Going out for free in Paris in December 2025 is entirely possible, even if it seems like this festive month is synonymous with spending! Between the Christmas lights, festive markets, and street entertainment, the capital and its surroundings offer great opportunities to enjoy the Christmas spirit without emptying your wallet. From the 9th arrondissement to the 19th arrondissement, via the Champs-Élysées and the villages of Seine-et-Marne, there is no shortage of opportunities to learn and marvel for free.
This December promises to be particularly rich in cultural and festive events accessible to all. Parisian galleries continue to offer free exhibitions, while the Christmas window displays of the department stores provide an enchanting spectacle without spending a penny. Those who love to explore can also enjoy the many Christmas events organizedin different neighborhoods of the capital and in towns around the Paris region.
Whether you're a fanof contemporary art, enjoy festive walks, or are simply looking for a great idea for a family outing to celebrate the arrival ofwinter 2025, Paris and the Île-de-France region offer a wide range of opportunities to discover the region's cultural richness and the festive atmosphere of the holiday season. To help you find your way around, we've put together a selection of free events you won't want to miss this month in the capital and its surroundings. From free Christmas markets to festive concerts, winter exhibitions, and pop-up ice rinks, there's something for all tastes and ages.
This medieval festival and craft market in the Val d'Oise promises fire shows and free entertainment.
The VauréYule medieval festival returns to the Cour des Arts in Vauréal in the Val-d'Oise on December 6 and 7, 2025. On the program for this 7th edition: fire shows, combat, a 100% artisanal medieval market, and open workshops. How about stepping back in time? [Read more]
The authentic Christmas market in the village of Janvry is back this weekend!
The Janvry Christmas Market returns to enchant the Chevreuse Valley from November 28 to 30 and December 5 to 7, 2025. This Essonne village, transformed into a festive setting, features some one hundred craft exhibitors in an authentic atmosphere. [Read more]
Zeus, a masterpiece of craftsmanship: an exhibition on the Olympic horse at the Musée des Arts et Métiers
Zeus, the metal horse that crossed the Seine during the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, is the focus of a unique exhibition at the Musée des Arts et Métiers from December 17, 2025, to March 29, 2026. [Read more]
Free exhibition and auction of Japanese animation drawings at the Galerie Joseph
From December 5 to 7, 2025, Galerie Joseph is presenting a selection of nearly 300 original drawings from Japanese animation. The free exhibition, organized before the auction by Aibo Art Auction, brings together iconic celluloid, genga, and dōga. [Read more]
The charming Christmas Market at Notre-Dame de Paris is back!
The Marché de Noël de Notre-Dame returns to the 5th arrondissement from November 28 to December 25, 2025. French crafts, regional gastronomy and enchanting entertainment await you in Square René Viviani. [Read more]
Sur les traces du D.: the original and engaging exhibition by the street artist at Wilde - Le lieu in Paris - our photos
If you love urban art, then you're bound to know Le D. This fall, the contemporary street artist is taking over both floors of Wilde - Le lieu in Paris to present his new solo exhibition on the theme of reuse. Open to the public free of charge from November 27 to December 12, 2025, the installation "Sur les traces du D." (In the footsteps of Le D.) is a beautiful immersion into his artistic universe, both poetic and committed. [Read more]
Great idea for kids: a free family weekend with the Moomins at the Petit Palais
On December 6 and 7, 2025, the Petit Palais will celebrate Finland's national holiday with a program dedicated to the Moomins. Meetings, workshops, and activities based on Tove Jansson's famous characters await you and your family, free of charge! [Read more]
Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe: where to celebrate the Mexican saint in Paris churches?
Our Lady of Guadalupe, the patron saint of Mexico, is celebrated between December 12 and 14 in the capital with festive masses and music. Which churches will pay tribute to her this year? [Read more]
The Paris Christmas Market and Village returns to City Hall
The Christmas market returns to the square in front of Paris City Hall from December 5, 2025, to January 4, 2026. Named "the Enchanted Forest," this village showcases artisans with the "Made in Paris" label. We'll tell you all about it! [Read more]
Christmas 2025 in Paris: free creative workshops in the heart of the 20th arrondissement!
All kinds of creative workshops where you can make Christmas decorations from recycled materials for free await you at the Maison des 1000 Premiers Jours in Paris's 20th arrondissement. They take place every Wednesday from November 26 to December 17, 2025. [Read more]
For even more ideas:
Free exhibitions to see in December 2025: great deals in Paris and Île-de-France
Looking for a great free exhibition to see in December 2025? You've come to the right place (or clicked on the right link): here is our selection of free exhibitions not to be missed in Paris this month. Follow the guide! [Read more]
Looking for a free museum in Paris? The Musée des Beaux-Arts, the Musée d'Art Moderne, the Musée de l'Aviation, the Musée des Arts Asiatiques - over 20 museums are free all year round, and we've got some great ideas for getting out and learning something new. [Read more]
The castles of Île-de-France open their doors free of charge on the first Sunday of every month. This is a great opportunity to discover our regional heritage without spending a penny this Sunday, December 7, 2025. [Read more]
Looking for free activities in December 2025 in Paris and the Ile-de-France region? We've put together a program of free experiences for you to enjoy in the Paris region during this month of festive celebrations. [Read more]
When do the 2025 Christmas window displays start and where can you see them in Paris? From Printemps to Galeries Lafayette, discover what Parisian department stores have in store for us as the holiday season approaches, to delight young and old alike! Bon Marché, BHV, Samaritaine—every year, we enjoy the beautiful window displays that come to life for our greatest pleasure. With family, children, loved ones, or simply with those close to us, this is an essential part of Christmas in Paris. [Read more]
The Christmas lights in Paris are a magical moment that accompanies the end-of-year celebrations. From the Champs-Élysées to Bercy Village, via the very chic Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Paris is decked out in a thousand lights every year. A sparkling journey that is sure to dazzle you! [Read more]
Looking for the most beautiful Christmas Markets in and around Paris? Every year-end, the wooden chalets and illuminations bring the streets to life, offering an enchanting journey to Santa's land. This Christmas 2025 in Paris marks the return of the unmissable Christmas markets, with tastings, gift ideas and many other magical and enchanting discoveries on the program. [Read more]
Dates and Opening Time
From December 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025
Recommended age
For all
Free exhibitions to see in December 2025: great deals in Paris and Île-de-France
Free museums and monuments in Paris and the Ile-de-France region: cultural tips
9 castles to visit for free around Paris this Sunday, December 7, 2025, the first Sunday of the month
Free events in Paris and the Ile-de-France region in December 2025: this month's highlights
Christmas Window Displays in Paris 2025: Discover the department stores' program
Christmas lights in Paris 2025: the program to see the capital shine
