Things to do with kids in Paris in winter

What to do in Paris this winter?

From bus tours, musicals, ballets, concerts, and special exhibitions to attractions and festivals, Paris offers a wealth of activities for families this winter. Here's a selection to delight everyone!

The Lion King Musical at Théâtre Mogador

Disney's The Lion King musical has captivated audiences worldwide with iconic characters like Mufasa, Simba, and Nala. Hosted at Théâtre Mogador, the show runs until august 2027 and promises an unforgettable experience.

How to get there: Get off at Stop 1: Printemps / Galeries Lafayette.

Opéra Garnier

Visit the Palais Garnier on your own or join a guided tour. Open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM, tickets are sold until 4 PM. Enjoy ballets, concerts, and special performances, including a Christmas Concert featuring works by Vivaldi, Corelli, and Corrette.

How to get there: Get off at Stop 1: Printemps / Galeries Lafayette.

Jazz & Goûter at Sunset Sunside

The popular Jazz & Goûter concept returns to Sunset Sunside every Sunday, offering family-friendly jazz concerts specially designed for children aged 2 and up. With sessions at 11am, 3pm and 5pm (depending on the date), families can enjoy themed performances celebrating Disney, The Beatles, jazz legends, Brazilian music, Christmas songs and more, all in an authentic Parisian jazz club atmosphere.

How to get there: Get off at Stop 3: Musée du Louvre.

What family-friendly exhibitions and events in Paris to assist this winter?

En voie d'illumination at Jardin des Plantes

Every winter, the Jardin des Plantes hosts En voie d'illumination, a spectacular nighttime trail combining monumental lanterns, immersive light installations and discoveries inspired by the natural world. This family-friendly experience transforms the historic gardens into a magical open-air exhibition, offering an unforgettable evening for children and adults alike.

How to get there: Get off at Stop 4: Notre-Dame - Quartier Latin.

Attractions at Jardin d’Acclimatation

The Jardin d’Acclimatation, located in the heart of the Bois de Boulogne, remains one of Paris's favourite family destinations during the winter holidays. With more than 40 attractions, playgrounds, nature trails, animal areas and seasonal entertainment, it offers a perfect mix of outdoor fun and discovery for children of all ages. During the festive season, the park is also beautifully decorated and hosts special family-friendly activities, making it an ideal winter outing

Festival du Merveilleux at Musée des Arts Forains

From December 26, 2026 to January 3, 2027, the Festival du Merveilleux returns to the Musée des Arts Forains, transforming this extraordinary venue into a magical world filled with vintage fairground rides, live performances, music and festive entertainment. During this unique event, families are free to wander through the museum's enchanting spaces, enjoy street artists, musicians, dancers and immersive experiences, while discovering one of Europe's largest collections of fairground heritage. An unforgettable family outing during the Christmas holidays

What museums to visit in Paris this winter?

During winter, while nature hibernates, Paris's museums come alive. Here are some must-visit exhibitions.

The Louvre

The Louvre is a must-visit for families exploring Paris in winter. In addition to its world-famous masterpieces, the museum offers family workshops, storytelling tours and special activities for children throughout the holiday season. Visitors can also enjoy the museum's weekly late-night openings every Wednesday and Friday, offering a unique opportunity to explore the collections after dark.

How to get there: Get off at Stop 3: Musée du Louvre.

Atelier des Lumières

This winter, families can discover Planète Océan, immersion vers les profondeurs, a spectacular immersive exhibition running from 16 October 2026 to 3 January 2027. Through monumental projections, sound effects and digital animations, visitors are invited on a journey through coral reefs, schools of fish, deep-sea creatures and bioluminescent worlds. Younger visitors can also enjoy L'Atelier des Enfants, where their drawings of marine animals come to life on the walls in an interactive digital experience.

Alongside it, visitors can also experience Renaissance: De Vinci, Raphaël, Michel-Ange, running until 17 December 2026, a breathtaking immersive journey into the masterpieces of the Italian Renaissance

Musée du Quai Branly

This winter, families can discover Premières Nations, an exhibition running until 10 January 2027, exploring the rich artistic heritage and traditions of the Indigenous peoples of North America's Pacific Northwest Coast through masks, totem poles, ceremonial objects and artworks. 

Visitors can also explore Voir Tahiti, on display until 31 January 2027, showcasing some of the earliest photographs of French Polynesia and offering a fascinating glimpse into the islands during the 19th century. The museum also offers numerous family activities, workshops and guided tours designed for children.

How to get there: Get off at Stop 9: Tour Eiffel.

How to experience Paris at christmas?

Enjoy festive highlights in Paris this holiday season with decorated store windows, Christmas markets, light displays, and more.

Christmas window displays

Parisian department stores like Printemps Haussmann, Galeries Lafayette, BHV Marais, and La Samaritaine transform their windows into enchanting theaters with animated puppets and festive scenes. This tradition showcases the expertise of skilled artisans and decorators.

How to get there: Get off at Stop 1: Printemps / Galeries Lafayette or Stop 2: Opéra Garnier.

Christmas markets

Experience the magic of Christmas at Paris's iconic markets, including the famous one at Jardin des Tuileries. Wander through wooden chalets adorned with sparkling lights, sip mulled wine, and enjoy the festive ambiance.

Christmas Lights bus tour

Hop aboard a special Christmas lights bus tour to see Paris's most stunning holiday illuminations. Starting at Auber, this 90-minute tour includes landmarks like the Champs-Elysées and more.

Disney’s enchanted Christmas 2026

From November 7, 2026 to January 6, 2027, immerse yourself in the magic of Disney's Enchanted Christmas at Disneyland Paris. Enjoy festive decorations, spectacular parades, dazzling shows and unforgettable encounters with your favourite Disney Characters dressed in their Christmas finest.

This winter is even more special with the arrival of Arendelle, the highly anticipated new immersive land inspired by Disney's Frozen. Step into the enchanting world of Anna and Elsa, explore snow-covered landscapes and experience a brand-new magical destination that is sure to delight visitors of all ages.

Create unforgettable memories with family and friends in one of Europe's most magical holiday settings.

To explore more of the city, use Tootwalk, a free app offering several pedestrian circuits to help you uncover Paris’s secrets.