The clock ticks toward midnight on Dec. 31 in Paris, and you’re in a city known for its parties and celebrations, so how and where are you spending your New Year’s Eve?
Whether you’re in town for a short stint or arriving from a nearby locale just to enjoy New Year’s the Parisian way, the City of Light offers a range of options for New Year’s festivities, catering to different tastes and budgets.
Image Credit: Getty Images, jeremyreds. Image Location: Paris, France
Is Paris good on New Year’s Eve?
Oui! Like many Parisians, you can choose to have dinner and go clubbing. Or you can spend New Year’s Eve in Paris to usher in 2024 by watching the fireworks on the Champs-Élysées, enjoying a Cabaret show, toasting on a Seine River boat cruise, or savoring a restaurant’s special New Year’s menu.
Whichever option you prefer, make sure you plan ahead, dress up, get your Champagne ready and learn to say Bonne Année – that’s “Happy New Year” in French!
What is there to do in Paris on New Year’s Eve?
Fireworks at Arc de Triomphe
The most traditional New Year’s celebration in Paris is held on the Champs-Élysées, arguably the most beautiful avenue in the world. Thousands of people fill this 1.2-mile stretch, enjoying live music concerts while awaiting the countdown to the New Year, which is projected onto the Arc de Triomphe, followed by a beautiful show of lights and fireworks. The festivities usually start around 10 p.m., but people start arriving much earlier to guarantee themselves a decent spot.
Image Credit: Getty Images, olrat. Image Location: Sacré-Cœur, Paris, France
Sacré-Cœur Basilica and Montmartre
For those preferring a less crowded option to watch fireworks, the hill at Sacré-Cœur in the bohemian neighborhood of Montmartre offers a stunning panoramic view of Paris. Arrive early to guarantee your spot on the basilica’s steps. The neighborhood is filled with bars, cabarets, and clubs, so you won’t be short of options to extend your celebrations.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Elena Noviello. Image Location: Sacré-Cœur, Paris, France
Boat cruise dinner
If you dream of a romantic and scenic New Year’s Eve in Paris, booking a Seine River boat cruise could be the right thing for you. There are many companies to choose from, offering dinner or Champagne cruises that fit different budgets. Boats depart between 5 p.m. and 11 p.m., with cruises lasting a minimum of an hour, and provide beautiful views of landmarks like the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, Musée d'Orsay, and, of course, the Eiffel Tower. Book ahead, as this is a very popular tourist attraction at regular times, even more so for New Year’s Eve.
Cabaret show
If you’re up for a playful and festive New Year’s Eve, immerse yourself in the Parisian tradition of cabaret shows. Special programs for the night start with dinner, live performances, drinks, and a DJ party. While the Moulin Rouge is the most famous, other popular spots are Le Lido, Paradis Latin, Crazy Horse Paris, and César Palace. These tickets can be pricey and sell out quickly, so if you like the idea, it’s wise to book in advance.
Clubbing
Parisians love to go out clubbing any time of the year, and New Year’s Eve is no exception. If you want to welcome 2024 by dancing the night away, two good options include Rex Club, known for over 40 years of electronic music, and Wanderlust, which boasts a large terrace overlooking the Seine.
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Can you go up the Eiffel Tower on New Year’s Eve?
Yes. There are special New Year’s Eve activities and experiences on the Eiffel Tower on New Year’s Eve. But as may be expected, these are extremely popular, sell out fast, and are somewhat expensive. If your budget allows, options include a classic French dinner at the Eiffel Tower’s Madame Brasserie, followed by a Seine River cruise.
Will there be fireworks at the Eiffel Tower for New Years?
Despite what many tourists may assume, the Eiffel Tower does not host New Year's Eve fireworks; these are reserved for July 14, France’s national day, commemorating the 1789 Storming of the Bastille. That said, people spend the night celebrating at Place du Trocadéro and Champ de Mars, the two squares facing the Eiffel Tower, but don’t expect official fireworks.
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New Year, New Adventures
Download the Trainline app and bask in the City of Lights. Paris has so much to offer with boutique hotels and speakeasy bars. Check out Trainline's Gare Du Nord guide for an easy travel getaway!
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, franckreporter. Image Location: Paris, France