As December arrives it’s time to wish Bonne Année! The history of celebrating New Year in Francedates 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
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 2025 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 Start New Year 2025 in 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 2024 in Paris Memorable.
1. Capitaine Fracasse Dinner Cruise in Paris
Make your new year in France more happy, romantic and luxurious with a dinner cruise over the Seine River. Capitaine Fracasse will host a Dinner Cruise on December 31, 2024. 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. Step into new year 2025 with utmost joy and enjoy New Year’s Eve 2024 in France like never before with grand festivities!
Location: Ile aux Cygnes, 75015 Paris, France
Cruise Ticket Price: 340 EURO
Cruise Duration: 2 Hours
Time: Tuesday, December 31, 8:15 pm to 11 pm
Boarding & Departure: Boarding at l’Île aux Cygnes at 8:15 pm, Departure: 8:45 pm, return 11:00 pm.
Dance: Until 2.00am
Menu for New Year’s Cruise: Starter, Main Course, Dessert and vegan food is also available upon request
Drinks: Wine Pairing + 50cl of still or sparkling water per person + Coffee or Tea
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2. Firework Display on New Year’s Eve Paris France
The Eiffel Tower is one of the most stunning attractions in Paris and 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 2025.
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.
Timings: Mid Night, just at the end of the countdown
Places for New Year Fireworks in Paris
- Champ de Mars: Location: Near the Eiffel Tower, 5th arrondissement.
- Trocadéro Gardens: Location: 16th arrondissement, opposite the Eiffel Tower.
- Arc de Triomphe / Champs-Élysées: Location: Place Charles de Gaulle, 8th arrondissement.
- Seine River (Boat cruises): Location: Various departure points along the Seine, often near the Eiffel Tower.
- Montparnasse Tower Observation Deck: Location: 33 Avenue du Maine, 15th arrondissement.
- Sacré-Cœur Basilica: Location: 35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 18th arrondissement (Montmartre).
- Place de la Concorde: Location: 8th arrondissement, between the Champs-Élysées and the Tuileries Garden.
- Parc de la Villette: Location: 211 Avenue Jean Jaurès, 19th arrondissement.
- Île aux Cygnes: Location: A small island on the Seine, near the 15th arrondissement.
- Bastille Square: Location: Place de la Bastille, 11th arrondissement.
3. 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 dance floor 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: 31 December 2024
Timings: 22:00 - 06:00
Age: Over 18s only
Places to Go for Dance Party
- La Machine du Moulin Rouge: A vibrant venue with multiple dance floors and special performances.
- Le Balajo: Known for its lively atmosphere and retro dance vibes.
- L’Arc Paris: A chic club near the Arc de Triomphe, featuring top DJs and a glamorous crowd.
- Rex Club: A legendary electronic music venue, popular for its underground dance scene.
- Concrete: A unique club on a barge, known for its extended parties and diverse lineups.
- Café de la Danse: Hosts various live music events and dance parties in a cozy setting.
- Djoon: A soulful club focused on house music and international DJs.
- The Key: A trendy nightclub with a lively atmosphere and dance parties.
- Le Palais Maillot: Often hosts large-scale New Year’s Eve events with top DJs.
- Club Silencio: A stylish club designed by David Lynch, known for its exclusive parties.
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4. 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
New Year's Eve Evening 7 PM
- Date: 31 December 2024
- Charges: 900 EURO
- Special: Dance Show, Gourmet Dinner, Premium Beverage, and many more surprises
- Show: Moulin Rouge’s Féerie show @10pm
- Dinner: Gourmet dinner prepared by reputed Chef with Moulin Rouge orchestra @7pm
- Drinks: 1 welcome drink of champagne or wine per person, or other alcoholic/nonalcoholic drink
- Entry: 6:45 pm, Privileged Seat
- Surprises: Greetings, DJ party, Photo, Féerie program, and gift
NEW YEAR’S EVE: PRESTIGE 7 PM
- Date: 31 December 2024
- Charges: 1300 EURO
- Special: Dance Show, Gourmet Dinner, Premium Beverage, and many more surprises
- Show: Moulin Rouge’s Féerie show @10pm
- Dinner: Gourmet dinner prepared by reputed Chef with Moulin Rouge Orchestra @7pm
- Drinks: 1 welcome drink of champagne or wine per person, or other alcoholic/nonalcoholic drink
- Entry: 6:45 pm, Prestige table
- Surprises: Greetings, DJ party, Photo, Féerie program, and gift
5. Lavish Dinner at Le Procope
Paris New Year Celebration can never be complete without a lavish dinner. You can book your table at Le Procope, a Parisian Restaurant in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. 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 2024
- Timings: 7:30 pm
Suggested Read: New Year in Spain: Relishing the Day with Spanish Jamboree
6. Special Event at Disneyland Paris New Year’s Eve in France 2024
Disneyland Paris is the ultimate fun destination where the new year 2025 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 9th of November and will continue till 6th January 2025. 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
- Starts From: 9 November 2024 to 6 January 2025
- Time: 08:30 pm
7. An Exclusive Celebration for New Year in Paris at Aquarium de Paris
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 2024
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8. 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: 2 to 5 hours
Other Cruise for New Year Parties
- Bateaux Parisiens: Offers a festive dinner cruise with live music and stunning views of the city.
- Yachts de Paris: Luxury cruise experience featuring a gourmet meal, champagne, and entertainment.
- Bateaux Mouches: Classic Seine River cruise with a New Year’s dinner and views of Parisian landmarks.
- Canauxrama: Provides 2-hour themed cruises that include dinner and festive celebrations along the canals.
- Le Calife: A charming boat offering a cozy dinner cruise experience on the Seine.
- Paris Seine: A romantic dinner cruise with entertainment and beautiful views of the illuminated city.
- Vedettes de Paris: Special New Year’s Eve cruises with festive dinners and drinks.
- Marina de Paris: Features a dinner cruise with a lively atmosphere and dancing.
- Bateaux de Paris: Offers a festive dinner cruise with a panoramic view of Paris.
- Le Parisien: A floating restaurant providing a festive New Year’s Eve dinner cruise experience.
9. 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 with countdown displayed on the Arc de Triomphe. 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.
- Timings: 9 pm to 1 am
- Date: 31st December 2024
New Year in France is celebrated with great enthusiasm, fun, and entertainment that you can plan to enjoy by booking one of our best-selling France tour packages. 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes, you can book your slot at Capitaine Fracasse cruise that will host a Dinner Cruise on December 31, 2024. There will be music, food and some exotic French wine to celebrate the night. The menu will include traditional French food and champagne too.
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.
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. You can bring your Champagne to raise a toast to wish for the new year 2025.
The new year 2025 in Disneyland Paris will be celebrated with never ending entertainment starting from November itself. 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 last from the 9th of November until the 6th January 2025.
