Things to do with kids in Paris in winter
Take advantage of the Christmas holidays from December 20th 2024 to January 5th 2025 to discover Paris with your family. Visit the capital during the festive season with our Christmas Tour. Experience the magic of Christmas in the City of Light and discover our ideas for outings for you and your kids.
What to do in Paris this winter?
From bus tours, musicals, ballets, concerts, and special exhibitions to attractions and festivals, Paris offers a wealth of activities for families this winter. Here's a selection to delight everyone!
Kids Tour
Experience the magic of Christmas with the Kids Tour by Tootbus. Led by a guide dressed as a festive elf, this tour explores the capital's grand festive traditions. Learn about iconic events like the Bal de l’Opéra, the royal festivities at the Louvre, the Feast of Fools at Notre-Dame, modern celebrations near the Eiffel Tower, Russian Christmas at the Orthodox Cathedral, and more. The tour includes a trivia game and fascinating anecdotes for the whole family.
The Lion King Musical at Théâtre Mogador
Disney's The Lion King musical has captivated audiences worldwide with iconic characters like Mufasa, Simba, and Nala. Hosted at Théâtre Mogador, the show runs until March 2025 and promises an unforgettable experience.
How to get there: Get off at Stop 1: Printemps / Galeries Lafayette.
Opéra Garnier
Visit the Palais Garnier on your own or join a guided tour. Open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM, tickets are sold until 4 PM. Enjoy ballets, concerts, and special performances, including a Christmas Concert featuring works by Vivaldi, Corelli, and Corrette.
How to get there: Get off at Stop 1: Printemps / Galeries Lafayette.
Jazz & Goûter at Sunset Sunside
The popular Jazz & Goûter concept returns for its 17th season every Sunday, offering jazz performances during snack time. Choose from 11 AM, 3 PM, or 5 PM slots. Highlights include Disney tributes (15/12/2024), nursery rhymes (08/12/2024), and Christmas carols (22/12/2023). Perfect for kids and parents alike!
How to get there: Get off at Stop 3: Musée du Louvre.
What family-friendly exhibitions and events in Paris to assist this winter?
Jurassic Lights at Jardin des Plantes
From November 20, 2024, to January 19, 2025, discover Jurassic Lights at Jardin des Plantes, an event that lights up winter evenings. Explore five recreated Jurassic environments with monumental illuminated sculptures depicting marine and land creatures from 200 million years ago. A magical, educational experience for all ages.
How to get there: Get off at Stop 4: Notre-Dame - Quartier Latin.
Attractions at Jardin d’Acclimatation
The Jardin d’Acclimatation in the Bois de Boulogne stays open during the holidays, offering a mix of fun attractions, natural discoveries, animals, gardens, and a vegetable patch.
Festival du Merveilleux at Musée des Arts Forains
From December 27 to January 5, the Musée des Arts Forains hosts the Festival du Merveilleux, a magical journey into the world of old-fashioned fairground attractions. Enjoy a variety of rides and performances alongside an exhibition of over 100 photos by Robert Doisneau celebrating the enchanting world of fairs.
What museums to visit in Paris this winter?
During winter, while nature hibernates, Paris's museums come alive. Here are some must-visit exhibitions.
The Louvre
Every Friday, enjoy the Louvre's weekly evening openings with special mini-discovery tours and unique "OFF" activities, including quirky guided experiences.
How to get there: Get off at Stop 3: Musée du Louvre.
Atelier des Lumières
Dive into the colorful and humorous world of Asterix for the 65th anniversary of the iconic comic series at Atelier des Lumières. Until January 5, 2025, this immersive exhibition features animated projections of the famous Gaul village and its characters, from Obelix and Dogmatix to Cleopatra and the Romans. An interactive experience perfect for families with kids as young as two.
Musée du Quai Branly
Experience wayang kulit, traditional Indonesian shadow puppetry, at Musée du Quai Branly. This ancient art form, inspired by the Mahabharata and Ramayana, blends mythology, spirituality, and social commentary, brought to life by master puppeteers.
How to get there: Get off at Stop 9: Tour Eiffel.
How to experience Paris at christmas?
Enjoy festive highlights in Paris this holiday season with decorated store windows, Christmas markets, light displays, and more.
Christmas window displays
Parisian department stores like Printemps Haussmann, Galeries Lafayette, BHV Marais, and La Samaritaine transform their windows into enchanting theaters with animated puppets and festive scenes. This tradition showcases the expertise of skilled artisans and decorators.
How to get there: Get off at Stop 1: Printemps / Galeries Lafayette or Stop 2: Opéra Garnier.
Christmas markets
Experience the magic of Christmas at Paris's iconic markets, including the famous one at Jardin des Tuileries. Wander through wooden chalets adorned with sparkling lights, sip mulled wine, and enjoy the festive ambiance.
Christmas Lights bus tour
Hop aboard a special Christmas lights bus tour to see Paris's most stunning holiday illuminations. Starting at Auber, this 90-minute tour includes landmarks like the Champs-Elysées and more.
Disney’s enchanted Christmas 2024
From November 9 to January 6, immerse yourself in the wonder of Disney’s Enchanted Christmas at Disneyland Paris. Create lasting memories with your family in a truly magical setting.
To explore more of the city, use Tootwalk, a free app offering several pedestrian circuits to help you uncover Paris’s secrets.