Looking specifically for Christmas markets and what’s open on Christmas and New Year’s Day? Check out the 26-page 2023 Paris Holiday Guide with holiday events from November 19th through January 7th.
Check Here for the November Events Calendar
VACANCES SCOLAIRES (French School Holidays): December 23rd, 2023 – January 8th, 2024
November 28-December 1
The 2023 Braderie (brocante) in the Salles Royales at the Eglise de la Madeleine (below the church, look for the side entrances outside the church) takes place this weekend with clothing and shoes for men, women, & children, flea market items, books, toys, etc. Open Tuesday 2-7pm, Wed-Thurs 10am-7pm.
November 24-December 3
The Semaine des Galeries Parisiennes de l’Estampe et du Dessin is a weeklong festival highlighting prints and drawings in 15 participating Parisian art galleries. It’s a chance to check out both contemporary and antique works by artists selected by passionate professionals in the center of Paris. Free entry. See the list of galleries here: https://www.csedt.org/en/home/
November 30-December 3
The 45th annual Salon des Vins des Vignerons Indépendants celebrates independent wine makers at the Palais des Expositions – Porte de Versailles in Paris, Pavillion 3, open 10am-8pm (until 7pm the last night). Entry €6 (includes your souvenir tasting glass). In addition to hundreds of winemakers, there are also a few food stands, cart rental, and wine tasting workshops.
December 3-4
This weekend’s Bag of Books Sale is a fundraiser for the SOS Helpline in English. The entrance fee is €15/person, and you can fill your own bag with as many books as you can carry. There will be used books of all types in English including nonfiction, fiction, travel, romance, thrillers, cookbooks, and art (also dvds and some French books). It’s hosted at the Bill & Rosa’s Book Room (42, rue du Chemin Vert 92100 Boulogne-Billancourt,M° Porte de Saint Cloud) from 1-6pm. For more details: https://soshelpline.org/attend-an-event/
December 6
French professor (and serial Parisian resident) Cathy Yandell will be presenting her new book, “The French Art of Living Well: Finding Joie de Vivre in the Everyday World” tonight at the Red Wheelbarrow Bookstore (across from Luxembourg Gardes, 11 rue de Médicis, 6th). All welcome, no RSVP necessary.
December 7
The French Republican Guard Orchestra and the Paris Sciences et Lettres Choir come together to perform Beethoven, Beffa and Prokofiev in the Saint-Louis Cathedral at Les Invalides tonight at 8pm. Tickets 8-€25.
December 7-10
It’s time for the 30th annual Grande Braderie de la Mode AIDS, a huge sale of 150 top brands to benefit HIV/AIDS charities at the Magasins Generaux (1 rue de l’Ancien Canal, Pantin, metro Eglise de Pantin). New clothing and accessories (shoes!) are for sale at 70% off their regular price. Open Thurs-Fri 11am-7pm, Sat-Sun 11am-6pm. Get there as early as possible in the day for the best selection. Entry is €2, RESERVATIONS REQUIRED: https://www.aides.org/braderie
Dec 9
The AAWE (Association of Women in Europe) is hosting their annual Winter Festival & Holiday Sale at the American Church in Paris (65 Quai d’Orsay, 7th), featuring vintage clothing, crafts, baked goods, English books, toys and an American Snack Bar. Open noon-6pm. Free entry, RSVP required.
December 9-10
Did you know there’s a patron saint for French artillery and firefighters? The Army Museum at Les Invalides celebrates the Fête la Sainte Barbe with a week of free activities, such as this weekend’s artillery demonstrations at 2pm: “Through the evocation of great episodes in history, from the First World War to the present day, the Draguignan Artillery School (accompanied by the military band) presents contemporary artillery pieces: 120 mm mortar, Griffon-MEPAC, CAESAR cannon, SERVAL light multi-role armored vehicle carrying a MISTRAL anti-aircraft missile system, drone and anti-drone system, which the artillerymen will manipulate in front of spectators in the majestic main courtyard of the Invalides.” Bundle up, and get there early to make sure you get in!
December 15-17
The annual Expo4Art art fair at the Halle des Blancs Manteaux (48 rue Vieille du Temple, 4th) features 70 painters, sculptors, photographers and designers who want to promote their work and their talent. Free entrance, open Friday from 3-9pm and Saturday to Monday from 11am- 8pm.
December 15-17
If you’re in the 16th arrondissement this weekend, pop by the Portes Ouvertes open house of the 19 artists and 16 students of Seiziem’Art (Mairie du 16ème, 17 ave Henri-Martin, 16th). Photography, sculptures, and painters. Open Fri 2-6pm, Sat-Sun 10am-6pm. Free entry.
Through January 14th
The Quai Branly Museum is hosting Bollywood Sundays featuring dancing and music from India from 3-5pm. “From Punjab to Tamil Nadu, from the royal courts of Rajasthan to the nightclubs of Mumbai, travel through all the musical and cultural wealth of contemporary India. Once a month, the Bollywood Balls take you to the dance floor for a festive initiation inspired by the greatest films of the subcontinent.” See the full schedule here. Open to all with museum entrance, space permitting.
https://secretsofparis.com/paris-events-calendar/december-2023/
