This post lists several fun activities, tours, and events you can enjoy in Paris during the month of January, updated for 2023.
If you’re looking for even more ideas, check the following posts:
- Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tours
- Tickets to the Eiffel Tower
- Tourist Attraction Discount Passes
- What’s the Weather in Paris in January?
TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN JANUARY
This list will include a variety of different family-friendly, nighttime and free activities for audiences of all ages.
Don’t forget to check our what to do in Paris post for additional attractions.
1. See a Cabaret Show
Paris is home to Moulin Rouge, and they will be hosting several shows throughout the month of January in 2023.
In addition to this classic option, there are also several other cabaret shows you can enjoy in the City of Light.
Here are a few of the best cabaret venues hosting shows in Paris this month:
Crazy Horse also offers a combo package that includes a backstage experience.
2. Go to an Amusement Park
January is one of the colder months in Paris, so there usually aren't as many people visiting the amusement parks during this time of year.
If you want to avoid long lines and get on all of your favorite rides, this is probably one of the best times to take the family to one of these locations.
Here are some of the best amusement parks scheduled to be open this month:
3. Take a Walking Tour
If you're visiting Paris on a nice and sunny winter day, you may want to consider taking a pay-what-you-wish walking tour of the city.
The most common options are introductions to Paris and tours of Montmartre.
That said, there are also outings which focus on subjects such as the music of Paris, Le Marais, and other hidden gems.
If all else fails, you can always enjoy a self-guided tour of Paris which includes stops at some of the most notable locations in the entire city.
We also offer self-guided tours of Montmartre, the Latin Quarter, and Right Bank.
4. Learn How to Bake The French way
Genuine French Macrons are one of the best treats to eat in Paris, and there's actually a bakery that offers a class on how to make this delicious pastry.
Or what about a class that teaches you how to make a perfect baguette?
Perhaps a French pastry class is what you're looking for. This will surely make for a delicious afternoon experience.
Also, if you're there over the holidays, you might stop in a sweets shop or supermarket to pick up a traditional papillote. These chocolates will have you celebrating like the locals.
If you’re looking for more family fun, take a look at our post covering family-friendly activities in Paris.
5. See an Opera Performance
The Opera de Paris will be hosting Tristan and Isolde from January 17th - February 4th, 2023.
This is an excellent opportunity to experience the power of Wagner.
You can also take in a performance of Le Voyage Dans Le Lune which runs at Opera-Comique-Paris from January 24th - February 1st, 2023.
Tickets can be purchased here.
Even if you can't make it to one of these performances, you might still want to see one of the most famous opera houses in Paris, Opera Garnier.
They offer both self-guided tours and guided visits throughout the year.
6. Catch a Classical Concert
The Philharmonie de Paris will be hosting several performances throughout the month of January 2022.
In addition to symphonic concerts for adults, they also have a space dedicated to children called Philharmonie des Enfants which allows them to explore and discover music in a variety of interesting ways.
They also have a museum you can visit which has a variety of musical instruments on display from throughout the history of music.
Purchase tickets or learn more.
If you’re looking for more evening activities or family-friendly entertainment, we have full posts with more ideas!
7. Explore The Food Scene
French food is famous all over the world for being delicious and high-quality.
If you don’t know where to start or want to get the best overview possible, why not take a cheese, wine, and pastry walking tour?
Some of these restaurants are also local favorites and could provide something a bit more savory:
Some of these places are great for family time or for entertainment at night.
8. Attend The Festival of Lights
At Jardin des Plantes (the Botanical Gardens) you'll find the glorious winter light festival.
This year's theme is "Evolution on the Road to Englightenment" and includes 100 illuminated creatures representing species found on earth.
- Dates: the show runs through January 15th, 2023
- Times: Sunday - Thursday | 18:00 (6 pm) until 21:30 (9:30) | last entry an hour before close
- Times: Friday - Saturday | 18:00 (6 pm) - 23:00 (11pm) | last entry an hour before close
- Note: tickets are timed and children under the age of 3 enter for free
- Tickets can be purchased here.
9. Explore the Montmartre Neighborhood
This trendy neighborhood used to be the home of many aspiring artists in the 1800s and is now one of the fun hotspots of Paris.
During the day you can hit up some fun museums, like the Museum of Montmartre or the Dali Paris, as well as architectural attractions such as the Sacre Coeur Basilica.
These super popular sights will be less crowded this month, which makes it a perfect time to venture out into Montmartre.
Read more about Montmartre in our full post, or take a look at the tours offered in this neighborhood.
10. Save Money with a Tourist Attraction Discount Pass
No matter where you’re planning to go this January in Paris, you can save some euros using a tourist attraction discount pass.
While some of these services offer admission to dozens of attractions over the course of a set number of days, others allow you to pay one flat price for a specific number of activities.
They don’t just offer discounts - keep in mind that most of these passes offer skip-the-line access at several notable landmarks.
Here are a few of the more popular attractions included with various Paris tourist passes:
- Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour
- River Seine Boat Cruise
- Montparnasse Tower
- Opera Garnier Tour
- Picasso Museum
- The Eiffel Tower
- Wine Tastings
- Notre Dame
- The Louvre
Depending on which pass you choose and how you use it, you could save anywhere from 15% – 50% off general admission prices. For more details, please read our post covering Paris tourist passes.
Or, if you're already researched passes and are interested in one of the following, it can be purchased here:
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