With the magical holiday season fast approaching, I really had to give you a quick rundown of the events, outings, and tips to enjoy during this end of the year, in our dear capital and the Ile-de-France region.

The city of Paris (like many others), illuminated for the occasion, is filled during this period with that warm Christmas spirit, which I am personally very attached to and which I always find so refreshing.

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The Father Christmas Factory: a giant collaborative pop-up store in the heart of Paris

Like last year, Fine Equipe, a label of young fashion and design creators, has dreamed up an ephemeral concept store that will remain open until Christmas, in the heart of the Marais in Paris. On the program: more than 200 creators will be featured in a 300 m2 space.

The tip: Christmas shopping evening on Thursday, December 7 from 6 PM to 9 PM (Jimini’s cricket tasting, DJ set by Bog Dech, Idris the magician…), register here

The Father Christmas Factory

6 rue des Archives 75004 Paris

From October 31 to December 24, 2017

7 days a week – Monday to Saturday 10 AM – 8 PM / Late night opening and Happy Hour -10% on Thursday from 7 PM – 9 PM / Sunday 10 AM – 6 PM

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A Christmas at Bercy Village

Like every year, Bercy Village celebrates Christmas and participates in the traditional end-of-year holiday illuminations, from an original and urban perspective with a carte blanche given to artist Jordane Saget.

On the program: light installations, strolls, photo studio, and exhibitions (all of which is obviously free),…

• Stroll with Father Christmas and his elf on Saturday the 2nd, Saturday the 9th, and Saturday the 16th of December 2017 from 2 PM to 6 PM.
• The SKINJACKIN collective, which brings together painters, illustrators, tattoo artists, graffiti artists, and graphic designers, will offer children a temporary tattoo workshop (free / Saturdays, December 2, 9, and 16 from 2 PM to 6 PM).
• The International Christmas Jumper Day where the public is invited to compete with Colin Firth in “Bridget Jones’s Diary” and get their photo taken in the studio set up for this purpose in the Passage Saint Vivant before leaving with a personalized greeting card ready to mail. Absolutely kitsch and socially accepted on Friday, December 15 only (from 12 PM to 2 PM).
• 50 choristers revisit the repertoire of the most famous Christmas carols for a pop and quirky version, Sundays, December 3 and 17 from 3 PM to 4:30 PM (free).
• A show by the “Théâtre du Vertige” company performing “Snow”, a Christmas tale that tells the story of a magic tree, Sunday, December 10 at 2:30 PM, 4 PM, and 5:30 PM (free).

From November 17, 2016 to January 2, 2017

Free photo studio open to all from 2 PM to 5 PM, Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 December

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Winter Tales at the Manoir de Paris

At the Manoir de Paris, Christmas tales are not simple and gentle stories… This year, it is the lost legends of Christmas and the forgotten tales of the Elf Revolution that the Manoir is bringing back to life for the greatest thrill of both adults and children.

Since November 17, the Manoir de Paris is once again staging an original show with new music, revisited sets, and a surprising script with 35 actors who reinvent the magic of forgotten tales.

As usual (but I’m repeating myself now…), I cannot recommend enough that you rush to the Manoir if you have never tested this Parisian attraction, because it is worth the detour!

Christmas 2017 at the Manoir de Paris

18 Rue de Paradis, 75010 Paris

From November 17 to December 23, 2017

Opening: Friday: 6 PM – 10 PM – Saturday and Sunday: 3 PM – 7 PM

Show not recommended for children under 10

Annual closing of the Manoir de Paris from December 24, 2015 to January 7, 2017 inclusive

Ticket price for both attractions: Le Manoir & Asylum

Full price €27 / child rate €20 / fast pass €37

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The Alsatian Christmas Market at Gare de l’Est

Like every year, the forecourt of the Gare de l’Est will host, from December 1st to December 16, a very delicious Alsatian Christmas market (the oldest Alsatian market outside the region), presenting a selection of typical culinary treasures from this region: bredele, jams and confectionery, goose and duck foie gras, gingerbread, charcuterie, sauerkraut, cheeses, wines, and brandies…

In addition, throughout the duration of the market, about fifteen artisans will offer a different Alsatian specialty for free tasting every day.

The tip: A gourmet basket made up of Alsatian products will also be up for grabs every day, as well as 4 giant plush mannele over a meter tall. To try and win it, nothing could be simpler, all you have to do is answer three questions about Alsace!

Alsatian Christmas Market / from December 1st to 16, 2017

every day from 9 AM to 8 PM (10 AM to 7 PM on Sundays)

Parvis de la Gare de l’Est in Paris

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Final word

Photo credits: Nicolas Diolez and Melle Bon Plan