Bubbles, Lights and Fireworks - What to Do on New Year’s Eve in Paris
Are you looking for dazzle, enchantment and maybe even a little magic in Paris between now and New Year’s Eve? That can certainly be arranged! Here are a few suggestions on how and where to ring in the New Year 2023 in style in the City of Light. You’ll be happy to know that a couple of these recommendations are within easy walking distance from Apartments duLouvre.
Do Dazzle First – Window Shopping at the “Grands Magasins”
Parisian department stores go all out when it comes to Christmas decorations. Every store tells a different story. The most enchanting one is Galeries Lafayette, a century-old boutique with a remarkable steel-frame art nouveau glass dome. The windows offer children and adults alike a trip to an imaginary planet called “Planète Sapin.” The kids will enjoy following the incredible adventures of Nordmann, a Christmas tree, and Annie, the star of this Christmas fairy tale. There is dreamlike color, light and movement galore in the shop windows and inside the store as well. It is magical and timeless. Galeries Lafayette is located at 40 Boulevard Haussman, Paris 75009.
The BHV Marais store windows are also worth the visit, and they are only a ten-minute walk from Apartments du Louvre. Their Christmas theme changes yearly and for 2022 they have put the spotlight on Provence. BHV offers you a warm Christmas full of the flavors and scents that will transport you to southern France. BHV Marais is at 52 rue de Rivoli.
For a bit of French elegance, stop by the Samaritaine department store at 9 rue de la Monnaie. The Samaritaine is “Leading the Dance” this year with windows full of amazing dancers, resplendent costumes, and picturesque scenery. You will find disco, rock, breakdancing and even voguing on display. Stop by and enjoy dancing with these Samaritaine stars.
Bubbles and Balloons on Rue Montorgueil
Rue Montorgueil is a must-go destination for our guests at Apartments du Louvre and, even more so during this holiday season. Until January 1st 2023, this street has been renamed “Bubble Street” and is home to an incredible work of art that showcases 6000 white and gold (biodegradable) balloons that form a glittering canopy for visitors. The “Rue des Bulles” event is sponsored by the French champagne makers, Nicolas Feuillatte. The champagne is flowing in many fun places on Bubble Street but the bar, Le Florida, has a Bubbly Hour on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 6:00 – 8:00 PM. Le Florida is just at the beginning of Rue Montorgueil – you cannot miss it. Go out and sparkle!
Classical Music on New Year’s Eve
If you are looking for an enriching musical experience on the final evening of 2022, go to the Eglise Saint-Eustache where there will be a classical music concert on December 31st at 8:00 PM. It will feature the Violin Orchestra of Paris and will include the masterpieces of Four Seasons, Ave Maria and many other Christmastime treasures. The Church is known for its superb architecture as well as its important musical tradition.
The City of Many Lights on New Year’s Eve
Paris will be lighting up both the Arc of Triumph and the Champs Elysees in grand style on New Year’s Eve. The Champs Elysees has already been illuminated with over a million lights that cover the four hundred trees on this famous avenue but there will be more to see on the 31st. The show promises to be spectacular. The musical program will begin at 10 PM on the Champs Elysees and the holiday playlist will include artists such as Dua Lipa, Harry Styles, Juliette Armanet and Shirley Bassey. As the musicians get the party started, a light show will be projected onto the Arc of Triumph. There will be eight different pyrotechnic displays before the countdown to midnight. The fireworks will usher in the New Year 2023 to the theme of “Enchanted Paris”. They will last for only eight minutes so, pay attention. Once the fireworks have ended, a French DJ will continue spinning music until the early morning hours.
Getting Around Paris on New Year’s Eve
Public transportation (buses, trams and metros) will be free in Paris from 5 PM on December 31st to 12 noon on January 1st 2023. Six metro lines will run non-stop on the night of the 31st – they are Line 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, and 14. It might be difficult to find a taxi so plan accordingly. Also, beware of pickpockets on the Champs Elysees – it will be extremely crowded.
Now you’re ready to celebrate and ring in the New Year 2023 in the illuminating, festive atmosphere that only Paris can provide! Happy New Year from all of us at Apartments du Louvre!
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