Things To Do In Paris Over The Holidays?

October 29, 2013 10:05 AM

I will be in Paris for a week and some change between Christmas and New Years. I've been before so I know all the standard tourist spots- but I know the holiday season will mess up openings and closings so I'm interested in fun, interesting things and places ...that will be open. Ideally looking for performances, music, English-language theater, etc. I'll be traveling with a classical musician with a fondness for opera, so looking for things along those lines. Any seasonally specific events or things I shouldn't miss?
posted by The Whelk to Travel & Transportation around Paris, France (6 answers total)

Hi, Whelk - I'll be there, too (Dec. 8th - 14th). Here are some sites I've found with Dec. '13-centric Parisian events:

Paris Perfect - December Events
Eventful : All Events in Paris Dec. 1 - 31
Time Out Paris : All Events in Paris Dec. 1 - 31
posted by julthumbscrew at 10:56 AM on October 29, 2013

What are your exact dates? I was in Paris for Armistice day and the place was closed up. Even Sundays are sketchy. Let alone Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Years Day.
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 12:23 PM on October 29, 2013

Even if you're not Christian (or practicing), midnight mass on Christmas eve at one of the big churches can be a lot of fun, with excellent singing. I've done it at Saint-Sulpice in the 6th and at Saint-Eustache in the 1st. Both were a lot of fun. Get there early (10:30-11 pm) if you want to have a seat.
posted by brianogilvie at 8:16 PM on October 29, 2013

When I lived in Paris, I'd pick up a copy of Pariscope every week. I used it mostly for movie times, but there are all sorts of events listed, and it's updated every week. They are available at any newsstand.
posted by madonna of the unloved at 2:28 AM on November 1, 2013

Response by poster: Oh, dates, December 26th through Jan 7th.
posted by The Whelk at 8:06 AM on November 1, 2013

I'm hoping to check out Les Berge de Seine over the Christmas holidays. Heard a quick spot about them on the radio, and was amused by the concept.
posted by jph at 8:56 AM on November 25, 2013