Paris is sparkling with excitement this week, and there is absolutely no shortage of things to do as we dive into the heart of November. If you are in the city today, Saturday November 15th, or planning your weekend adventure, settle in for some can’t-miss events and experiences happening right now.

The holiday season is lighting up the city in grand style. The iconic Galeries Lafayette has just unveiled its 2025 Christmas window displays, featuring enchanting designs by illustrator Jeanne Detallante and a giant Christmas tree beneath the glass dome. Just a short stroll away, Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche has transformed into a magical Christmas village brimming with chalets, twinkling garlands, and festive window animations. And if you want the full festive experience, the Marché de Noël at La Défense is open and bigger than ever, celebrating its 30th edition with 300 chalets, an ice rink, and a daily visit from Santa Claus.

Paris wouldn’t be Paris without a spectacular show of lights. The Champs-Élysées Christmas illuminations officially launch this weekend. Look for the dazzling new features along the world’s most famous avenue, which promises nightly wonder. For another mesmerizing light journey, head over to the Lumières en Seine at the Domaine de Saint-Cloud, where a two-kilometer trail is lit up with musical and luminous installations, running nightly throughout the season.

Art and culture are everywhere this weekend. Paris Photo at the Grand Palais welcomes you until Sunday, November 16th, with stunning images from artists around the globe. For lovers of street art, the Poste du Louvre hosts a free festival of contemporary works and live performances through November 23rd. M.C. Escher’s optical illusions arrive at the Monnaie de Paris, while Offprint Paris gathers over 150 experimental publishers at Césure through Sunday.

If you’re in the mood for thrills, the Supercross de Paris brings the excitement of motocross to Paris La Défense Arena, while at the Hippodrome d’Auteuil, the 48H de l’Obstacle delivers heart-pounding equestrian action. Musical magic abounds as The Nutcracker enchants audiences at Le Grand Rex, and for families, the playful wonders at Les Impériales de Fontainebleau invite everyone into the world of Napoleon’s Egyptian expedition, complete with murder mysteries and dancing.

Don’t miss the AURA INVALIDES, a stunning sound and light spectacle inside the Dome des Invalides, or the Course des Lumières, a nighttime charity run in the heart of Paris aiding cancer research. If you crave panoramic Paris, ascend the Montparnasse Tower for arguably the city’s best view—especially as the city lights shift into holiday mode.

Thank you for tuning in, and don’t forget to subscribe for more Paris discoveries and weekly guides. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI