The Best Musicals to See in December

Whether it’s inside a cabaret bursting with sequins and glitter, in a florist’s shop inhabited by a carnivorous plant, in 1920s Chicago, or in the café on Place Colbert alongside two twin sisters : these 5 musicals promise a magical escape from everyday stress. Singing, dancing, dazzling costumes, and breathtaking sets : book your tickets now to enjoy unforgettable December evenings filled with spectacular shows. Our tip ? Don’t wait too long, seats are selling out fast!

With whom ? Someone who lives for sequins and glitter.

The pitch : Under the sun of Saint-Tropez, La Cage aux Folles, a dazzling drag cabaret, sets the coast ablaze with fabulous shows and high-heeled, fully made-up performers. Running this temple of entertainment is a couple: on one side, Georges, the owner and MC; on the other, Albin, who transforms on stage into Zaza, an extravagant and sensitive revue leader. Their peaceful life is shaken when Georges’ son decides to marry the daughter of an ultra-conservative politician. To hide the truth from the future in-laws, Albin must take on his most difficult role yet: a virile uncle who eats his toast with a firm hand and sits legs wide open. An impossible mission… or is it?

Why everyone’s talking about it : La Cage aux Folles has quite a history. Originally a legendary play by and starring Jean Poiret, performed alongside the unforgettable Michel Serrault, it was later adapted into three cult films. In the 1970s, it became a Broadway musical—more flamboyant and more political—featuring iconic songs, including I Am What I Am. At Théâtre du Châtelet, its French musical version finally arrives in Paris, with Laurent Lafitte slipping into Zaza’s high heels, wigs, and feather boas. And he certainly knows how to hold his own opposite tenor Damien Bigourdan… We bet the song On ne vit qu’une fois will stick in your head all week!

La Cage aux Folles, Théâtre du Châtelet, 1 place du Châtelet, Paris 1er.  Until January 10, Tuesday to Sunday at 8pm, additional shows Saturday and Sunday at 3pm.
© Thomas Amouroux

With whom ? Your BFF who knows all the songs by heart.

The pitch : In 1920s Chicago, cabaret girl Roxie Hart cold-bloodedly kills her lover. In jail, she meets her idol Velma Kelly, a jazz singer and double murderer. A twisted rivalry unfolds between the two, fueled by their lawyer Billy Flynn. The stakes? Becoming the most popular in the press. Fun fact: the story was inspired by a true crime case from the Roaring Twenties, where two women accused of murder were acquitted by an all-male jury. Get your fishnets, stilettos, nightdress and red lipstick ready: it’s going to get hot.

Why everyone’s talking about it : All That Jazz, ring a bell? Broadway’s most glamorous and sharp-witted musical, created in 1975 and choreographed by the legendary Bob Fosse, lands at Casino de Paris. A monument of the genre beloved by tourists in New York and London, especially for the iconic Cell Block Tango, where six inmates explain how they killed their men—for chewing too loudly or sleeping with their sister. Iconic. And serving this banger? A fiery cast led by two sensational singers: the divine Shy’m as a dangerously charismatic Velma Kelly, and Vanessa Cailhol, radiant as the ambitious Roxie Hart. A true satire, Chicago still brilliantly skewers a spectacle-obsessed society fascinated by corruption and morbid glamour, all set to irresistible music and staging. A must-see—at least once in your life!

Chicago, Casino de Paris, 16 rue de Clichy, Paris 9e. Until April 26, 2026, Tuesday to Saturday at 8pm, Saturday also at 3:30pm, Sunday at 4pm.

© Cyril Bruneau

With whom? A fan of dark humor and Tim Burton vibes.

The pitch: Seymour, an employee bullied by his florist boss, secretly decides to grow his strange plant—incidentally carnivorous. While the plant becomes a miracle for the shop, it also quickly turns into a terrifying threat, even to the coworker Seymour loves dearly, who inspired the creature’s name: Audrey. Who will survive this blood-thirsty plant? And what fate awaits the neighborhood… or even the world?

Why everyone’s talking about it: This horror comedy stems from the 1960 Roger Corman film, whose cult success inspired two Disney collaborators to create Little Shop of Horrors, which ran on Broadway for five years. This wild musical revives the classic with a colorful, delightfully spooky production worthy of the greatest New York shows. Directed by duo Christian Hecq / Valérie Lesort, the Théâtre de la Porte Saint-Martin presents a jewel of a show this winter: neon sets, ultra-pop 60s costumes, gravity-defying hairstyles, addictive music, and absurdly funny scenes (including the villain’s entrance on a mini-moped!). Even the orchestra lives the story as intensely as the performers, filling the venue with contagious energy. Wherever you look, you’re transported straight across the Atlantic…

La Petite Boutique des Horreurs, Théâtre de la Porte Saint-Martin, 18 boulevard Saint-Martin, Paris 10e. Until January 4, Wednesday to Saturday at 8:30pm, Sunday at 4:30pm.

With whom ? Your mom who’s obsessed with the Jacques Demy film.

The pitch: In Rochefort, twin sisters Delphine and Solange teach dance and music, living with their mother who runs a café, all while dreaming of adventures in Paris. A traveling circus and fairground performers arrive in town, bringing chaos and sparkles to the cobbled streets. New visitors converge on the usually quiet port city: Maxence, a romantic sailor searching for his ideal woman; and an American artist visiting his friend Simon Dame, who owns a charming music shop. Dreams, coincidences and encounters set Rochefort dancing to the rhythm of everyone’s desires and hopes.

Why everyone’s talking about it : Michel Legrand’s legendary score, the 60s vibe of the costumes—here designed by Alexis Mabille—everything on the Lido stage pays tribute to this masterpiece of French cinema. We travel from city to city, Chanson de Simon, Nous sommes deux sœurs jumelles… It’s almost impossible not to sing along with the performers. Special mention for the extraordinary high-quality sets revealing the orchestra to the side. A delightful show that makes you want to rewatch the cult film starring Catherine Deneuve and the late Françoise Dorléac.

Les Demoiselles de Rochefort au Théâtre du Lido, 116bis avenue des Champs-Élysées, Paris 8e. Until April 5, 2026, Tuesday to Saturday at 8pm, Saturday and Sunday at 3pm.
© Julien Benhamou / Maria-Helena Buckley

With whom? Anyone who thrives on absurd, over-the-top, sharp-edged humor.

The pitch: Max Bialystock, a Broadway producer on the verge of bankruptcy, survives thanks to wealthy older ladies. With his accountant Leo Bloom—quiet, neurotic, and anxious—he plans to scam insurance companies by producing a guaranteed flop. Their outrageous, tacky, unbelievably inappropriate show turns into Nazi propaganda performed by cheerful soldiers celebrating Hitler. Except… plot twist: the show becomes a massive hit.

Why everyone’s talking about it: Scheduled originally for last autumn, The Producers (2021 version) promises yet another triumph for the ultra-popular Alexis Michalik (Edmond, Une histoire d’amour), already a multi-Molière winner. The Oscar-winning Mel Brooks film was adapted into a Broadway musical by Brooks himself, packed with hilariously unhinged songs. Best to enter the Folies Bergère with your sense of irony fully switched on: this wildly awaited musical will delight fans of the dark, absurd, and chaotic humor reminiscent of the Monty Pythons and the Marx Brothers. Irreverent, caricatural, absurd, and delicious.

Les Producteurs au Théâtre de Paris, 15 rue Blanche, Paris 9e.Until March 8, Tuesday to Saturday at 8pm, Saturday and Sunday at 4pm.
© Bernard Richebé / Alessandro Pinna

Also discover : Three Iconic Ballets to Book for 2026 and 5 New Series to Binge-Watch This December