Your guide to New Year in Paris

Ring in the New Year in Paris, where the City of Light truly lives up to its name. From dazzling fireworks over the Eiffel Tower to lively street celebrations along the Champs-Élysées and festive cruises on the Seine, Paris transforms into a glittering playground of joy and romance. Whether you’re toasting with champagne beneath the midnight sky or enjoying a cozy dinner with a view, celebrating New Year in Paris is an experience that captures the city’s timeless charm and festive spirit.

Top things to do in Paris during New Year

1. Welcome the New Year at the Eiffel Tower

Watch Paris shimmer at midnight as fireworks and light shows illuminate the Eiffel Tower. Join locals and travelers gathered along the Trocadéro or Champ de Mars for the city’s most magical moment.

Recommended tickets

Eiffel Tower Guided Tour

2. Celebrate on a New Year’s Eve Seine Cruise

Sail into the New Year in style aboard a Seine River Cruise, complete with fine dining, live music, and front-row views of illuminated landmarks. Perfect for a romantic celebration.

Recommended tickets

1-Hour Paris Illuminated Evening Sightseeing Cruise

3. Indulge in a Festive Cabaret Show

Experience Parisian glamour at its best with New Year’s Eve shows at Moulin Rouge, Lido de Paris, or Crazy Horse — blending cabaret, dance, and champagne to ring in 2025.

Recommended tickets

Moulin Rouge Show with Champagne

4. Dine at Paris’s Top Restaurants

Savor special multi-course New Year’s menus at fine-dining spots like Le Train Bleu, Les Ombres, or Ciel de Paris, offering panoramic views and unforgettable flavors.

5. Join the Grande Parade de Paris

Spend New Year’s Day at the cheerful Grande Parade de Paris, where marching bands, performers, and floats fill the streets near the Champs-Élysées with music and color.

6. Take a Night Tour of Paris’s Illuminations

After the festivities, explore the city’s radiant landmarks — from the Arc de Triomphe to the Louvre Pyramid — on an open-top bus or walking tour through the glowing streets.

Your perfect New Year in Paris itinerary

Day 1: Parisian Icons and Festive Glamour (31 December)

Morning:

Start your last morning of the year with buttery croissants and coffee at Café de Flore or Carette Trocadéro, with Eiffel Tower views setting the tone for the day. Then head to the Eiffel Tower itself to enjoy panoramic views of the city and soak up the electric year-end buzz.

Afternoon:

Take a stroll down the Champs-Élysées, beautifully lined with festive lights. Stop for lunch at L’Alsace or Fouquet’s Paris, then visit the Arc de Triomphe for more photo-perfect Paris views. If time allows, pop into Galeries Lafayette for some New Year shopping amid sparkling décor.

Evening:

Welcome the New Year in unforgettable style on a Seine River Dinner Cruise, gliding past the illuminated Louvre and Notre-Dame. As midnight approaches, gather near the Eiffel Tower to watch the city light up with fireworks and toast to 2025 beneath the stars.

Day 2: New Year’s Day Charm and Parisian Strolls (1 January)

Morning:

Ease into the New Year with a cozy breakfast at Angelina Paris, known for its indulgent hot chocolate. Then, make your way to the Grande Parade de Paris along the Champs-Élysées, where floats, bands, and performers fill the streets with color and cheer.

Afternoon:

Treat yourself to a leisurely lunch at Le Train Bleu, the stunning Belle Époque restaurant inside Gare de Lyon. Afterwards, explore the Louvre Museum and admire its timeless masterpieces — a calm and inspiring way to start the year.

Evening:

End your Parisian celebration with a glamorous Moulin Rouge Dinner Show, complete with champagne and dazzling cabaret performances. For a quieter close to your trip, head up to Montmartre for a peaceful stroll and sweeping night views over a glittering Paris.

Frequently asked questions about celebrating New Year in Paris

Is Paris a good place to visit for New Year?

Absolutely! Paris is one of the most enchanting cities to ring in the New Year. The City of Light lives up to its name with sparkling fireworks, illuminated landmarks, festive dining, and street celebrations that last well into the night.

Where can I watch the New Year’s Eve fireworks in Paris?

The best spots to catch the fireworks are around the Eiffel Tower, Trocadéro Gardens, and Champ de Mars. You can also enjoy incredible views from Montparnasse Tower, Sacré-Cœur, or a Seine River Cruise.

What are the best things to do in Paris on New Year’s Eve?

Celebrate with a Seine dinner cruise, attend a cabaret show at Moulin Rouge, or join the lively countdown on the Champs-Élysées. Many restaurants and rooftop bars host gala dinners with music, champagne, and views of the illuminated skyline.

Is Paris crowded during New Year’s Eve?

Yes, major areas like the Champs-Élysées, Eiffel Tower, and Montmartre can get very busy as midnight approaches. For a more relaxed experience, book a cruise or private dinner, or celebrate from a quieter viewpoint like Trocadéro.

What is the weather like in Paris during New Year?

Paris in late December and early January is cold but charming, with average temperatures between 3°C and 8°C (37°F–46°F). Expect crisp air, occasional rain, and plenty of cozy cafés to warm up in.

What’s open in Paris on New Year’s Day?

Many restaurants, museums like the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay, and some shops reopen on January 1st. Public transport runs on a reduced schedule, but attractions like the Eiffel Tower remain open to visitors.

Are restaurants open on New Year’s Eve in Paris?

Yes! Most restaurants offer special New Year’s Eve menus featuring multi-course dinners, champagne, and entertainment. It’s best to reserve early, especially for popular spots with Eiffel Tower views or riverfront locations.

What are the best places to stay in Paris for New Year?

Choose central areas like Champs-Élysées, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, or near the Eiffel Tower for easy access to celebrations. For quieter stays, Montmartre and Le Marais offer charm with fewer crowds.

What are some New Year traditions in Paris?

Parisians celebrate with champagne, oysters, and gourmet dinners, followed by dancing and fireworks. On New Year’s Day, locals often gather for the Grande Parade de Paris — a colorful celebration of music, floats, and performers along the Champs-Élysées.