New Year Eve is a time to reflect back on the whole year. It also marks the closing of one-year long chapter of life. This sounds like a big deal, isn’t it? So much happens in one year, such as meeting new people, losing someone, some successes and failures.
However, it also provides a chance to look forward to the future with fresh hopes. Hence, New Year’s Eve is kind of big deal for everyone.
If you are in Paris on New Year’s Eve or Christmas, I don’t think you can get any luckier to enter into New Year (2024). Why? Because there is no better option to end an year than being in Paris. New Year’s Eve, called La Réveillon de Saint Sylvestre in French, is a night filled with fun, fireworks and celebrations.
That is why, it is definitely the best time to visit Paris and end your year with a bang. Although you still have some days to decide your Paris trip, but time is running out.
“the whole of Paris is a vast university of Art, Literature and Music…it is worth anyone’s while to dally here for years. Paris is a seminar, a post-graduate course in Everything.”
James Thurber
You must be having many questions such as what do French people wear, eat and do on New Year’s Eve. Apart from that, it is also important to know where to attend New Year’s events in Paris.
Moreover, you should know about the French New Year’s Eve and New Year’s traditions and rituals. That’s a lot to do, isn’t it so?
Don’t worry, I have got you covered folk!
This article answers to all your questions related to the New Year’s Eve and New Year in Paris you can possibly think of.
Pro tip: If you are visiting France from the United States or England, you must learn basic words about the French New Year’ Eve and New Year’s related events. Of course, you wouldn’t want to feel dumb among French people on New Year’s Eve.
In addition, I suggest you to learn right pronunciation of the New Year greetings so that you feel comfortable.
How to wish Happy New Year in French?
That is why; here are the phrases that you must know New Year’s vocabulary:
- Bonne Annee = Happy New Year.
- Je vous souhaite une joyeuse année = I wish you a happy new year.
- Bonne année et bonne santé pour 2024 = Happy New Year 2024 and good health
How do French people celebrate New Year’s Eve?
New Year’s Eve is a special event in Paris. Parisians take New Year’s celebrations to the next level. They arrange costume parties and live concerts. Moreover, they eat, drink and dance. There are plenty of budget-friendly restaurants, and of course, many luxury restaurants. Now you must be wondering what to expect on a New Year’s Eve’s party in Paris.
Well, every party has a theme and vibe. So, there is something for everyone in Paris on New Year’s Eve. Regardless of the occasion, Paris always embraces everyone with open heart. Talking about the spell this city has, it becomes important to visit it at least once in a lifetime.
Evenings in Paris are just like poetry in slow motion. Especially, Paris in winters is a love affair.
Anyways, people also discuss their new year’s resolutions at these parties. You can take pretty and Insta-worthy photos. Here is the list of best photographers in Paris, In case you want to hire professional photographer for your photos.
By the way, New Year’s resolution is called “les résolutions de la nouvelle année” in French. However, in French towns and villages, people snuggle up at home, meet family and watch television.
Although there is no special program aired on TV in France on New Year’s Eve or New Year, you will mostly catch up a blockbuster American and French movie. Besides, live music programs stream continuously on TV.
What are the French New Year traditions?
There are not many New Year traditions in France expect one. People kiss each other at the stroke of midnight under mistletoe (le gui) following a ten second countdown. But the falling confetti, cheers, whistles and fireworks worth your visit to Paris on New Year’s Eve.
Is there any special French menu for New Year’s Eve?
New Year’s Eve menu is usually typical French food that include smoked salmons, Foie gras, cheese and desserts. Champagne is a must on New Year’s Eve’s dinner. You will also find oysters in every New Year’s party. Furthermore, there is turkey, Cornish hen, Scallops and lobsters for meat lovers.
French people like to eat out at fancy restaurants in Paris as well. Restaurants offer discounts and a variety of dishes. Trust me, you will have the best gastronomy experience in Paris, that too without breaking the bank.
What to wear on New Year’s Eve in Paris?
Paris is the fashion capital of the world. Fun fact: Paris is also considered as one of the synonyms of fashion. You must be confused about the New Year’s Eve’s dressing. But nothing to stress about because you have got my back.
And let me say it out loud: always dress to impress, especially when in Paris.
Parisian women often wear shimmery tops, a nice pair of stockings and knee-boots. Some girls love to stay cozy in sweater dresses and high heels. You can wear a nice Sequin Dress and pair it up with antique jewelry. Similarly, men mostly do formal dressing.
Anyways, if you are looking for good shopping spots, I recommend you golden triangle that represents Avenue Georges V, Avenue Montaigne and Champs Elysées. You will find many high-end international brands there. However, if you love to wear vintage cloths, do check out Le Marais.
Next question is an important one.
Where to attend New Year’s Eve celebrations?
I have listed a number of ideas that you can do in Paris on New Year’s Eve.
1-Seine River dinner cruise
Witnessing sunset from seine river cruise is an out of the world experience. It is the best way to bid farewell to 2023 and welcome 2024. It is so surreal to view sparkling monuments from Seine River.
I suggest you to avail this option to have a yummy dinner, enjoy live music and welcome New Year in Parisian style.
2-New Year’s Eve parties in Clubs
Clubs and bars in Paris stay awake all night on New Year’s Eve. You can go to any club and explore Parisian culture more exclusively. Les Bains, in Paris 3, and L’Heritage in Paris 8 are my two personal favorite venues.
3- Magical New Year’s Eve party at Disneyland Paris
If you have kids with you, Disneyland Paris is the perfect place for you to hang out on New Year’s Eve. Disneyland Paris hosts a New Year’s Eve party that continues from 8 pm to 2 am. Kids can enjoy Disneyland Paris rides while you can enjoy a shopping spree at Disneyland Paris. Isn’t it amazing?
Also, you will have a chance to meet Mickey, Minnie, Cinderella, Donald, and the rest of the Disney gang.
4- New Year’s Eve Lido de Paris show
There are many cabarets in Paris but we definitely recommend you Lido de Paris on New Year’s Eve. Bluebell dancer girls are the best part of this show. On top of that, this cabaret is held on Champs-Elysees so you can see the New Year’ Eve preparation and excitement in central Paris.
Finally, I would like to send my best wishes your way. Identify the areas of your life that you can improve in 2024 and make them your New Year’s resolution.
There were some lowlights this year such as climate change and stumbling economy that hit everyone equally. Nevertheless, hey beautiful people, let’s commit to make new highlights in 2024.
I wish you a wonderful New Year 2024.
Now that, you have read all the good things that you are going to enjoy in Paris on New Year’s Eve, there is a little spoiler. Fireworks planned on the Champs Elysees Avenue for New Year’s Eve have been cancelled.
This decision has been taken for public safety, and definitely, to prevent the spread of the Omicron coronavirus variant.
Shower some love. Like and share this blogpost. If you want to add something or have any suggestion, let me know in comments.