ValidaTrip / Things to do in Paris
Things to do in Paris in December 2026
Events, festivals, and the public holidays that quietly close things — for Paris, France, in December 2026. The point isn't just the list. It's making sure the places you already want to see are actually open on the days you'll be there.
Planning a Paris trip in December?
Paste the recommendations you've collected — from friends, a ChatGPT itinerary, or blog listicles. ValidaTrip checks every place against your December dates: opening hours, closures, what needs booking ahead, and which Paris events overlap your trip.
No account needed to try it.
Events & festivals in Paris, December 2026
Dates and ticketing change constantly — treat this as a starting point and confirm anything you'd build a day around.
- Dec 1 – Dec 31
Christmas Markets
Explore the festive Christmas markets throughout Paris, featuring local crafts, seasonal treats, and holiday decorations. — Entry is free; prices vary for food and crafts.
via GPT Festivals
- Dec 1 – Dec 31
Festival of Lights
Enjoy the enchanting light displays across the city, illuminating iconic landmarks and streets. — No booking required; viewings are free.
via GPT Festivals
- Dec 1 – Dec 31
Ice Skating Rinks
Enjoy ice skating at various locations, including the iconic Hôtel de Ville and the Grand Palais. — Tickets available on-site; rental skates are provided.
via GPT Festivals
- Dec 10 – Dec 24
Holiday Concerts at Notre-Dame
Attend special holiday concerts featuring classical music and choral performances in the stunning setting of Notre-Dame Cathedral. — Reservations recommended due to limited seating.
via GPT Festivals
- Dec 31
New Year's Eve Celebration
Join the festivities at the Champs-Élysées for a vibrant New Year's Eve celebration with music, fireworks, and a countdown. — Free entry; arrive early for the best spots.
via GPT Festivals
Public holidays & closures in December 2026
On these dates banks, government offices, and many attractions in France close or switch to holiday hours. Worth checking before you pin a must-see to one of them.
- Dec 25
Christmas Day
Christmas Day (Noël)
via Nager.Date
Turn this into a Paris plan that actually works
Open on your dates
Every place checked against the days you're actually in Paris — so you don't reach a locked door.
Booked before it sells out
Timed tickets and reservation-only spots get flagged while you can still get a slot.
One area per day
Places grouped by neighborhood so each day stays put instead of crossing Paris twice.
Questions
- What's on in Paris in December 2026?
- Around 5 notable events and festivals fall in December 2026, including Christmas Markets, Festival of Lights, Ice Skating Rinks. Dates and times change — confirm each before you build your day around it.
- Are there public holidays in Paris during December 2026?
- Christmas Day (Dec 25). Banks, government offices, and some attractions close or run holiday hours on these days.
- Will the places on my list be open when I'm in Paris in December?
- Not always. Opening days and hours vary by weekday, season, and holiday. Paste your Paris list into ValidaTrip and it checks every place against the exact dates you're there, flagging closures before the trip instead of at a locked door.
- How do I plan Paris days without crossing the city twice?
- ValidaTrip groups your places by neighborhood so each day stays in one or two areas instead of zig-zagging. It also flags what needs booking ahead, so timed tickets and reservations don't fall through.