January 1st, the first day of the year and a public holiday, is an excellent opportunity to enjoy the cultural richness of Paris. While many choose to relax after the New Year's Eve festivities, others prefer to start the year with a cultural outing. The shows and plays on offer in Paris on this day are a great way to prolong the festive spirit.
When you attend a play in Paris on January 1st, you're starting the year off with a bang. From the great classics to contemporary creations and family shows, the options are varied and accessible to all. Many of the capital's venues welcome the public to share a unique moment on this symbolic day.
In the middle of winter, when outside temperatures are chilly, settling into a theater is a warm and comforting experience. Light-hearted comedies get the year off to a good start, while dramas and musicals invite you to reflect and escape. It's also the ideal opportunity to share a special moment with family and friends, in the festive atmosphere of the capital.
Starting the new year with a live performance is a great tradition to adopt. On January 1st in Paris, shows and plays are an original and enriching way to celebrate the passage to the New Year, while supporting artistic creation and enjoying an unforgettable cultural outing.
PLEASE NOTE: This guide is updated as we discover new places.
The Sun King: The iconic musical arrives at the Dôme de Paris this winter 2025-2026 – photos and reviews
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]
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]
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]
Menopause, the comedy that breaks the rules, returns to Paris
Menopause, the comedy that breaks the rules, has been extended at the Grand Point Virgule theater until January 4, 2026. Co-written and directed by Alex Goude, this comedy tackles menopause with humor and without taboos. [Read more]
Le Misanthrope returns to the Comédie-Française, directed by Clément Hervieu-Léger
From October 3, 2025 to January 3, 2026, the Comédie-Française revives Le Misanthrope, directed by Clément Hervieu-Léger. A faithful contemporary reading of Molière's masterpiece, performed at the Salle Richelieu. [Read more]
Fred Radix's La Claque at La Gaîté Montparnasse: the history of theater claque
Fred Radix presents La Claque, an interactive play in which he revisits the history of the claque (applause) in theater. The show runs at the Gaîté Montparnasse from September 21, 2025 to May 26, 2026. [Read more]
L'École de danse: Goldoni at the Comédie-Française in a set inspired by the Palais Garnier
The Comédie-Française presents L'École de danse by Carlo Goldoni, directed by Clément Hervieu-Léger. To be seen at the Salle Richelieu from November 14, 2025 to January 3, 2026. [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]
The Nutcracker or the Kingdom of the Night: a fantastic Christmas at the Théâtre du Vieux-Colombier
A mysterious automaton, a strange and lilting universe: The Nutcracker or the Kingdom of the Night revisits Hoffmann's tale at the Comédie-Française from November 27, 2025 to January 4, 2026. [Read more]
Peau d'homme: Laure Calamy in the cult comic returns to Théâtre Montparnasse
From October 8, 2025, Peau d'homme, the iconic work by Hubert and Zanzim, comes to life at the Théâtre Montparnasse in a creation by Léna Bréban. Starring Laure Calamy in the title role, this theatrical adaptation blends an initiatory tale, songs by Ben Mazué and choreography by Leïla Ka for a spellbinding new stage experience. [Read more]
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