Looking for a cultural outing to share during the 2025 Christmas holidays? Theater, shows, musicals, circuses, or one-man shows: here are the major events scheduled for the end of the year in Paris and the Île-de-France region.
As every winter, artists from around the world descend on Paris: traditional and contemporary circus shows, major musicals, ballets, ice shows, magic acts, mentalism, and new immersive formats. The season highlights family-friendly productions, revisited classics, and major end-of-year productions.
This selection brings together the must-see shows of the moment, to give as gifts or treat yourself to celebrate the Christmas season. It is regularly updated as theaters and companies announce their programs.



The Nutcracker: the magical Christmas show at Grand Rex and Théâtre du 13e Art
In Paris, the Nutcracker ballet will enchant the Grand Rex on November 14 and 15, 2025, then the Théâtre du 13ème Art from December 23, 2025 to January 3, 2026. This enchanting show, presented by the British Festival Ballet, celebrates the magic of Christmas to the rhythm of Tchaikovsky. [Read more]



The Nutcracker: Tchaikovsky's ballet and classical orchestra in Paris this winter, dates
Tchaikovsky's legendary ballet, The Nutcracker, returns to the Arena Grand Paris and the Palais des Congrès this winter for a magical show that immerses us in the holiday season. [Read more]



The Lion King: the cult musical at the Théâtre Mogador - our review
Hakuna Matata! The Lion King musical has returned to the Théâtre Mogador in Paris, more than 10 years after its last performance there. The show has already been extended for another season, and is currently playing in Paris. [Read more]



Alegría: Cirque du Soleil show announces new dates
Cirque du Soleil returns to Chatou in the Île-de-France region with Alegría, a reinvented show combining magic, acrobatics and strong emotions. Originally scheduled to run until December 19, the show has announced new dates until January 18, 2026. [Read more]



The true story of Santa Claus: the magical immersive show at the Grand Hôtel des Rêves - photos
Immerse yourself in The True Story of Santa Claus, an immersive and magical show at the Grand Hôtel des Rêves, from November 12, 2025, to January 4, 2026, for the holiday season. [Read more]



Cirque Phénix celebrates 25 years of creations with the Millesime show
Cirque Phénix celebrates its 25th anniversary with Millésime, a show featuring 40 artists from all over the world. Join us on the Pelouse de Reuilly in the 12th arrondissement from November 22, 2025 to discover this anniversary creation. [Read more]



L’Étonnant Noël de Monsieur Scrooge: musical show at La Scène Parisienne
Discover "L'Étonnant Noël de Monsieur Scrooge," a family musical based on Dickens, at La Scène Parisienne until January 24, 2026. [Read more]



Christmas of the Centuries at the Château de Champs-sur-Marne: the immersive show returns in 2025
The Château de Champs-sur-Marne invites you to experience a new immersive show within its walls: Le Noel des Centuries, over four exceptional weekends from November 21 to December 14, 2025. [Read more]



L’Arche d’or: Christmas equestrian show at the Château de Chantilly
Discover "L'Arche d'Or," a Christmas equestrian show directed by Virginie Bienaimé, at the Grandes Écuries du Château de Chantilly from November 29, 2025, to January 4, 2026. [Read more]



Le Grrôle de Noël, the new musical by the Safa brothers at the Théâtre de la Gaîté Rive Gauche
Discover Le Grrôle de Noël, the Safa brothers' family musical, loosely based on The Grinch, at the Théâtre de la Gaîté Rive Gauche from October 26, 2025, to January 4, 2026. A lively show full of humor, music, and magic. [Read more]



The musical Notre-Dame de Paris returns to the Palais des Congrès in 2025 - Our opinion
More than 25 years after its creation, the musical Notre-Dame de Paris returns to the Palais des Congrès, where it all began in 1998, for 13 exceptional performances, from December 19, 2025 to January 4, 2026. A show to (re)discover. [Read more]



La Vie Parisienne: Offenbach's famous opera buffa comes to the Royal Opera of Versailles
Ready to experience Offenbach's Paris... in the majestic setting of Versailles? La Vie Parisienne takes over the Royal Opera House from December 27, 2025, to January 4, 2026, in its original 1866 version, as effervescent as when it was first created. [Read more]



Chicago: the cult, flamboyant musical at the Casino de Paris with Shy'm - our opinion
The cult show Chicago is back in Paris! Until January 31, 2026, the Casino de Paris is hosting the musical that has been filling American theaters for over 20 years, with singer Shy'm in the cast. [Read more]



The Ugly Duckling: Étienne Daho's musical tale at Chaillot
Étienne Daho composed the music for The Ugly Duckling, a musical tale choreographed for children and families at Chaillot from December 12 to 20, 2025. [Read more]



Le Roi Soleil: the cult musical at the Dôme de Paris this winter 2025-2026 - additional dates
Powdered wigs and corsets are going to be in short supply ... because the Sun King is back in action in December 2025! Twenty years after its very first performance, Kamel Ouali and Dove Attia's cult musical makes a comeback worthy of Versailles. [Read more]



Féerie at the Moulin Rouge: a night of feathers and dreams in Montmartre
Every evening, the Moulin Rouge presents Féerie, a spectacular revue in four tableaux, at 9 or 11 pm, preceded or not by a dinner imagined by their chef. [Read more]



La Cage aux Folles: a French production of the cult musical
La Cage aux Folles, the cult Broadway comedy, arrives in Paris in a new French production. Based on the play La Cage aux Folles by Jean Poiret, the musical, created by Harvey Fierstein and Jerry Herman for the music, will run at the Théâtre du Châtelet from December 5, 2025 to January 10, 2025, starring Laurent Lafitte. [Read more]



Les Demoiselles de Rochefort: the cult musical at the Lido 2 Paris extended - our opinion
Les Demoiselles de Rochefort is coming to the Lido from October 2, 2025, to June 21, 2026. This classic by Jacques Demy, carried by Michel Legrand's legendary tunes and an energetic cast, is getting a new lease on life on stage. Here's what we thought. [Read more]



Mulan: a musical tale at the Théâtre des Béliers Parisiens
Discover Mulan, a musical tale directed by Guillaume Bouchède at the Théâtre des Béliers Parisiens from December 6, 2025. [Read more]



From 1515 to the Sun King: a history lesson at the Théâtre de Poche
Maxime d'Aboville retraces two centuries of French history, from Marignan to Louis XIV, in a History Lesson at the Théâtre de Poche, every Saturday at 5 p.m. starting October 4. [Read more]



The Revolution: a History Lesson at the Théâtre de Poche
Maxime d'Aboville presents a History Lesson devoted to the French Revolution at the Théâtre de Poche Montparnasse, every Monday at 7 p.m. starting October 6. [Read more]



Le Dindon: a frenzied vaudeville at the Théâtre Darius Milhaud
Le Dindon, a vaudeville by Feydeau directed by Dyckson, can be seen at the Théâtre Darius Milhaud from October 7, 2025, to January 6, 2026. [Read more]



Thierry Lhermitte at the Petit Saint-Martin in the play La Rencontre
Thierry Lhermitte performs a new theatrical reading inspired by Charles Pépin, combining philosophical texts, poems, film dialogues, and songs, at the Théâtre du Petit Saint-Martin in Paris from December 1 to 16, 2025. [Read more]



Ailleurs / Après: theatrical road movie at the Petit Montparnasse
Ailleurs / Après, the new play by Arnaud Bedouet, directed by Catherine Schaub, can be seen at the Petit Montparnasse from October 2 to December 31, 2025. [Read more]



Numéro Deux: the story of the man who was not chosen to play Harry Potter returns
Discover Numéro Deux, the play about the casting of Harry Potter, at the Théâtre Tristan Bernard until January 3, 2026. [Read more]



Confidences: improvised comedy at La Boussole
Discover Confidences, an improvised comedy by the Collectif Minimas at the Théâtre La Boussole, performed every Friday for a 10th season. [Read more]



Poil de Carotte, Poil de Carotte: a biting face-off at the Athénée
From December 9 to 13, 2025, Poil de Carotte, Poil de Carotte explores humiliation and the creative process at the Athénée. [Read more]



Fate mocks choices: charity evening at the Théâtre Lepic
"Le destin se moque des choix" will be presented at the Théâtre Lepic on December 13, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. during a charity evening against breast cancer. [Read more]



Fate mocks choices: theater at the Théâtre Lepic
Discover "Le destin se moque des choix" (Fate Mocks Choices), a play by Fabrice Tosoni, at the Théâtre Lepic from September 8, 2025, to January 17, 2026, Tuesday through Friday at 7 p.m. [Read more]



Christmas Eve 2025: a magical dinner show at Le Double Fond
Celebrate Christmas 2025 at Le Double Fond with a dinner show combining magic, humor, and close-up magic on December 24 starting at 7 p.m. [Read more]



Gus l'illusioniste returns to the stage with his new show Givré at the Folies Bergère
Gus l'illusionniste, a magician well known to the general public, will take over the Folies Bergère stage from December 23 to 28, 2025. In what promises to be a spectacular show, the comedian aims to show the public that he is indeed completely "frosted". [Read more]



Luc Langevin: magic for the imagination, a show that combines illusion and emotion
Magician Luc Langevin presents his new show at Salle Pleyel from December 19 to 21, 2025. A proposal of large-scale illusions combining technology, poetry and mentalism. [Read more]



New Year's Eve 2025-2026 at Le Zèbre de Belleville: family dinner and show on December 31
Looking for a fun New Year's Eve treat for the whole family? Head for Le Zèbre de Belleville, where you can spend the night of December 31, 2024 watching high-flying acts, accessible to the whole family from age 3! [Read more]



Parenthèse: Cirque Arlette Gruss sets up shop on the Pelouse de Reuilly in Paris
Cirque Arlette Gruss presents Parenthèse, a poetic, family-friendly show to be discovered at Pelouse de Reuilly from November 29 to December 14, 2025. [Read more]



Tempo: the show that integrates the Sapeurs-Pompiers de Paris at Cirque Hiver Bouglione
Cirque d'Hiver Bouglione is back in town with its new show: "Tempo", to be seen in Paris from October 11, 2025 to March 8, 2026. This year, the Sapeurs-Pompiers join the team of circus performers for some impressive acts! [Read more]



Curiosité: hip-hop and circus show by the Haspop Company at the Palais des Congrès
Discover "Curiosité," a fusion of hip-hop and circus conceived by Hassan El Hajjami, at the Palais des Congrès in Paris from December 26 to 31, 2025. [Read more]



Folies Nomades: Gypsy circus at Cirque Romanès
Discover "Folies Nomades," the new creation from Cirque Romanès, a family-run Gypsy circus, in Paris from October 25 to December 28, 2025. [Read more]



Les Cantiques du Corbeau: the equestrian show by Bartabas at the Zingaro theater (93)
Bartabas presents his new show, this time reflecting on man's place among the living, in a poetic meditation accompanied by a Balinese gamelan, at the Zingaro equestrian theater, from October 15 to December 31, 2025. [Read more]



Pomme presents Le petit cirque at the Bouffes du Nord theater.
Discover Le petit cirque, created by Pomme, Marie, and Yoann Bourgeois based on the album Saisons, at the Bouffes du Nord from December 26, 2025, to January 4, 2026. [Read more]



La Fille du Marchand de Sable: a magical figure skating show in Issy-les-Moulineaux
On December 12 and 13, 2025, La Fille du Marchand de Sable invites you to enter her magical world for a spectacular ice show at the Palais des Sports in Issy-les-Moulineaux. [Read more]



Nico en vrai: new solo show at the Palais des Glaces
Creator Nico en vrai presents a new version of his one-man show at the Palais des Glaces, on Tuesdays starting September 30, 2025. [Read more]



Inconstance: Constance's return to the Théâtre des Mathurins
Constance returns to the Théâtre des Mathurins from October 25 to December 7, 2025, with Inconstance, a show that combines humor and emotion. [Read more]



How to become a Parisian in one hour? : Olivier Giraud's show at the Théâtre des Nouveautés
How to become a Parisian in one hour? Olivier Giraud explains it all with offbeat humor at the Théâtre des Nouveautés. This funny show, 100% in English, is ideal for tourists discovering Paris as well as for Parisians ready for self-deprecation! [Read more]



Tareek presents his new one-man show at the Théâtre de l'Archipel.
Discover Tareek in his one-man show from December 3 to 13, 2025, at L'Archipel in Paris. [Read more]



Victor Hugoat: when Victor Hugo meets rap at the Théâtre de l'Œuvre
Artist BART presents Victor Hugoat, n°1 of French rap at the Théâtre de l'Œuvre in Paris, from September 23 to December 30, 2025, every Tuesday at 7pm. A daring show combining stand-up, literature and hip-hop culture. [Read more]



Mémoire de fille: a contemporary adaptation at the Théâtre des Abbesses
"Mémoire de fille," adapted from Annie Ernaux and directed by Sarah Kohm, Veronika Bachfischer, and Élisa Leroy, can be seen at the Théâtre des Abbesses from November 26 to December 6, 2025. [Read more]



Valérie Lemercier: on stage at Théâtre Marigny in Paris
The comedian returns with a new show from October 15, 2025 to January 3, 2026, a blend of self-assured elegance and a taste for the nonsensical. [Read more]



Fanny Ruwet at the Olympia: a new show to kick off 2026
Belgian comedian Fanny Ruwet takes to the legendary Olympia stage on January 2, 2026 with her new show On disait qu'on faisait la fête. A meeting between laughter and the absurdities of everyday life. [Read more]
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Surprise(s): Brice Vidaud turns hardship into laughter at Théâtre Pixel
Brice Vidaud presents Surprise(s), a funny and touching one-man show about resilience, at Théâtre Pixel in Paris, from November 21 to December 26, 2025, every Friday at 7pm. [Read more]
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Roman Frayssinet presents his new show Ô Delà at the Olympia
Following on from his previous show, Roman Frayssinet presents Ô Delà at the Olympia from November 26 to December 31, 2025. This stand-up show promises to be a mix of introspection and absurdity, observing life from a distance and with a sense of humor. [Read more]



Contrastes : Three visions of dance at the Palais Garnier
The Opéra national de Paris presents Contrastes, an evening of ballets by Trisha Brown, David Dawson and the van Opstals. On view at the Palais Garnier from December 1 to 31, 2025. [Read more]



Notre-Dame de Paris: Roland Petit's ballet returns to the Opéra Bastille
The Opéra Bastille welcomes Roland Petit's legendary ballet Notre-Dame de Paris, a major work in the repertoire. Presented from December 6 to 31, 2025, this dance fresco combines dramatic power, neoclassical dance and flamboyant aesthetics. [Read more]



Babel, by Mourad Merzouki: the show that makes Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche dance - our opinion
This autumn, Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche raises the curtain on Babel, the new show by hip-hop icon Mourad Merzouki. From September 4 to December 31, 2025, every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening when the department store closes, ten circus artists and dancers will perform a spellbinding choreographic creation. [Read more]



Classique ?: contemporary ballet at the Théâtre Libre
Discover "Classique ?", a contemporary ballet by Victoria Dauberville directed by Paul Pascot, at the Théâtre Libre from December 17, 2025, to January 4, 2026. [Read more]
For younger audiences, check out our guide to Christmas shows for children in 2025, which is regularly updated with new productions.
Dates and Opening Time
From November 1, 2025 to January 4, 2026