Family outings take on a holiday feel this Wednesday, November 11, 2026, a public holiday marking the 108th anniversary of the 1918 Armistice. In Paris and across the Île-de-France departments, from Meaux (77) to the capital’s major parks, families can make the most of the day off by taking the children to a show, a museum or an indoor play venue.
As it’s a public holiday, a few places will be closed. Most museums and leisure attractions will nevertheless be open. One thing to note: the Arc de Triomphe, the site of national commemorations, will be closed on the morning of November 11, as the Paris Tourist Office reminds visitors.
This year, November 11 falls on a Wednesday, shortly after the Toussaint school break. That makes it a great opportunity for a proper midweek outing, without the Saturday crowds. Circus, immersive exhibition, enchanting stroll or gourmet snack break: we’ve rounded up our top picks so you don’t end up facing a closed door.
Our pick of the edition is Paris Through the Eyes of Mice, an exhibition opening on November 11 at the Grande Menuiserie Saint-Dominique. Children follow Jean, a young Parisian mouse, as he discovers the history of the capital from a rodent’s perspective. Hidden mice in the sets, a giant play area made from buttons and old metro tickets: a lovely idea for little ones aged 3 and up.
Paris for Mice: A Playful Exhibition on the Capital... from a Rodent’s-Eye View
What if you saw the city... From a mouse’s-eye view? Paris, its great monuments and its history... are revealed in an unusual exhibition that traces more than 2,000 years of history in the capital of France. [Read more]
On the stage front, In Santa Claus’s Land opens its season that same day at the Théâtre Marigny (8th arrondissement). This musical show for children aged 3 to 12 takes audiences behind the scenes at the toy factory, among elves and songs. A gentle way to kick off the holiday season a little early.
Au pays du Père Noël, written and directed by Olivier Solivérès, comes to the Théâtre Marigny from November 11, 2026. This musical runs for 1 hour and 15 minutes and is suitable for children aged 3 and up. [Read more]
For families curious about history, the Museum of the Great War in Meaux, Seine-et-Marne, is celebrating both the Armistice and its own anniversary (it opened on November 11, 2011) with a special program. It’s a great opportunity to explain to children why the day is a public holiday. Details of the activities are on the museum’s official website.
Have your children outgrown elves? We’ve also put together a selection of things to do with teens this November 11, from escape rooms and virtual reality to immersive experiences.
And for those already counting down the days until Christmas, department stores will unveil their animated window displays throughout the month, while the light festivals are getting ready to shine: L'Odyssée Lumineuse at the Parc Floral (12th arrondissement), for example, opens on November 14, 2026, three days after this public holiday.
November 11, 2026: Museums and monuments to visit in Paris on this public holiday.
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Paris department stores' Christmas window displays 2026: the lineup, themes and novelties
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Light Festivals 2026-2027: the stunning light trails to see in Paris and Île-de-France
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Shopping centers and stores open on November 11, 2025, in Paris and the Île-de-France region - opening hours
It's a public holiday, but not for shopping! Find out which shopping centers and department stores are open for business in Paris and the Île-de-France region on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. [Read more]
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Thoiry Lumières Sauvages 2026: our photos from the light trail, following in Pachamama’s footsteps
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Disney's Enchanted Christmas 2026 at Disneyland Paris: the lineup and the new features in Arendelle
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Nigloween 2026 at Nigloland: new decorations and Halloween shows
Nigloween returns to Nigloland through November 11, 2026: redesigned entrance, a revamped NigloShow, shows and monsters roaming the park. The park opens daily during the All Saints’ Day holidays. [Read more]
Le Large on Île Seguin: discover the Moteur Imaginaire exhibition
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France Miniature celebrates its 35th anniversary and unveils the behind‑the‑scenes of its models, its program, and its new features.
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Indoor playgrounds in Paris and Île-de-France: our top picks for families with kids
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The best Trampoline Parks in Île-de-France for family-friendly fun and a little workout.
Jumps, tricks and all kinds of challenges: trampoline parks are among kids' favorite outings when they need to move. Here are the best spots around Paris for a family bounce. [Read more]
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The Surprise Guest: a zany comedy at the Théâtre de la Scène Parisienne in Paris’s 9th arrondissement
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ARBRE: the new magical show from the Théâtre Bormann circus
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Playground 2026: A month of dance for children in Île-de-France starting November 4
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Shakespeare Stories: six plays with music at the Lucernaire from November 4
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Cinderella: An immersive journey at the Château de Maisons-Laffitte
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The Canterville Ghost: a family show in Paris
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Volte: the new show by Cirque d’Hiver Bouglione
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This guide is for parents who want to turn this day off on Wednesday into a proper break, with toddlers and older children alike. A tip: shows and exhibitions opening that day fill up quickly, so it’s best to book ahead and check opening times before setting off. Also, remember to check the transport disruptions expected on this public holiday.
And if you’re going out without the kids, our guide to things to do in Paris on November 11 rounds up what’s open and ideas for outings that day. To keep the family fun going throughout the month, check out our family tips for November 2026.
Every year, France holds numerous tributes and commemorations on November 11. But do you know the origins of this historic date? And do you know why November 11 is a public holiday in France? Here’s the story. [Read more]
Dates and Opening Time
On November 11, 2026
Paris for Mice: A Playful Exhibition on the Capital... from a Rodent’s-Eye View
In Santa Claus’s homeland: a musical adventure for children in Marigny
Why is November 11 a public holiday in France? History and origins
