Paris Buzzes with Festive Cheer: Christmas Markets, Art Exhibits, and More

Paris is buzzing this week, and if you’re wondering what to do, let’s dive straight into some of the most festive, magical, and downright unique things happening around the city over the next few days.

According to Sortir à Paris, Christmas in Paris is still in full swing, and many of the city’s best Christmas markets are open all week. At the Tuileries Garden Christmas Market, running through January 4, listeners can wander between food stalls, fairground rides, an ice rink, and rows of wooden chalets packed with gifts and regional specialties. Over by the Eiffel Tower, the Christmas Village along Quai Jacques Chirac mixes artisan stands with unbeatable views of the Iron Lady sparkling above; it’s open until January 4 and makes for a picture-perfect evening stroll with a cup of mulled wine in hand.

If you prefer a neighborhood vibe, Sortir à Paris reports that the Montmartre Christmas Market continues on the hill through early January, with 100 percent French-made crafts and plenty of cozy mulled wine. Down by Notre-Dame, the Marché de Noël in Square René Viviani runs until December 25, offering French craftsmanship, regional treats, and live entertainment in view of the cathedral’s towers. Saint-Germain-des-Prés also has its own market along Boulevard Saint-Germain, open through January 1, with beautifully lit chalets and gourmet products under the shadow of the church.

Art and culture lovers are spoiled this week. The Louvre is offering special late-night openings during the holidays, giving listeners the rare chance to explore the collections after dark in a quieter, almost cinematic atmosphere. At the Hôtel de la Marine, the exhibition Dynastic Jewels brings together spectacular royal and princely jewels from the Al Thani Collection in partnership with London’s Victoria and Albert Museum, on show all winter. Over at the Jacquemart-André Museum, a major exhibition dedicated to Georges de La Tour, heir to Caravaggio and master of candlelit scenes, continues through February, perfect for a contemplative break from the crowds.

Families will find immersive fun at the Atelier des Lumières, where Sortir à Paris highlights a new winter show on the age of dinosaurs, wrapping the walls and floors in moving prehistoric landscapes. At Paris Montreuil Expo, a LEGO Jurassic World exhibition features giant brick dinosaurs and interactive sets, ideal for kids who need to burn off some vacation energy.

And for something completely unexpected, head to the Musée des Arts et Métiers, where the metallic Olympic horse Zeus, a star of the recent Games, is installed on the forecourt and free to visit, a striking photo stop amid your holiday wandering.

Wherever you go this week, Paris is offering light, music, art, and plenty of excuses to stay out just a little longer.

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