Sources: Paris Convention and Visitors Office, Paris Mayor's Office
The below calendar applies to December 2008.
Festivals and Seasonal Events
- Holiday Lights and Decorations in Paris
Starting in late November, the city is bathed in sparkling lights displays for the holidays.
Where: Various locations around the city, including:
- Holiday Lights displays at Paris department stores
- Avenue des Champs-Elysées
- Rue Montorgueil
- Place Vendome
- Notre Dame Cathedral (festive Christmas tree)
- Ice-skating rinks: Every winter, ice-skating rinks are set up at several locations around the city. Admission is free (not including skate rental).
Where: (2008-2009 locations):
- Hotel de Ville (Metro Hotel de Ville): from December 19 through March 1, 2009.
Mon.-Fri: 12pm-10pm; Friday: 12pm-midnight; Saturday: 9am-midnight; Sunday: 9am-10pm.
- Montparnasse (Metro Montparnasse Bienvenue): from December 19 through March 1, 2009.
Mon-Fri: 12pm to 8pm; weekend: 9am-8pm.
- Hotel de Ville (Metro Hotel de Ville): from December 19 through March 1, 2009.
- Paris Christmas markets: Bring in the holiday cheer in Paris with special Christmas treats, vin chaud (hot wine), decorations, and gifts. Several locations around Paris:
- La Defense: under the Grand Arch
Parvis de la Defense, RER/Metro La Defense
From November 26th 2008 to December 28th 2008
- Santa's Village, Latin Quarter
BOULEVARD SAINT-GERMAIN-DES-PRES, 5th/6th arrondissement
Metro: Saint-Germain-des-Pres or Saint-Michel
From December 10th 2008 to December 24th 2008
- Christmas market at Saint-Sulpice
Location: PLACE SAINT-SULPICE, 6th arrondissement
Metro: Saint-Sulpice
From December 10th 2008 to December 24th 2008
- Christmas Market at the Champs-Elysées
Avenue des Champs Elysées, 8th arrondissement
Metro:Charles de Gaulle-Etoile or Franklin D. Roosevelt
From December 20th, 2008 to January 4th, 2009
- La Defense: under the Grand Arch
- Hannukah candle lightings in Paris: Check this website for listings
- The Autumn Festival: Since 1972, the Paris Autumn Festival or "Festival de l'Automne" has brought in the post-summer season with a bang by highlighting some of the most compelling works in contemporary visual art, music, cinema, theater, and other forms. Through December 22. Consult the official website for program details (in English)
Arts and Exhibits
- From Miró to Warhol: The Berardo Collection
Through February 22, 2009
Over 70 works from the vast collection of art collector José Berardo explores the history and development of four major 20th century artistic movements: surrealism, abstractionism, new realism and Pop Art. Major works from Miró, Dali, Andy Warhol and Julian Schnabel are highlights.
Location: Musée du Luxembourg
RER: Luxembourg
Through February 22nd, 2009
- Picasso and the Masters
The Grand Palais is currently running an ambitious exhibit that explores the work and influences of Spanish cubist painter Pablo Picasso. Whether you're an expert on Picasso's work or are encountering it for the first time, the show promises to give a solid overview of the artist's development and early influences, from Goya to Renoir and Manet. The exhibit showcases some 200 works and should allow even those who are very well-versed in Picasso's creations to gain new perspective. Through February 2009.
Location: Galeries Nationales du Grand Palais
3, avenue du Général-Eisenhower, 8th arrondissement
Metro: Franklin D. Roosevelt (Line 1)
- Jeff Koons at the Chateau de Versailles
American artist Jeff Koons has "invaded" the Chateau de Versailles with his decidedly modern, pop-art inspired sculptures. Some are annoyed by the juxtaposition, others delighted. Through January 4th, 2009.
Location: Chateau de Versailles
RER: Versailles Rive Gauche (Line C)
- The Art of Lee Miller
Best known as muse to surrealist photographer Man Ray and glamour model during the 1920's and 30's, Lee Miller was also a formidable wartime photojournalist and portrait photographer. The Jeu de Paume near Concorde is currently paying tribute to Miller's work, spanning over 100 prints, magazines and other media.
Through January 9th, 2009
Location: Jeu de Paume
1, place de la Concorde, 8th arrondissement
Metro: Concorde
More on Visiting Paris in December: December Weather and Packing Guide
