The Magic of Spending New Year’s in Paris
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Paris is one of the most iconic cities to celebrate New Year's Eve and it’s one of the most memorable travel experiences I’ve had so far. Over a million people flock to the City of Lights each year to ring in the new year with glittering fireworks and festive celebrations. According to the Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau, Paris hosts the highest number of foreign visitors in the world on New Year's Eve, with around 3 million tourists visiting the French capital during the holiday season.
The allure of celebrating New Year's Eve in Paris is hard to resist. As the clock strikes midnight, the city erupts in dazzling light shows and parties while champagne flows freely. I deeply cherish the memories with my mom on the Champs-Elysées as fireworks burst over the Arc de Triomphe.
In this blog post, we'll explore whether New Year's in Paris is worth it and provide tips on the top activities, where to stay, what to expect, and more. If you're considering heading to Paris to welcome the new year, read on to help decide if spending New Year’s Eve in Paris is right for you.
Is Spending New Year’s in Paris Worth It?
Spending New Years Eve in Paris is absolutely worth it! The City of Lights becomes even more enchanting during the winter season. From the festive decorations lining the streets to the exciting celebrations, Paris is one of the best places in the world to ring in the new year. There’s also a nice variety of ways to spend NYE in Paris which is nice if standing in a crowded street doesn’t appeal to you.
Here are some of the biggest pros of visiting Paris for New Year's Eve:
Spectacular Fireworks Display. The iconic Arc de Triomphe lights up the night sky with a dazzling fireworks show at midnight as the city welcomes the new year. Thousands gather along the Champs-Elysées, and although it’s crowded, everyone is kind and in good spirits as they wait for the fireworks display to begin.
Festive Holiday Spirit. Paris is beautifully decorated for the holidays, with Christmas markets, sparkling lights, and giant Christmas trees adding to the magical ambiance. The festive spirit is felt everywhere from the moment you step onto the streets of Paris when you arrive. I highly recommend visiting Paris in the winter, even if you’re not sticking around for NYE.
Special New Year's Eve Events. There are wonderful concerts, shows, dining experiences, and parties throughout the city on NYE. From cabaret performances to river cruises on the Seine, there are many ways to celebrate.
Incredible Food. Paris is a foodie haven, and New Year's Eve offers special holiday menus at bistros, brasseries, and Michelin-starred restaurants. It's a chance to indulge in decadent French cuisine. My mom and I had New Year's Eve dinner at Monsieur which was near our hotel which was absolutely decadent and delicious. Guests dressed up in festive outfits and it felt like a real dream.
Romantic Atmosphere. With its candlelit dinners, elegant architecture, and walks along the Seine, Paris is one of the most romantic places to share New Year's with a loved one. Honestly, it’s a romantic destination year-round but the magic is amplified in wintertime.
So if you want to be immersed in celebrations, sights, food, and romance in one of the world's greatest cities, Paris for New Year's Eve is a bucket-list-worthy experience! The sights, energy, and allure make it an unforgettable way to end one year and start the next.
Where to Watch the Fireworks in Paris
The highlight of New Year's Eve in Paris is the spectacular fireworks display at the Arc de Triomphe. Tons of people gather along the Champs-Elysées to watch as the iconic monument is lit up with a dazzling pyrotechnic show.
For an up-close view, plan to arrive very early! We made sure that our hotel and dinner venue were both right off of the Champs Elysees so that we could easily catch the fireworks show just in time. Our dinner ended around 10pm which gave us just enough time to head back to the hotel to change into more comfortable clothes, bundle up, and head back outside to wait for the show.
The location of the fireworks display is extremely well thought out and because of this, there are tons of options of where you can stand to watch the show. The main avenue, Champs-Elysees, is where the majority of people gather, but there are also many other streets that you can stand in for amazing views. The Arc de Triomphe connects twelve streets and although all twelve streets may not be open for viewing the fireworks, the police have this down to a science and will direct you where to go.
New Year's Eve Dinner in Paris
Paris is world-renowned for its culinary scene, so enjoying a special meal is a quintessential part of ringing in the new year here - and this is the route we took. Many of the top restaurants offer lavish New Year's Eve menus with dishes like foie gras, truffles, lobster, and premium cuts of beef.
You'll want to make reservations as early as possible, ideally a few months in advance, as spots fill up quickly. Some restaurants may require prepayment or a deposit to hold the reservation, so don’t be alarmed if you see that. Menus are prix-fixe, typically with 4-5 courses, and can range from 150-500+ euros per person depending on the restaurant.
We ate at Monsieur located inside the Hotel Lancaster and it was such a memorable experience. The food was absolutely delicious, there was live music, and it felt really special to treat ourselves to a fancy dinner that night! Le Meurice, the Michelin 3-star restaurant inside the luxury hotel, serves a decadent black tie NYE menu by famed chef Alain Ducasse. Epicure at Le Bristol is another top option for a world-class French meal with wines paired for each course. For something more casual but still upscale, check out restaurants like Le Comptoir du Relais, a Saint-Germain bistro serving a special classic French NYE menu.
New Year's Eve Parties & Events
Paris comes alive on New Year's Eve with spectacular parties and events across the city. Keep in mind that all of the NYE events in Paris sell out very quickly. Some can sell out six months ahead of time! The website Come to Paris is a great resource to see all of the event options and to purchase tickets. Here are some of the top New Year’s Eve events in Paris:
Moulin Rouge New Year's Eve Gala - The legendary cabaret puts on a glamorous show with dinner, champagne, and live performances. If this one is sold out, don’t worry, there are many other cabaret NYE shows in Paris.
Disneyland Paris New Year's Eve - The theme park throws an enchanting NYE party with character meet-and-greets, parade, and fireworks. If you’re spending New Year’s Eve in Paris with kids then this is a great option for you!
New Year's Eve Seine River Cruise - Take in riverside views of the fireworks from a boat party with drinks, DJs, and dancing. This is a really popular option and the offerings range from more party-scene vibes to upscale elegance.
New Year's Eve Concerts - Catch live music at venues like L'Olympia, La Cigale, or AccorHotels Arena with top French and international acts. You can also attend jazz shows around town.
Paris offers endless ways to celebrate New Year's Eve. Book your party tickets early, dress up, and get ready for a magical start to the new year!
Where to Stay in Paris for New Year's Eve
Paris offers a wide variety of accommodations to suit any budget for New Year's Eve. Here are some of the top recommended hotels:
Luxury Hotels
If you want to splurge, Paris has some of the finest luxury hotels in the world. Some great options include:
The Peninsula Paris - This iconic luxury hotel is steps from the Arc de Triomphe and that’s why I splurged and chose to stay here for New Year’s Eve. They host a special NYE gala dinner and party, but we opted to do our own thing. This is by far the most luxurious hotel I’ve ever stayed in and it was worth every penny!
Mandarin Oriental Paris - This elegant hotel located near the Louvre Museum offers a New Year's Eve dinner at their Michelin-starred restaurant and live music at the bar.
Shangri-La Hotel Paris - Located near the Eiffel Tower, this hotel has an upscale New Year's Eve dinner and party with live DJ and spectacular views.
Le Bristol Paris - Expect excellence and opulence at this palace-like hotel near the Champs-Elysées. Their New Year's Eve celebrations include a gourmet meal, live music, and partying until dawn.
Budget & Moderate Hotels
You can still find some great affordable hotels if you're on a budget:
Hotel Brighton - Situated across from the Tuileries Garden, this boutique hotel is perfect for anyone visiting Paris. This is where we stayed before NYE and the location and views of the Eiffel Tower from your room can’t be beat!
Hotel des Arts - This well-reviewed hotel in the Latin Quarter is an excellent value with clean, contemporary rooms. It's centrally located near public transit.
Hotel du Temps - Located in the hip Marais district, this boutique hotel has a New Year's Eve package with dinner and Champagne.
Generator Paris Hostel - For backpackers and budget travelers, this is a popular, lively hostel with private and dorm rooms located near Canal St. Martin.
Neighborhoods
Some of the best areas to stay in for New Year's Eve are centrally located neighborhoods like Saint Germain, Marais, and Latin Quarter. Being near a metro stop is ideal since traffic will be at an all-time high on the streets. Avoid areas far from public transit since some lines stop service at 2am on NYE.
How to Spend New Year's Day in Paris
New Year's Day in Paris offers a more relaxed pace compared to the excitement of New Year's Eve. The streets are much less crowded than the week leading up to NYE and everyone is friendly wishing everyone they see bonne année (that’s how you say happy New Year in French).
Many of Paris's top museums are closed on New Year’s Day, but one thing that is open is the Eiffel Tower. If you plan on going up the Eiffel Tower on New Year’s Day, expect to wait in long lines. We strolled by and took pictures on New Year’s Day but didn’t go up.
Essentially, New Year’s Day in Paris is a day for relaxing and spending time with loved ones. Start your day with breakfast at a cafe, walk along the Seine, and end your day with amazing wine and conversation over an early dinner.
Essential Paris NYE Travel Tips
Paris is one of the most popular destinations to ring in the new year, so it's important to plan ahead if you want to join the celebrations. For reference, I booked my hotels in January to visit in late December - that’s almost an entire year in advance! And I booked our NYE dinner about 5 months in advance and at the time, many of the events like river cruises and cabaret shows were already completely sold out. With that said, here are some essential tips for traveling to Paris for New Year's Eve:
Book early - I’ll say it again, book early! Paris gets extremely crowded and hotel prices skyrocket for NYE. Try to book your flights and hotel at least 6-8 months in advance for the best rates and availability. If you’re looking to stay at a specific hotel like The Peninsula or The Shangri-La then you should try to book 8-12 months in advance.
Consider transportation - Most metro lines run all night on NYE, which is the easiest way to get around. Keep in mind that some metro lines will shut down in the early hours of New Year’s Day. You’ll want to avoid driving if possible due to road closures and traffic. You can also book a taxi or Uber in advance since it will be hard to find one on the streets when the parties wrap up, but again, there will be a ton of traffic.
Pack layers - Paris winters can be cold and rainy. Bring warm layers like coats, hats, gloves and scarves. Comfortable waterproof shoes are also a good idea for all the walking. Don't forget dressier evening wear for your NYE plans.
Have cash on hand - Many bars and restaurants will only accept cash on NYE due to the high volume of customers. ATMs also tend to run out of cash quickly. Make sure to withdraw enough Euros ahead of time so you're not caught short.
Confirm reservations - Reconfirm any dinner or event reservations you've made a few weeks before NYE. It’s rare, but mistakes do happen and sometimes restaurants overbook so it’s always better to check ahead of time.. You don't want to get left out in the cold on the big night!
Stay safe - While Paris is generally safe, it's best to take precautions like avoiding walking alone late at night, not carrying large amounts of cash, and taking unregistered taxis. The crowds and revelry can also lead to pickpockets targeting distracted tourists. I love traveling with an anti-theft bag which is both stylish and functional,
Enjoy the magic - New Year's Eve in Paris is full of energy and special moments. Soak in the atmosphere on the Champs-Élysées, snap that perfect Eiffel Tower photo, and share memories that will last a lifetime. Like I said earlier, this has been my most memorable vacation and I’m so lucky to have been able to share it with my mom.
Spending New Year's Eve in Paris is a magical experience that should be on everyone's bucket list! The city pulls out all the stops to celebrate the start of a new year in style. From dazzling light shows on the Arc de Triomphe to lively parties and concerts, there are so many ways to ring in the new year.
As you make plans, book accommodations well in advance, as rooms fill up fast. Consider staying central in a hotel near the festivities and close to metro stops. Pack warm layers, comfortable shoes, and an open mind. Immerse yourself in the magic of Paris to start your new year off right.
Paris shines its brightest on New Year's Eve. The City of Lights lives up to its name as building facades and monuments like the Arc de Triomphe glow under colorful illuminations. Make your New Year's wishes as you watch spectacular fireworks light up the Paris skyline.
Wherever you choose to celebrate, have a wonderful New Year's Eve in the City of Light!
Happy travels!
-Tess
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Tess Arnold
Hi! I’m Tess, founder of TravelingTessie.com, and not only do I love to travel, but I love immersing myself in new places and finding off the beaten path experiences wherever I go! I’ve lived in 4 different states & traveled to 13 countries and counting. I believe that tourism is meant to benefit both visitors and locals alike—and I want to bring that idea back into the travel industry by highlighting companies run by locals such as tours, hotels, restaurants, and more. On Traveling Tessie you can find hidden gems in top destinations around the world, travel tips, detailed city guides, and tons of inspiration for your next trip! If you love travel as much as I do, then please join me on this journey! I hope you enjoy my content as much as I enjoy providing it for you!
