If you think that December is only all about Christmas,
Paris is here to prove otherwise. Yes, the month is a lot more festive thanks to the holiday season, but the French capital has a lot more in store this December 2023 too. Watch for the Open Studios on December 9th, for example, which will take place in the 20th arrondissement. On this special occasion, Parisian artists will welcome visitors to their studios and showcase their latest works and how they create their masterpieces. The city will also celebrate Hanukkah and have giant menorahs set up throughout different districts. It's a fascinating thing to see even if you're not Jewish.
International Artists Live in Paris
Don't think that just because it's the holiday season, international artists will stop going to Paris to perform live. Oftentimes, some of the biggest superstars specifically choose this time of year to ensure that their concerts will be extra festive. Perhaps that's what Grammy Award-winning rock star Sting thought when he scheduled his concert at the Accor Arena on December 3, 2023. There's no doubt that many locals and tourists alike will turn out for him. The same will likely go for Canadian singer-songwriter Lynda Lemay when takes on the stage at L'Olympia in the
9th arrondissement on December 18.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Hannukkah (December 7 to 15)
Let's not forget that Paris has a huge Jewish community, so it's no surprise that Hanukkah is always and will be a big deal in December. This year, from December 7th to 15th, people can join various Hanukkah celebrations throughout the different
neighborhoods in Paris. You'll find giant Menorahs in public spaces, allowing anyone of the Jewish faith to take part in the tradition no matter what part of the city they end up in. Notably. all of these festivities will start with a Menorah lighting ceremony by the Eiffel Tower on the 7th at 20:00 (8:00) pm. It will be followed by a 'Hassidique' concert
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Open Studios (December 9)
Typically, art lovers can look forward to many exhibitions in Paris. The city's famous museums never fail to offer something new and exciting, continuously solidifying Paris as the authoritative art capital of the world. This December 2023, however, people can expect something different. On December 9th, the
20th arrondissement will host its Open Studios event. In the Belleville, Menilmontant, and Pere Lachaise neighborhoods, the city's finest artists will open up their art studios and ateliers for all the world to see. It's a one-of-a-kind chance for people to see how fine and modern art is created.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Start of Winter (December 22)
Anyone who has moved to Paris knows that December is when people ought to start preparing for colder weather. Why? Because it's the start of winter! This year, winter officially starts on December 22nd. Locals and tourists alike can expect the temperature to drop considerably around this time. But don't worry! This doesn't necessarily mean that snow will start falling on December 22. As much as you might want to have a
white Christmas in Paris this year, it's highly unlikely. Snow typically falls on the French capital around late January to mid-February.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Christmas Day (December 25)
Is it any surprise that this holiday is on this list? Even though Paris is a multicultural city with many people of different faiths, Christmas remains one of the biggest
holidays in France. Especially in the French capital. Celebrations already start before December 25th. Department stores, for example, unveil their holiday window displays as early as November. Christmas sales start as early as October too. Everything and everyone is so busy for most of December that by the 25th, the only thing left to do is celebrate. On this day, people eat out, exchange gifts, and spend quality time with each other.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
New Year's Eve (December 31)
Should you spend
New Year's Eve in Paris this year? Yes! In fact, you'll eventually want to spend the holiday in Paris every year. You've seen the celebrations shown on TV or online, right? Paris gets lit every December 31st! Most people gather around the Eiffel Tower or the Arc de Triomphe where they watch one of the most famous fireworks displays held for the holiday. The rest of the city gets just as festive too, of course, but everyone knows that the party is at these two beloved monuments.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
December 2023 in Paris will be busy and festive. Not just because the holiday season is here, but also with the many events and other fun activities the French capital has in store. Are you ready to have fun in Paris?
