Paris cranks up the charm on New Year's Eve, offering a dazzling array of festivities. The City of Light lives up to its name as the Eiffel Tower sparkles hourly, while champagne flows freely below. The Champs-Élysées transforms into a pedestrian paradise, with revelers flocking to witness fireworks light up the Arc de Triomphe.
For night owls, Parisian clubs like Rex and Wanderlust throw unforgettable parties that stretch till dawn. But don't think the fun stops when the clock strikes midnight - the celebration carries on through January!
Whether you're drawn to the glittering landmarks, the pulsing nightlife, or the general air of joie de vivre, Paris has something for every New Year's reveler. Confused about where to start? Let our guide be your ticket to an unforgettable Parisian New Year's Eve!
New Year Eve in Paris - What's the hype?
New Year's Eve in Paris is a truly unforgettable experience, complete with fireworks and streets teeming with locals and tourists out to celebrate. A general spirit of celebration fills the air and the city is bedecked in lights and liveliness to bring the year to a close. The bars, clubs, and streets are ready for a night of frivolity, cruises and cabarets are decked to impress - New Year’s in Paris is awe-inspiring.
A popular choice amongst local Parisians and tourists for clocking in the New Years is clubbing. There are many iconic clubbing destinations in Paris like the Ice Kube Bar, Club Haussmann and Wanderlust where you can have an absolute ball with your friends.
You can also go for a ride on Grande Roue - the largest Ferris Wheel in the world and consume mesmerizing views of the city of lights, living to its moniker on New Year’s Eve. If you’re in the mood for an extravagant night with a glint of Parisian touch, head to the Moulin Rouge cabaret, the most iconic Parisian cabinet in the world for an evening of champagne and entertainment. During the day, you can opt for a Hop-On Hop-Off tour of the city to witness the city prepare for the festivities of the night.
10 ways to spend New Year's Eve in Paris
New Year’s Cruise on Seine
Sail through the silky waters of River Seine and catch a glimpse of iconic Paris landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and the Notre Dame Cathedral. With a drink in your hand and a three-course French meal spread out on your dinner table, enjoy a breathtaking fireworks show at the foot of the Eiffel Tower as the clock strikes twelve. There's truly nothing like a cruise to celebrate the year that passed.
Check out the best Seine dinner cruises.
New Year’s at Disneyland Paris
The happiest place in the world obviously tops the list of places to ring in the New Year with your family! Disneyland Paris is home to fantastic rides and attractions, delicious food, countless shopping avenues - all suited for each member of your family. The theme park also hosts fabulous parades and presentations for the New Year's Eve celebration.
Heading to Disneyland this Christmas? Here's all you need to know about spending Christmas in Disneyland Paris.
Party with the locals on Champs-Élysées
Often described as the most beautiful avenue in the world, Champs-Elysees is the place to be at on New Year's Eve in Paris. Festive and open to the public, Champs-Elysees allows you to mingle and party with locals and share a drink with them as you welcome the New Year. If you’re looking to spend New Year in Paris on a budget, this is where you should head.
Catch the Eiffel Tower Light Show
If you want to experience the glamorous charm and beauty of Paris, make your way to the Eiffel Tower for the famous midnight light show and see the magnificent tower light up at the stroke of midnight. The best view of the Eiffel Tower light show can be had from Trocadero but remember to arrive on time.
Before the Eiffel Tower light show, why not go atop the Eiffel & view the city amidst preparations? Below are a few recommended experiences.
Dance the night away at the Rex Club
The Rex Club is arguably the biggest attraction on the Grands Boulevard and offers a rave clubbing scene. Located next to one of Paris's most famous cinemas, this dance club, pulls a cosmopolitan party-loving crowd. Wear your dancing shoes and groove your way into the new year.
Party on the Streets at Sacré-Coeur
Image Courtesy: Paris Inspired
The Sacre-Coeur steps and squares are the venue for the second most popular “street party” in town. While much calmer than the party at Champs-Elysees, the Sacre-Coeur offers fantastic panoramic views of the city, along with a fantastic view of the fireworks that set off at midnight. After the fireworks, you can make your way to the many pubs and bars located within walking distance.
Feathers & Festivities at Moulin Rouge
Another great way to bring the year to a close is by attending the iconic Moulin Rouge cabaret show. This Féerie show features 80 global artists, including 60 talented Doriss Girls and over 1000 costumes with feathers, sequins, rhinestones and more! There's no classier way to bring in the New Year than by watching a show at the Moulin Rouge
Check out discounted tickets to the Moulin Rouge Cabaret on New Year's Eve
Enjoy a concert at Sainte Chapelle
If you're looking for something a little more low-key, attend one of the concerts at the Sainte Chappelle. Ideal for music fans, this evening concert features a good mix of gospel and winter songs. Book your tickets in advance since this is a popular choice amongst tourists and locals.
Fireworks at the Arc de Triomphe
Fireworks and light shows are a big part of New Year's Eve celebrations across the world and Paris is no different. An elaborate and exciting light and sound show is hosted at the Arc de Triomphe where Paris's glorious history is showcased. Right before midnight, the facade of Arc de Triomphe displays a countdown and when the clock strikes twelve, Paris's sky gets illuminated with stunning fireworks.
Cabaret and Burlesque at Lido de Paris
If Moulin Rouge doesn't strike your fancy, another great option is Lido de Paris, located on the Champs-Elysees. For New Year's Eve, the cabaret offers a special package that includes tickets to a special midnight show, dinner, champagne and even an after-party! If you just wish to watch the show, there's a separate package available for that as well.
Check out discounted tickets to the Lido De Paris on New Year's Eve
Join the festive atmosphere in Montmartre
Perched on a hill in the 18th arrondissement, Montmartre offers a quaint, artistic backdrop for New Year's festivities. Its winding streets buzz with celebratory energy as revelers and performers fill the air with joy. For a taste of local flavor, try La Mère Catherine in Place du Tertre. This beloved spot serves up a special New Year's menu with live music, while its vintage charm perfectly captures Montmartre's bohemian spirit.
New Year parties and events in Paris
Looking for the top places to groove your way into the new year? Here are the top New Year parties and events in Paris you should be heading to.
Bring 2024 to a close in style with Disneyland Paris's New Year's Eve party. Unlike other days, the theme park attractions will remain open until after midnight (2am). Welcome 2025 with your favourite Disney characters, along with dance parties, fireworks, attractions and, of course, a classic Disney parade.
The Crazy Horse undergoes a mesmerizing transformation for the year-end holidays, promising an unforgettable experience. Surrender to the allure of one of Paris's most iconic cabarets! This legendary and intimate venue will dazzle you with a vibrant and colorful performance—a perfect recipe for an unforgettable New Year's celebration!
Step into the Moulin Rouge's inner circle and celebrate New Year's Eve with the spirit of an authentic Parisian soirée. The stage is poised for an unforgettable night filled with champagne, culinary delights, dazzling feathers, and continuous surprises. Beneath the iconic windmill of the Moulin Rouge, our renowned Féerie show will captivate your senses. Join the festivities and dance the night away until the break of dawn!
Join the 7th Edition of Paris Kizomba New Year's Eve! Their lineup includes top Kizomba dance artists like Sanjay Mj and Aurea Febraio. This event promises a night filled with Kizomba, Urbankiz, Semba, Bachata, and Salsa dancing. Don't let this unforgettable celebration pass you by!
Ring in the New Year at YOYO, the trendy nightclub nestled within the Palais de Tokyo. This electrifying venue promises an unforgettable night of pulsating beats, cutting-edge visuals, and a diverse crowd of party-goers. Renowned DJs will keep the dance floor alive until dawn, while the club's modern architecture and artistic ambiance provide a unique backdrop for your celebrations.
Getting around Paris on New Year’s Eve
Considering the excessive crowd that Paris attracts on New Year's Eve, here’s what you need to know about the transport options available at your disposal to avoid getting late.
Taxi
Although the most expensive, hailing a taxi is definitely the most convenient way to travel around the city. Avoid it during peak traffic hours though because you'll end up being stuck in traffic. Also, while looking for a taxi, check if you're boarding a registered taxi, which is equipped with a roof-top status light and sign. The best practice is to either flag down a taxi on the street or get one from a designated stand.
Metro
One of the most popular public transport system in Paris, the metro network is 214 km long with almost 300 stations in total. Identified as one of the busiest metro networks in the world, the Paris metro has 16 lines which are identifiable by different numbers and colours. Operating over different routes covering the length and breadth of Paris, the metro is a great way to travel in Paris on New Year's Eve. For a hassle-free travel on the metro, grab the t+ ticket or Paris Visite Card.
Tram
The Paris tramway network has 7 lines from T1 to T8, except T4 which is run by the French National Railway. With 148 stations serving the perimeter of the city, the tram network is more suited for locals who live on the outskirts of the city. This mode of transport isn't as popular among tourists since most lines only run in the city’s outskirts. The best tram line for tourists is line 1, as its final destination is the Basilica of Saint Denis though it can also be reached by metro line 13.
Bus
Paris's bus network has 64 lines in total with hundreds of stops throughout the city. These bus lines are colour-coded and numbered and you can travel to almost every part of Paris on a bus. However, the roads are known to be chock-a-block on New Year’s Eve, hence metro and trams are better advised.
- All the regional transport networks will run a normal service, except for a few routes that will be closed from 2:15 AM to 5:30 AM.
- Some metro lines (1,2,4,6,9,14) will run a non-stop service throughout the night of 31st December, as will some of the regional train lines (RER A, B, C, and D).
Tips for those traveling to Paris during New Year’s
- Tickets for NYE parties at most clubs tend to sell out by mid-November so book your tickets in advance to avoid facing a sold-out situation and ruined New Year's Eve.
- If you're planning on visiting Champs-Elysees to celebrate New Year's Eve, be wary of your personal belongings. While the general vibe of the place is best described as harmless, pickpocketing is common in large crowds.
- If a fancy dinner at a restaurant with a view is your idea of for New Year's Eve celebration, remember to book in advance. The city, in general, is very crowded for NYE and if you don't make a reservation beforehand, it might be difficult to find a table.
- Planning to watch the light and fireworks show at the Eiffel Tower to celebrate the New Year? Make sure you reach the area before 10:30pm and grab a spot at the garden in front of the Eiffel Tower.
- While there are no strictly observed French New Year's Eve traditions, NYE is celebrated with friends with lots of dancing, confetti and free-flowing bubbly. If you’re celebrating with locals, be prepared for that, a lot of Bonne Annee (Happy New Year in French) and maybe even a peck on the cheek as the clock strikes twelve.
