Exhibitions, musicals, light—in the winter, in Paris and the Paris region, the Tuileries Garden turns into a giant ice rink, the Villette park into a funfair, the Thoiry zoo into an enchanted forest. Are you intrigued? There are still tons more ideas to share! Here is a quick overview of family outings for when Paris in winter glory.
Skate in incredible places in Paris
It's time to put on a hat and gloves! Like every year, temporary ice rinks are set up along the banks of the Seine, and on the rooftops and gardens of Paris. Put on your skates and enjoy the view. For the first time, the terrace of the Aquarium in the Trocadéro gardens is transformed into a giant icy rink, with a breathtaking view of the Eiffel Tower at every turn. For the fifth consecutive year, the Grand Palais will set up the largest ice rink in the world under its nave: 2,700 m2 (29,062 sq. ft.) of icy magic! The sliding madness also seizes the docks of the Seine. With Polpo Nord, an ephemeral spot awaits you every weekend on the quays of Levallois. Another must-see place? The roof of the Grand Arche de la Défense. Dress warmly, because you are going to skate at 110 meters (361 feet) above the ground. But you will have the chance to see a magnificent view of all of Paris. ● Le Grand Palais - 3 Avenue du Général Eisenhower - 75008 Paris - Until January 8, 2020 ● Paris Aquarium, the Tuileries Garden - Place de la Concorde - 75001 Paris - Until March 8, 2020 ● La Défense Roof - From December 20, 2019 to January 5, 2020 ● Polpo Nord - 47 quai Charles Pasqua - 92300 Levallois-Perret - Until February 27, 2020
Flying outdoors at the Villette funfair
Wooden horses, shooting ranges, a carousel, acrobats—there is something for all tastes and all ages at the funfair. About 50 attractions are set up at the Place de la Fontaine aux Lions, in La Villette, in the 19th arrondissement of Paris. The bravest and most daring will undoubtedly be tempted by the ghost train and the rollercoaster. Come along for a day of celebration at La Villette!
● Parc de la Villette - 211 avenue Jean Jaurès - 75019 Paris - Until January 4, 2020
Attend a magical show at the Thoiry zoo
A must-see event: the animal park of Thoiry is being transformed this winter. At nightfall, luminous sculptures will invade the paths of the park, and a lantern show will drive spectators through an enchanted forest. See the great odyssey and evolution the underwater world, as well as monkeys, birds and dinosaurs and other exinct animals come back to life.
● Thiory Lumières Sauvages - Thoiry castle and zoo park - 78770 Thoiry - Until March 8, 2020
Relive the magic of Disney
Like every year, Disney on ice sets up camp at the Zénith, in Paris, before going on tour throughout France. The magical show brings together 50 must-see Disney characters. It is the best time to meet the characters of Frozen (Anna, Elsa and Olaf), as well as those from Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Nemo, The Lion King, Donald and Goofy, all in the same show.
Mickey officiates as the Master of Ceremonies, accompanied by his lovely Minnie. Peter Pan and his friends are also back at Bobino. On stage, 15 actors, singers and dancers sail and fly through the air in order to propel the spectators into a completely imaginary world. It is a musical for all ages—children over 5 years old will be delighted to discover the story of the Jungle Book in a musical version: a maiden voyage with Mowgli and his friends and enemies Baloo, Bagheera, Kaa and Shere Khan.
● The Disney on Ice Show is going on tour throughout France. ● Peter Pan at Bobino - 14-20 Rue de la Gaité - 75014 Paris - Until February 22, 2020
Dive to the bottom of the oceans at the Jardin des Plantes
We will see you until January 19 at the Jardin des Plantes, inside the National Museum of Natural History for a magical visit. Young and old alike can go on a luminous stroll to discover the wonders of the oceans through incredible giant light sculptures. You don't want to miss it: wonder guaranteed!
● Jardin des Plantes - Place Valhubert – 75005 Paris - Until January 19, 2020 (except December 24 and 31) - Access every 30 minutes between 6 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Tickets only sold online.
Enjoy a jazz concert with a snack
Are you looking for an original idea? Check out one of the Jazz & Goûter concerts taking place at Sunset Sunside. An interactive themed concert is organized every Sunday for children aged 2-3 years old. The program is eclectic since all styles are on display. Cake, candies and drinks are available for purchase.
- Sunset Sunside Jazz Club - 60 Rue des Lombards - 75001 Paris - Jazz et Goûter,every Sunday, 2 showings of around 50 minutes each at 3pm and 5pm until April 2020.
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By Ingrid Bernard
As a journalist, I am a born curious person who thrives on discoveries and encounters.
