Last updated: 11 November 2024
Get ready to discover the end-of-year festivities in Versailles with our practical guide. Whether you're familiar with Versailles' streets or a first-time visitor, we'll accompany you through the royal city's winter celebrations.
The festivities unfold around the castle and in the historic heart of the city. The traditional Christmas market brings life to Place du Marché Notre-Dame, while holiday lights adorn Avenue de Saint-Cloud and Rue de la Paroisse. The Saint-Louis and Notre-Dame districts host musical performances, and historic shops offer decorations and local specialties. Just steps away, the castle gardens provide a peaceful winter atmosphere.
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Versailles Holiday Light Displays
Dragons and Lanterns Festival
- What to Expect
- An extraordinary light trail with 100 dinosaurs and 2,000 lanterns.
- Description
- The Lantern Festival : the Dinosaur Ball is a unique event where 100 dinosaurs, each more fabulous and impressive than the last, are gathered amidst 2,000 lanterns on 6 hectares. This exceptional show allows visitors to step back in time and discover creatures from the Mesozoic era.
- Where
- Paris | More Info : Dragons and Lanterns Festival
Christmas at the Jardin des Plantes
- What to Expect
- A nighttime immersion into the Jurassic world with illuminated prehistoric creatures.
- Description
- The Jardin des Plantes presents an exhibition-event "Jurassic in the Path of Illumination" from November 20, 2024, to January 19, 2025, offering an immersion into the Jurassic world with illuminated prehistoric creatures.
- Where
- Paris | More Info : Christmas at the Jardin des Plantes
Versailles Holiday Markets and Shopping
Hotel de Ville Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Christmas market with Parisian product stalls and free rides.
- Description
- The Christmas Market at the Hôtel de Ville offers an animated village with Parisian product stalls, treats, and free rides. The trees are chosen to respect the environment and the lights use low-energy LED technology.
- Where
- Paris | More Info : Hotel de Ville Christmas Market
Tuileries Garden Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- A traditional Christmas market with wooden stalls and family-friendly activities.
- Description
- The Marché de Noël des Tuileries offers a festive experience with nearly 80 wooden stalls, rides, a 1200 m² ice rink, and activities for all ages.
- Where
- Paris | More Info : Tuileries Garden Christmas Market
Notre Dame Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- A festive atmosphere with Santa Claus and children's animations.
- Description
- The Notre Dame Christmas Market offers a festive atmosphere with Santa Claus, animations, drawing contests, and children's stories. You can enjoy regional specialties and warm wine.
- Where
- Paris | More Info : Notre Dame Christmas Market
Saint-Germain Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Children's activities and Santa Claus presence.
- Description
- The Saint-Germain-des-Prés Christmas Market offers a festive experience with decorated stalls, gourmet and artisanal products, and children's activities.
- Where
- Paris | More Info : Saint-Germain Christmas Market
Montmartre Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- A dozen local creators offer decorative items and gourmet treats.
- Description
- The Montmartre Christmas Market offers a selection of local creators offering wooden, metal, ceramic, and textile decorations. You will also find cheeses, foie gras, pretzels, tapenade, honey, biscuits, and hot chestnuts. Free workshops for children and the presence of Santa Claus complete the offer.
- Where
- Paris | More Info : Montmartre Christmas Market
La Défense Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Unique feature: 200 decorated stalls offering a wide range of artisanal and gourmet products.
- Description
- The La Défense Christmas Market is a must-attend event running from November 14 to December 29, 2024. This market offers a festival of sparkling lights, delicious treats, and traditional craftsmanship. Visitors can stroll through the 200 decorated stalls, admire the twinkling Christmas decorations, and be enchanted by the alluring scents of cinnamon and hot chocolate.
- Where
- Paris | More Info : La Défense Christmas Market
Versailles Holiday Shows and Entertainment
The King's Path Christmas Show
- What to Expect
- Baroque visit-spectacle with musicians, dancers, and actors.
- Description
- Immerse yourself in the baroque atmosphere of the Château de Versailles for an exceptional visit-spectacle. From the Salon d'Hercule to the Galerie des Glaces, musicians, dancers, singers, and actors welcome you for an unforgettable moment.
- Where
- Versailles | More Info : The King's Path Christmas Show
Moulin Rouge Christmas Show
- What to Expect
- A gourmet dinner crafted by our Chef, accompanied by live orchestra and premium champagne.
- Description
- Celebrate Christmas at the Moulin Rouge with a gourmet dinner crafted by our Chef, accompanied by live orchestra and premium champagne. The « Féerie » show will dazzle you with its flamboyant feathered costumes and stunning French Cancan.
- Where
- Paris | More Info : Moulin Rouge Christmas Show
Radio Classique Christmas Concert
- What to Expect
- A unique musical event combining classical masterpieces and Christmas carols.
- Description
- The Grand Concert de Noël is an event that brings together classical masterpieces and Christmas carols to celebrate the end of the year.
- Where
- Paris | More Info : Radio Classique Christmas Concert
Christmas Concert at Sainte-Chapelle
- What to Expect
- Classical music concert in a historic Gothic church.
- Description
- Enjoy a classical music concert at the stunning Sainte Chapelle in Paris, with breathtaking stained glass windows and a festive atmosphere.
- Where
- Paris | More Info : Christmas Concert at Sainte-Chapelle
Christmas Concert at Saint-Germain-des-Prés Church
- What to Expect
- Classical music concerts in a historic Gothic church.
- Description
- The Christmas Concerts at Saint-Germain-des-Prés feature a series of classical music recitals, including works by Vivaldi, Schubert, and Pachelbel, in the historic Gothic church.
- Where
- Paris | More Info : Christmas Concert at Saint-Germain-des-Prés Church
Christmas Concert at Saint-Sulpice Church
- What to Expect
- A Christmas concert with an orchestra and choir in a historic church.
- Description
- The Christmas Concert at Église Saint-Sulpice features traditional Christmas songs for choir and orchestra in a historic and inspiring setting. The program includes pieces like "We Wish You a Merry Christmas", "It is Born the Divine Child", and "Midnight Mass".
- Where
- Paris | More Info : Christmas Concert at Saint-Sulpice Church
Christmas Concert at La Madeleine Church
- What to Expect
- Christmas concerts with classical interpretations and organ recitals.
- Description
- The Christmas Concerts at the Église de la Madeleine offer a rich and moving musical experience, with classical interpretations and organ recitals that create a festive atmosphere.
- Where
- Paris | More Info : Christmas Concert at La Madeleine Church
Ukrainian National Opera Ballet: The Snow Queen
- What to Expect
- A unique and elegant interpretation of the classic fairy tale "The Snow Queen".
- Description
- The National Opera of Ukraine Ballet presents a new interpretation of "The Snow Queen" by Andersen, a classic fairy tale that combines the beauty and magic of dance.
- Where
- Paris | More Info : Ukrainian National Opera Ballet: The Snow Queen
Christmas at Disneyland Paris
- What to Expect
- Meet Disney Characters in their festive attire.
- Description
- Immerse yourself in a unique Christmas atmosphere where the twinkling streets and our majestic tree bring the spirit of Christmas to life. Feel the festive atmosphere of the most magical and joyful parade with Mickey and his friends, Disney Princesses, and Santa Claus.
- Where
- Marne-la-Vallée | More Info : Christmas at Disneyland Paris
Christmas at Vaux-le-Vicomte
- What to Expect
- A winter celebration with illuminations and family activities.
- Description
- The Christmas at Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte is a festive celebration where visitors can experience a soft and luminous winter atmosphere. Visitors can stroll through the illuminated gardens, participate in family activities, and admire the sumptuous decorations of the château.
- Where
- Maincy | More Info : Christmas at Vaux-le-Vicomte
New Year's Eve Seine River Dinner Cruise
- What to Expect
- Gourmet cruises with a view of the Eiffel Tower.
- Description
- To celebrate the New Year's Eve on the Seine, many floating establishments offer dinner cruises, providing a stunning view of Paris's most beautiful landmarks. The dinners often extend into festive evenings with live music and a view of the Eiffel Tower.
- Where
- Paris | More Info : New Year's Eve Seine River Dinner Cruise
Versailles Other Holiday Activities
Christmas Seine River Dinner Cruise
- What to Expect
- Discover refined and committed gastronomy.
- Description
- Enjoy a gastronomic cruise on the Seine, with dishes inspired by French cuisine and a panoramic view of Paris' historic landmarks.
- Where
- Paris | More Info : Christmas Seine River Dinner Cruise