Paris in November 2023 will be as lively as ever. The holiday season is coming up, so it makes sense that things are livening up, but that's not the only reason why you'll want to be in the French capital next month! The city's calendar is filled with all sorts of events this November 2023! Music icons like Madonna and 50 Cent will perform live in Paris, for example. Over on the more fashionable streets of the city, the famous department stores will start unveiling their magical Christmas window displays. And let's not forget about Armistice Day on November 11 too! It's a pretty important holiday, after all.
International Artists Live in Paris
2023 has definitely been a good year for music fans in Paris. A myriad of artists have performed in the French capital, from Beyoncé with her legendary Renaissance tour to rapper Lizzo and beloved crooner Michael Bublé. This November 2023 will be no different. Rapper 50 Cent will take to the stage at La Defense Arena this November 3rd. The cast of RuPaul's Drag Race will then perform live at Accor Arena on November 10th, but watch out if they also appear in various
drag bars in Paris. And beginning on November 12th, legendary pop star Madonna will dominate the Accor Arena for a couple of dates until the 20th. You won't want to miss any of these!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
PhotoSaintGermain (November 2 to 25)
Throughout the large
Saint-Germain-des-Prés district, various art galleries will take part in PhotoSaintGermain, a neighborhood-wide photo exhibit. It's an annual event that has long highlighted the “Design District” in this part of the city. Though not widely famous, PhotoSaintGermain has remained a prestigious event for veteran and emerging photographers alike. The categories range from nature-centric to human portraits, oftentimes even venturing into fashion photography territory. It's a great way to explore the city's modern art scene in contrast to its more famous classical museums. Moreover, the event offers the perfect platform for up-and-coming photographers to gain more attention.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Christmas Window Displays Unveiling (Begins on November 8)
Paris is one of those cities that start preparing for the holiday season as early as November. This is thanks in large part to the famous
department stores in Paris. This year, both Printemps Haussmann and BHV Marais will unveil their Christmas window displays on November 8th. As will La Samaritaine, which will likely feature dancing mannequins and bright lights. A week later, the iconic Galeries Lafayette will then reveal theirs too, often a highly-anticipated display for locals and tourists alike. Beautiful and beguiling, these extravagant displays embody how magical it is to spend Christmas in Paris.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Armistice Day (November 11)
On November 11, 1918, an armistice was reached in Europe that effectively ended World War I. Since France took part in the war and lost many lives as a result, this day has become as important as
the country's own national holidays. As such, Armistice Day is always a big deal in Paris. Continuing on its tradition, November 11, 2023, will see the French capital take part in a somber ceremony at the Arc de Triomphe. Here, the French president will lay a tri-colored wreath by the eternal flame at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Later in the evening, the city will then participate in a solemn vigil in memory of the fallen French soldiers.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Christmas at Disneyland Paris (Begins on November 11)
Those who don't want to take part in the somber Armistice Day festivities will perhaps prefer to be at Disneyland Paris this November 11, 2023. This day marks the start of the beloved theme park's month-and-a-half-long holiday festival, entitled “Enchanted Christmas.” Starting on this day, the park will be decorated with garlands, twinkling lights, and characters from your favorite
Disney films will wear their “gay apparel” for all the world to see. Of course, there will also be holiday parades, Christmas shows, and more. All these festivities will go on until early January.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Christmas Markets Opening (Begins on November 16)
Part of what makes spending the holiday season in Paris—or in Europe, in general—so amazing is getting to see its magical
Christmas markets in real life. The French capital itself has many, and most of them will start up as early as November 2023. Look out for the Tuileries Garden Christmas Market, for example, which will open on November 19th. The La Defense Christmas Market will start before that on November 16th. And as the month goes on, more and more of these holiday fairs will take over Paris. Fortunately, they'll remain open until January 2024.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Champs-Élysées Christmas Lighting Ceremony (November 19)
Perhaps one of the most famous sights in Paris during this time of the year is the
Champs-Élysées. Every year, this world-famous avenue lights up for the holiday season. The trees that line the Champs-Élysées will be covered in twinkling lights and the entire place almost looks like a Christmas wonderland. And when will this all start? On November 19, 2023! On this day, the city will host a lighting ceremony, effectively starting the Christmas season in Paris. Once lit up, the lights will start on Champs-Élysées until January 2, 2024.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Festival of Lights at Jardin des Plantes (Begins on November 22)
The Champs-Élysées won't be the only place to light up this November 2023 in Paris. Over at Jardin des Plantes in the
5th arrondissement, the park will start its annual Festival of Lights. These aren't your regular Christmas lights, mind you. Throughout the beguiling 17th-century botanical gardens, you'll see all sorts of light installations and art displays. They're all bright and colorful, big and beautiful in a way that almost shames Disneyland Paris. Some displays feature giant flowers, massive animals, and more. It's a definite must-see for anyone who appreciates art and would want to have a good time in Paris this Christmas.
Source: Flickr.com/ Dalbera
Even though it's not the holiday season just yet, Paris will be as busy as ever this November 2023. Next month, the French capital will start gearing up for the most festive time of the year and there are many events in store!
