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 charming town in Val-de-Marne hosts a grand Christmas parade.
The Grand Christmas Parade is making its grand return to Saint-Maur-des-Fossés this weekend. Join us this Sunday, December 21, 2025, in front of the Town Hall for a magical performance inspired by the world of The Nutcracker. [Read more]
Christmas in Seine-et-Marne: this town unveils its festive market featuring stunning projection mapping and fireworks display
Head to Meaux to discover "Meaux & Merveilles," the program of events with a Christmas market (December 12-14) that will enchant Seine-et-Marne from December 6, 2025, to January 4, 2026. A wonderful illuminated garden, video mapping, rides, parades, mischievous elves, a biker road trip, and Santa's House are all on the agenda for families and visitors. Check out the program here... [Read more]
Exceptional and free Arman exhibition at the 17th arrondissement town hall in Paris
The 17th arrondissement town hall is celebrating Arman, a leading figure of the New Realists, with a free exhibition from December 12, 2025, to January 31, 2026. Bronze sculptures, rare paintings, and a new creation of a French flag pay tribute to this visionary artist, 20 years after his death. [Read more]
Christmas 2025: Free Light Trail & Video Mapping at the Heart of a French-style Garden
For Christmas 2025 in Seine-et-Marne, families in Meaux can look forward to a delightful free holiday stroll. From December 6, 2025, to January 4, 2026, a dazzling light trail filled with animations and video mappings transforms the historic Jardin Bossuet — a beautifully landscaped space designed by André Le Nôtre, the legendary gardener of the Palace of Versailles! [Read more]
Christmas 2025: a free Santa Claus mini-horse village at the Paris-Vincennes racecourse
The Paris-Vincennes racecourse is transformed into a Christmas Village every Sunday in December 2025 for exceptional family days out with the horses, with lots of free entertainment for children! [Read more]
Halle de l'Arsenal - The Biltoki food court in Rueil-Malmaison, Hauts-de-Seine, is now open
La Halle Biltoki heads to Rueil-Malmaison! After making its mark in Issy-les-Moulineaux, the popular concept is now expanding further across the Hauts-de-Seine, settling into the brand-new eco-district of l'Arsenal. We went to explore and have all the details for you... [Read more]
Val-d'Oise: sound and light show in Enghien-les-Bains for a magical Christmas 2025
Once again this year, the town of Enghien-les-Bains, in the Val-d'Oise, invites you to experience a magical Christmas and announces the return of its free sound and light show! Come along from December 5, 2025, to January 4, 2026, to admire monumental projections on the facades of the Town Hall and Saint-Joseph Church. [Read more]
A Magical Christmas Village to Discover in an Essonne Garden
For the past seven years, Vincent Costa Da Cunha has been turning his garden in Limours into a magical Christmas Village. Standing tall at 7 meters, the Christmas tree is adorned with hundreds of sparkling lights, transforming the space into a breathtaking sound and light show. This free holiday spectacle welcomes visitors every evening throughout December 2025 and until January 4, 2026, from Monday to Sunday, 5:30 PM to 9 PM. Curious about what he’s created, we went to explore his garden filled with a thousand colors. [Read more]
Christmas 2025 at Printemps Haussmann: Free skating rink at the top of the department store — SOLD OUT
This year, you don't need a passport to experience the magic of Christmas in New York: Printemps Haussmann is bringing Paris to Rockefeller Center! From animated window displays to the 7th Heaven ice rink, the spirit of Manhattan takes over the rooftops from November 8, 2025, to January 4, 2026. A frosty, urban, and ultra-stylish stopover to celebrate Christmas 2025 in the heart of the department store. [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]
For even more ideas:
Free exhibitions to visit in December 2026: top picks in Paris and Île-de-France
Looking for an impressive free exhibition to check out in December 2026? You've come to the right place (or clicked the right link): here’s our curated list of must-see free exhibitions happening in Paris this month. Follow along! [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]
Looking for free events in December 2026 in Paris and Île-de-France? We’re revealing the best deals of the month, which is packed with end-of-year celebrations, along with a curated lineup of experiences you can enjoy for free across the Paris region. [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 9, 2025 to December 31, 2025
Recommended age
For all
Free exhibitions to visit in December 2026: top picks in Paris and Île-de-France
Free museums and monuments in Paris and the Ile-de-France region: cultural tips
Free Events in December 2026 in Paris and Île-de-France: The Top Tips for the Month
Christmas Windows Displays in Paris 2025 at the Major Department Stores: Photos and Practical Information
Christmas 2025 Lights in Paris: Photos, Schedules, and Practical Info
