The Christmas holidays are fast approaching in the capital, and with them, that holiday magic that turns Paris into a veritable twinkling fairy-tale. Between the illuminations that dress the streets, the Christmas markets perfumed with cinnamon and hot chocolate, the animated storefronts of the department stores and the ice rinks that pop up everywhere, Paris becomes the dream playground for families. Let’s go discover the must-do activities waiting for kids and adults alike from December 18, 2026 to January 3, 2027 in the Paris region.
Once again this year, the City of Light lives up to its name. As night falls, the Champs-Élysées glitter, light trails dazzle in the gardens, and the Christmas spirit fills every neighborhood. If you're looking for a great idea to experience the magic of Christmas with the family, you're right on time.
And most importantly, stay tuned: this guide is updated as announcements come in and as we discover more. To make sure you don’t miss any family-friendly ideas for outings during the Christmas holidays 2026 in Paris and Île-de-France, be sure to check this page regularly!
Christmas markets to discover in Paris and Île-de-France in 2026
The 2026 Christmas markets are back in Paris and Île-de-France, with their wooden chalets, festive treats and gift ideas. Here’s a look at the confirmed dates for the winter 2026-2027, from the capital to the surrounding departments. [Read more]
Paris Christmas Illuminations 2026: dates for the switch-on, locations and programs
Where and when to admire Paris’s Christmas lights in 2026? Champs-Élysées, shopping streets, squares and iconic districts: discover the lighting dates, the displays to see, and the events planned in the capital. [Read more]
Paris department stores' Christmas window displays 2026: the lineup, themes and novelties
Paris department stores are gradually unveiling their 2026 Christmas program. Decorated shop windows, themes of the year, seasonal animations and installations: see what Galeries Lafayette, Printemps, Le Bon Marché and the other major retailers have in store for the year-end holidays. [Read more]
The Christmas ice rinks to discover in Paris and Île-de-France for 2026-2027: the dates for the season
Craving a glide over the Christmas holidays? Each winter, skating spots land in Paris and across Île-de-France. From pop-up rinks to permanent venues, here are the dates for the rinks slated for this winter 2026-2027. [Read more]
Indoor playgrounds in Paris and Île-de-France: our top picks for families with kids
Pluie, froid ou grosse chaleur ? Indoor playgrounds let kids burn off energy year-round. Giant play areas, inflatable structures, motor-skills courses or spaces for toddlers: here are the best spots in Paris and the Île-de-France region. [Read more]
Light festivals and illuminated trails to discover in Paris and Île-de-France for 2026–2027
Light festivals light up Paris and the Île-de-France region each autumn–winter season, brightening our evenings. Follow our guide to discover the spots that dazzle with lanterns and other breathtaking installations for the 2026–2027 season. [Read more]
Family-friendly shows in Paris: what to see with the kids during Christmas 2026?
End-of-year holidays are a great chance to discover Parisian stages with the little ones. From December 19, 2026 to January 3, 2027, pick from the lineup of shows on offer to share a family moment away from the holiday bustle. [Read more]
Christmas holidays 2026: 10 exhibitions to see with the family in Paris and the Île-de-France region
Christmas holidays in 2026 are a great opportunity for families to discover the many exhibitions on offer in Paris and Île-de-France. With the festive illuminations, Christmas markets, and other seasonal outings, museums and cultural venues also offer a few warm hours when the temperatures dip. [Read more]
Kid-friendly restaurants in Paris: our picks with play areas and activities for children
Craving a family meal where everyone leaves satisfied? In Paris, some restaurants provide play spaces, entertainment, or activities to keep kids occupied while parents can enjoy their meal more peacefully. [Read more]
Where to play an escape game with children in Paris and the Île-de-France region?
Want to solve puzzles with your kids? Check out Paris’s family-friendly escape games and those in the nearby suburbs, featuring missions designed for younger players. [Read more]
Trampoline Parks in Île-de-France: the best spots for jumping with kids
Craving a high-energy outing? The trampoline parks in Île-de-France let kids and adults unleash their energy on spaces filled with trampolines, obstacle courses and jumping zones suitable for all levels. [Read more]
Kid-friendly cafés in Paris: our best spots to visit with kids
Having a coffee with kids without feeling like you’re getting in anyone’s way is possible in Paris. Several spots warmly welcome families, with a relaxed vibe, kid-friendly spaces, or simply a genuine sense of hospitality. [Read more]
Circuses in Paris, shows with and without big tops, now and in the future
Immerse yourself in the world of circus shows in Paris, and enjoy magical, unforgettable experiences. [Read more]
What to do on this holiday Christmas Day in Paris? 10 must-try activities to celebrate the holiday in the City of Light
On December 25, 2025, Christmas Day in Paris, we reveal the top outings to enjoy the capital on this holiday. From illuminated strolls and museums open for the occasion to magical ice rinks, discover our best tips to turn this festive Wednesday into a truly memorable day. [Read more]
The most beautiful Christmas and winter walks in Paris and Île-de-France 2025-2026
Throughout the winter and during the Christmas holidays, it's time to make your eyes sparkle. We reveal the most beautiful walks to get some fresh air and recharge your batteries in nature or in the streets. It's the perfect time to take a lovely walk with your family, partner, or friends! Follow the guide to discover our top tips for walks in the capital this winter 2025-2026. [Read more]
Thoiry Lumières Sauvages 2026: our photos from the light trail, following in Pachamama’s footsteps
Thoiry Lumières Sauvages takes us on a journey around the world in search of Pachamama at WOW Safari Thoiry, in the Yvelines. Here’s a look in pictures at what’s in store, from the All Saints’ Day holiday through the winter break, until March 7, 2027. [Read more]
The first Christmas at Château de la Roche-Guyon is being prepared in Val-d'Oise, as Winter Tales take center stage.
For the first time in its history, the Château de La Roche-Guyon opens its doors for the holidays with Contes d'hiver, a poetic Christmas experience crafted for this Val-d'Oise landmark, running from December 5, 2026 to January 3, 2027. [Read more]
La Défense Christmas Market 2026: Chimène Badi and Gospel in Opening Concert
La Défense's giant Christmas market opens on November 12, 2026 in Hauts-de-Seine, with an opening concert by Chimène Badi on the 13th. Its 300 chalets will stay open until December 31, and the new Le Sommet area will remain open until January 3, 2027. [Read more]
Christmas 2026 at Galeries Lafayette: the theme and the unveiling date of the window displays.
It’s going to be a riot of color this Christmas at Galeries Lafayette Haussmann! For the 2026 holiday season, Jean-Charles de Castelbajac takes charge of the Paris department store’s decorations and invites us into a quirky tale filled with fantastical characters. But what surprises do the animated windows and the famous tree under the Dome have in store? We’ll know by mid-November. [Read more]
Tuileries Christmas Market 2026: Dates for the gourmet fair
The Tuileries Christmas Market returns to the Tuileries Garden in the 1st arrondissement, with its chalets, rides and treats, from November 14, 2026 to January 3, 2027. This year, the Champs-Élysées Christmas Market is also back just next door. It’s the perfect chance to kill two birds with one stone. [Read more]
Grand Christmas 2026 at the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte: immerse yourself in a festive journey around the world
The Grand Christmas at Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte is set to enchant the holiday season, running from Saturday, November 14, 2026, to Sunday, January 3, 2027. For the occasion, the château and its gardens will be transformed with sumptuous decorations designed to spark dreams in both children and adults. [Read more]
The Grand Palais' giant ice rink returns for Christmas 2026: ticket sales kick off.
The Grand Palais de Glace, that gigantic, iconic skating rink that sprawls beneath the glass roof of the Grand Palais, is back. Mark your calendars for December 13, 2026 to January 6, 2027 to lace up again on the world's largest indoor ice rink! Ticket sales are set to kick off in mid-October! [Read more]
The Luminous Odyssey 2026 at Parc Floral: a 1,200-lantern trail with illuminated fountains
The Luminous Odyssey returns to Paris’s Parc Floral for a fourth edition, featuring 1,200 new monumental lanterns, illuminated fountains, and northern lights, from November 14, 2026, to January 27, 2027. [Read more]
Indian Nights: Jardin d'Acclimatation's 2026 light trail invites you to the land of the Taj Mahal
After its last edition focused on Japan, the quintessential land of the Rising Sun and centuries-old traditions, this year the light journey relocates to India—the land of Maharajas, the Taj Mahal, and a wealth of legends, tales, and traditions. A unique lantern festival, a one-way ticket to India. [Read more]
The charming Notre-Dame de Paris Christmas Market returns in 2026: the dates
The Notre-Dame Christmas Market is back from November 26 to December 27, 2026, in the 5th arrondissement. French crafts, regional cuisine, and enchantingly festive activities await you at Square René Viviani. [Read more]
Disney's Enchanted Christmas 2026 at Disneyland Paris: the lineup and the new features in Arendelle
The World of Frozen is celebrating Christmas for the first time at Disneyland Paris, from November 7, 2026, to January 6, 2027. The Arendelle festivities complement Disney’s Enchanted Christmas, with its dazzling light parade and meet-and-greets with Disney characters in Disneyland Park. [Read more]
The Water Enchantment 2026 at the Grand Rex with Billie, at the crossroads of worlds
La Féerie des Eaux returns to the Grand Rex from November 25, 2026 to January 3, 2027 with Billie, At the Crossroads of Worlds, Disney’s new animated film. [Read more]
Merry Christmas to all families!
Dates and Opening Time
From December 19, 2026 to January 3, 2027
