As December arrives it’s time to wish Bonne Année! The history of celebrating New Year in France dates back to centuries and with time their tradition has changed. During the 6th and 7th centuries, March 1st was marked as New Year's Eve, but later after the 16th century they started celebrating La Saint-Sylvestre, or New Year’s Eve on 31st Jan. When the entire world is rejoicing the day in their manner, French people make the event more special and authentic with their extravagant culture and tempting French Meal. This year, let us make the Eve a bit more French-style by planning your holiday in the beloved city of Paris or another destination in the country.

French New Year Traditions to Delve into the Beauty of Catholic Culture

French New Year Traditions To Delve Into The Beauty of Catholic Culture

New Year is commonly known as La Saint-Sylvestre in France as the Eve because December 31 is the feast day of Saint Sylvestre. While partying and dinners are common in every country, France has its culture and tradition of celebrating the day. If you are all set to celebrate New Year 2024 in a French way, here are some traditions you can be a part of in the country.

1. Sharing Kiss as a sign of love under the Mistletoe is a romantic tradition couple in France follow. This was started by the Druids and it is believed that kissing under the mistletoe may ward off evil spirits.

2. A Grand Le Reveillon is a tradition for New Year in France. The fest includes some Oysters with the King Cake. Don’t forget to raise a toast saying “Bonne Année et Bonne Santé”.

3. What if you are single! Well, kissing doesn’t stop on New Year’s Eve as some Romane brought the culture of kissing in Europe to celebrate New Year’s Eve. People gather at masquerade balls, and as the clock strikes 12- they kiss to purify each other from evil wishing Bonne Année!

4. The New Year Parade is another French New Year tradition that is not to be missed on holidays. The president shares speech and people gather on the street to walk along the lanes and at night to party and make some noise.

5. Exchange Gifts and Cards as a tradition in France for celebrating the New Year. The card's gifts are exchanged during family lunch on 1st January wishing Bonne Année.

Events to Make a Happy New Year France

Every city in France has something or the other for making your new year memorable and fun. Paris is the hub of tourism and adorns the beauty of a gleaming life. The city is hosting several events for a splendid New Year feast that you surely don’t want to miss. Check out these amazing entertaining events that are happening on 31st Dec to make your New Year Eve 2023 in Paris Memorable.

1. Capitaine Fracasse Dinner Cruise in Paris

Capitaine Fracasse Dinner Cruise in Paris

Make your happy new year France more romantic and luxurious with a dinner cruise over the Seine River. Capitaine Fracasse will host a Dinner Cruise on December 31, 2023. There will be music, food and some exotic French wine to celebrate the night. The cruise will last for around five hours. The DJ and Dance floor will be open for all to celebrate the night on the cruise until dawn. The menu will include a range of exotic cuisines, desserts, and more for the best New Year in Paris.

  • Location: Ile aux Cygnes, 75015 Paris, France
  • Time: 8:15 pm to 2 am
  • Duration: 5 hours 15 minutes
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2. Firework Display on New Year’s Eve Paris France

Firework Display In Paris on New Year’s Eve

The Eiffel Tower is one of the most stunning attractions in Paris that is a must to explore every time you are in the city. For New Year, there is a firework display after sunset to celebrate the eve and make it more stunning and memorable. You can also kiss under the Eiffel Tower as a French new year tradition and make it quite a romantic New Year’s Eve in Paris before welcoming 2024.

This year fireworks will also be hosted at the Arc de Triomphe and it is free to all. There will be an electronic music concert for 1.30 to 2 hours and fireworks for 5 to 6 minutes. You can bring your Champagne to raise a toast to wish Happy new year.

  • Duration: 1.30 to 2 hours
  • Timings: After Sunset (consult the authorities for more details)

3. Join the Biggest Dance Party for Paris New Year Celebration

Join The Biggest Dance Party For Paris New Year Celebration

Are you ready to party like crazy? Well, the biggest dance party is ready to hit the floor in Paris at LA PALMERAIE. Shake on the dancefloor of the Palmeraie to celebrate new year with the music of Dj Vace & Paul Kerane. Admire the luxuriating settings and jungle theme party venue with palm trees, waterfalls, and some dark starry night sky. There will be a countdown to shout Bonne Année together and unlimited booze to cheers. Get your today as only 1500 lucky partygoers will be able to be a part of this biggest party for New Year in Paris that will last for straight 8 hours.

  • Location: 20 Rue du Colonel Pierre Avia, 75015 Paris, France
  • Date: Saturday 31 December 2022
  • Timings: 22:00 - 06:00
  • Age: Over 18s only
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4. Dinner and Show at Moulin Rouge, Paris

Dinner and Show at Moulin Rouge, Paris

While Dj nights are quite common when it comes to New Year’s Eve in Paris, there is more to make your celebration grand and unique. Moulin Rouge in Paris will host a grand Feerie show on the eve to let you enjoy an evening filled with music and celebration with its 100 artists including the famous Doriss Girls. There will be food, drinks, and spectacular shows to enhance the festive environment of the place. The place is quite famous among the people and is usually crowded on every occasion. But when it’s about an event for New Year in France or any other festivity, it is recommended to book your tickets in advance.

  • Location: 82 Bd de Clichy, 75018 Paris, France
  • Date: December 31, 2022
  • Time: 7pm

5. Lavish Dinner at Le Procope

Lavish Dinner at Le Procope
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Paris New Year Celebration can never be complete without a lavish dinner. You can book your table at Le Procope. This is one of the oldest restaurants in Paris, which will host a romantic dinner night for couples and families too. The restaurant features an intimate ambiance with a vintage touch and history. The specialty of Le Procope is its traditional menu that will make you drool for more.

For the celebration of the New Year in France, the restaurant will serve you traditional zest with an authentic aroma that is irresistible when you are in Paris. You can join the eve with your friends if not family and raise a toast under the bicorn hat of Napoleon I.

  • Location: 13 rue de l'Ancienne Comédie, 75006 Paris
  • Date: 31st Dec 2022
  • Timings: 7:30 pm
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6. Special Event at Disneyland Paris New Year’s Eve in France 2023

Special Event at Disneyland Paris New Year’s Eve 2021
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Disneyland Paris is an ultimate fun destination where the new year 2024 will be celebrated with never ending entertainment. There will be fireworks, a parade, and more to keep you entertained and engaged on the eve. There will be DJ nights, music events, and a lot more to enjoy with family and kids. The celebration will start from 25th December 2023 and will continue till 7th January 2024. The restaurants there have added so much to their menu, for a fun and delectable taste. You have to book your table in advance for attending the gala dinner hosted by the restaurants there.

  • Location: Bd de Parc, 77700 Coupvray, France
  • Time: 08:30 pm

7. An Exclusive Celebration for New Year in Paris at Aquarium de Paris

An Exclusive Celebration for New Year in Paris at Aquarium de Paris
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Imagine a night of celebration in a giant Aquarium with a fairy tale setting- like a mermaid world. Aquarium De Paris is hosting a unique theme party for 1500 lucky revelers who will enjoy the luxuriating experience beneath the Eiffel tower. Groove with the music before a giant Aquarium, measuring 8m high, 600 000 liters of water. There will be tropical fish, and even jellyfish to accompany you for the night. The Aquatic dance floor, open bubble bar, party goodies, and complimentary breakfast pastries at the end of the night are some features that won't let you miss this Paris New Year Celebration.

  • Location: 5 Av. Albert de Mun, 75016 Paris
  • Date: 31st Dec 2023
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8. Cruise Party in Paris for a Memorable New Year’s Eve

Cruise Party In Paris For A Memorable New Year’s Eve

Paris and cruise parties go hand in hand and Bateaux-Mouches is the right host for your New Year’s Eve. The cruise offers the most incredible party place for families and couples, out on a holiday in France to enjoy the festive vacation. There will be music and dance, food, and every other entertainment option to make the night memorable and enthralling.

Enjoy boat dinner, the New Year countdown, and music by some famous artists. To add more, the party will continue till 2 in the morning. So, get your slot reserved today and slip in your elegant party dresses.

  • Location: Will be available at the time of booking
  • Time: 9:00 pm
  • Duration: 5 hours

9. Party at Champs-Élysées

Party at Champs-Élysées

The new year is all about partying late at night with your loved ones and welcoming the new year with full gusto. Champs- Élysées is one such place where the party never stops. From 9 pm to 1 am in the morning, you can dance around, watch the fireworks, and just revel in the festive vibes. It’s better to arrive fairly before 9 pm to avoid crowds. The celebration here is organized by the city council, and it’s a dream come true for many to be a part of the festivities.

The New Year’s Day parade would also take place here with floats, fanfares, and a lot more to look forward to. The celebration would go on from 1 pm to 6 pm on 1st January 2024.

  • Timings: 9 pm to 1 am
  • Date: 31st December 2023

New Year in France is celebrated with great enthusiasm, fun, and entertainment. There will be events, parties, dinners, and gala dinners hosted for the families and tourists who are on a festive break. While every city in France celebrates the eve, partying with friends or gathering in the street, Paris has its beauty and fun when it comes to celebration and festivities. Most of the events are planned in the city to lure travelers with its brimming beauty. Discover the charisma of fireworks and their traditional art for making your New Year’s Eve a memorable event of life.

New Year in France FAQs

Q1. What is New Year called in France?

New Year is commonly known as La Saint-Sylvestre in France as the Eve because December 31 is the feast day of Saint Sylvestre. The day is celebrated as a festival where people gather together, enjoy the meal, dance, and raise a toast to wish Bonne Année.

Q2. How is New Year celebrated in France?

France has its culture and tradition of celebrating the day. They prepare their feast called Le Reveillon which includes some Oysters with the King Cake. Everyone enjoys the French wine of champagne, raising a toast saying “Bonne Année et Bonne Santé”. Parties are also hosted at homes or streets and clubs.

Q3. What are the traditions associated with New Year in France?

Some famous traditions associated with celebrating New Year in France are Sharing kisses under the Mistletoe or at masquerade balls, a Grand Le Reveillon fest, the New Year Parade, and listening to the speech of the president. They also exchange Gifts and Cards during family lunch on 1st January wishing Bonne Année.

Q4. What events are there in Paris for the New Year?

Paris is hosting several events for a splendid New Year feast that you surely don’t want to miss. There will be cruise dinners, Cabaret shows, fireworks, dance parties, buffet dinners, and so much more. Many restaurants are organizing music events with gala dinners on the eve while there are nightclubs for partying till morning.

Q5. Can I book a cruise party in Paris for New Year's?

Yes, you can book your slot at Capitaine Fracasse cruise that will host a Dinner Cruise on December 31, 2023. There will be music, food and some exotic French wine to celebrate the night. The menu will include traditional French food and champagne too.

Q6. Are there any dance or DJ parties in Paris?

Yes, you can attend the biggest dance party in Paris at LA PALMERAIE. Shake on the dance floor of the Palmeraie to celebrate the new year with music. Enjoy the luxuriating settings with palm trees, waterfalls, and some dark starry night sky. There will be a countdown to shout Bonne Année together and unlimited booze to cheer.

Q7. Where can I witness the Fireworks in Paris?

For New Year, there is a firework display after sunset to celebrate the eve and make it more stunning and memorable. You can enjoy the fireworks at the Eiffel Tower or the Arc de Triomphe. At Arc De Triomphe, there will be an electronic music concert for 1.30 to 2 hours and fireworks for 5 to 6 minutes. You can bring your Champagne to raise a toast to wish Happy new year.

Q8. What events are planned for New Year in Disneyland Paris?

The new year 2024 in Disneyland Paris will be celebrated with never ending entertainment. There will be fireworks, a parade, and more to keep you entertained and engaged on the eve. There will be DJ nights, music events, and a lot more to enjoy with family and kids. The celebration will start from 25th December 2023 and continue till 7th January 2024.