tours
The Château de Blandy-les-Tours is celebrating Christmas in style: and with good reason, the château is dressing up to the nines with a magical and particularly festive program, running until January 7, 2024. [Read more]
Beauty and the Beast, the immersive theater show, returns to Château de Maisons-Laffitte
From November 10 to December 17, 2023, the Château de Maisons-Laffitte in the Yvelines will be staging the magical spectacle of "Beauty and the Beast". Princess gowns, valets and chandeliers on the ceiling...embark on an immersive theater show in the world of the famous fairy tale. [Read more]
Christmas 2023: magical family celebrations at the Château de Fontainebleau
During the Christmas and New Year vacations of 2023, the Château de Fontainebleau is playing the fairytale card to amaze young and old alike. Discover the program designed for families on this occasion. [Read more]
Le Grand Noël au Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte 2023 unveils its magical program
Le Grand Noël at Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte returns to enchant the holiday season, from Saturday, November 18, 2023 to Sunday, January 7, 2024. In the enchanting setting of the Château, you'll be able to rediscover the magic of Christmas through immersive, constantly renewed experiences, with family and friends. [Read more]
Contes et Histoires 2023: a medieval Christmas at the Château de Vincennes
For the 2023 edition of Contes et Histoires, the Château de Vincennes invites families to take part in a very special walk, from January 3 to 7, 2024. [Read more]
Contes et Histoires 2023: storytelling and music at the Château de Rambouillet
Château de Rambouillet takes part in the 2023 edition of Contes et Histoires. From January 3 to 4, 2024, the monument will be offering unusual and entertaining visits for families during the Christmas vacations. [Read more]
Contes et Histoires 2023: cluedo and show at Château de Maisons, Maisons-Laffitte
The Château de Maisons in Maisons-Laffitte is offering workshops and entertaining shows in this new edition of Contes et Histoires, to be experienced from December 27, 2023 to January 6, 2024. A program that should delight families during the Christmas vacations! [Read more]
Contes et Histoires 2023: storytelling and carols at Château de Jossigny
The Château de Jossigny, rarely open to the public, will be welcoming families from December 26 to 28, 2023, for the Contes & Histoires des Monuments Nationaux event. A great idea for the Christmas vacations! [Read more]
Contes et Histoires 2023: show and gourmet investigation at the Château de Champs-sur-Marne
During the Christmas vacations, the Château de Champs-sur-Marne hosts the Contes et Histoires 2023 event: from January 3 to 6, discover this French heritage treasure through unusual family activities. [Read more]
Dragons and Lanterns Festival: the Jardin d'Acclimatation luminous stroll, last days!
The Dragons and Lanterns Festival continues until March 3, 2024. We're off to the Jardin d'Acclimatation to discover the grandiose lanterns and light structures of Shanghai's Yuyuan Garden. An experience never before seen in Europe, where dragons and fantastical creatures come to life along a family-friendly nocturnal stroll, fusing Chinese culture with the soul of Paris for an unforgettable spectacle. A winter wonderland that lights up the park. [Read more]
Lueurs de Mantes: a free artistic light trail in Yvelines
Mantes-la-Jolie lights up this winter! For the first time, this Yvelines town is organizing a large-scale, original nocturnal event in the footsteps of its cultural heritage. Join us from December 16, 2023 to February 10, 2024 to discover "Lueurs de Mantes", a luminous and artistic itinerary where illuminated scenographies mingle with digital artworks. [Read more]
Lumières en Seine at the Domaine de Saint-Cloud, the magical route - final days
Lumières en Seine is the sublime Festival of Lights that will once again illuminate the Domaine de Saint-Cloud, from November 17, 2023 to January 14, 2024. The program includes a magical stroll of almost 2km, to be enjoyed over the festive season. [Read more]
Art in Nature: Dali's works in a luminous and extravagant tour of Paris
An arty stroll through the works of surrealist artist Salvador Dali, that's what's in store for us this autumn-winter in Paris! From November 16, 2023 to January 7, 2024. [Read more]
Christmas vacations at Parc Astérix 2023-2024: light trail, ice rink, rides and shows
Parc Astérix is once again celebrating the magic of Christmas during the 2023 Christmas vacations. From December 23, 2023 to January 7, 2024, you're invited to discover the festive activities of the Gaulish Christmas at the theme park. Ice rink, sledges, trail of lights, hidden tavern and enchanting shows await you... [Read more]
L'Odyssée Lumineuse at the Parc Floral: a festival of lights that takes you on a journey - our photos
For the festive season, the Parc Floral invites families to discover its illuminations, L'Odyssée Lumineuse, from November 28, 2023 to January 7, 2024. A great opportunity to celebrate the Christmas festivities early (or even later), and of course with family and friends. [Read more]
Illuminating the jungle: our photos of the 2023 Festival of Lights at the Jardin des Plantes
Every year, the Jardin des Plantes Festival of Lights presents a nocturnal light walk in homage to nature! Gigantic statues of animals and plants illuminated at dusk take over the site. The festival returns again this year for a 5th edition in winter 2023-2024, this time taking us to the middle of the rainforests. Introducing the Jungle of Illumination. See you from November 22, 2023 to January 21, 2024. [Read more]
Thoiry Lumières Sauvages 2023-2024, the lantern festival plunges us into Asia - our photos
Thoiry Lumières Sauvages returns from October 29, 2023 to March 11, 2024, with a new, even more enchanting itinerary. This year, almost 500 new Chinese lanterns will illuminate the gardens of the Château de Thoiry for a magical stroll in the heart of nature, with Asia as the theme. [Read more]
Science Expériences, the ideal family outing for the Easter vacations
Science Expériences is a unique concept combining museum and amusement park to bring science to life for children. With scientific experiments, virtual reality and video mapping, it uses the latest technologies to bring science to life for children... [Read more]
Christmas vacations 2023: workshops, fun activities and family visits at the Musée d'Orsay
During the 2023 Christmas vacations, from December 22, 2023 to January 7, 2024, the Musée d'Orsay is once again organizing its flagship event for each school vacation period: Holidays at the Museum, with a great program for children. [Read more]
Christmas vacations 2023: treasure hunt, workshops and family visits at La Monnaie de Paris
From December 23, 2023 to January 7, 2024, La Monnaie de Paris unveils its brand new Christmas vacation program. Families can take part in original, immersive guided tours, or make their own coins in workshops. [Read more]
Contes et Histoires 2023: construction games at the Villa Savoye in Poissy (78)
For the 2023 edition of Contes et Histoires dans les Monuments Nationaux, the Villa Savoye in Poissy is the perfect place to spend an afternoon playing construction games. A great idea for families during the Christmas vacations! Visit us from December 26 to 30, 2023 and January 2 to 6, 2024. [Read more]
Contes et Histoires 2023 in Paris: discover the Story of the Blue Diamond at the Hôtel de la Marine
Once again this year, the Hôtel de la Marine is taking part in the Contes et Histoires event. From December 16, 2023 to January 7, 2024, the monument will unveil the fabulous destiny of the Blue Diamond during the Christmas vacations... [Read more]
Notre-Dame de Paris at the heart of the construction site, the free exhibition under the forecourt in photos
The Notre-Dame de Paris: au coeur du chantier exhibition, which takes place beneath the cathedral's forecourt, is now unveiled. From March 7, 2023, until the monument reopens, discover the work of the hundreds of men and women who are rebuilding the cathedral. It's an opportunity to immerse yourself in the highlights of the titanic construction site, to discover the work of the journeymen and craftsmen, and the challenges of reconstruction. [Read more]
Europa Expérience, an immersive exhibition on the European Union
Europa Experience is a unique interactive space on the European Union situated in the heart of Paris, in front of the famous Madeleine church. This 1500m2 permanent exhibition about the European Union, spread over three floors has a main goal: providing visitors with an immersive, interactive and enriching experience. Through a multimedia journey with enhanced reality activities and a 360° cinema, you travel to the four corners of the EU... from Paris. [Read more]
Lignes infinies, a tribute exhibition to cartoonist Kim Jung-Gi at the Korean Cultural Center
The Korean Cultural Center pays posthumous tribute to cartoonist Kim Jung-Gi, with a free exhibition on view from November 16, 2023 to March 16, 2024. Don't miss these "Infinite Lines". [Read more]
Posy Simmonds in Paris: a plunge into illustrated literature at the BPI - Centre Pompidou
Discover the graphic and literary universe of cartoonist Posy Simmonds, on the occasion of the "Dessiner la littérature" exhibition at the BPI - Centre Pompidou from November 22, 2023 to April 1, 2024. From her early days at The Guardian to her iconic graphic novels, delve into the heart of her unique talent combining keen observation, humor and a passion for literature. [Read more]
Cuisines et descendances, the free culinary exhibition at the Écomusée du Grand-Orly Seine Bièvre
The Paris region's culinary heritage is highly varied, thanks to the differences of its inhabitants. The Écomusée du Grand-Orly Seine Bièvre explores this multiculturalism through cuisine, in a free, participatory exhibition. [Read more]
La Force du Sport, the free LEGO exhibition at the Pavillon Vendôme in Clichy (92)
Until January 13, 2023, the town of Clichy-la-Garenne in the Hauts-de-Seine region of Paris is hosting a LEGO sports exhibition, in reference to the upcoming Paris Olympic Games. [Read more]
La Cité des Enfants, to marvel at and discover the world around us from ages 2 to 12
The Cité des enfants at the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie is the ultimate Parisian place for learning and experimentation. With its two routes, reserved either for 2-7 year-olds or for 5-12 year-olds, children discover the world around them using their five senses. [Read more]
Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie: scientific discoveries and fun for all the family
The Cité des sciences et de l'industrie is packed with fun and educational exhibitions for the whole family to discover, in the heart of the Parc de la Villette. It's the perfect place to learn all about the world around us! [Read more]
Précieux déchets, the exhibition to help you consume differently, at the Cité des Sciences
From December 5, 2023 to September 1, 2024, the Cité des Sciences is hosting a brand new exhibition, Précieux Déchets, inviting us to become aware of the waste we generate, how to reduce it or reuse it to give it a new life. [Read more]
Mission spatiale, the new permanent exhibition in the stars at the Cité des sciences
Take a trip into space from October 23, 2023 at the Cité des sciences et de l'industrie, with a new permanent exhibition on the conquest of space. [Read more]
Ville de demain, the educational exhibition for greener cities, at the Cité des Sciences
From September 20, 2023 to January 7, 2024, the Cité des Sciences is hosting a temporary exhibition, City of Tomorrow, as an extension of its new permanent exhibition, Urgence Climatique, to discover how to make our major cities places where the ecological transition is a major issue. [Read more]
Urgence Climatique, the Cité des Sciences exhibition to raise awareness
The Cité des Sciences is a bustling family place, a veritable paradise for young and old alike, where there is always something to do, discoveries to explore and lots of information to learn. The place hosts its latest permanent exhibition, Urgence climatique, starting May 16, 2023. [Read more]
Metamorphoses, the poetic exhibition to discover at the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie - photos
The Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie invites us to follow the fantastic epic of these animals and plants that change and transform. From April 4, 2023 to November 24, 2024, discover the exhibition Metamorphoses. [Read more]
Bio-inspired, the new permanent exhibition at the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie
Look out, here it is: the new permanent exhibition that will fascinate us endlessly. "Bio-inspired" takes place at the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie from September 18, 2020. A nice introduction to talk about environment and sustainable solutions with children and older. [Read more]
Robots come to the Cité des Sciences, the exhibition
The Cité des Sciences et de l'industrie is dedicating a new space to Robots, starting April 2, 2019. Suitable for children from 11 years old, this exhibition tour will make young and old dream with the presentation of robots of today and tomorrow, from industrial robots to autonomous vehicles, humanoid robots, agricultural robots, medical robots and domestic robots. [Read more]
Discover the treasures of the Paris Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle - program
The Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle de Paris with its Jardin des Plantes is an emblematic institution of the capital, founded in 1793. Accessible all year round, this museum offers an insight into the world's rich natural heritage. From plants and magnets to fossils and experiments, immerse yourself in the fascinating world of nature. [Read more]
Felines: a special night-time exhibition at the Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle
They're as adorable as they are dangerous: the Natural History Museum's Grande Galerie de l'Evolution is devoting an exhibition to felines, from March 22, 2023 to April 21, 2024. For an even more special visit, take advantage of the nocturne on March 23, 2024. [Read more]
Musée de l'Homme: discover the origins, evolution and future of the human species
At the Trocadéro, the Musée de l'Homme invites you to discover the evolution of Man (with a capital "H"), from the first humans to the men of today, on an interactive and educational tour. [Read more]
Escape game at the Museum of Natural History: investigate the mysterious Dubosquet affair
A new adventure full of surprises awaits you at the Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle. Come and solve the mystery of the Dubosquet affair with your family, from December 23, 2023 to January 8, 2024. [Read more]
Disappearing worlds: get up close to dinosaurs in virtual reality at the Jardin des Plantes - our test
Ready to meet dinosaurs at the Jardin des Plantes? From October 14, 2023, the National Museum of Natural History will take a leap into the past, thanks to an immersive experience in virtual reality that will make us live the history of the Earth. [Read more]
The Durfort Mammoth at the Paris Natural History Museum, restored!
(Re)discover at the Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, Paris, the newly restored "Mammouth de Durfort", an icon of paleontology on display since 1898. [Read more]
L'Atelier des Lumières, a digital art center and immersive museum in Paris
For total, magical immersion in the works of the greatest artists, head for Atelier des Lumières, the digital art center in Paris's 11th arrondissement. Find out all the latest news from this museum like no other. [Read more]
Océans l'odyssée immersive at the Atelier des Lumières in Paris, an underwater exhibition to die for!
A new immersive exhibition awaits Parisians of all ages at the Atelier des Lumières in Paris, from October 20, 2023 to January 7, 2024. It's time for Oceans, the immersive odyssey that takes us 20,000 leagues under the sea. [Read more]
Good plan for families: special rates every Wednesday at the Atelier des Lumières
It is often said that Wednesday is the day of the children: no school, activities proposed by many museums or kid friendly spaces in Paris... This is notably the case at the Atelier des Lumières, which offers Family Wednesdays, starting March 8, 2023. [Read more]
Christmas vacations 2023: creative workshops and guided family tours at the Musée de l'Homme
From December 22 to January 7, it's time for the most magical vacation of the year: the Christmas vacations! For the occasion, the Musée de l'Homme is offering a great kid-friendly program, so it's time to take the kids along for the ride! [Read more]
Plantu - Reza, Regards croisés : the exhibition to discover at the Musée de l'Homme
The cartoonist Plantu and the photojournalist Reza invite us to discover the world through their funny eyes, with an exhibition to be discovered at the Musée de l'Homme from May 11 to December 31, 2023. [Read more]
Paradox Museum Paris, a crazy tour of optical illusions for the vacations!
Paradox Museum, 90 experiences of trompe l'oeil, optical illusions and sensory upheaval await you in Paris. You'll love being fooled and capturing surrealist images. Would you like to try it out? [Read more]
LEGO: The Art of the Brick, the exhibition returns to Montparnasse - our photos
LEGO fans, children at heart, discover Nathan Sawaya's incredible exhibition, The Art of the Brick, which is back in Paris, in Montparnasse to be precise, in the former Galeries Lafayette! This incredible exhibition features over 100 brick sculptures by Nathan Sawaya, on view from December 20, 2023 to at least March 3, 2024 (ticket sales to date). [Read more]
Van Gogh exhibition at the Musée d'Orsay, final days and evening shows
The Musée d'Orsay presents an exhibition devoted to the works of Van Gogh, created during the last months of his life in Auvers-sur-Oise. On view until February 4, 2024, and at night on January 26, 27 and 28 (by prior arrangement), we discover a period in the artist's life that was as dark as it was creative. [Read more]
L'Horizon de Khéops, an immersive VR journey into the heart of a pyramid, at Bercy Village
Join us on a unique journey, an immersive virtual reality experience, as we discover one of the seven wonders of the world. Khéops Horizon is back in Paris, and awaits us at Bercy Village from November 11, 2023. [Read more]
Maison Poincaré: we visited the very first mathematics museum in Paris
The Maison Poincaré, nestled in the heart of Paris's Latin Quarter, invites you to discover the capital's very first mathematics museum from September 30, 2023. Inspired by the world's greatest science museums, this unique venue promises to illuminate the history, influence and wonders of mathematics for all the curious! We tell you all about it! [Read more]
Seth se la joue, the playful street-art exhibition is extended at the Musée en Herbe - our photos
From June 8, 2023 to May 12, 2024, we're continuing (and ending) the year in style at the Musée en Herbe, a cultural venue on a child's scale, designed especially for the little ones: in fact, it's Parisian street artist Seth who has made the museum his brand-new playground with a brand-new exhibition dedicated to him, Seth se la joue. [Read more]
The economy according to Asterix, the playful Gaulish exhibition extended at Citéco - our photos
How about learning some economic concepts from Asterix, Obelix and Dogmatix? At the Cité de l'Économie, from October 21, 2023 to April 21, 2024, we'll be counting our sesterces in Gaul, for a fun-filled exhibition! [Read more]
Investigation in Madagascar: our photos of the Tropical Aquarium's ultra-fun immersive exhibition
Save the Joba Mena, an endangered fish from Madagascar, with the Tropical Aquarium's fun, immersive exhibition. To be followed from November 14, 2023 to September 1, 2024. [Read more]
Harry Potter: the magical Lego exhibition at Puteaux Town Hall
The magical world of Harry Potter awaits you at the Hôtel de Ville de Puteaux: from December 9, 2023 to January 21, 2024, come and discover a never-before-seen Lego exhibition. [Read more]
Prehistomania at the Musée de l'Homme: the rock art exhibition - our photos
A plunge into prehistory through rock art, that's what the Musée de l'Homme in Paris is offering us with Préhistomania, an exhibition-event that runs from November 17, 2023 to May 20, 2024. [Read more]
The Roaring Twenties of Aviation, the historic exhibition at the Musée de l'Air et de l'Espace
For its next temporary exhibition, the Musée de l'Air et de l'Espace will be highlighting the Roaring Twenties, a period the museum was very familiar with, and the changes in aviation during this period, from October 24, 2023 to March 3, 2024. [Read more]
Jouets Robots" exhibition at Espace Richaud, Versailles - our photos
The Espace Richaud in Versailles invites you to discover the exhibition "Jouets Robots - Émergence d'une culture japonaise", from December 23, 2023 to February 25, 2024. An exhibition for lovers of Japanese pop culture and robot fans, highlighting an impressive collection of 300 iconic robots. Explore the impact of Japanese culture in Europe through legendary toys, from Gorangers to Gundam to Goldorak! [Read more]
Secret stones: the exhibition that highlights the mythology of yesteryear at the Museum of Prehistory
The Museum of Prehistory reveals the secrets of the Fontainebleau forest, through the exhibition "Secret stones. Pre-Celtic Mythology in the Forest of Fontainebleau". To be seen from April 15 to December 30, 2023. [Read more]
Le Rambolitrain, model train museum in Rambouillet (78)
In Rambouillet, in the Yvelines department, Rambolitrain boasts a unique collection of toy trains, whether miniature or life-size. History, scale models and guided tours: welcome to the temple of the toy train! [Read more]
The Cité de l'Histoire: a fun way for families to discover history
Plunge into the heart of the most fascinating periods in human history with immersive shows and technological animations that will delight young and old alike. Relive the great moments of the past, meet the emblematic figures of French history and create unforgettable memories together! Three main animations await you, in a space entirely designed for family amazement, offering a journey through the most emotionally rich eras. [Read more]
Bike trip, USA, 1939: go for a ride with the Henri Cartier-Bresson Foundation photo exhibition
Join Ruth Orkin on her incredible bicycle trip across the United States! Discover the exhibition Bike Trip, USA, 1939, presented at the Fondation Henri Cartier-Bresson, from September 19, 2023 to January 14, 2024. [Read more]
Explorer l'infiniment, the exhibition exploring unknown worlds, at the Musée des Arts et Métiers
From October 17, 2023, the Musée des Arts et Métiers invites you to discover the fascinating world of exploration, from the abyss to space and the study of our planet. Embark on a special adventure, following in the footsteps of the great explorers from the Musée des Arts et Métiers! [Read more]
Recharger: an immersive wellness experience at Hangar Y
Hangar Y hosts a unique immersive experience: immerse yourself in this relaxing, sensory exhibition from December 16, 2023 to February 11, 2024. [Read more]
Insect investigation, the exhibition on small animals at the Musée du Vexin français (95)
Welcome to an exhibition dedicated to insects, the little creatures of our daily lives that we know so little about. To help you discover the characteristics, aptitudes, diets and lifestyles of the insects that surround us, the Musée du Vexin Français, in Théméricourt, is presenting Enquête d'insectes, an exhibition dedicated to the discovery of insects! [Read more]
Terres du Nil: the art of the potters before Pharaoh: the exhibition at the Musée d'Archéologie Nationale
Discover the new exhibition at the Musée d'Archéologie Nationale du Domaine de Saint-Germain-en-Laye: from October 14 2023 to January 8 2024, we're off to the Lands of the Nile to admire the art of the potters. [Read more]
Nouvelles du paradis, the vacation postcard: the sunny exhibition at the Musée de la Poste
Do you enjoy sending postcards to all your friends during the vacations? Then this exhibition at the Musée de la Poste is for you! From September 6, 2023, to March 18, 2024, extend your vacations by exploring the history of this tourist object. [Read more]
Guided tour of the Musée Méliès: discover this unusual museum at the Cinémathèque Française in Paris
Discover the Musée Méliès guided tour at the Cinémathèque Française in Paris, suitable for all ages from 8 upwards, every Saturday. Immerse yourself in this unique world. [Read more]
MIDAN, a naive art museum nestled in a country house in Vicq (78)
The Musée international d'art naïf d'île-de-France (MIDAN) is located in Vicq, a small town in the Yvelines department of France, a cultural venue dedicated to a little-known yet very rich artistic movement. [Read more]
Le Petit Nicolas returns to the Musée Grévin
Petit Nicolas, the most famous character in French children's literature, now has his own statue at the Musée Grévin. [Read more]
Anima (ex) Musica : the unusual and animated exhibition to see soon at the Musée de la Musique in Paris
A utopian animated and sound bestiary. Here is the unusual concept of the exhibition "Anima (ex) Musica" to be seen at the Musée de la Musique in Paris from next fall. From September 15, 2023 to January 7, 2024, come and discover old musical instruments that come back to life in the form of giant arthropods! [Read more]
So, where do we start?
