Your Holiday Season agenda

© Pierre Baelen for Le Bristol Paris © Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel

Hooray, the holiday season is finally here! What if we made the most of this well-deserved break to soak up Christmas magic and indulge in festive treats before kicking off 2026 in style? From family-friendly light shows and scenic ice rinks to an exceptional palace tea time, two spectacular exhibitions, a comedy club for a good laugh with friends and a chic dinner at a newly revamped Parisian institution, boredom is simply not an option this festive month.

With night falling earlier, there’s no better excuse to dive into the magic of lights. Here are three parks putting on dazzling nighttime shows.

For its 3rd edition, the Lantern Festival at the Jardin d’Acclimatation turns the spotlight on Japan, with over 2,000 lanterns transforming the pathways into an immersive journey from Kyoto to Tokyo. Expect a blend of ancestral traditions, natural landscapes and pop culture references. At the end of the trail, a gourmet break awaits with ramen, gyoza, mochi, mulled wine, pretzels and hot chocolate. Our tip: hop on the Ferris wheel for a breathtaking view over the illuminated park. Bois de Boulogne, Paris 16th. Until March 8, 2026. Daily from 6pm to 9.30pm. Tickets from €12 to €18. Online booking.

At the Jardin des Plantes, En voie d’illumination : Lumières de la Nature turns science into a poetic night-time spectacle. As darkness falls, visitors wander through projections, light displays and immersive installations revealing natural phenomena usually invisible to the naked eye. The trail unfolds across four worlds—mineral, terrestrial, marine and celestial—for a magical and educational experience. Place Valhubert, Paris 5th. Until January 18, 2026. Tickets from €13 to €21. Online booking.

As night sets in, the vast Domaine national de Saint-Cloud becomes an enchanted promenade with Lumières en Seine. Light installations, music and spectacular staging punctuate the walk, with must-see highlights such as the illuminated Grande Cascade, the dancing fountains of the Symphony of Elements and the whimsical Dance of the Ducks. Feeling chilly? Warm up at the gourmet chalets around a fire pit before continuing your XXL night stroll. Grille Clémenceau, 92210 Saint-Cloud. Until January 11, 2026. Tickets from €18 to €23. Online booking.

The oldest caviar restaurant in the world, Prunier is a true Parisian icon on Place de l’Étoile, listed as a Historic Monument and formerly owned by Pierre Bergé. Recently taken over by Benjamin Patou—king of Parisian nightlife (ex-Moma) and now head of Lapérouse Holding alongside Antoine Arnault—the legendary seafood institution has been given a fresh new lease on life. After a major revamp, the space now features black-and-white celebrity photos, plush carpeting and a friendly, relaxed service aimed at introducing a new generation of Parisians to this marine institution with huge potential. With its cosy Art Deco atmosphere, luxurious details, continuous service every day, private dining rooms and discreet bar, Prunier ticks all the boxes of an elegant Paris that never truly sleeps.

Perched on high stools at the counter—the perfect spot for a romantic tête-à-tête—or seated at beautifully dressed tables, order a silky Pop Star cocktail (Eminente 3-year rum, popcorn, passion fruit, lemon, €22) or a classic glass of champagne. Among chef Romain Fornell’s must-tries: Jondal-style caviar toasts (€58), oysters prepared à la minute with citrus ponzu and trout roe (€6.80), the legendary Prunier potato with classic Oscietra caviar—best shared (€95), unforgettable fine spaghetti with langoustines and tarragon (€45), or sea bream fillets with beurre blanc (€36). Rare for such upscale addresses, desserts are equally impressive, with top-tier ice-cream sundaes like caramel-peanut or coffee liégeois (€15), or Sicilian pistachio with homemade chocolate sabayon (€18).

Prunier, 16 avenue Victor Hugo, Paris 16th. Open daily from 12pm to 2am.

When the Azzedine Alaïa Foundation brings together the finest pieces from two of the most influential fashion designers of their time, there’s only one thing to do: head straight to this exhibition just steps from Hôtel de Ville. Azzedine Alaïa and Christian Dior: Two Masters of Haute Couture brings together nearly 70 designs by the couturier of 30 Avenue Montaigne and the man who was once his intern.

Accentuated waists, sculptural cuts, rounded hips and dramatic volumes stand majestically beneath the foundation’s stunning glass roof. On the racks, a host of Dior archive pieces from the 1950s—collected over many years by Alaïa himself—sit alongside Alaïa’s own creations, echoing his mentor’s work. Despite their distinct identities, both designers share a love for black and grey tones, turning these sublime dresses into truly timeless pieces.
Our Alaïa favourites we dream of slipping into one day? The white cotton voile strapless dress trimmed with lace at the bodice, and the long lacquered lace gown with kimono-style sleeves. Bonus: the designer’s studio on the first floor, offering a fascinating glimpse into his visionary world.

Fondation Azzedine Alaïa, 18 rue de la Verrerie, Paris 4th. Until May 24. Tickets from €3 to €10.

Wherever he goes, Maxence Barbot never fails to delight. Now freshly installed at Le Bristol Paris, the pastry chef unveils his new tea time—already in high demand and requiring advance booking. Head to the iconic Café Antonia and its elegant décor for a truly French afternoon tea celebrating indulgence and precision.

The experience begins with two irresistible savoury bites by palace chef Arnaud Faye: a soft brioche filled with lobster, lemon mayonnaise, watercress coulis and fresh herbs, followed by a salmon pastrami finger with trout roe and lime cream cheese. Next comes a citrus-driven pre-dessert bridging savoury and sweet, before delicate pastries such as a pear charlotte scented with minty shiso and a couture take on the Saint-Honoré—one of the Bristol’s signatures.

Hotel baker Corentin Molina teams up with Maxence Barbot to create an outstanding apple turnover and a beautifully plump Parisian brioche.
Our drink of choice? The hot chocolate, served in a teapot with a small pot of cream to melt in at will. Absolute heaven.

The Bristol Paris , 112 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Paris 8th. €95 per person. Reservation required.

Whenever Christian Louboutin designs an exhibition scenography, it’s guaranteed to be spectacular. Over the Christmas holidays, head to the Mobilier National to admire a stunning celebration of Indian textiles and their vibrant colours. Ce qui se trame explores the creative ties between India and France through an eight-section journey, with textiles as the common thread.

From an 18th-century French apartment antechamber draped in Indian fabrics to haute couture gowns inspired by saris and dramatic ceiling-hung installations, it’s a feast for the eyes. Our highlight? The final room, with ultra-comfortable poufs inviting visitors to lounge while watching mesmerising textile films by Eléonore Geissler and Christian Louboutin.

Mobilier National, 42 avenue des Gobelins, Paris 13th. Until January 4. Tickets €8.

Picture a Christmas chalet wafting with the irresistible scent of waffles and hot chocolate—all set at the foot of an iconic five-star hotel. That’s the festive magic of the Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel, with its Winter Chalet overlooking some of Paris’s most beautiful landmarks.

On the menu: indulgent Waffl creations by Camille Gersdorff, from classic sugar (€10) to signature blueberry-chestnut or the unbeatable chocolate-hazelnut (€12). For full decadence, add whipped cream (€2). Pastry chef Matthieu Carlin also offers his old-fashioned hot chocolate (€10), to enjoy on site with views of the Eiffel Tower or to take away for a stroll in the nearby Tuileries Garden.

Hôtel de Crillon, 10 place de la Concorde, Paris 8th. Open daily until January 6.

As the sun sets and visitors begin to leave, something magical unfolds at the Château de Versailles. Dancers, musicians, magicians, fencers and actors guide guests through a costumed, immersive show leading to an encounter with a decidedly baroque Santa Claus.

From the Salon of Hercules to the Queen’s Bedchamber, via the iconic Hall of Mirrors, performers from the Royal Opera bring the palace to life. The experience concludes in the Gallery of Battles, where a very special guest awaits—spoiler: dressed in red, with a white beard and a team of reindeer—before a spectacular fireworks display closes the evening in style.

Le Parcours du Roi au Château de Versailles, place d'Armes, 78000 Versailles. Until January 3. Tickets from €32 to €42.

So adorable you’ll want them in every size and style, the Ritz teddy bears—available as plush toys, key rings, accessories and chocolates—are the stars of the festive season. They take over Place Vendôme with a charming Teddy B(e)ar pop-up. Spot the giant bear to the right of the hotel entrance—you can’t miss it.

Gift ideas abound: from the groom key ring (€47) to the brooch (€50), notebook (€35) or maid plush (€67). Bonus: a festive sweet break with a signature hot chocolate and an addictive 64% dark chocolate teddy filled with marshmallow and vanilla-caramel centre (€9).

Le Ritz Teddy B(e)ar, 15 place Vendôme, Paris 1st, November 29, 2025 to January 4, 2026.

For anyone dreaming of reliving the magic of American Christmas movies without leaving Paris, we’ve rounded up four ice rinks where you can glide across the ice in truly spectacular settings. Hat on, knees slightly bent, get ready to embrace the festive magic in some of the capital’s most beautiful locations.

The cutest: New York by Ferrero Rocher® Ice Rink, perched on the 7th floor of Printemps Haussmann Femme, turns the rooftop into a mini Rockefeller Center. Bonus points for the breathtaking view over the Eiffel Tower, plus hot drinks and pastries to warm up between spins. 64 Bd Haussmann,  Paris 9th. Until January 4, daily from 1pm to 7pm. Free access, online booking required.

The most impressive: Le Grand Palais des Glaces, the largest indoor ice rink in the world, set beneath the museum’s monumental glass roof. Beyond skating, it also hosts a true gourmet village serving oysters, gyoza, raclette and hot chocolate, as well as a Kujten terrace where you can treat yourself to a luxurious cashmere scarf. Grand Palais, Paris 8th. Until January 7. Daily sessions: morning 10am–1pm (€27 adults / €15 children), afternoon 2pm–7pm (€32 adults / €18 children), night skating 8pm–2am (€39, flat rate). Online booking.

The most magical: The ice rink perched on the 7th floor of Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann, created in collaboration with Courchevel, offers sweeping views over Paris, along with an immersive photobooth for souvenir snaps. 40 boulevard Haussmann, Paris 9th. Until January 4. Monday to Saturday 10.30am–7pm, Sunday 11.30am–7pm. €16 adults / €7.50 children. Online booking.

The most palace-worthy: Two ways to access the highly sought-after Plaza Athénée ice rink. Either book dinner at the Chalet for the chicest raclette in Paris, which includes one hour of skating, or opt for a tea time that grants ice rink access for children only.
25 avenue Montaigne, Paris 8th. Until January 31, Wednesday to Sunday, and daily from December 20, 2025 to January 5.

To end the year on a high note, head to Fridge Comedy Club for laughs… and treats. Founded by comedian Kev Adams in the heart of Paris’s 2nd arrondissement, this comedy club delivers French-style stand-up in a US-inspired atmosphere. For the festive season, Fridge teams up with beloved chef Cyril Lignac: each ticket comes with a glass of champagne or a mocktail named after a French comedian, plus the chef’s iconic chocolate bears.

New Year’s Eve promises even more fun, with a dinner-show featuring a four-course menu by chef Jessie May. Highlights include toasted brioche bites with quail egg yolk and salmon roe, beef arayes-style mille-feuille, roasted guinea fowl with champagne or pistachio-crusted salmon—finished with Cyril Lignac’s bestselling pastries.

Fridge Comedy Club, 164 rue Saint-Denis, Paris 2e. Cyril Lignac Teddy Bear offer: €35 for one person and €69 for two (1 show ticket + 1 glass of champagne + 2 mini Cyril Lignac chocolate bears per person). New Year’s Eve: two showtimes to choose from, at 9.45pm and 12.30am. Flat rate: €150 per person. Online booking available.

Also discover: the best festive restaurants in Paris and the city’s top raclette and fondue spots.