Christmas Holidays at Les Invalides 2025: Puppet Shows, Games, and Adventures for Families

When the Christmas holidays arrive, the Hôtel des Invalides sheds its solemn silence for a festive winter buzz. Beneath its golden dome, in the heart of the 7th arrondissement of Paris, this iconic monument transforms into a holiday backdrop where history is explored in a family-friendly setting—far from textbooks, close to the realm of imagination. From December 20, 2025, to January 4, 2026 (excluding December 25 and January 1), the Army Museum offers a special Christmas program, bookings required, to be enjoyed on the Invalides site and within the museum’s spaces.

Among the highlights is Pimpon d’Or, a string puppet show suitable for audiences aged 3 and up. In the Turenne room—opened to the public for this occasion—puppets come to life to tell the tale of a clumsy shepherd who becomes a medieval hero. Ogres, enchanted armor, knights, and princesses weave a poetic comedy inspired by the museum’s tapestries, illuminated manuscripts, and weapon collections, culminating in a guided exploration of historical artifacts.

For older children aged 8 and up, Mission at the Invalides turns the visit into an engaging treasure hunt. In teams, participants explore one of the six French military specialties and travel back in time—from Louis XIV to World War II—to uncover the secrets of this historic site.

The festivities continue with storytelling tours and creative workshops suitable for all ages. Mingle with Vizir, Napoleon’s horse, explore scenes from Louis XIV and his court, meet Napoleonic soldiers, discover hidden animals, or craft a miniature model of the Invalides…

• To be read
• This week's top picks in Paris and Île-de-France, May 11–17, 2026

Christmas 2025 Schedule at Les Invalides:

• Golden Pimp: The Tale of a Heroic Shepherd in the Middle Ages
  December 29 and 30, 2025, as well as January 2 and 3, 2026 — at 3:00 PM (lasting 1 hour and 15 minutes)
  Suitable for ages 3 and up, seated audience
  Reserve your tickets
  
  
• Treasure Hunt: Mission at Les Invalides
  December 28, 29, and Saturday, January 3 — at 2:00 PM, 2:30 PM, 3:00 PM, 3:30 PM, and 4:00 PM
  Suitable for ages 8 and up
  Reserve your tickets
  
  
• Storytelling Tours
  • Vizier in Napoleon’s Era, ages 3 to 6: December 20, 2025, and January 3, 2026, at 11:00 AM
  • Vizier during the Sun King's Reign, ages 3 to 6: December 27 at 11:00 AM
  • Louis XIV’s Time: The Story of Jacques, a Resident at Les Invalides, ages 7 to 12: December 23 and 27 at 2:30 PM
  • Napoleon: The Legend and the Man, ages 7 and up: December 30 at 2:30 PM
    
    
• Visits and Workshops
  • My Royal Mobile! , ages 3 to 6: December 28 at 11:00 AM
  • Napoleon and His Animals, ages 3 to 6: January 4, 2026, at 11:00 AM
  • Step into the Shoes of a Napoleonic Soldier, ages 7 to 12: December 21 and January 4
  • Miniatures of Les Invalides, ages 7 and up: December 28 at 2:30 PM

Here, Christmas is a story to share, a tradition to create, and a time to cherish with loved ones — eyes shining with wonder and stories exchanged as gifts.